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MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS
OF THE BURLINGTON, IOWA CITY COUNCIL
Meeting No. 35
June 4, 2001
The Burlington City Council met in regular session at 7:00 p.m. with Mayor Scott, Council
Members Edwards, Kellogg, Thomas and Wehrle present.
BURLINGTON CITY COUNCIL
CONSENT AGENDA: To the Public:
All matters listed under Item I., Consent Agenda, having been discussed were considered to be
routine by the City Council and were enacted by one motion. There was not separate discussion
of these items. If discussion was desired, that item was removed from the Consent Agenda and
was considered separately.
MOTION: To approve all listed under Item I., Consent Agenda.
DISCUSSION: Leon Shahan of 1821 Mt. Pleasant Street requested the removal of the Resolution Awarding Contract for the 2001 Central Avenue Overpass Project from the consent agenda for discussion at the close of the meeting. All present had opportunity to speak and nothing additional was filed in the office of the City Clerk.
(VOTE: 5 - "AYES") CARRIED
HEARINGS:
1. Statement: Consideration of Plans and Specifications for the 2001 West Avenue/Broadway
Avenue A.C.C. Trail
COMMENTS: The Administrative Assistant to the Public Works Director reviewed the plans
and specifications for the 2001 West Avenue/Broadway Avenue ACC Trail to the Council and
the viewing audience. He stated that the project would provide 1.2 miles of pedestrian/bicycle
trail to the RecPlex. He stated that $189,000.00 has been budgeted for the project with the
estimated cost of approximately $243,000.00. He stated that funding would consist of
$111,200.00 in STP Enhancement funds; $48,200.00 in City monies; $63,000.00 in Des Moines
County monies and $77,800.00 in local match monies. He stated that the Iowa Department of
Transportation would receive bids on June 12, 2001 with the project being awarded by the
Council on July 2, 2001. He further stated that construction would be completed in the fall of
2001. He also stated that no monies were available for lighting along the trail. Council Member
Kellogg suggested signage be placed along the trail that no one should walk or ride their bicycles
alone after dark. Ann Fedler of 4006 West Avenue questioned where the trail would extend to
Sierra Drive. The Civil Engineer for the Public Works Department stated that the trail would be
extend north and west of Sierra Drive. All present had opportunity to speak and nothing
additional was filed in the office of the City Clerk.
Motion to Close CARRIED
Resolution Approving Plans and Specifications for the 2001 West Avenue/Broadway Avenue
A.C.C. Trail
DISCUSSION:
(VOTE: 5 - "AYES") ADOPTED
2. Statement: Update of the 1999 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
COMMENTS: The Development Director reviewed with Council and the viewing audience the
1999 CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Program Grant. He stated that the grant of $544,000.00 was
awarded to the City to assist approximately 20 low and moderate income persons, within a
designed neighborhood to make improvements to their homes. He stated that to date, 55
applications have been received with four having been completed, one is presently under
construction, five are in the inspection/bidding phase, 10 are in the application stage, with 28
having either withdrawn their application or were not eligible. He stated that seven remain on
the waiting list. He stated that to date $83,240.00 has been expended of the grant rehabilitation
allocation and $15,300.00 have been expended in the grant administration allocation. He stated
that the City has obligated $5,000.00 local monies toward the administration of the project. He
stated that to date $532.52 has been expended. He further stated that the City has also obligated
$30,000.00 toward rehabilitation costs (to date $300.00 has been expended). He also stated that
16 more projects can be completed with the remaining funding with the current contract with the
State expiring February 28, 2002. He stated that he felt confident that the City will meet the
deadline date of February 28, 2002. Mayor Scott stated that it was common to ask for extensions
on grants. All present had opportunity to speak and nothing additional was filed in the office of
the City Clerk.
Motion to Close CARRIED
Resolution Approving the City of Burlington 1999 CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Program
Grant No. 99-HSG-059 Update
DISCUSSION: None.
