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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Special Meeting of the Ames City Council 11/14/1998MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL AMES, IOWA NOVEMBER 14, 1998 The Ames City Council met in special session at 8:00 a.m. on the 14th day of November, 1998, 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, Quirmbach, and Wirth. Council member Parks was absent. CALL TO ORDER: 8:00 a.m. JOINT MEETING WITH NON-MANDATED CITY BOARDS/COMMISSIONS TO REVIEW/DISCUSS CHARTERS, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this meeting was to ascertain whether each non-mandated board/commission should continue performing its duties as presently constituted and to make certain they are working towards goals and objectives which are in alignment with those of the City Council. City Manager Steve Schainker stated that there are three options for public involvement in committees relating to City issues: (1) be appointed as a member of an official committee created by resolution of the Council, (2) as a member of a task force assigned to a specific project which disbands after completion of the project, and (3) as a member of an ongoing “User Committee” which provides input as needed to a City department. Ames Beautification Committee. Bill LaGrange, Linda Naeve, and Sharon Lundry were the members of the Committee present. Mr. LaGrange stated that this Committee is annually responsible for four activities: (1) organizing an Arbor Day celebration, (2) facilitating the plantings of flower plots located on City property, (3) making awards to residents who have improved their property through landscaping, and (4) recognizing residents for outstanding holiday lighting displays. As a remedy to the reportedly poor attendance by its members at Committee meetings, Council member Wirth suggested that members could be designated as “at large” or they could become an ad-hoc committee so as to not restrict who could apply. Council member Hoffman stated that she has noticed unsightly weeds on commercial properties on Lincoln Way. She would like a Chamber representative to discuss this problem with the owners of those properties. Ames/ISU Bicycle Committee. Members of the Committee present were Carl Mize, Dinah Kerksieck, Dieter Dellmann, Margie Hanson, and Jim Wilcox. Mr. Mize stated the Committee is interested in establishing visibility standards and would like to see the bike paths placed on the streets instead of the sidewalks. A “Bicycle Friendly Street” sign was displayed to the Council. The signs will be posted in the near future on streets that feed into some of the bike paths. Council member Wirth stated that she sees some advantage to transforming this Committee into a User Committee under the Parks & Recreation Department. Jim Wilcox felt this Committee deals with issues which correspond closely with the Traffic Division. Ms. Wirth believes this Committee deals extensively with safety issues for cyclists and pointed out that there are many other concerns for safety in this community, but the City doesn’t have a specific committee to address those issues. Cable Television Commission. Cable Television Commission members present were Jim Gunning, Monica Booe, Wayne Pedersen, Steve Schallehn, and Bill Stasak. The Commission asked for the Council’s direction in dealing with the following changes in the cable television industry: (1) TCI purchasing the Heritage Communications Cable Company, (2) the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issuing national mandates for cable television operation and reducing the power of this Commission, and (3) AT & T purchasing TCI and planning to use cable television infrastructure for providing consumer telephone service. Council member Cross asked if the members were suggesting that this Commission be disbanded. Steve Schallehn distributed a list of options, without making a specific recommendation, as follows: (1) continue to follow Ames Municipal Code Section 25.41 which created this Commission and lists its powers and duties (if this is recommended by the Council, the Commission needs to clarify the meaning of the phrase, “advancement of cable television service”); (2) maintain the Commission’s focus on cable television, but change Chapter 25 by removing references to “Heritage Cable” and substituting more generic language; and (3) form an Ames Telecommunications Commission to advocate consistent, orderly, and universal access to television, telephone, Internet, etc., services for the residents of Ames. Council member Cross asked what control the City had over the cable industry. It was learned that unless the City can state that their provider is not providing adequate service, the City has very little control. Council member Quirmbach asked if there were options for competition since Ames has only one provider of cable service. Sheila Lundt, Assistant to the City Manager, stated that any cable operator who wants to provide service to Ames must follow certain guidelines. Presently, those guidelines are that they have to bury their cable, provide adequate signal strength, and ensure that cable will be extended to all newly developed areas of Ames. Ms. Lundt stated that Ames Cable Television Commission is a bit unique from similar commissions in other cities in that they oversee the operations of a Public Access studio. Electric Utility Operations Review & Advisory Board. Board Members John Lamont, Dick Vaughn, Al Joensen, Douglas Klokow, and Steve Ringlee were present. Council member Campbell felt that there are not real clear cut parameters on the responsibilities of this Board. She is concerned that the members are dealing with internal operations of the Electric Department for which City staff should be responsible. The Board assured the Council that they are an advisory board only. City Manager Schainker stated that this Board had performed its role as an advisory committee well in the past and provides for a healthy combination of perspectives. 