City Council Meeting

CITY HALL CEDAR FALLS, IOWA, JUNE 2, 2025 REGULAR MEETING, CITY COUNCIL MAYOR DANIEL LAUDICK PRESIDING The City Council of the City of Cedar Falls, Iowa, met in Regular Session, pursuant to law, the rules of said Council and prior notice given each member thereof, at 7:00 P.M. on the above date. Members present: Schultz, Latta, Kruse, Hawbaker, Ganfield, Crisman. Absent: Dunn. Mayor Laudick led the Pledge of Allegiance. 55397 - It was moved by Kruse and seconded by Crisman that the minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 19, 2025 be approved as presented and ordered of record. Motion carried unanimously. 55398 - Gabe Groothuis, Cedar Falls, requested Council and Mayor support on a referendum regarding a new form of city government. Dennis Pruckler, Cedar Falls, provided a handout and discussed the benefits of creating a water trail system. Chad Welsh, Cedar Falls, requested review of code enforcement decisions related to Iowa code section 20.3(476), and requested an established and written process regarding applying for exemptions to the code. Mayor Laudick responded. Bob Manning, Cedar Falls, commented on the potential of relocating the new water treatment facility. 55399 - Director of Community Development Sheetz announced the Gateway Riverpark grand opening and ribbon cutting on Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 1 PM - 4 PM. Director of Public Works Schrage provided an update on the Main Street Reconstruction Project and the closing of Main Street at 18th Street starting the week of June 9, 2025. 55400 - Mayor Laudick announced that in accordance with the public notice of May 24, 2025, this was the time and place for a public hearing to consider entering into an Agreement for Private Development with Lawn City, LLC. It was then moved by Crisman and seconded by Latta that the proof of publication of notice of hearing be received and placed on file. Motion carried unanimously. 55401 - The Mayor then asked if there were any written communications filed to the proposed agreement. Upon being advised that there were no written communications on file, the Mayor then called for oral comments. Economic Development Coordinator Graham provided an update on the proposed agreement. Following a question by Councilmember Ganfield, and responses by Graham and Mayor Laudick, the Mayor declared the hearing closed and passed to the next order of business. 55402 - It was moved by Crisman and seconded by Hawbaker that Resolution #24,093, approving and authorizing execution of an Agreement for Private Development with Lawn City, LLC, be approved. Following comments by Councilmembers Ganfield and Schultz, the Mayor put the question on the motion and upon call of the roll, the following named Councilmembers voted. Aye: Schultz, Latta, Kruse, Hawbaker, Ganfield, Crisman. Nay: None. Motion Carried. The Mayor then declared Resolution #24,093 duly passed and adopted.  -2- 55403 - Mayor Laudick announced that in accordance with the public notices of April 10, 2025 and May 22, 2025, this was the time and place for a public hearing on the FY2026 (FFY2025) Annual Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) & HOME Consortium. It was then moved by Ganfield and seconded by Crisman that the proof of publication of notices of hearing be received and placed on file. Motion carried unanimously. 55404 - The Mayor then asked if there were any written communications filed to the proposed plan. Upon being advised that there were no written communications on file, the Mayor then called for oral comments. Community Services Supervisor Denning provided an update on the proposed plan. Following questions by Councilmember Kruse, and responses by Denning, the Mayor declared the hearing closed and passed to the next order of business. 55405 - It was moved by Hawbaker and seconded by Crisman that Resolution #24,094, approving the FY2026 (FFY2025) Annual Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Consortium, be approved. Following due consideration by the Council, the Mayor put the question on the motion and upon call of the roll, the following named Councilmembers voted. Aye: Schultz, Latta, Kruse, Hawbaker, Ganfield, Crisman. Nay: None. Motion Carried. The Mayor then declared Resolution #24,094 duly passed and adopted. 55406 - Mayor Laudick announced that in accordance with the public notice of May 24, 2025, this was the time and place for a public hearing on the proposed amendment to the Land Use Map for Greenhill Village by changing the designation from “Medium Density Residential Use” to “Low Density Residential Use” for property located east of Norse Drive, north of Addison Drive and west of Loren Drive. It was then moved by Latta and seconded by Crisman that the proof of publication of notice of hearing be received and placed on file. Motion carried unanimously. 