Monday night's Regular Council Meeting at 7pm contains a large number of what appear to be administrative, non-controversial items for council approval. Notably, items 18-28 are related to Tax Increment Financing; I've set aside time on Monday during the workday to review and understand these. I'll post any additional thoughts on these items here on Monday.
Prior to this meeting, at 5:20 the City Council will hear a presentation from staff on the design of Washington Street which follows on from the Council's voting down of the proposed design earlier this year. And then an hour is scheduled to discuss the wastewater treatment plant and possible options.
Council Member Darrah will be presiding over Monday Night's Council meeting as Pro-Tem, in my absence. In October, I joined the area's new Civil Air Patrol squadron and will be volunteering as the Deputy Commander for Cadet Programs. I've completed most of the training required for this assignment and promotion to Captain, but to have to attend a mandatory online seminar with CAP leaders nationwide on Monday evening. This will be the first meeting I miss as Mayor, and will try to limit absences to once or twice a year. I do think it's a great experience for the Pro Tem to preside over meetings once in a while, and am confident that Council Member Darrah will do a great job facilitating the meetings.
I hope you can join the Council in person or online, either in the Council Chambers or via the links below. Thanks, as always, for doing the work to be an informed and engaged citizen.
The meeting will ALSO 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 19, 2020. This action approves the minutes as an accurate record of what transpired in the meeting; it is not an appropriate time to debate the merits of the items themselves.
Agenda Revisions
Special Order of Business
2. Public hearing to consider entering into a proposed Amended and Restated Agreement for Private Development with Strickler Properties, L.C. This company was offered incentives by the City for property development; the company is requesting to adjust the dollar figure of the incentives based on the increase in the expected appraised value of the completed structures.
a) Receive and file proof of publication of notice of hearing. (Notice published October 23, 2020)
b) Written communications filed with the City Clerk.
c) Staff comments.
d) Public comments.
e) Resolution approving and authorizing execution of an Amended and Restated Agreement for Private Development and an Amended Minimum Assessment Agreement with Strickler Properties, L.C.
Old Business
3. Pass Ordinance #2971, granting a partial property tax exemption to Owen 5, LLC for construction of an industrial use shop/office facility at 1325 Rail Way, upon its third & final consideration. This was discussed in a previous meeting; if the council approves the exemption for the third time tonight, it becomes official.
4. Pass Ordinance #2972, granting a partial property tax exemption to Tjaden Properties, LLC for construction of an industrial use manufacturing/shop facility at 2800 Technology Parkway, upon its third & final consideration. This was discussed in a previous meeting; if the council approves the exemption for the third time tonight, it becomes official.
5. Pass Ordinance #2973, granting a partial property tax exemption to Zuidberg NA, LLC for construction of an industrial use warehouse and office facility at 2700 Capital Way, upon its third & final consideration. This was discussed in a previous meeting; if the council approves the exemption for the third time tonight, it becomes official.
6. Pass Ordinance #2974, amending Chapter 10, Garbage and Refuse, of the Code of Ordinances relative to refuse rates, upon its third & final consideration. These new rates would allow refuse service revenues to keep up with operating costs. If approved at this meeting's third reading, they will be enacted.
7. Pass Ordinance #2975, amending Chapter 22, Telecommunications, of the Code of Ordinances relative to placement of small wireless facilities, upon its second consideration. This was discussed in the Council's previous meeting. the FCC is requiring cities to allow these mini-cell towers, but the city can still control certain aspects of their placement. This ordinance addition provides such guidance for placement within Cedar Falls.
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.)
8. Receive and file the following proclamations: I have the honor of making mayoral proclamations to highlight important commemorations. Sometimes I'll read them at the meeting, particularly if a sponsor is present to offer additional comments.
a) Native American Heritage Month, November 2020.
b) Veterans Day, November 11, 2020.
