Standing Committee Meeting

MEETING OF STANDING COMMITTEES City Hall, 220 Clay Street January 2, 2024 The meeting of Standing Committees met at City Hall at 5:50 p.m. on January 2, 2024, with the following Committee persons in attendance: Councilmembers Gil Schultz, Chris Latta, Daryl Kruse, Aaron Hawbaker, Dustin Ganfield, Hannah Crisman, and Kelly Dunn. Staff members from all City Departments and members of the community attended in person. Finance & Business Operations Committee: Chair Dunn called the meeting to order and introduced the only item on the Finance & Business Operations Committee Agenda, Capital Improvements Program (CIP) and introduced Finance and Business Operations Director Jennifer Rodenbeck. Director Rodenbeck gave a brief introduction to establish proposed changes and an overview of each item: #23 - ERP System; #46 – Hearst Center Expansion; #50 – UNI Dome Renovation; #54, #55, #58, #61, #62, #63 – Various Plans; #66 – Birdsall Park; #124 – Annual Street Repair Program; #130 Hwy 58 & Greenhill Road Intersection; #136 – Prairie Parkway & Biking Road Intersection; #161 – Seerley Park Renovation; #190 Replacement of Aerial Truck; #195 Nutrient Reduction Improvements. Chair Dunn opened for Council discussion on all items. Councilmember Kruse questioned the current proposed rates on bond sales. Director Rodenbeck clarified that they are currently budgeted for 3%, but it will not be brought to Council until April or May. Mayor Laudick asked for clarification regarding the Pinnacle Prairie TIF and if it could be budgeted towards other projects, or if it needs to be used for that development only. City Administrator Ron Gaines clarified that we will need to wait for the evaluation for that TIF district after its expiration to give better projected capacity. Councilmember Schultz questioned if there have been designs or meetings regarding the Hwy57 and Union Road intersection. Mr. Gaines stated there are indications from the district to move forward with the improvement project. Councilmember Kruse questioned the differentiation of short term and long- term projects, pertaining to roundabouts and rumble strips. Public Works Director Chase Schrage said they are waiting for clarification from the district about rumble strips, and roundabouts have been in the preliminary talk. Councilmember Ganfield referenced item #56 - Rental De-conversation, and asked if the city is concerned about cutting out affordable housing for the workforce and asked for clarification if cutting the $100,000 would hurt the program. Community Development Director Stephanie Sheetz said the funding has not been maximized and most years it will range from 3-4 projects, stating we would still see other properties turning into rental properties at discretion of the property owners. Chair Dunn said she believes it helps improve the aging housing stock and feels it’s a positive for the neighborhoods and community. Councilmember Latta questioned whether the process of looking at the economic benefit of putting an extra $500,000 into the UNI Dome and getting the benefit of the football playoffs, if a similar economic benefit analysis is being prepared for Birdsall Park and being able to host larger youth events. Ms. Sheetz said that the outcome and capabilities of the Park will be put into the discussion. Councilmember Schultz motioned to recommend the CIP with the two proposed amendments that were presented for Council approval, seconded by Councilmember Crisman. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 6:23 p.m. Minutes by Shianne Bellinger, Administrative Assistant