55407 - The Mayor then asked if there were any written communications filed to the proposed amendment. Upon being advised that there were no written communications on file, the Mayor then called for oral comments. Planner II Atodaria provided an update on the proposed amendment. Following a question by Councilmember Kruse, and responses by Atodaria and Director of Community Development Sheetz, the Mayor declared the hearing closed and passed to the next order of business. 55408 - It was moved by Ganfield and seconded by Crisman that Resolution #24,095, approving an amendment to the Future Land Use Map for Greenhill Village by changing designation from “Medium Density Residential Use” to “Low Density Residential Use” for property located east of Norse Drive, north of Addison Drive and west of Loren Drive, be approved. Following a comment by Councilmember Schultz, the Mayor put the question on the motion and upon call of the roll, the following named Councilmembers voted. Aye: Schultz, Latta, Kruse, Hawbaker, Ganfield, Crisman. Nay: None. Motion Carried. The Mayor then declared Resolution #24,095 duly passed and adopted. 55409 - It was moved by Crisman and seconded by Kruse that Resolution #24,096, approving and authorizing execution of a Mixed-Use (MU) Residential Zoning District Developmental Procedures Agreement with GHV Holdings LLC, and approving a MU District Master Plan Amendment relative to a detached single family residential development, be approved. Following due consideration by the Council, the Mayor  -3- put the question on the motion and upon call of the roll, the following named Councilmembers voted. Aye: Schultz, Latta, Kruse, Hawbaker, Ganfield, Crisman. Nay: None. Motion Carried. The Mayor then declared Resolution #24,096 duly passed and adopted. 55410 - Mayor Laudick announced that in accordance with the public notice of May 24, 2025, this was the time and place for a public hearing on the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract & estimate of cost for the 2025 Sidewalk Assessment Project - Zone 7. It was then moved by Latta and seconded by Hawbaker that the proof of publication of notice of hearing be received and placed on file. Motion carried unanimously. 55411 - The Mayor then asked if there were any written communications filed to the proposed plans. Upon being advised that there were no written communications on file, the Mayor then called for oral comments. Principal Engineer Claypool provided an update on the proposed plans. Following a question by Councilmember Ganfield, and response by Claypool, the Mayor declared the hearing closed and passed to the next order of business. 55412 - It was moved by Kruse and seconded by Schultz that Resolution #24,097, approving and adopting the plans, specifications, form of contract & estimate of cost for the 2025 Sidewalk Assessment Project - Zone 7, be approved. Following due consideration by the Council, the Mayor put the question on the motion and upon call of the roll, the following named Councilmembers voted. Aye: Schultz, Latta, Kruse, Hawbaker, Ganfield, Crisman. Nay: None. Motion Carried. The Mayor then declared Resolution #24,097 duly passed and adopted. 55413 - Mayor Laudick announced that in accordance with the public notice of May 24, 2025, this was the time and place for a public hearing on the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract & estimate of cost for the Union Road Culvert Replacement Project. It was then moved by Hawbaker and seconded by Crisman that the proof of publication of notice of hearing be received and placed on file. Motion carried unanimously. 55414 - The Mayor then asked if there were any written communications filed to the proposed plans. Upon being advised that there were no written communications on file, the Mayor then called for oral comments. Principal Engineer Claypool provided an update on the proposed plans. Following a question by Councilmember Ganfield, and response by Claypool, the Mayor declared the hearing closed and passed to the next order of business. 55415 - It was moved by Ganfield and seconded by Hawbaker that Resolution #24,098, approving and adopting the plans, specifications, form of contract & estimate of cost for the Union Road Culvert Replacement Project, be approved. Following due consideration by the Council, the Mayor put the question on the motion and upon call of the roll, the following named Councilmembers voted. Aye: Schultz, Latta, Kruse, Hawbaker, Ganfield, Crisman. Nay: None. Motion Carried. The Mayor then declared Resolution #24,098 duly passed and adopted. 