Special Council Meeting September 30, 2002 – 5:30 P.M.
The West Burlington City Council met in Special Session at 118 W. Wheeler Street with Mayor Trousil presiding. Council Members Crowner, Hockett, Lees, Pilger and Johnson were present. City Administrator Mandsager, Public Works Director Fry and Building Inspector Hoy were also present. Lees moved, second by Pilger, to approve the Agenda as presented. Voice vote. All ayes. Motion carried.CITIZEN’S INQUIRIES: There were none.
PUBLIC HEARING: Approval of Development Agreement with Developers for Park Place West Subdivision: Mayor Trousil opened the Public Hearing. He explained the project concerns a TIF Agreement for a new Residential Development with developers Wally Day and Larry Duncan who want to install streets, storm sewer, water and sanitary sewer improvements, as well as related sidewalks, street lighting, curb and gutter and utility connections. Once the improvements are made the City agrees to make economic development tax increment payments to the Developers in each fiscal year during the term of this agreement. The specific terms are outlined in the Development Agreement. Mayor Trousil asked for comments from those present.
Norma Jennings – 538 Broadway, asked what she gets from Tax Increment Financing.
Council Member Hockett said this project is not like most the City has been involved with. He is not in favor of this agreement because the developers are seeking 100 percent of the cost of the project plus interest. And the City will have to provide for an additional 34.1 percent of the development cost toward a set aside fund for low to moderate income projects.
Council Member Johnson said this is an opportunity to help in the development of a new upscale, single-family complex with virtually no cost to the City. The original owner of the property had indicated if he ever built on the property it would be multi-family apartments and everyone agrees this is not needed or wanted in that area.
Nancy Wasson – 117 Spring Street, said she is concerned about who pays if project is not successful. She also said she has been reading about TIF’s and is concerned about other taxing entities when property is in a TIF.
Polly Rein – 417 W. Burlington Avenue, said the economy is not very good right now and she is not sure the up-scale houses will sell. She is also concerned about Vernon Street becoming a cul-de-sac and not going through.
Steve Swafford – 622 N. Gear Avenue, said subdivision activity is going to be ever increasing and thinks Council should give direction to the Zoning Commission about where City is going with Subdivision regulations. He said he believes there is greater need for low to moderate income housing rather than upscale housing. And he said the middle of town is not the best location for upscale housing.
Council Member Lees said she believes there is a need for more single family housing.
Consider Resolution Approving Development Agreement with Park West Estates, Inc. and Authorization of Tax Increment Payments – Crowner moved, second by Johnson, to approve a Resolution approving a Development Agreement with Park West Estates, Inc. and Authorization of Tax Increment Payment. The agreement will not include the paragraph relating to the City Council not approving annual appropriations. The entire amount of the project will go against the City’s Debt Service Limit.
Hockett said he objected to the project because of the cost. He said the amount of the obligation is $526,680 @ 6.75% could add another $200,000 to the project. Plus the LMI match would be an additional $182,000; putting the total cost of the project at almost a million dollars.
Administrator Mandsager said the developers have up to 10 years to recover the actual cost of the construction; it could be sooner than 10 years depending upon how quickly the lots are sold and houses are built. He said LMI projects being done in the City now could fulfill the requirements of the agreement. Council Member Crowner said so the $182,000 LMI amount should not be considered a cost of this project.
Roll call: Ayes: Lees, Johnson, Pilger and Crowner. Nays: Hockett. Motion carried.
City Hall – Review Mechanical – Electrical and Building Dimensions – Dave Metzger, Metzger-Johnson and Russ Meyer, KJWW reviewed the preliminary layout of the new City Hall and discussed the most efficient method of heating the facility. The Council asked them to provide cost estimates for heat pumps versus natural gas.
Review Water and Sewer Studies – Snyder & Associates – Dave Stoklasa and Darin Ligtenberg with Snyder and Associates presented copies and reviewed the Water and Sewer Studies recently developed by their company. The City plans to use the studies to plan future water and sewer capital projects. Copies of both reports are on file in the Clerk’s Office.
CITIZEN’S INQUIRIES: There were none.
ADJOURN – There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:57 p.m. upon motion by Lees, and second by Pilger. Voice Vote: All Ayes. Motion carried.
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Approved Terrie L. Simonson, City Clerk