9. Receive & file the resignation of Rochelle Adkins as a member of the Planning & Zoning Commission. Thanks to Ms. Adkins for her participation in planning and zoning decisions, and for her civic volunteerism during the past three years. Best wishes in the years ahead.
10. Approve the following recommendations of the Mayor relative to the appointment of members to Boards and Commissions: The P&Z members are re-appointments, and the Parks and Rec members are new appointments. Thanks to all for your willingness to contribute to the future success and vitality of our community.
a) David Hartley, Planning and Zoning Commission, term ending 11/01/2025.
b) Amanda Lynch, Planning and Zoning Commission, term ending 11/01/2025.
c) Sarah Corkery, Parks and Recreation Commission, term ending 06/30/2022.
d) Kelsey Schreibel, Parks and Recreation Commission, term ending 06/30/2022.
11. Receive and file the City Council Work Session minutes of October 19, 2020 relative to City Council Organizational Effectiveness. This action approves the minutes as an accurate record of what transpired in the meeting; it is not an appropriate time to debate the merits of the items themselves.
12. Receive and file the Committee of the Whole minutes of October 19, 2020 relative to E-bikes. This action approves the minutes as an accurate record of what transpired in the meeting; it is not an appropriate time to debate the merits of the items themselves.
13. Receive and file Departmental Monthly Reports for September 2020. As I noted in my cover memo, THANK YOU to staff for your hard work and inventiveness in your September efforts to get the council chambers ready for in-person meetings. It was an "above and beyond" effort by all involved.
14. Receive and file the Bi-Annual Report of College Hill Partnership relative to FY21 Self-Supported Municipal Improvements District (SSMID) Funds and an FY21 Economic Development Grant. This is a required report, twice a year, from College Hill Partnership, in order to receive city funds.
15. Approve the application of Anderson Acres Brewing Company, d/b/a Lark Brewing, 6301 University Avenue, for a Class C liquor & outdoor service license. The council is the approving authority for all alcohol permits.
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.)
16. Resolution approving and adopting certain revised Personnel Policies. Self-explanatory changes to personnel policies. The cover memo provides a synopsis of the changes.
17. Resolution approving and authorizing execution of a Service/Product Agreement with Professional Office Services, Inc. relative to printing the City’s Currents newsletter. Extends an existing contract with this printer for one year, for the production of the city's quarterly Currents newsletter, at the rates shown on page 225.
** 18 through 28 relate to financial matters regarding the City's Tax Increment Financing Program. I've given a cursory review of these items, and will dive deeper into them on Monday, 11/3 to see if I have any concerns or questions. **
18. Resolution authorizing certification of eligible expenses for reimbursement from the College Hill, Downtown, Pinnacle Prairie, South Cedar Falls, and Unified Tax Increment Financing Revenues.
19. Resolution approving and authorizing an inter-fund loan from the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Bond Fund to the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Fund relative to funding for legal fees, incentive payments, and project costs related to Downtown Visioning and Downtown Streetscape in the Downtown Urban Renewal Area.
20. Resolution approving and authorizing an inter-fund loan from the Parking Fund to the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Fund relative to funding for project costs related to parking improvements in the Downtown Urban Renewal Area.
21. Resolution approving and authorizing an inter-fund loan from the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Bond Fund to the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Fund relative to funding for the Prairie Parkway landscaping project in the Pinnacle Prairie Urban Renewal Area.
22. Resolution approving and authorizing an inter-fund loan from the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Bond Fund to the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Fund relative to funding for legal, construction, oversizing costs, master plans, and administrative fees related to the Gateway Business Park, Cyber Lane, and various projects in the South Cedar Falls Urban Renewal Area.
23. Resolution approving and authorizing an inter-fund loan from the Economic Development Fund to the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Fund relative to funding for the purchase of land and related expenses in the South Cedar Falls Urban Renewal Area.
24. Resolution approving and authorizing an inter-fund loan from the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) Fund to the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Fund relative to funding for legal, engineering, construction, and administrative fees related to the Ridgeway Avenue project in the South Cedar Falls Urban Renewal Area.