55416 - It was moved by Latta and seconded by Crisman that Ordinance #3110, amending Chapter 26, Zoning, of the Code of Ordinances relative to swimming pools regulations, be passed upon its third & final consideration. Following due consideration by the Council, the Mayor put the question on the motion, and  -4- upon call of the roll, the following named Councilmembers voted. Aye: Latta, Kruse, Hawbaker, Ganfield, Crisman. Nay: Schultz. Motion carried. The Mayor then declared Ordinance #3110 duly passed and adopted. 55417 - It was moved by Crisman and seconded by Hawbaker that Ordinance #3111, amending Chapter 10, Garbage and Refuse, of the Code of Ordinances relative to service charges-established and unsanitary accumulations, unsightly trash, refuse, yard waste, oil or grease recycling containers or dumpsters, be passed upon its third & final consideration. Following due consideration by the Council, the Mayor put the question on the motion, and upon call of the roll, the following named Councilmembers voted. Aye: Schultz, Latta, Kruse, Hawbaker, Ganfield, Crisman. Nay: None. Motion carried. The Mayor then declared Ordinance #3111 duly passed and adopted. 55418 - It was moved by Kruse and seconded by Hawbaker that the following items on the Consent Calendar be received, filed, and approved: Receive and file the City Council Committee of the Whole minutes of May 19, 2025 relative to the following items: a) Downtown Parking Quarterly Report. b) Parking Decisions for Downtown. c) Review the requirement to have two windows and other egress requirements, square footage requirements, whether utility services can be provided separate from the main unit, and the main unit may be a rental as well as the ADU. Receive and file the City of Cedar Falls Strategic Plan Visioning Workshop summary of May 13, 2025. Approve the following applications for device retailer permits: a) Buzz Smoke & Vapor, 2125 College Street, Suite A. b) Cloud 9 Glass & Novelty, 2125 College Street, Suite C. c) Greenleaf Tobacco & Vape, 5901 University Avenue. Approve the following applications for cigarette/tobacco/nicotine/vapor permits: a) B&B West, 3105 Hudson Road – Renewal. b) Buzz Smoke & Vapor, 2125 College Street, Suite A – Renewal. c) Cloud 9 Glass & Novelty, 2125 College Street, Suite C – Renewal. d) Dollar General #14412, 2921 Center Street – Renewal. e) Dollar General #21239, 1922 Valley Park Drive – Renewal. f) Greenleaf Tobacco & Vape, 5901 University Avenue - Renewal. g) Happy’s Wine & Spirits, 5925 University Avenue, Suite 5 – Renewal. h) Pheasant Ridge Golf Course, 3205 West 12th Street – Renewal. i) Suds, 2223 ½ College Street – Renewal. j) The Landmark, 107 Main Street – Renewal. k) Thunder Ridge Ampride, 2425 Whitetail Drive – Renewal. l) Walgreens #10557, 2509 Whitetail Drive – Renewal. Approve the following applications for retail alcohol licenses: a) Amvets, 1934 Irving Street, Class F retail alcohol & outdoor service - renewal. b) King Bucks, 6719 University Avenue, Class C retail alcohol - renewal. c) Los Cabos Mexican Restaurant, 112-114 Main Street, Class C retail alcohol & outdoor service - renewal. d) Casey's General Store, 5908 Nordic Drive, Class E retail alcohol - renewal.  -5- e) River Place Plaza, 100 East 2nd Street – Plaza, Special Class C retail alcohol & outdoor service -temporary expansion of outdoor service area. (June 19 and June 27-28, 2025) f) Berk's Main Street Pub, 207 Main Street, Class C retail alcohol - temporary outdoor service. (June 27-28, 2025) g) The Landmark, 107 Main Street, Class C retail alcohol & outdoor service - temporary additional outdoor service. (June 27-28, 2025) h) Wilbo, 118 Main Street, Class C retail alcohol - temporary outdoor service/sidewalk café. (June 3- November 15, 2025) i) Cedar Basin Music Festival, Sturgis Park, Special Class C retail alcohol & outdoor service - 5-day permit. j) Sturgis Falls Celebration on Main, 100 - 400 Block of Main Street including side streets to alleys, Special Class C retail alcohol & outdoor service - 5-day permit. k) Bigfoot Betty’s, 419 Main Street, Special Class C retail alcohol - new. l) La Isla Mexican Grill, 6301 University Avenue, Class C retail alcohol & outdoor service - new. m) Bani’s, 2128 College Street, Class E retail alcohol - new - change in ownership. Motion carried unanimously. 