Committee of the Whole Meeting

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE City Hall – Council Chambers May 20, 2019 The Committee of the Whole met in the Council Chambers at 6:10 p.m. on May 20, 2019, with the following Committee persons in attendance: Mayor Jim Brown, Tom Blanford, Frank Darrah, Susan deBuhr, Rob Green, Daryl Kruse, Mark Miller, and David Wieland. Staff members attended from all City Departments. Tom Nelson with the Waterloo Courier and Andy Meessmann with Snyder and Associates also attended as well as members of the community. Mayor Brown called the meeting to order and introduced the first item on the agenda, Downtown Parkade and Streetscape. Stephanie Houk Sheetz Director of Community Development reviewed the Downtown Streetscape plan. She stated we have secured a Black Hawk County Gaming Grant. She stated the current downtown brick landscaping is about 15 years old and is showing deterioration and material aging. She explained the project will be done in phases and will start in 2020 and the landscaping and brick sidewalk will expand to the adjoining side streets. Ms. Sheetz introduced Andy Meessmann with Snyder and Associates. Mr. Meessmann reviewed three different options; (1) Peel and Replace the existing pattern of the brick landscaping; (2) Traditional and Contemporary blend; or (3) Celebrate the River concept. He stated the recommendation is option two which ties very well with the downtown brick facades; a traditional and contemporary blend of red, two gray tones, and tan paver bricks. He reviewed a slide which exhibited the transition from Main Street to a side street using three of the colors and concrete. Ms. Sheetz stated they had a meeting with Community Main Street and a public information meeting on May 7, 2019. She reviewed the comments from these meetings. She reviewed the next steps which are to finalize the construction plans and have the bid letting in January 2020. Mayor Brown opened it up for discussion. Mark Miller motioned for staff to proceed with developing construction plans utilizing Option 2: Traditional and Contemporary with four paver brick colors on Main Street transitioning to three paver brick colors with concrete on the side streets. Frank Darrah seconded the motion. After a brief discussion, Tom Blanford amended the motion to carry the same brick pattern with the four colors of paver bricks to the side streets. Daryl Kruse seconded the motion. Ms. Sheetz stated the recommended idea was to make the Parkade a main focus, but to have a connection with the side streets, showing the walkability. Carol Lilly with Community Main Street, stated extending the same brick pattern to all the side streets was not part of the discussion when they met with City staff. Mr. Meessmann confirmed the cost will be higher if the same pattern is used on the side streets as Main Street. Council discussion was held concerning the additional cost of the brick pavers. Ms. Sheetz answered questions from council and stated better estimates can be provided during the construction planning for the side streets using concrete or full brick pavers. Mr. Meessmann reviewed the expected life of the new bricks and stated a sealant can be applied and there will be a suggestion to what type of salt should be used in the winter season. The Mayor put the question on the motion. The motion to amend carried unanimously. Ms. Sheetz stated signage is not part of the current project. Mayor Brown opened it up for comments from the public. Tim Schilling, downtown property owner, commented he liked the concept of the project and said there is the option of colored concrete with accent pavers. The Mayor put the question on the amended motion. The motion carried unanimously as amended. Mayor Brown introduced the final item on the agenda, bills and payroll. Daryl Kruse moved to approve the bills as presented, Tom Blandford seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. There being no further discussion, Mayor Brown adjourned the meeting at 6:52 p.m. Minutes by Lisa Roeding, Controller/City Treasurer