(VOTE: 5 - "AYES") ADOPTED
3. Statement: Consideration of the Plans and Specifications for the 2001 A.C.C. Overlay Project
COMMENTS: The Administrative Assistant to the Public Works Director reviewed the plans
and specifications for the 2001 ACC Overlay Project with the Council and the viewing audience.
He stated that the project would consist of resurfacing 45 blocks of City streets. He stated that
the estimated cost of the project was $1.2 million with funding for the project consisting of
$617,000.00 from sales tax monies; $93,000.00 from road use tax monies; $450,000.00 from
general obligation bonds and $71,000.00 from targeted neighborhood monies. He stated that the
City would receive bids on June 20, 2001 and the project would be awarded on July 2, 2001 with
the project being completed during 2001. He further stated that the Public Works Department
would like to close Maple Street between Third Street and Main Street to create a tee intersection
as a part of the project. The City Manager suggested to Council to move ahead with the approval
of the plans and specifications and add the closing of the one block as a discussion item at a
future council meeting. Council Member Kellogg suggested that the Public Works Department
send a letter to property owners within a 200 ft. radius of the closing to find out their responses
for closing the one block of Maple Street between Third Street and Main Street. All present had
opportunity to speak and nothing additional was filed in the office of the City Clerk.
Motion to Close CARRIED
Resolution Approving Plans and Specifications for the 2001 A.C.C. Overlay Project
DISCUSSION: None.
(VOTE: 5 - "AYES") ADOPTED
RESOLUTIONS:
1. Resolution Approving An Employment Agreement for the City Manager
DISCUSSION: Mayor Scott stated that the proposed Resolution provides for approval of an employment agreement for the City Manger. He stated that the employment agreement offers the City Manager and the Council a certain level of comfort and security. He further stated that it was also a vote of confidence in the City Manager. Council Member Thomas stated that the employment agreement promotes stability and support for the City Manager. Council Member Wehrle stated that employment agreements were common among the school systems and many CEO's have employment agreements. He stated that he was in favor of a multi-year agreement. Council Member Kellogg stated that he would support the employment agreement for the City Manager. Council Member Edwards also stated that he would support the employment agreement for the City Manager as the City Manager was a hard worker for the City. All present had opportunity to speak and nothing additional was filed in the office of the City Clerk.
(VOTE: 5 - "AYES") ADOPTED
2. Resolution of Support for Multi-Family Housing at City Owned Property at 6th and Division
DISCUSSION: The City Manager stated that Gandolf Group L.L.C. of Minneapolis, Minnesota was planning on building a family housing project at Sixth and Division Street. He stated that Gandolf Group was planing on applying for tax credits from the State of Iowa to assist in providing housing for low and moderate income families. He stated that Gandolf Group plans on building 48 units for an estimated investment of not less than 2.7 million dollars. He stated that there was a requirement of a local contribution of 1% hard construction costs as a local match. He stated that the City would hold the title to the property where the Gandolf Group constructs the housing project, free and clear of any liens and encumbrances. He further stated that the proposed Resolution expresses Council's support for the project and will assist the developer in meeting the 1% local match as required upon confirmation approval of the housing project, subject to City Ordinances and the building permit process. He also stated that the Resolution was effective until December 31, 2001. The Development Director stated that the property at Sixth and Division was purchased by the City in 1978. He stated that Gandolf Group has looked at various sites in Burlington but was interested in the Sixth and Division Street site. Bruce Larson of Gandolf Group stated that his company was a year old, but that he has approximately 12 years of experience with tax credit projects for senior and family housing projects. He stated that they were targeting families with moderate income of $15,000.00 to $30,000.00 with a net rent of $400.00 to $500.00 a month, excluding utilities. He stated that rents were set by HUD. He stated that they have done market studies that determine that there was a need in Burlington for housing for low to moderate income families. He stated that there would be playground equipment; open space for picnics and garages available for those who want to rent a garage. He further stated that their group would be willing to work with South Hill Targeted Neighborhood. He stated that he did not know at this time if they would have an on site manager. He stated that Gandolf Group would be applying for tax credits on June 11, 2001 with the State making their decision on August 1, 2001; construction would take place the spring of 2002 with occupancy taking place the fall of 2002. Tom Kuntz of 606 Aetna stated that he was skeptical of the project. He urged Council to study the plans of Gandolf Group. Kevin Booth of 207 South 5th Street and board member of Burlington Gym was concerned where people would park whom play bingo after the Gandolf Group purchases the proposed property. Leon Shahan of 1821 Mt. Pleasant Street stated that he was concerned with children living/playing so close to railroad track and the City handing over the property to the Gandolf Group for the development of low to moderate income family housing. He stated that if there was a living wage ordinance there would not be a need for housing for low to moderate income families. Pam Jochims of Downtown Partners, Inc. stated that the Sixth and Division Street was prime property for the City, the downtown and the community. She urged Council to think over the site location prior to development. Council Member Edwards stated that the process won't be rushed as Council will be watching it closely. Council Member Thomas stated that the property would generate approximately $90,000.00 a year in property tax revenue. Mayor Scott stated that his mind has put at ease due to the willingness of the developer to work with the City for design and the comprehensive plan of the City. All present had opportunity to speak and nothing additional was filed in the office of the City Clerk.
