Monday night's city council meeting has several major items. We'll be discussing the proposed $4.5M City Hall Remodel (Item #4). Council will also deliberate and have the second of three votes on the new Downtown Zoning Ordinance and Downtown Character District (Items 8 & 9). In Item #19, the Council will vote on the resolution to reestablished the special self-imposed tax on downtown properties (aka SSMID).
Prior to the City Council Meeting, we've got two big items to discuss in Committee of the Whole, starting at 5:00 pm. The first is the Racial Equity Task Force's presentation of their final report, and then a discussion (requested by the council last week) of the Public Parking considerations for Downtown, as part of the new proposed Downtown Character District. I believe that the new zoning ordinance is an excellent step forward for how we want our downtown to develop in the years ahead, and I am confident in Council's ability to adjust parking requirements as needed. Zoning laws are iterative by nature...they constantly need to be adjusted in response to new insights and pressures.
It will be a full night, and I anticipate much lively discussion. I hope you can join us in-person, online via YouTube or Zoom, or watching on CFU Channel 15. As always, thanks for doing the work to be an informed and engaged resident!
The City is providing in-person and electronic options for this meeting in accordance with the Governor's Proclamation of Disaster Emergency regarding meetings and hearings. The City encourages in-person attendees to follow the latest CDC guidelines to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
The meeting will be accessible via video conference and the public may access/participate in the meeting in the following ways:
a) By dialing the phone number +13126266799 or +19292056099 or +12532158782 or +13017158592 or +13462487799 or +16699006833 and when prompted, enter the meeting ID (access code) 962 7287 1738.
b) iPhone one-tap: +13126266799,,96272871738# or +19292056099,,96272871738#
c) Join via smartphone or computer using this link: https://zoom.us/j/96272871738.
d) View the live stream on Channel 15 YouTube using this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzeig5nIS-dIEYisqah1uQ (view only).
e) Watch on Cedar Falls Cable Channel 15 (view only). To request to speak when allowed on the agenda, participants must click “Raise Hand” if connected by smartphone or computer, or press *9 if connected by telephone.
All participants will be muted by the presiding officer when not actually speaking.
Call to Order by the Mayor
Roll Call
Approval of Minutes
1. Regular Meeting of October 4, 2021. This action enters the meeting minutes into the record as an accurate reflection of what transpired in the meeting.
Agenda Revisions
Special Presentations
2. Proclamation recognizing October 17-23, 2021 as Character Counts Week.
3. Proclamation recognizing October 17-23, 2021 as Friends of the Library Week.
Public Forum. (Speakers will have one opportunity to speak for up to 5 minutes on topics germane to City business.)
Special Order of Business
4. Public Hearing on the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract & estimate of cost for the City Hall Remodel Project. This $4.5M project would replace City Hall's mechanical, HVAC, and electrical systems (which I understand is about half the cost. It would also reconfigure the downstairs spaces for reuse, now that the north half is no longer used as the police station. It would also create additional meeting spaces for the public just outside the Council Chambers. A great question was brought up, regarding the timing of this project. Would it make more sense to wait until the labor market and supply chain stabilize, perhaps in a year or two? Or is it just as likely that construction costs will just continue to be higher down the road, so we might as well bite the bullet now (especially for the mechanical upgrades)?
a) Receive and file proof of publication of notice of hearing. (Notice published October 8, 2021)
b) Written communications on file with the City Clerk.
c) Staff comments.
d) Public comments.
e) Resolution approving and adopting the plans, specifications, form of contract & estimate of cost for the City Hall Remodel Project.
5. Public hearing on the proposed adoption by reference the 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2021 National Fuel Gas Code and 2020 National Electrical Code, and associated revisions to Chapter 7, Buildings and Building Regulations of the Code of Ordinances. I'll admit, a lot of the technical information in here is way above my head. I don't have any concerns about adopting the code -- it's a fairly routine matter, and we do it every couple of years. I've not heard from any of our contractors or builders regarding their concerns, so hopefully, if they have concerns, they'll state them at the public hearing.
a) Receive and file proof of publication of notice of hearing. (Notice published October 8, 2021)
b) Written communications on file with the City Clerk.
c) Staff comments.
d) Public comments.
e) Pass an ordinance adopting by reference the 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2021 National Fuel Gas Code and 2020 National Electrical Code, and associated revisions to Chapter 7, Buildings and Building Regulations of the Code of Ordinances, upon its first consideration.
