Ottawa City Council met Oct. 30.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Present: Daniel F. Aussem, Thomas G. Ganiere, James J. Less and Robert M. Eschbach
Absent: Wayne A. Eichelkraut Jr.
Commissioner Aussem addressed parcels that were completely surrounded and their annexations. He would like to get a group annexed before the end of the year. Commissioner Ganiere asked if the Fields Hill residents were aware that they could be forced annexed. To avoid spotty areas for emergencies, if you’re surrounded, you will be annexed. Aussem questioned the farms that weren’t interested in the new Route 71 TIF District. The Mayor responded that they weren’t promised anything.
Commissioner Less announced the 2018 Leaf Vacuum Program. We will be starting on Monday, November 5, in sections W-1 and S-1. Under new business, Less indicated that he had spoken with Trustee Lloyd Ludwig from the Village of Naplate. Naplate would like assistance with their street sweeping. It was suggested by Aussem that an hourly rate be established for extending these public works services, as the flat rate system isn’t feasible.
The Mayor discussed the hard surface requirement for parking areas. City Engineer, Dave Noble reminded that our current DRC Ordinance says concrete or asphalt only. Questions arising are curbs and gutter or not and are site plans needed and what about demolitions. Do we have a gravel parking lot enforcement list? Ganiere feels that curbs should be required when the lot is adjacent to a sidewalk. Aussem remembered Shaker’s Lounge having to asphalt their entire new lot per City Ordinance. Less feels we need curbs on the street side.
A new Downtown Special Business Development and Redevelopment sales tax was brought up next by Mayor Eschbach. The money generated from the new tax could only be used for the defined area per State statute. The Mayor added that the Downtown TIF is expiring and that 50%-60% of business downtown is from out of town per the merchants. The Mayor added that he spoke with Mary Olson and DeWayne Cronkright and they are both in agreement for an additional 1% sales tax. Less questioned if this would be a new additional state tax and along with Aussem is hesitant to raise taxes. Ganiere wants to hear from a majority of the merchants.
The Mayor questioned belonging to the NCIEDC for another 3 years. Our current allocation is $25,000.00 per year for dues. Commissioner Aussem noted that it’s a harder sell to businesses. The Mayor approached the County about possibly including the allocation in next year’s budget.
Bonding was the next item up for discussion. City Treasurer Don Harris indicated that the rates have increased between 3-3-1/2% since the budget was set in April and that it is likely to be 3.56% over the life span of a 16 year bond. Ganiere wanted to see the list of projects. Mayor responded, Route 71 sewer and water, a new fire station, and downtown waterfront development. Harris added that long term rates were not affected. Aussem said that the Route 71 sewer is almost completed and we approved a design contract for the water component for around $3M. Can the same TIF pay the bills for the design that paid for the sewer he wondered? Noble added that we have 5 million to 7 million of CSO work proposed. Commissioner Aussem added that we will have to piece meal the CSO projects.
The tree removal program was discussed, the $200.00 fee per tree and it was agreed by all that an Ordinance change was needed.
Mayor Eschbach presented motion to recess.
Moved by Mayor Eschbach that this Council recess into Closed Session to discuss matters of personnel, collective bargaining, the sale of real estate and litigation.
Second by Less.
Ayes: Aussem, Ganiere, Less and Mayor Eschbach.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Mayor Eschbach presented motion to reconvene.
Moved by Mayor Eschbach that this Council reconvene from Closed Session.
Second by Ganiere.
Ayes: Aussem, Ganiere, Less and Mayor Eschbach.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Mayor Eschbach presented Step III grievance.
Moved by Mayor Eschbach that the Step III AFSCME grievance involving Randy Lee be denied.
Second by Aussem.
Ayes: Aussem, Ganiere, Less and Mayor Eschbach.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Commissioner Ganiere presented motion to adjourn.
Moved by Commissioner Ganiere that this special meeting be adjourned.
Second by Less
Ayes: Aussem, Ganiere, Less, and Mayor Eschbach.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Council adjourned at 7:56 p.m.
http://www.cityofottawa.org/document-library/city-council/minutes/2018-city-council-minutes/3424-10-30-2018-city-council-special-meeting-minutes/file
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