(VOTE: 5 - "AYES") ADOPTED
3. Resolution Approving 28E Agreement with City of West Burlington and Des Moines County
for Joint Ownership of Prospective Geographical Information System (GIS) and the Creation
of A Des Moines County GIS Commission for the Benefit of the City of Burlington, City of
West Burlington and Des Moines County Tabled from the May 21, 2001 Council Meeting
DISCUSSION: None.
(VOTE: 4 - "AYES") ADOPTED
Council Member Wehrle left the meeting early and was unable to vote.
4. Resolution Awarding Contract for the 2001 Central Avenue Overpass Project
DISCUSSION: Leon Shahan of 1821 Mt. Pleasant Street questioned the amount of monies the 2001 Central Avenue Overpass Project was over budget. Mayor Scott stated that the project was over approximately $1.4 million from the engineer's estimate. He stated that the City would be doing some value engineering to reduce the cost. He stated that the overall benefits of the project outweigh the overall cost of the project. The City Manager explained that the City would be doing value engineering and also would be looking at the making possible changes to the City's capital improvement projects. He stated that the Central Avenue Overpass Project was a high priority for the City. All present had opportunity to speak and nothing additional was filed in the office of the City Clerk.
(VOTE: 4 - "AYES") ADOPTED
Council Member Wehrle left the meeting early and was unable to vote.
COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE: None.
Adjournment: 8:55 p.m. Approved: June 18, 2001
Kathleen P. Salisbury Timothy E. Scott
City Clerk, CMC Mayor
(See tapes on file in the office of the City Clerk for complete discussion and documentation.)
ITEM I.
Consent Agenda
FINANCES AND MISCELLANEOUS
Minutes of Previous Meetings
Payroll and City Claims
* Resolution Approving Final Acceptance and Release of Retention Monies for the 2000 Public Library Retaining Wall Reconstruction, 501 North 4th Street (Concrete Wall)
* Resolution Approving Final Acceptance and Full and Final Payment for the 2000 Public Library Retaining Wall Reconstruction, 501 North 4th Street (Stone Facade)
BEER, LIQUOR, WINE, CIGARETTES, REFUNDS, OR TRANSFERS
REPORTS AND BONDS
PETITION:
1. To Receive and File Petition from Members of the Union Baptist Church, 220 South Central Avenue and Residents and Families of Tenth Street, and Residents of Burlington Requesting Action to Begin Refurbishing the Alley Between South Central Avenue and 10th Street and Bounded by Aetna on the South Entrance
RESOLUTIONS:
1. Resolution Approving Agreement with Iowa Department of Transportation to Provide for
Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Funds (HBRR)
2. Resolution Designating the Authorized Representative with the Iowa Emergency
Management Division
SET DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS: June 18, 2001
1. Consideration of Plans and Specifications for the 2001 River Overlook Park Restroom Project