25. Resolution approving and authorizing an inter-fund loan from the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Bond Fund to the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Fund relative to funding for Highway 58 Corridor Improvements, West Viking Road, Industrial Park Street Expansion, and administrative and legal fees in the Unified Urban Renewal Area.
26. Resolution approving and authorizing an inter-fund loan from the Economic Development Fund to the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Fund relative to funding for purchase of land in the Unified Urban Renewal Area.
27. Resolution approving and authorizing an inter-fund loan from the Street Improvement Fund to the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Fund relative to funding for project costs related to the University Avenue Phase III project in the Unified Urban Renewal Area.
28. Resolution approving and authorizing submission of the City's FY20 Annual Urban Renewal Report.
29. Resolution renaming Black Hawk Road to Katoski Drive, from the eastern city limits to the intersection of Cedar Heights Drive. This is a very logical change. If you've ever driven on Black Hawk Road, only to have it become Katoski, and then Black Hawk Road again, then you've experienced the confusing signage. This change would correct that problem.
30. Resolution approving and authorizing execution of an Agreement for Animal Control Services with the City of Waterloo, Iowa. This continues the existing arrangement with Waterloo for animal control services. Cedar Bend Humane Society on Airport Boulevard will continue to house any caught domestic animals/strays.
31. Resolution approving and authorizing the expenditure of funds for the purchase of a refuse collection unit. Commits $85 in taxpayer funds for the purchase of a trash collector for use in our parks.
32. Resolution approving the Certificate of Completion and accepting the work of Vieth Construction Corporation for the 2019 Peter Melendy Park Renovation Project. Congratulations to Veith and city staff for the successful completion of this high-visibility project. It's an excellent gateway and first impression for visitors to our Downtown from the east.
33. Resolution approving and authorizing execution of a Joint Funding Agreement for Water Resource Investigations with the U.S. Geological Survey relative to the Cedar River Streamgage Station. This would commit $9560 in taxpayer funds to the annual maintenance of the USGS's river gauge. This network of sensors is critical for the prediction of Cedar River flooding. You can see the daily hydrograph which is partly generated by this sensor at https://bit.ly/hydro-cf.
34. Resolution of support for a grant application to the Black Hawk County Gaming Association relative to the Downtown Streetscape Project, Phase 2. This $575K grant request is to assist in the continuation of the Downtown streetscaping work, which would continue to add lightpoles and other aesthetic improvements in that district to help "unify' the look of downtown (i.e. that downtown isn't just the Parkade).
35. Resolution approving and adopting payment standards for the City's Section 8 Rental Assistance Program for 2021. This increases the rates that Cedar Falls would contribute for Section 8 housing vouchers, as it disburses these Federal funds for housing assistance. I support helping those wishing to rent in Cedar Falls, without adequate means to do so, and I'm glad to live in a neighborhood (Sartori Park) where I can meet and build relationships with nearby neighbors who benefit from Section 8 assistance. These kinds of relationships are the social fabric that help people learn about opportunities and get ahead in life.
36. Resolution setting November 16, 2020 as the date of public hearing on amendments to the FFY19 Annual Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) & HOME Program funding relative to the CARES Act. No concerns about the proposed date.
37. Resolution setting November 16, 2020 as the date of public hearing on the proposed rezoning from C-3, Commercial and R-4, Multiple Residence Districts, to C-3, Commercial District, of property located in the vicinity of West 22nd Street and College Street. No concerns about the proposed date.
Allow Bills and Payroll
38. Allow Bills and Payroll of November 2, 2020. The council must formally approve all expenses made since the last council meeting. The detailed list of expenses is included in the Council Packet.
City Council Referrals
City Council Updates
Staff Updates
Public Forum. (Speakers will have one opportunity to speak for up to 5 minutes on topics germane to City business.)
Adjournment
| Council Packet Link | |
|---|---|
| Meeting Date | 11/02/20 |
