HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-08-2015 Work SessionMeeting of: COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
Date of Meeting: September 8, 2015
Time of Meeting: 7:00 PM-Following the EDA Meeting
Location of Meeting: Conference Room #1
Purpose of Meeting: WORKSESSION
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 7:50 PM
Present:
Mayor Peterson, Councilmembers Murzyn Jr, Nawrocki, Schmitt and Williams.
City Manager Walt Fehst, Director of Community Development Joe Hogeboom, Assistant Community
Development Director Loren Wickham, Associate Planner Elizabeth Holmbeck, Finance Director Joe
Kloiber, City Clerk Katie Bruno.
Discussion related to the City’s Sign Code
Elizabeth Holmbeck, Associate Planner explained that the current sign code has many inconsistencies
and has not had a thorough review since 2001. Holmbeck suggested working with the Public Arts
Commission in looking for ways to incorporate art into the sign code. Councilmember Schmitt agreed
that it is important for the sign code and the design guidelines to be consistent. Councilmember
Nawrocki suggested strengthening the exiting ordinance and prohibiting signs in windows. Director
Hogeboom summarized that the intent is not to make the current sign code less restrictive, the intent
is to make the code easier to understand and to administer. Director Hogeboom reported they will
work on the item over the coming months, and bring to the council for final consideration and
approval.
Discussion regarding moratorium on Auto Related Businesses
Elizabeth Holmbeck, Associate Planner explained that recently a Conditional Use Permit came before
the council to allow for an auto repair business on Central Ave. The request was met with opposition
by the Planning and Zoning Commission as well as the Council. The Planning & Zoning commission has
requested a moratorium on all auto related uses along Central Ave between 37th Ave NE and 52nd Ave
NE. Associate Planner Holmbeck suggested limiting the auto related business to the Central Business
District, noting that there are some appropriate areas along Central Ave. for auto related businesses.
Director Hogeboom reported some of the arguments heard indicate that restaurants, retail and service
shops are preferred to be near the new library.
Director Hogeboom questioned if the council would support either a one year, or six month
moratorium, and either in the Central Business District or along the entire Central Ave. The time would
be used by staff to look at the zoning districts to determine compatible uses. Councilmember Schmitt
requested a list of all the auto related businesses. City Manager Walt Fehst clarified that the Central
Business District on Central Ave. runs from 39th Ave. NE to 42nd Ave NE.
Director Hogeboom stated it is a good time to review and put zoning in place that would better meet
the goals of the City.
Councilmember Nawrocki expressed concern with the crowding of vehicles on 39th Ave NE. Manager
Fehst agreed the area is overcrowded, noting it is an industrial district, and complaints have been
minimal.
Manager Fehst summarized the request is to limit auto related businesses for one year, along the
Central Business District (39th Ave NE – 42nd Ave NE) to determine what development would be most
appropriate.
Councilmember Schmitt questioned if the City should protect the empty lot on 47th Ave and Central
Ave. Director Hogeboom stated there is a Development Agreement in place for that property.
Director Hogeboom suggested looking at the Central Business District for a six month period would be
adequate, indicating if necessary the moratorium could be extended.
City Manager Walt Fehst suggested following the recommendation of the Planning Commission and
issuing the moratorium for six months along the entire Central Ave. corridor, focusing on the Central
Business District first, and requesting an extension if necessary.
Councilmember Nawrocki requested attention be given to 39th Ave NE between Jefferson and Jackson.
Director Hogeboom stated he will look at the area and provide a report to the council.
Discussion of 2016 Budget
City Manager Walt Fehst reported the council will be adopting the preliminary levy for 2016 at the
September 14th council meeting. The levy will include the voter approved library referendum, as well
as a 1.9% levy increase. Finance Director Joe Kloiber gave an overview of the 2016 budget, as
compared to the 2015 budget. The first year debt service for the library is $480,000, and there is a one
year lag in the fiscal dipartites program. In 2017 approximately 30% (of the library debt service) will be
subsidized by fiscal disparities. Councilmember Nawrocki questioned where the remaining $2-3 million
will come from. Kloiber reported that the City Council has made approved transfers from the existing
fund balance.
Director Kloiber reported the total levy increase for 2016 is 1.9% , the lowest levy increase in almost
ten years; due largely to Council’s action in March of 2015 to pay down debt early.
Kloiber reported that the Building fund and Government Equipment fund will need some inflow in the
coming years, as they may be exhausted in the next 7 -8 years.
Director Kloiber reported that all but one of the labor agreement have been settled, generally a 2.5%
salary increase was implemented, with insurance increases, the average departments expenditure
increase is 2.7%. Councilmember Nawrocki suggested Community Development staff be reduced as a
result of selling Park View Villa.
Director Kloiber reported the Fund Balance is quite high, it was suggested to pay down debt on the
Public Safety Building in 2018, in order to draw the balance down.
Director Kloiber reported the city is currently finishing up a Utility Rate Study, to project costs for the
coming five years. 2016 has a combined increase of 2%, for all four utilities.
Director Kloiber reported the council will have two department specific worksessions, October 5th and
November 2nd.
Councilmember Nawrocki questioned why we are scheduled to adopt the preliminary levy at the
September 14th meeting, when statute allows us to certify it at a later date. Director Kloiber noted that
the statute applies to City levies, not EDA and HRA.
Nawrocki stated he would like more time to discuss the proposed 2016 budget prior to adopting the
preliminary levy. Director Kloiber responded that there will be time to discuss budgetary items at the
upcoming Council meeting and department worksession.
Councilmember Nawrocki questioned the status change of a library employee from a part-time to a
full-time position; questioning how this was done without council approval. Director Kloiber explained
that the city has about five employees that work between 30 and 40 hours weekly. Due to the
Affordable Care Act, the City is in the process of phasing those positions, some to 40 hours per week,
some to 29 hours per week. Kloiber reported these changes are reflected in the 2016 budget.
City Manager Walt Fehst requested council submit any information requests to him prior to Monday’s
meeting.
Meeting Adjourned at 9:28 PM
Respectively Submitted,
_________________________________
Katie Bruno, City Clerk/Council Secretary