Randy Bennett

The meeting addressed two primary resolutions stemming from the impact of the Governor's orders due to COVID-19. The first resolution urged the Governor of Iowa to prorate 12-month liquor license fees for bars and restaurants ordered closed for the duration of the closure. The discussion included clarifying whether carry-out liquor sales would affect this prorating and the source of the fees. The second resolution proposed issuing a moratorium on collecting various city fees from businesses ordered closed by the Governor, suggesting fees be held in abeyance and collected 30 days after the business reopens. Council debated the trigger for the 30-day collection window, considering whether to follow the Governor's phased reopening schedule or the CDC guidelines, with a motion to amend the language to allow business owners flexibility based on their comfort level in reopening, aligning with CDC guidelines if later than the Governor's order.

The primary focus of the work session was a detailed discussion and review of multiple options (Options 1, 2, 3A, 3B, and 4) for the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 City Budget. This involved analyzing various adjustments to expenditures and revenues, including the proposed use of general fund balance (initially $1,303,782), and the resulting impact on the property tax levy rate. Specific discussions centered on funding allocations, such as transferring the cost of the GIS position from Road Use Tax Fund to Local Option Tax Fund, and the proposed elimination of the Building Inspector position under Options 3B and 4. There was also preliminary discussion regarding an ordinance amendment to Chapter 2, Article B, concerning civil emergencies to include modern threats like cyberattacks and acts of terrorism, in addition to natural disasters. Furthermore, staff presented the proposed general fund budget reflecting recent discussions, detailing resulting levy rates and percentage increases across residential, commercial/industrial, and multi-residential properties.

The City Council meeting addressed an amendment to the agenda regarding an art class for the Desafio Subdivision and the minutes of the previous session. Council members discussed the COVID-19 situation, noting significant case counts and fatalities in Black Hawk County compared to earlier figures. Key agenda items included approving a significant bills payment totaling over $3.2 million. A public hearing was held concerning a site plan amendment requested by Air Care for a new modular building on the airfield, intended to replace their current, less ideal location in the terminal area. Discussion during the hearing focused on the construction details of the modular building (including ADA compliance and sprinkler systems) and concerns over funding given potential reductions in Local Option Sales Tax revenue due to the pandemic. Further discussion involved authorizing the first reading of an ordinance to approve the Air Care site plan amendment and considering future land leasing arrangements with the airport. There were also concerns raised regarding the code compliance (fire/sprinkler) for the proposed modular structure versus existing buildings and the plan to install a septic system despite proximity to sanitary sewer lines.

The meeting included the approval of the July 7th, 2020 agenda and the minutes of the June 2nd, 2020 meeting. A financial report was presented, indicating that revenues were approximately 51% realized and expenses were below projections, though overall revenue was short due to the delay of a property sale near the 11th Street bridge reconstruction. The commission heard oral presentations not on the agenda. New business focused on a public hearing regarding a request to rezone 8.80 acres from A1 Agricultural District to R2-1 Two Family Residence District for the construction of one new single-family home at 4192 Logan Avenue. Staff analysis noted surrounding zoning and utility limitations (requiring well/septic initially). The applicant addressed commissioner and public concerns regarding traffic impact and potential stress on the local aquifer from an additional well. Commissioners discussed the implications of future subdivisions and the need for adherence to city codes regardless of commission composition.

The meeting agenda included several key items for consideration. New business featured multiple hearings on rezoning requests, specifically from C&S Properties to change approximately 0.49 acres from "R-4" to "C-2" for C&S Car Company expansion, and from the City of Waterloo to rezone approximately 1.25 acres from "M-1" to "B-P" for consistency with adjacent zoning. Final plat requests for two subdivisions, University Plat No. 1 and University Plat No. 2, were also on the agenda. Additionally, there was a request to designate 501 Sycamore Street (The Blacks Building) as a Locally Designated Historic Landmark to support redevelopment and state tax credit applications.