***  DES MOINES CITY COUNCIL MEETING REPORT  ***

 

 

The City Council took the following action on items listed in the attached meeting agenda summary. Copies of ordinances, resolutions and other Council action may be obtained from the City Clerk's Office (515) 283-4209. The six-digit number beginning with '09-' preceding each item on the agenda is a roll call number assigned by the City Clerk. Please refer to this number when requesting information or copies.

 

 

 

 

SUMMARY OF DES MOINES CITY COUNCIL MEETING

 

 

 

November 23, 2009 4:30 PM

 

 

 

 

 

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS - 4:00 PM

 

 

 

Youth Advisory Board Update

 

 

 

INVOCATION:        Council Member Brian Meyer

 

 

 

 

09-2078

1.     ROLL CALL:  Present:  Cownie, Coleman, Hensley, Kiernan, Mahaffey, Meyer, and Vlassis.

 

 

09-2079

2.     APPROVING AGENDA, AS PRESENTED AND/OR, AS AMENDED:  Moved by Vlassis to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2080

3.     APPROVING CONSENT AGENDA – items 3 through 46:  Moved by Coleman to adopt the balance of the consent agenda.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

 

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

 

 

 

*Note:

These are routine items and will be enacted by one roll call vote without separate discussion unless someone, Council or public, requests an item be removed to be considered separately.

 

 

LICENSES AND PERMITS

 

 

09-2081

4.     Approving Alcoholic Beverage License Applications for the following: Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

 

NEW APPLICATIONS

 

 

 

(A)   EASTGATE LAUNDROMAT                            1424 E OVID AVE             B Beer

 

 

 

RENEWAL APPLICATIONS

 

 

 

(B)      EL RODEO #2                                                  1234 E EUCLID AVE      C Liquor

 

(C)      FELIX & OSCARS                                        4050 MERLE HAY            C Liquor

 

(D)     FIESTA CANCUN MEXICAN              5118 SE 14TH ST                 C Liquor

 

(E)      GINOS RESTAURANT                              2809  6TH AVE                    C Liquor

 

(F)      KUM & GO #4110                                          2110  GUTHRIE AVE      C Beer

 

(G)     LA HACIENDA                                              900 E ARMY POST         C Liquor

 

(H)     QUIKTRIP #541                                              2428 HUBBELL AVE      C Beer

 

(I)       SHORT STOP #42                                           3725 BEAVER AVE         C Beer

 

(J)       SKIPS                                                                     4000  FLEUR DR                C Liquor

 

(K)     SLEEPY HOLLOW                                       4051  DEAN AVE               C Liquor

 

(L)      SMOKEYS TRIANGLE TAP                  2506 POST                               C Liquor

 

(M)     SUDSUCKERS                                                1511 E ARMY POST         C Liquor

 

(N)     VAUDEVILLE MEWS                               212  4TH ST                            C Liquor

 

(O)     VICKIE'S                                                             2801  2ND AVE                   C Liquor

 

 

 

SPECIAL EVENTS APPLICATIONS

 

 

 

(P)      BARATTAS                                                        519  PARK ST             Five (5) Day License

 

Class C Liquor License for an event on December 10–12, 2009.  Pending approval of Building, Electrical, Fire and Zoning Departments.

 

 

09-2082

5.     City Clerk to issue Coin Operated Machine Licenses.  Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

 

PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS

 

 

09-2083

6.     Ordering construction of Court Avenue & Water Street Gatewell and River Outlet:  Receiving of bids, (12-15-09), and Setting date of hearing, (12-21-09).  (Construction Estimate - $537,790).  (Council Communication No.  09-823) Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2084

7.     Approving contract and bond and permission to sublet for construction of an improvement with the estimated cost of which is less than the Iowa Code competitive bid threshold, Neola Pump Station Emergency Generator Relocation, Baker Electric, Inc., Britt Baker, CEO, $26,074.80.  (Council Communication No.  09-826) Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2085

8.     Approving contract and bond for construction of an improvement with the estimated cost of which is less than the Iowa Code competitive bid threshold, Blank Park Zoo Parking Lot Relighting, Baker Electric, Inc., Britt Baker, CEO, $50,390.  (Council Communication No.  09-825) Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2086

9.     Approving Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) Agreement for Principal Riverwalk Recreational Trail.  (Council Communication No.  09-820) Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2087

10.   Approving professional services agreement with Stanley Consultants, Inc. for design and construction phase services for The Principal Riverwalk North of Armory, not to exceed $250,000.  (Council Communication No.  09-819) Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2088

11.   Approving Change Order No. 3 with Corell Contractor, Inc. & Subsidiary for additional work on SE Connector Paving – SW 2nd Street to SE 6th Street Project, not to exceed $299,000.  (Council Communication No.  09-818) Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

 

 