2 Ames Humane League. Jean Harkin, chairperson of the Humane League was present. Ms. Harkin stated that the League felt the responsibilities outlined in the Municipal Code may need to be added to their charge. Specifically, the Code states that anyone aggrieved by decisions of the Animal Control Officer or having a dispute with the City over animal issues shall be entitled to a hearing before the Ames Humane League. Council member Campbell pointed out that normally complaints concerning City personnel or policies/procedures go through the head of the specific department. Ms. Harkin further stated that the League feels their role is to work with the Animal Control Division staff to provide education on spay/neuter programs and responsible pet ownership and to assist in establishing policy. Council member Cross asked what the League does proactively within the community to address the spay/neuter issue, responsible pet ownership, and humane education. Ms. Harkin stated that they have made presentations at schools and created displays on community bulletin boards. Ms. Harkin stated that the League is unsure whether they should initiate projects or should first get direction from staff or from Council. They did begin doing some projects on their own accord; however, this met with disapproval from City staff. City Manager Schainker stated that direction has been given to the League through their charge; on each item listed in the charge, it would be appropriate for the League to develop a plan, present it to staff, and then work together to accomplish the task. Jean Harkin stated that League members would be comfortable being a task force with the Mayor appointing its members. She said preliminary thoughts about a task force included them meeting twice a year with staff. It was the opinion of Council member Wirth that the duties as described by Ms. Harkin more closely fit those of a User Committee. Also present was Chief Dennis Ballantine, who told the Council that there had been only one or two complaints from citizens, and those complaints were resolved through efforts of the staff. Chief feels that an ad-hoc type of committee may be needed to address specific issues. A good example of this is the “Friends of the Animal Shelter” group which formed exclusively to raise funds for the new Animal Shelter. Chief also stated that the Humane League was formed in 1982 when there was only one Animal Control Officer and the City was receiving a lot of complaints. He believes there is no longer a need for the Humane League because staff is now accomplishing the tasks listed in the League’s charter. Lorna Lavender, Animal Control Director, was present. She thanked the League members for volunteering their service. Public Art Commission. Members present were Dan Rice, Carole Horowitz, Barbara Schroeder, Patty Kimle, Dee Hegstrom, and Tom Weber. Subcommittees have been formed within the Commission to address different issues and a listing of the charge, timelines, and members of each subcommittee was provided to Council. Council member Campbell stated that Council looks for ways to coordinate efforts of various boards or commission operating under the City umbrella. She asked if there were ways for this Commission to work with the Commission on the Arts (COTA). Dan Rice said that the two groups worked on a grant application in the past, and this Commission is very willing to work 3 with other groups when their purposes overlap. Council member Quirmbach feels it is crucial for this group to communicate with COTA. Council member Wirth recommended that artwork by students of the Ames School District be displayed in City Hall. Dan Rice stated that their Art Information/Education subcommittee can look into this. Council recessed at 10:42 a.m. Council reconvened at 10:52 a.m. Council member Russ Cross was absent. Parks & Recreation Commission. Commission members present were David Ferree, Chuck Glotfelty, Beth Cross, and Brian Espeland. Mr. Ferree gave an update on the City’s Recreation Plan. Council member Hoffman stated that she had received complaints from citizens about dog waste left in parks. Dave Ferree said that attempts have been made to remedy that problem. Construction Boards: Building Code of Appeals, Electrical Board, Plumbing Board, Mechanical Board. Daniel Shaffer, Chairperson of the Building Code of Appeals, was present. Council member Wirth asked how many appeals are filed with these Boards. Jeff Pearson, City’s Building Inspector, stated that very few appeals are filed; however, Board members also review Code updates and license applications. Mr. Pearson stated that Ames requires electricians and plumbers to be licensed. Ames has never required mechanical licenses; however, a public meeting will be held on November 17 on that issue. It is being recommended by City staff that mechanical licenses also be required. Concerns have been expressed to Jeff Pearson over the standardized test which must be passed by the applicant as there are many contractors who are very good at their trade, but are not good at taking tests. Council member Campbell asked if there was an alternative to taking a written test. Mr. Pearson said that there is currently no alternative; plumbers and electricians also must pass a test. Council member Quirmbach stated that the challenge then is to design a test which is indicative of the skills needed to perform the job. Council member Quirmbach feels that the City should not merely grandfather-in mechanical contractors; all should have to meet the standards set by the City. Council recessed at 11:35 a.m. Council reconvened at 11:42 a.m. Analysis of Social Services Evaluation Team (ASSET). ASSET members present were Bill Whitman, Leonard Konopa, Beverly Crabtree, Kathy Melsa, and Julie Schreitmiller. Council member Campbell wants the request-for-funds process to be a friendly one rather than an adversarial one. Council member Hoffman asked if the forms required of the service providers could be simplified. ASSET members felt that all information requested on the forms is necessary for tracking purposes. Training on how to complete the forms is offered to applicants. 