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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council 10/26/1999MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL AMES, IOWA OCTOBER 26, 1999 The Ames City Council met in regular session at 7:00 p.m. on the 26th day of October, 1999, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue, pursuant to law with Mayor Ted Tedesco presiding and the following Council members present: Campbell, Cross, Hoffman, Parks, Quirmbach, and Wirth. CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 p.m. JOINT MEETING WITH ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL SERVICES EVALUATION TEAM (ASSET): ASSET members present were the City of Ames’ appointees: Bev Crabtree, Julie Schreitmueller, William Sherry, and Leonard Konopa. Mayor Tedesco pointed out that the 1999/2000 priorities set by the City’s appointees are: (1) Prevention, (2) Crisis Intervention, (3) Information and Referral, and (4) Respite Care, and he asked if the ASSET members saw any need for changes to those. Ms. Crabtree stated that the various agencies involved in ASSET have identified priorities that fit together well and don’t overlap. She also expressed her satisfaction over the close working relationship that ASSET has had thus far with the Empowerment Board. Mayor Tedesco introduced Assistant to the City Manager Sheila Lundt, who serves as the staff liaison to ASSET. Ms. Lundt explained ASSET’s purpose, its sponsoring organizations, and its duties and responsibilities. She stated that the City’s allocation to ASSET for the current year is approximately $684,000, which comes from Local Option Sales Taxes. Mayor Tedesco asked if ASSET may continue to fund certain programs that have been determined to be ineligible at the state level. Ms. Crabtree said ASSET will have to look to the City Council for guidance on what they want them to do if that issue arises. She said they could end up picking up a lot of costs which formerly would have been covered by the state and asked for direction by the Council. Council Member Parks stated his viewpoint that, if and when that occurs, the Council would need to revisit their priorities for service; they may need to be adjusted. Council Member Hoffman said she believes they would want to talk to the legislators to emphasize that the state should continue to provide funding. Mayor Tedesco advised that if the state ceases to fund a certain program, the Council would want to meet with ASSET to discuss the program and decide whether the City should fund it. Council Member Campbell advised that a comment she hears from many human service agencies is an expression of concern about the amount of detail that needs to be included in the applications for funding. She asked if it was necessary for the applications to be so detailed. Ms. Crabtree explained that each agency requires a different reporting system and has a different time schedule for reporting. She suggested that the agencies within ASSET meet and review the application forms. Julie Schreitmueller pointed out that the application must contain that much detail so as to cover the reporting requirements of all the agencies involved. The meeting recessed at 7:24 p.m. and reconvened at 7:29 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA: Council Member Wirth requested to pull Item #3 from the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. Council Member Quirmbach asked to pull Item #8 from the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. Moved by Campbell, seconded by Cross, to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda: 1. Motion approving payment of claims 2. Motion approving the following beer permits/liquor licenses: a. Class C Beer - Kum & Go #113, 2801 E. 13th Street b. Class C Beer - Kum & Go #209, 3337 Lincoln Way c. Class C Beer/Class B Wine - Kum & Go #214, 111 Duff Avenue d. Class C Beer/Class B Wine - Kum & Go #215, 4506 Lincoln Way e. Class C Beer/Class B Wine - Kum & Go #216, 203 Welch Avenue f. Class C Beer & Outdoor Service - The Meeting House, 823 Wheeler, Suite 4 g. Class B Beer - Ruttles of Ames, 531 S. Duff h. Class C Liquor & Outdoor Service - Thumbs, 2816 West Street i. Class C Beer/Class B Wine - The Keg Shop, 218 Welch Avenue, Suite 3 3. RESOLUTION NO. 99-380 approving abandonment of part of an easement for utilities regarding Ames Tribune building 4. RESOLUTION NO. 99-381 approving preliminary plans and specifications for Power Plant Controls Upgrade-DCS Equipment; setting December 6, 1999, as bid due date; and December 14, 1999, as date of public hearing and award of contract 5. RESOLUTION NO. 99-382 approving CEBA Venture application on behalf of ETREMA 6. RESOLUTION NO. 99-384 approving release of