09-2089

12.   Approving Private Construction Contract between Downing Construction Inc. and Houghton Properties for storm sewer improvements in 1824 DeWolf Street, $5,520.  Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2090

13.   Approving Private Construction Contract between Tyler Excavating, Inc. and Melbourne Apartments I, LLLP for sanitary sewer improvements in 5515 SE 14th Street, $21,500.  Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

 

14.   Accepting completed construction and approving final payment for the following:

 

 

09-2091

(A)   Absolute Concrete Construction, Inc. – 2009 City-wide Pavement Restoration Program.  Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2092

(B)   Castle Concrete Services, Inc. – East Side Neighborhood Skate Park.  Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2093

(C)   Cramer and Associates, Inc. – University Avenue Bridge over the Des Moines River – Arch Rehabilitation.  Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2094

(D)   Herberger Construction Co., Inc. – SE 5th Street over Yeader Creek Bridge Rehabilitation.  Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

 

 

 

SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS

 

 

09-2095

15.   Levying assessments for fees, fines, penalties, costs and interest imposed in the enforcement of the Neighborhood Inspection Rental Code, Schedule No. 2009-03.  Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

 

16.   Approving delinquent sewer rental and/or solidwaste/stormwater utility amounts for October 2009 on the following:

 

 

09-2096

(A)   Fees.  Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2097

(B)   Credits.  Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

 

LAND/PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

 

 

09-2098

17.   Approving Stormwater Management Facilities Maintenance Covenant and Permanent Easement Agreement with the Iowa Association of Community College Trustees for 855 E. Court Avenue.  Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2099

18.   Approving application for Tax Abatement at 5105 Springwood Lane for improvements made during 2007 and denying request to be applied retroactively.  (Council Communication No.  09-831)  Moved by Kiernan to approve the application retroactively as if it had been timely filed and to take the application to Polk County to seek approval, if possible.  In addition, refer the matter to the City Manager to assign a member of his staff or from the Community Development Department to work with and assist the property owners during the process, and to provide an update to the Council.  The City Manager will review options for fining builders or other ways to help eliminate this problem.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2100

19.   Authorization to proceed with acquisition of necessary right-of-way and easements for the Riverpoint Trunk Sewer Separation and Pump Stations project.  (Council Communication No.  09-821) Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

 

 

 

BOARDS/COMMISSIONS/NEIGHBORHOODS

 

 

 

20.   Resignations from the Historic Preservation Commission as follows:

 

 

09-2101

(A)   Mary Noss Reavely, Seat 4, effective immediately.  Moved by Coleman to receive, file and accept resignation with appreciation for her service.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2102

(B)   Sinde Berry, Seat 1, effective December 31, 2009.  Moved by Coleman to receive, file and accept resignation with appreciation for her service.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2103

21.   Communication from York Taenzer advising of his resignation from the Neighborhood Revitalization Board, Seat 15, effective immediately.  Moved by Coleman to receive, file and accept resignation with appreciation for his service.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

 

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS FROM PLANNING AND ZONING

WITHDRAWN

 

09-2104

22.   Request from Parks and Recreation Director to close the segment of park road known as West River Drive between University Avenue and the Center Street Pedestrian Bridge, and to close the unnamed park road south of University Avenue which extends between Illinois Street and said segment of West River Drive.

 

 

 

 

 

SETTING DATE OF HEARINGS

 

 

09-2105

23.   On conveyance of vacated right-of-way adjoining 3001 Merle Hay Rd. and 5703 Urbandale Avenue to D & D Interests, L.L.C., $50,000, (12-7-09).  Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2106

24.   On assessment of $500 penalty to three (3) Liquor License Holders listed on Attachment “A” for violation of Iowa Alcoholic Beverage Laws, (12-7-09).  Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

 

25.   On issuance of the following General Obligation Refunding Bonds, (12-7-09):  (Council Communication No.  09-835)

 

 

09-2107

(A)   $17,250,000, Series 2010A.  Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2108

(B)   $15,000,000, Series 2010B.  Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

 

 

09-2109

26.   On appeal by Casey’s Marketing Company on conditions of site plan approval for 6120 Douglas Avenue, (12-7-09).  Moved by Vlassis to set the date of hearing for December 7th at 5:00 PM, and direct the Legal Department to prepare alternate resolutions regarding the 24-foot access.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

 

 

 

LEGAL DEPARTMENT - CLAIM SETTLEMENTS & BILLINGS

 

 

09-2110

27.   Approving payment of $2,760 to Hall & Associates for services related to proposed rules by IDNR.  Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2111

28.   Approving payment of $18,000 to The Mansion of Central Iowa, L.L.C. for sewer claim.  Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2112

29.   Approving employment of Mark McCormick and the Belin McCormick Law Firm in conjunction with the Kragnes v. City of Des Moines, Iowa and payment of $22,193.50 for legal services.  Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2113