55419 - It was moved by Ganfield and seconded by Crisman to approve the following recommendations of the Mayor relative to the appointment of members to Boards and Commissions: a) Jim Langel, Parks & Recreation Commission, term ending 06/30/2028. b) Leslie Nixon, Parks & Recreation Commission, term ending 06/30/2028. c) Kelsey Schreibel, Parks & Recreation Commission, term ending 06/30/2028. d) Debra Iehl, Utilities Board of Trustees, term ending 08/31/2031. Following comments by Councilmembers Crisman and Schultz, and Mayor Laudick, the motion carried unanimously. 55420 - It was moved by Ganfield and seconded by Crisman to approve the application of J & M Displays, Inc. (Sturgis Falls) for a fireworks display permit for June 26, 2025. Following comments by Councilmembers Ganfield and Kruse, and Mayor Laudick, the motion carried unanimously. 55421 - It was moved by Kruse and seconded by Crisman that the following resolutions be introduced and adopted: Resolution #24,099, approving and adopting the City’s FY2026 Fee Schedule. Resolution #24,100, approving and adopting the City's FY2026 Appropriations Resolution. Resolution #24,101, approving and adopting the City's FY2026 Payroll Resolution. Resolution #24,102, approving and authorizing execution of an Amendment to Agreement with CivicPlus, LLC relative to Recreation Management Software. Resolution #24,103, approving and authorizing execution of a Fireworks Display Agreement with J&M Displays, Inc. relative to a fireworks display on June 26, 2025. Resolution #24,104, designating the dates and locations for the annual Sturgis Falls Celebration and Cedar Basin Music Festival.  -6- Resolution #24,105, of support for a Workforce Housing Tax Credit application to be submitted to the Iowa Economic Development Authority by Big Hand Pepper, LLC for Workforce Housing Tax Credits for the proposed project located in Greenhill Village. Resolution #24,106, supporting a local match required for the Workforce Housing Tax Credit Program application to be submitted to the Iowa Economic Development Authority by Big Hand Pepper, LLC for Workforce Housing Tax Credits for the proposed project located in Greenhill Village. (Contingent upon approval of previous item) Resolution #24,107, approving and authorizing execution of a HOME Investment Partnership Program Consortium Cooperation Agreement with the City of Waterloo for the period of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028. Resolution #24,108, approving a College Hill Neighborhood Overlay District design review for a steel roof located at 1104 West 22nd Street. Resolution #24,109, approving a College Hill Neighborhood Overlay District design review for a steel roof located at 1112 West 22nd Street. Resolution #24,110, approving a College Hill Neighborhood Overlay District design review for a steel roof located at 1907 College Street. Resolution #24,111, approving a College Hill Neighborhood Overlay District design review for a new garage located at 721 West 29th Street. Resolution #24,112, approving and authorizing execution of a Contracted Education Proposal with Black Hawk County Conservation Board (BHCCB) thru a partnership with Hartman Reserve Nature Center to provide public outreach and educational programs relative to improving water quality for the period of July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2028. Resolution #24,113, approving and authorizing execution of an Agreement with Stickfort Electric Co. relative to the installation of vehicle charging stations for the Public Safety Department. Resolution #24,114, approving the Certificate of Completion and accepting the work of Dave Schmitt Construction Co. for the Ashworth Drive Roadway Extension Project, and approving and authorizing the transfer of funds from the Street Construction Fund and the 2024 General Obligations Bonds Funds to the Capital Projects Fund. Resolution #24,115, determining the necessity, and setting June 11, 2025 as the date of consultation and July 7, 2025 as the date of public hearing on a proposed Panther Farms Phase 1 Urban Renewal Plan for a proposed Urban Renewal Area in the City of Cedar Falls, Iowa. Resolution #24,116, determining the necessity, and setting June 11, 2025 as the date of consultation and July 7, 2025 as the date of public hearing on a proposed Panther Farms Phase 2 Urban Renewal Plan for a proposed Urban Renewal Area in the City of Cedar Falls, Iowa. Resolution #24,117, determining the necessity, and setting June 11, 2025 as the date of consultation and July 7, 2025 as the date of public hearing on a proposed Panther Farms Phase 3 Urban Renewal Plan for a proposed Urban Renewal Area in  -7- the City of Cedar Falls, Iowa. Resolution #24,118, determining the necessity, and setting June 11, 2025 as the date of