6. Public hearing on the proposed adoption by reference the 2021 International Fire Code, and associated revisions to Chapter 9, Fire Prevention and Protection of the Code of Ordinances. Similar to #5 above.
a) Receive and file proof of publication of notice of hearing. (Notice published October 8, 2021)
b) Written communications on file with the City Clerk.
c) Staff comments.
d) Public comments.
e) Pass an ordinance adopting by reference the 2021 International Fire Code, and associated revisions to Chapter 9, Fire Prevention and Protection of the Code of Ordinances, upon its first consideration.
7. Public hearing on the proposed rezoning from R-1, Residence District and C-2, Commercial District to C-2, Commercial District of property located at 5424 University Avenue. This would put the Direct Appliance property completely within the C-2 district, in order to expand the commercial use of the property. No concerns.
a) Receive and file proof of publication of notice of hearing. (Notice published October 8, 2021)
b) Written communications on file with the City Clerk.
c) Staff comments.
d) Public comments.
e) Pass an ordinance amending Section 26-118 of the Code of Ordinances by removing certain property located at 5424 University Avenue from the R-1, Residence District and C-2, Commercial District, and placing the same in the C-2, Commercial District, upon its first consideration.
Old Business
8. Pass Ordinance 2994, amending Chapter 26, Zoning, and other associated sections of the Code of Ordinances, relative to establishing the CD-DT, Downtown Character District, upon its second consideration. In the last council meeting, the City Council voted to have the second reading of #8 and #9 at the October 18th meeting. On October 4, the council heard in Committee of the Whole what the private parking concerns were in this new zoning ordinance. On October 18th, the Council will hear what the public parking concerns are with the new ordinance in Committee of the While (immediately prior to the regular council meeting).
9. Pass Ordinance 2995, amending Section 26-118 of the Code of Ordinances, by removing all property within the defined boundaries of the Downtown Character District from current zoning districts and placing the same in the CD-DT, Downtown Character District Zoning District, upon its second consideration. (contingent upon approval of previous ordinance) This is tied in with #8, by defining what parts of Cedar Falls would be in the "Downtown Character Zoning District".
10. Pass Ordinance #2996, amending Section 26-118 of the Code of Ordinances by removing certain property located in the vicinity of Cedar Heights Drive and Valley High Drive from the C-1, Commercial District, and placing the same in the R-P, Planned Residence District, upon its second consideration. This was first voted on by the City Council in our 10/4 meeting. It would allow the developer to move forward with the construction of the Creekside Condominiums just off of Cedar Heights Drive. This is the second of three required readings.
New Business
Consent Calendar: (The following items will be acted upon by voice vote on a single motion without separate discussion, unless someone from the Council or public requests that a specific item be considered separately.)
11. Receive and file the Mayor's communication relative to creation of the Cedar Falls Sister Cities Committee as a sub-committee of the Cedar Falls Art & Culture Board. I have worked with staff to create an oversight board for the city's Sister Cities partnership. We are building relationships with Ferizaj, Kosovo (our first new Sister City), though COVID has impacted those connection plans. This group is intended to help guide those relationships.
12. Receive and file the following resignations of members from Boards and Commissions: With the departure of these members, new citizens will be needed to fill the remainder of their terms. I welcome applications from any interested citizen - please see www.cedarfalls.com/boards for details on how to apply.
a) Mario Basurto, Human Rights Commission.
b) Cynthia Snell, Library Board of Trustees.
13. Receive and file the Committee of the Whole minutes of October 4, 2021 relative to the following items: This action enters the meeting minutes into the record as an accurate reflection of what transpired in the meeting.
a) Downtown Zoning Code - Private Parking Requirements
14. Receive and file a communication from the Civil Service Commission relative to a certified list for the position of Code Enforcement Officer. Cedar Falls is hiring a new full-time Code Enforcement Officer, which is a critical position for our city's quality of life, as well as public health and safety. I look forward to their start, as soon as possible.