deferred real estate mortgage for property at 800 Top- O-Hollow Road in connection with the City’s CDBG Existing Affordable Housing Program 7. RESOLUTION NO. 99-385 approving completion of 1998/99 Neighborhood Curb Replacement Program RESOLUTION NO. 99-386 approving preliminary plat for Walter Family Campus Subdivision 8. RESOLUTION NO. 99-387 accepting completion of utilities and streets and modifying amount of financial security for Northridge, 16th Addition 9. RESOLUTION NO. 99-388 accepting completion of paving and modifying amount of financial security for Hillside, 3rd Addition 10. RESOLUTION NO. 99-389 accepting completion of utilities and streets and modifying amount of financial security for Dauntless, 1st Addition 11. RESOLUTION NO. 99-390 accepting completion of paving and modifying amount of financial security for Dauntless, 3rd Addition 12. RESOLUTION NO. 99-391 approving final plat for Iowa State Ready Mix Minor Subdivision 13. Bethany Subdivision: a. Motion waiving requirement for preliminary plat b. RESOLUTION NO. 99-392 approving final plat 14. Eastgate Subdivision: a. Motion waiving requirement for preliminary plat b. RESOLUTION NO. 99-393 approving final plat c. RESOLUTION NO. 99-394 accepting partial completion of required public improvements Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolutions declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 12, 1999, AND SPECIAL MEETING OF OCTOBER 19, 1999: Council Member Wirth requested to clarify two motions she had made at the regular meeting of October 12, 1999. On Page 6, her motion should read, “to 2 refer to staff the letter from Clare Hinrichs dated October 7, 1999, pertaining to traffic concerns around the Roosevelt School neighborhood.” Also on Page 6, her motion should read, “to direct the staff to investigate the cost of hiring a consultant to (1) update the inventory of structures in the Old Town District and (2) prepare a National Registry Nomination and also to direct staff to prepare a cost estimate to be used to budget funds for FY 2000-2001.” Moved by Wirth, seconded by Cross, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of October 12, 1999, as amended, and the minutes of the special meeting of October 19, 1999. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. URBAN REVITALIZATION TAX EXEMPTION REQUESTS FOR TRANSITIONAL ZONES: Council Member Quirmbach asked to clarify that the requests for tax exemption listed on the Council Action Form are all the ones being grandfathered-in under the old rules and the request under Item #24 of tonight’s agenda was to be dealt with under the new rules. Mayor Tedesco stated that that was correct. Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-383 approving the Urban Revitalization Tax Exemption requests for Transitional Zones. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. PUBLIC FORUM: Helen Gunderson, Gilbert, Iowa, stated that she was speaking tonight as a resident of Gilbert who is deeply concerned about politics there. She advised that there are currently three candidates running for the office of Mayor in Gilbert. Ms. Gunderson advised that she recently received a publicity flyer from one of the candidates. In that flyer, there were quotes which appeared to be endorsements from two City of Ames’ officials and the City of Ames’ logo appeared by each quote. Ms. Gunderson asked if the candidate had asked to use the City logo, and if he had been given permission, had he been charged a fee. Ms. Gunderson suggested that the City’s response be published in the Ames Tribune and also sent to the Iowa Board of Ethics and Campaign Disclosure. Council Member Quirmbach asked Ms. Gunderson if she was referring to the current Mayor of Gilbert, Paul Smith, and Ms. Gunderson confirmed that she was referring to Mr. Smith. Council Member Quirmbach clarified that Mr. Smith did not have permission to use the City of Ames’ logo. He also asked that City Manager Steve Schainker be allowed to explain his quote which appeared in the flyer. Mr. Schainker stated that the quote was taken from a letter that he had sent to Mayor Smith in July. The letter was in reference to an invitation rendered by Mr. Schainker to the Gilbert Mayor and City Council to attend a joint meeting with the Ames City Council to discuss land issues. Therein Mr. Schainker gave credit to both the Mayor of Ames and the Mayor of Gilbert for initiating the joint meeting. Mr. Schainker stated he was not aware that the quote was going to be used as a political endorsement, and he certainly never gave permission for it to be used as such. 3 REQUEST FROM FIRSTAR BANK FOR A FIREWORKS PERMIT ON DECEMBER 31, 1999: Moved by Parks, seconded by Wirth, to approve the request from Firstar Bank for a fireworks permit as a part of the Firstar Eve event to be held at Stuart Smith Park on December 31, 1999, at 9:45 p.m. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. REQUEST FROM AMES 20/20 COMMITTEE FOR LETTER OF ENDORSEMENT AND CONTRIBUTION OF $2,500: Mayor Tedesco introduced David Maahs and Pat Brown, who were representing the Ames 20/20 Planning Committee, which is working on developing the community conversation for Ames. Mr. Maahs, who is the Director of the Chamber of Commerce, explained the perspective of the Chamber on this endeavor. Pat Brown explained how the community conversation is going to be structured. Ms. Brown advised that firstly, they are going to get an idea of people’s perspectives of the City of Ames; secondly, they will decide from a list of suggestions what should be worked on; and thirdly, they will ask for volunteers to work on accomplishing the goals set to be attained by the year 2020. Mayor Tedesco asked if the Chamber and Iowa State University have committed to investing a total of $3,500. Mr. Maahs, speaking on behalf of the Chamber, stated that it will be discussed during their upcoming budget meetings. Ms. Brown stated that she could not speak for ISU, but she believed a commitment was forthcoming from them. Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Quirmbach, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-399 endorsing the Ames 20/20 community conversations and approving a financial contribution in the amount of $2,500, to be paid from the Contingency Fund, subject to the Chamber of Commerce contributing $2,500 and ISU contributing $1,000 towards this effort. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. HEARING ON REROOFING THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BUILDING LOCATED AT 1500 GATEWAY HILLS PARK DRIVE: Mayor Tedesco declared the hearing open. There being no one present wishing to testify, the hearing was closed. Moved by Cross, seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-395 approving final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Bitz Roofing, Inc., of Ames, Iowa, in the amount of $41,668. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. HEARING ON REQUEST TO REZONE 39.89 ACRES OF LAND AND 1.21 ACRES OF RIGHT-OF-WAY FROM A-1 TO P-I FOR PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED 1/4 MILE NORTH OF THE 13TH STREET/NORTH DAYTON AVENUE INTERSECTION, WEST OF NORTH DAYTON AVENUE: Mayor Tedesco declared the hearing open. Chuck 4 W i n k l e b l a c k , Hunziker and Associates, 105 S. 16th Street, stated that he was present to answer questions. There being no further testimony, the hearing was closed. Moved by Campbell, seconded by Cross, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-396 approving the request for voluntary annexation of 39.89 acres of land and adjacent portion of right-of-way located 1/4 mile north of the 13th Street/North Dayton Avenue intersection, west of North Dayton Avenue. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. Moved by Campbell, seconded by Hoffman, to pass on first reading an ordinance rezoning 39.89 acres of land and 1.21 acres of right-of-way from A-1 (Agricultural, Story County) to P-I (Planned Industrial) for property generally located 1/4 mile north of the 13th Street/North Dayton Avenue intersection, west of North Dayton Avenue. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. HEARING ON REQUEST TO REZONE 18.5 ACRES OF LAND AND 0.76 ACRES OF RIGHT-OF-WAY FROM A-1 TO R-4 FOR PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED ON LINCOLN WAY 1/4 MILE WEST OF THE AMES CORPORATE LIMITS AND ADJACENT TO BENTWOOD SUBDIVISION ON THE SOUTH: Mayor Tedesco declared the hearing open. He referenced a letter from Ione K. Sieben, 2200 Hamilton Drive, Ames, which had been distributed to the Council; Ms. Sieben indicated that she was in favor of the rezoning. There being no one present wishing to testify, the hearing was closed. Moved by Cross, seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-397 approving the request for voluntary annexation of 18.5 acres of land located 1/4 mile west of Ames corporate limits and north of the Bentwood Subdivision. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. Moved by Cross, seconded by Hoffman, to pass on first reading an ordinance rezoning 18.5 acres of land and 0.76 acres of right-of-way from A-1 (Agricultural, Story County) to R-4 (High- Density Residential) for property generally located on Lincoln Way 1/4 mile west of the Ames corporate limits and adjacent to Bentwood Subdivision on the south. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. HEARING ON URBAN REVITALIZATION PLAN FOR 123 BEACH AVENUE: Mayor Tedesco declared the hearing open. Milt Seiser, representing Jemfour Nine, Inc., explained the project that is intended to be constructed at 123 Beach Avenue. Council Member Hoffman asked if any construction was being planned for this fall. Mr. Seiser said the houses may be moved and they may want to do some dirtwork; however, doing construction during the winter is cost-prohibitive. Ms. Hoffman asked to have the abandoned 5 cars and couches removed from the property in the very near future. Council Member Quirmbach asked how many parking spaces will be constructed for the new structure. Director of Planning and Housing Brian O’Connell advised that 68 spaces will be provided. Mr. Quirmbach asked what will happen to the approximately 45 vehicles currently being parked in the lots. Mr. Seiser pointed out that the vehicles should not be parked there as it is private property; however, he believes that the owners of those vehicles are already looking at alternatives. Mr. Quirmbach pointed out that the City’s Urban Revitalization Program was designed to promote moving vehicles off-street. In his opinion, if this project were allowed, at least 45 vehicles would be moved from their current off-street parking location to the street. Council Member Quirmbach asked to know the price per unit. Mr. Seiser advised that the approximate price would be $360,000/unit. Mr. Quirmbach said he had some serious concerns about this project qualifying for the new Urban Revitalization Program. He reminded Council that one of the reasons they eliminated the old program and created a new one was to deal with projects on a case-by-case basis to make sure each project they supported benefited the community and not just the individual property owner. He said that he had done research at the City Assessor’s Office and discovered that more than a half million dollars was going to be abated if this project were approved under the new Urban Revitalization Program. He voiced his strong opposition to the City granting tax breaks for luxury condominiums and believes that the only persons to benefit from this tax abatement would be the individual owners of the units. It was also pointed out by Mr. Quirmbach that the City would be giving away more in tax value than the property is currently assessed. Council Member Parks said that the taxes coming into the community from the proposed units would be far more than a half million dollars. He pointed out that one of the goals of the new Program is to take a blighted area and transform it into a more attractive area. Mr. Parks stated that no matter what change occurs at this location, there is a chance that the vehicles currently being parked there would be displaced. Council Member Hoffman pointed out that the University provides parking a short distance away for students, and that perhaps would be the proper place for these vehicles. Mr. Quirmbach reiterated that urban revitalization projects should reduce congestion on public streets, and this project does not do that. Council Member Campbell said that she felt this project does exactly what the Council intended: provides for the creation of structured parking. Moved by Parks, seconded by Cross, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-398 approving the Plan for the Jemfour Urban Revitalization Area. Roll Call Vote: 5-1. Voting aye: Campbell, Cross, Hoffman, Parks, Wirth. Voting nay: Quirmbach. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. Moved by Campbell, seconded by Wirth, to pass on first reading an ordinance establishing the Jemfour Urban Revitalization Area. Roll Call Vote: 5-1. Voting aye: Campbell, Cross, Hoffman, Parks, Wirth. Voting nay: 6 Quirmbach. Motion declared carried. Moved by Campbell, seconded by Parks, to suspend the rules necessary for the adoption of an ordinance. Roll Call Vote: 5-1. Voting aye: Campbell, Cross, Hoffman, Parks, Wirth. Voting nay: Quirmbach. Motion declared carried. Council Member Hoffman asked what the urgency was to warrant suspending the rules on the passage of ordinances since no construction was planned to occur this winter. Mr. Seiser said that the developer, architect, and others involved in this project have already had their plans delayed due to the lengthy process required for eligibility under the Urban Revitalization Program. He said the cost of materials has increased since the time they began this process. He further stated that they have been told they may not have possession of the property or remove any buildings until this matter has been finalized. Council Member Quirmbach said he is opposed to passing any subsequent readings of this ordinance at this meeting as the community deserves time to decide on this project. Moved by Campbell seconded by Parks, to pass on second and