4 It was brought to the Council’s attention that members may serve up to two full terms or a total of eight years. This information was incorrect in the ASSET section of the Boards and Commissions Handbook. Transit Board. Ann Campbell, Barbara Gwiasda, Courtney Stribling, and Steve Schainker were the representatives of the Transit Board present. Bob Bourne, Transit Director, was also present and briefed the Council on the amendments made to Section 26A of the Municipal Code since the Board’s inception. Mayor Tedesco asked if there were cooperative efforts among transportation providers to address the needs of the community. Mr. Bourne stated that they have worked with a couple other agencies in the past to provide additional services; this depends on how cost-efficient the joint efforts would be. City Manager Schainker stated that the Council will be challenged to meet the public transportation needs of the City due to its growth. In response to a question raised by Council member Wirth pertaining to transportation requests in East Ames, Bob Bourne stated that the market there is relatively small and working residents in that area had an array of times when service would need to start and end which did not coincide with present CyRide schedules. Commission on the Arts (COTA). Members present were Max Wortman, Rachel Jeffreys Hamilton, Susan Franzen, and Carol Prusa. Mr. Wortman stated that the Commission’s charge had not been changed by the Council; however, over the past ten years, the Commission’s criteria for funding have tightened, e.g., wanting more match monies. Regular workshops are held by COTA to educate potential applicants on their funding guidelines and process. Council member Campbell asked if the Commission meets one-on-one with any agencies. COTA members indicated that they did not see a need for this since workshops are held. Council member Quirmbach stated it was crucial for this Commission to have formal communication with the Public Arts Commission. Mr. Wortman pointed out that the two agencies do different things: COTA contracts for services and the Public Arts Commission purchases artwork. Council member Hoffman asked if this Commission wanted direction from the Council as to what services should be purchased or assistance in prioritizing the services. Mr. Wortman felt that the Commission has sufficient criteria in place to guide their decisions. Council Comments on Joint Meetings. Council member Campbell asked if there is consistency in the appointment dates and number of years allowed to be served throughout the non-mandated boards/commissions. Mayor Tedesco stated that all appointments expire on April 1; however, there needs to be clarification on the number of terms or years allowed to be served and whether the board/commission members are required to be residents of Ames. Moved by Wirth, seconded by Campbell, that Council’s recommendations for each non- mandated board/commission be made at the first City Council meeting in December. Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. MEETING WITH MANDATED BOARDS/COMMISSIONS. Moved by Wirth, seconded by Quirmbach, to commence the regularly scheduled City Council meetings one-half hour early beginning in March in order to meet with individual mandated boards/commissions. Vote on Motion: 3-1 (Voting aye: Wirth, Campbell, Quirmbach. Voting nay: Hoffman). Motion 5 carried. Discussion ensued on possible scheduling difficulties. Moved by Wirth, seconded by Quirmbach, to reconsider their previous motion and move that Council commence their regularly scheduled meetings beginning in April one-half hour early in order to meet with individual mandated boards/commissions. Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. “LETTER OF INTENT” FOR STORY COUNTY TRANSPORTATION GRANT: The Story County Board of Supervisors requested a “Letter of Intent” signed by the mayor supporting a grant application in the amount of $875,000 from the United States Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. Assistant City Manager Bob Kindred stated that Jack Whitmer from the Story County Board of Supervisors had met with him and Paul Wiegand, Public Works. Mr. Kindred feels that there could be a significant time investment required from City staff if the grant application is approved. If Story County is invited to apply for the grant, meetings will be necessary among the different entities to ascertain how much staff time will be required. It was the general consensus of the Council that they did not have enough information at this time, particularly as to what was going to be required of the City of Ames should the grant be approved, to endorse the application. Item died for lack of a motion. CHANGE TO PERSONNEL POLICY REGARDING MAINTENANCE OF CREDENTIALS. The City Council recently adopted an amendment to Section 20.3 of the Personnel Policies and Procedures incorporating guidelines for personnel actions to be taken in the event an employee loses a credential required for their job. It is now felt that additional administrative flexibility is needed since it is not possible to establish guidelines appropriate in every possible case. Moved by Wirth, seconded by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 98-548 approving amendments to subsections (5) and (6) of Section 20.3, “Maintenance of Credentials,” of the Personnel Policies and Procedures to provide a desirable degree of flexibility in the administration of the policy. Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Moved by Campbell, seconded by Wirth, requesting the Mayor write a letter to the Main Street District Committee regarding the action taken by the Council at its November 10, 1998, meeting concerning the Main Street Streetscape Concept Plan due to the misinformation reported in the Ames Tribune. Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Assistant to the City Manager Sheila Lundt stated that the Library Board of Trustees had expressed a desire to meet with the Council. Gina Milsap, Library Director, will be asked to determine what date would work best for the Library Board. 6 ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 1:24 p.m. _________________________________________________________________________ Diane Voss, City Clerk Ted Tedesco, Mayor 7