15. Receive, file and refer to the Planning & Zoning Commission a communication from Community Main Street, Inc. relative to reestablishment of the Downtown Cedar Falls Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District. Community Main Street is sustained through SSMID funds; I'm very happy to see that the majority of downtown property owners chose to continue the SSMID, which will allow CMS to continue advocating and facilitating a vibrant Cedar Falls Downtown.
16. Approve the application of J & M Displays (Holiday Hoopla) for a fireworks display permit for November 26, 2021. This is the required permit for Holiday Hoopla to kick off their festivities with a fireworks show on Friday night.
17. Approve the following applications for beer permits and liquor licenses: The City Council is the approving authority for all alcohol permits.
a) Hampton Inn & Suites, 101 West 1st Street, Class C beer & Class B wine - renewal.
b) Peppers Grill & Sports Pub, 620 East 18th Street, Class C liquor - renewal.
c) SingleSpeed Brewing Co., 128 Main Street, Class C liquor & outdoor service - renewal.
d) Fareway Store, 4500 South Main Street, Class E liquor - renewal
e) G Corner, 2125 College Street, Class E liquor – new.
Resolution Calendar: (The following items will be acted upon by roll call vote on a single motion without separate discussion, unless someone from the Council or public requests that a specific item be considered separately.)
18. Resolution supporting participation in the Home Base Iowa Initiative.This resolution is the last piece needed for Cedar Falls to be recognized as a city which actively assists transitioning military service members in finding jobs and homes in our community. This is near and dear to my heart since I'm one of those former military members who came to Cedar Falls by choice as a great place to work and raise a family. I very much want to help other servicemembers do the same. No money or other obligations need to be made for this designation -- we've already done the work.
19. Resolution approving and adopting the rate of $3.89 per $1,000 taxable value for the Downtown Cedar Falls Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID) for FY23. XThis formally allows taxes to be collected, as noted in Item 15.
20. Resolution approving and authorizing execution of a Professional Service Agreement with WHKS & Co. for testing and inspection services relative to the Park Drive Lift Station Inflow & Infiltration (I&I) Reduction Program. This would allocate $70K to the contractor to determine how stormwater is infiltrating the sanitary sewer. It's pointless and costly to treat stormwater at the wastewater treatment plant, so this research work will help to build a plan to keep that from happening.
21. Resolution approving and authorizing execution of a Quit Claim Deed, conveying title for right-of-way purposes, in conjunction with the Highway 58 & Ridgeway Avenue Project. This just turns the small bit of property from "park " to "right of way"; it's an administrative change needed for when IDOT improves the 58/Ridgeway intersection.
22. Resolution approving and authorizing execution of a Service/Product Agreement with Propel Nonprofits relative to strategic planning for the Art & Culture Board. This would allocate $4500 in taxpayer funds to a strategic planning effort for the city's cultural programs, particularly to inform the work surrounding the proposed "Hearst 2.0" facility expansion. I support this deliberative approach to planning.
23. Resolution approving and authorizing execution of Supplemental Agreement No. 3 to the Professional Service Agreement with Riverwise Engineering, LLC for construction services relative to the Cedar River Recreational Improvement Project. This would allocate $83,550 in taxpayer funds to the city's consultant for the River Recreation Project, for project oversight and administration.
24. Resolution setting November 1, 2021 as the date of public hearing on the proposed condemnation of property located at 710 West 13th Street. No concerns about the hearing date.
25. Resolution setting November 1, 2021 as the date of public hearing on the proposed condemnation of property located at 1303 Walnut Street. No concerns about the hearing date.
Allow Bills and Claims
26. Allow Bills and Claims of October 18, 2021. The City Council is the approving authority for all bills and claims made to the City since the last council meeting.
City Council Referrals
City Council Updates
Staff Updates
Executive Session
27. Executive Session to discuss Property Acquisition per Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(j) to discuss the purchase or sale of particular real estate only where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the governmental body would have to pay for that property or reduce the price the governmental body would receive for that property. The council will meet behind closed doors for this executive session; we're very careful to ensure we only talk about the matter in question, and nothing else.
Adjournment
| Council Packet Link | |
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| Meeting Date | 10/18/21 |