third readings and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 3539 establishing the Jemfour Urban Revitalization Area. Roll Call Vote: 5-1. Voting aye: Campbell, Cross, Hoffman, Parks, Wirth. Voting nay: Quirmbach. Ordinance declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. Y2K UPDATE: Sheila Lundt gave a summary of the City’s Y2K Readiness Plan. She said that an assessment of the readiness of identified critical systems has been made and those systems are believed to be Y2K compliant. Ms. Lundt reviewed the Y2K Fleet Refueling Contingency Plan. A presentation on Y2K “Do’s and Don’ts” was made by Ms. Lundt. She said that if the public has any questions about how they might be more prepared in their own homes, they can call the Red Cross, which has a number of brochures available, at 232-5104 or Sheila Lundt at 239-5101. REPORT ON UNDER-AGE SMOKING ENFORCEMENT/COMPLIANCE: Assistant City Attorney Judy Parks explained some of the highlights of her report which had been previously provided to Council. Ms. Parks advised the Council that there are separate civil penalty procedures and criminal penalty options which can be imposed additively or independently of one another. She explained that the FDA has authority to issue penalties to the retailer. Additionally, under Iowa law, there are provisions which the City may initiate proceedings before the permit-issuing authority, which in Ames’ case is the City. Ms. Parks indicated that the Code does not specify if such hearings or proceedings would be in front of the City Council. Council Member Quirmbach pointed out that the City Council is an elective body, not a judicial body, and as such, they have no experience to judge law-breakers. Council Member Cross felt that it may be appropriate to petition the legislators to change the law so that the City Council is not expected to serve as a judicial body. Council Member Hoffman said she had heard that Ankeny and Council Bluffs were handling 7 these cases differently. Ms. Parks said she is not aware of the procedures they are following. Ms. Hoffman asked Ms. Parks to gather information on the way those two cities are handling cases involving tobacco sales to underage persons. Chief Dennis Ballantine stated that the Ames Police Department has conducted 64 compliance checks since September 1998. He said that the results of these checks are sent within 24 hours to the Iowa Department of Public Health and “buy” reports are faxed directly to the FDA. Chief Ballantine further stated that the Department is issuing citations or warnings, whichever is appropriate, and where the FDA goes from there is unknown. Mr. Ballantine suggested that the Council urge the state to handle the civil penalties. He advised that past experience has proven that enforcement alone is not the answer; however, almost the entire burden has been placed on law enforcement. Council Member Quirmbach said he felt more effort needs to be made towards compliance checks due to the substantial amount of federal substance abuse prevention and treatment block grant funds which may be cut to the City if the target rate of compliance is not met. He believes all persons involved as well as the businesses where the tobacco was purchased need to be cited. Mr. Quirmbach expressed his opinion that a better job of enforcement could possibly be done if the Police Department pursued identifying retailers who are consistently selling to underage persons. Randy Mayer, 135 North Russell, Ames, spoke as the Chairperson of the Mid-Iowa Community Health Committee. He stated that youth access to tobacco is just one component of the plan by the Task Force on Teen Tobacco Use. He suggested that the City talk with Steve St. Clair, the Assistant Attorney General for Iowa, who has helped several other cities implement a policy to meet the compliance standard. Mr. Mayer urged the City to hold administrative hearings and to fine and/or suspend licenses of noncompliant retailers. He endorses the assessment of a fine of $300 for the first offense, suspension of the cigarette permit for 30 days for a second offense within two years, suspension of the permit for 60 days for a third violation within five years, and revocation of the permit for a fourth violation within five years. Mayor Tedesco asked if the state has followed up on the first round of compliance checks. Chief Ballantine stated that they have not heard anything back from the state about the imposition of any civil penalties by the FDA. Mr. Mayer stated that the state of Iowa has appealed the decision on the reduction in federal substance abuse prevention and treatment monies, however, the Coalition feels that there is more at stake than the prevention funds being lost; the real issue is that cigarettes are too often falling into the hands of underage persons. Council Member Campbell suggested that the City follow up with state legislators to find out what is happening at the FDA with the timely imposition of civil penalties. Randy Mayer said that experience has shown that local policy options work much better than at the state level. 