consultation and July 7, 2025 as the date of public hearing on a proposed Panther Farms Phase 4 Urban Renewal Plan for a proposed Urban Renewal Area in the City of Cedar Falls, Iowa. Resolution #24,119, setting June 16, 2025, as the date of public hearing on proposed rezoning from C-3, Commercial District, and R-4, Multiple Residence District, to C-3, Commercial District of property located at the southeast corner of 21st and College Streets. Resolution #24,120, setting June 16, 2025 as the date of public hearing on proposed amendments to Chapter 26, Zoning, of the Code of Ordinances relative to allowing specialized educational facilities in the M-1 Light Industrial Zoning District. Resolution #24,121, setting June 16, 2025 as the date of public hearing on a proposal to undertake a public improvement project for the North Cedar Heights Area Reconstruction Project – Phase III, and to authorize acquisition of private property for said project. Resolution #24,122, receiving and filing, and setting June 16, 2025 as the date of public hearing on the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract & estimate of cost for the Hudson Road Bridge Deck Overlay Project. Following due consideration by the Council, the Mayor put the question on the motion and upon call of the roll, the following named Councilmembers voted. Aye: Schultz, Latta, Kruse, Hawbaker, Ganfield, Crisman. Nay: None. Motion carried. The Mayor then declared Resolutions #24,099 through #24,122 duly passed and adopted. 55422 - It was moved by Ganfield and seconded by Crisman that Resolution #24,123, approving and authorizing execution of a Fireworks Display Agreement with J&M Displays, Inc. relative to a fireworks display on June 26, 2025, be approved. Following comments by Mayor Laudick, and comments and questions by Councilmembers Schultz, Ganfield, Hawbaker, Latta, and Kruse, and responses by City Attorney Rogers, Director of Public Safety Berte, and Mayor Laudick, the Mayor put the question on the motion and upon call of the roll, the following named Councilmembers voted. Aye: Latta, Hawbaker, Ganfield, Crisman. Nay: Schultz, Kruse. Motion Carried. The Mayor then declared Resolution #24,123 duly passed and adopted. 55423 - It was moved by Crisman and seconded by Hawbaker that Resolution #24,124, approving and adopting the Residential Septic to Sanitary Sewer Conversion Policy, be approved. Following comments and questions by Councilmembers Kruse, Latta, and Hawbaker, and responses by Director of Public Works Schrage, Mayor Laudick, City Attorney Rogers, and Director of Finance & Business Operations Rodenbeck, it was moved by Kruse and seconded by Latta to amend the motion to allow $5000 plus CPI using the overall CPIU on a rolling twelve month basis calculated every January 1, starting in 2027. Following comments by Councilmembers Ganfield, Hawbaker, Schultz, and Kruse, and responses by Rodenbeck, Rogers, and Mayor Laudick, the motion to amend failed 3-3, with Latta, Hawbaker and Crisman voting Nay. The Mayor then put the question on the original motion and upon call of the roll, the following named Councilmembers voted. Aye: Schultz, Latta, Kruse, Hawbaker,  -8- Ganfield, Crisman. Nay: None. Motion Carried. The Mayor then declared Resolution #24,124 duly passed and adopted. 55424 - It was moved by Kruse and seconded by Crisman that the bills and claims of June 2, 2025 be allowed as presented, and that the Controller/City Treasurer be authorized to issue City checks in the proper amounts and on the proper funds in payment of the same. Upon call of the roll, the following named Councilmembers voted. Aye: Schultz, Latta, Kruse, Hawbaker, Ganfield, Crisman. Nay: None. Motion carried. 55425 - Councilmember Ganfield commented on the desire of some of the Council to look at the city’s form of government and that conversation is happening and requested citizens stay engaged. 55426 - It was moved by Schultz and seconded by Ganfield to have staff move forward with drafting an ordinance permitting operation of Utility Task Vehicles (UTV) also known as Side-by-Side vehicles in a designated perimeter within the North Cedar area of Cedar Falls per the Iowa State Law instead of preparing a presentation for a Committee of the Whole Meeting. Following questions and comments by Councilmembers Ganfield, Hawbaker, Schultz, Latta, and Kruse, and responses by City Attorney Rogers, Mayor Laudick and City Administrator Gaines, motion carried unanimously. 55427 - It was moved by Kruse and seconded by Latta that the meeting be adjourned at 8:20 P.M. Motion carried unanimously. __________________________________ Kim Kerr, CMC, City Clerk