8 Moved by Cross, seconded by Parks, to request that Johnnie Hammond, Steve St. Clair, and a representative of the Iowa Department of Public Health meet with the Council as to the procedures followed by other cities. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. REVIEW OF CITY’S INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO: City Treasurer Sherry Meier gave a review of the City’s Investment Portfolio. She stated that the increase in Portfolio size is in part a reflection of proceeds from the June bond issue and increases in operating revenue. She gave a summary showing the maturity structure of the Portfolio. In response to a request from the Council: to benchmark the City’s performance, she compared the City’s funds to five other funds; this comparison indicated that the City’s funds performed well. I-35 EAST WELL FIELD: City Attorney John Klaus reviewed the new condemnation p r o c e d u r e s . He stated that as of July 1, 1999, legislation now requires written notification to each potential property owner at least 30 days prior to the time the City Council adopts a measure to declare its “intent to proceed with a public improvement and the acquisition or condemnation, if necessary, of the property.” He said that this notification is required to all property owners who may be involved in the proposed city well field project even if the acquisition is only an easement for the pipeline to convey the water to the City. Mr. Klaus reviewed the various steps necessary for the city to exercise its powers of eminent domain. Council Member Campbell asked how many property owners are involved. Water Plant Director Tom Neumann stated that there are approximately 30 property owners involved. Bob Kindred, Assistant City Manager, distributed an example of a completed notification form to the Council. Moved by Wirth, seconded by Cross, to set the date of public hearing on the I-35 East Well Field project for December 14, 1999. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. ORDINANCE PROHIBITING PARKING ALONG THE EAST SIDE OF EMERALD DRIVE FROM JEWEL DRIVE TO GARDEN ROAD AND ALONG BOTH SIDES OF EMERALD DRIVE 120 FEET SOUTH OF JEWEL DRIVE: Moved by Cross, seconded by Parks, to pass on first reading an ordinance prohibiting parking along the east side of Emerald Drive from Jewel Drive to Garden Road and along both sides of Emerald Drive 120 feet south of Jewel Drive. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. COMMENTS: Mayor Tedesco reminded the public that November 2, 1999, is the date of the City Election. He said the polls in Ames will remain open until 9 PM. Mr. Tedesco advised that the City will air a program on the election on Channel 12 from 9:00 to 9:30 p.m.; election results are anticipated to be received at approximately 9:15 p.m. from the County Auditor’s Office. 9 Council members who are not up for re-election are going to be asked to be guests on the program. Moved by Campbell, seconded by Cross, to refer to staff the letter from the Chamber of Commerce dated 10/25/99 regarding the Ames Main Street District’s Annual Holiday Open House festivities. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Campbell, seconded by Wirth, to refer to staff the letter from Robert W. Goodwin dated 10/26/99. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Council Member Hoffman advised that a citizen had voiced a concern to her about pedestrians trying to cross at the Main Street/Kellogg Avenue intersection now that there is no streetlight at that location. She asked if it were possible for staff to put up some red flags since this is a change. Council Member Parks said he was asked by a downtown merchant if it would be possible to contract with the City to remove snow from the sidewalk pavers. Staff was asked to follow up on this request. Council Member Parks asked staff to check the stoplight at Stange and 13th regarding north- and southbound traffic. He advised that the green arrow allows traffic to turn, but not for traffic to proceed straight. Moved by Wirth, seconded by Cross, to refer to staff the letter from Habitat for Humanity dated October 20, 1999, and to direct that it be placed on the next Council agenda. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:52 p.m. _________________________________________________________________________ Diane Voss, City Clerk Ted Tedesco, Mayor 10