30.   Approving employment of Belin McCormick law firm for legal services regarding an alleged IDNR violation, the negotiation of a consent decree for the implementation of a Long Term Control Plan for the combined sewer system and combined sewer overflows required by the WRF NPDES Permit.  Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

 

CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS

 

 

09-2114

31.   Submitting training request for Peggy Schleuger.  (Council Communication No.  09-827) Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

 

 

 

APPROVING

 

 

09-2115

32.   2008 Supportive Housing Program (SHP) Renewal Grant Agreements with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  (Council Communication No.  09-802) Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2116

33.   Authorizing $175,000 grant request to Polk County Housing Trust Fund for City of Des Moines Minor Repair Loan Program.  (Council Communication No.  09-833) Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.  

 

 

09-2117

34.   Execution of Community Development Block Grant with Iowa Department of Economic Development for property acquisition and demolition of structures in the Four Mile Flood Plain area, $815,460.  (Council Communication No.  09-837) Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2118

35.   Agreement with the U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey for the operation and maintenance of six (6) river and stream gauging stations.  (Council Communication No.  09-824) Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2119

36.   Tax Increment needs for FY 2010-2011.  (Council Communication No.  09-811) Moved by Coleman to adopt the recommendations contained in Council Communication No. 09-811 and to direct the City Manager or his designee to notify the County Auditor of the City of Des Moines’ need for $24,802,894 of tax increment revenue for FY 2010/2011 and if there are subsequent reductions in tax increment valuations, the City Manager or his designee is authorized to decrease the TIF needs requirement as to be in compliance with the Council’s TIF policy.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2120

37.   Sidewalk café lease with Downtown Preservation Partners, LLC for area east of Centro Restaurant, along the west right-of-way of 10th Street at 1011 Locust Street.  (Council Communication No.  09-830) Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2121

38.   City Manager ICMA-RC Vantage Care Health Retirement Savings Plan.  (Council Communication No.  09-804) Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2122

39.   Authorizing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for benefit consulting services for the City’s Employee Health and Dental Plans and Flexible Spending Account administration for FY2011 with a grant of good cause to expedite timelines under Section 2-710 of the Des Moines Municipal Code.  (Council Communication No.  09-836) Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2123

40.   2009 Letter of Agreement for the Holiday Food Project with the Catholic Pastoral Center.  (Council Communication No.  09-806)  Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2124

41.   Phase III (Curb Ramps) of the ADA Transition Plan.  (Council Communication No.  09-812) Moved by Coleman to approve.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2125

42.   Termination of joint acceptance of senior golf badges with Polk County effective December 1, 2009.  (Council Communication No.  09-807) Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2126

43.   Exception to the procurement ordinance request for proposals requirement for good cause and approving an agreement with Nestingen, Inc. for database administrative services.  (Council Communication No.  09-803)  Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

 

44.   Bids from the following:

 

 

09-2127

(A)   Carpenter Uniform Company (Robert Carpenter, Owner/President) for ballistic vests to be used by the Police Department, $34,205.36.  (Eight bids mailed, five received).  Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2128

(B)   Grimes Asphalt & Paving Corporation (JM Yonker, President) for high performance cold mix asphalt to be used by the Public Works Department, $97,500.  (Six bids mailed, three received).  (Council Communication No.  09-829) Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2129

(C)   Peterbilt of Des Moines (Brad Wilson, President) for one replacement refuse truck to be used by the Public Works Department, $245,460.  (Seven bids mailed, six received).  (Council Communication No.  09-805) Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2130

45.   Civil Service Promotional List for Sewer Cleaning Equipment Operator.  Moved by Coleman to receive and file.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

 

 

09-2131

46.   Authorizing Finance Director to draw checks on registers for the weeks of November 23 and November 30, 2009; to draw checks for bills of the Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency for the weeks of November 23 and November 30, 2009; and to draw checks for bi-weekly payroll due December 4, 2009.   Moved by Coleman to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

 

 

 

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  END CONSENT AGENDA  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

 

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS/REPORTS

 

 

09-2132

47.   From Kyle Miller, 910 E. Bell Avenue, to speak regarding possible City Code changes for zoning.  Moved by Meyer to receive and file comments and refer to the City Manager for review and recommendation.  Motion Carried 6-1. Absent: Coleman.

 

 

09-2133

48.   From Bill Sherman, 3928 Twana Drive, to speak on behalf of the Polk County Historical Society regarding proposed art to be placed on parking lot side of floodwall between Principal Park and the extension of ML King Parkway, west of Water Street.  Moved by Hensley to receive, file and refer to City Manager to prepare a contract for Council consideration.  Motion Carried 7-0.  

 

 

09-2134

49.   Request from Bob Wessel, 2719 E. Leach Avenue, to speak regarding City finances.  Moved by Meyer to receive and file comments.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2135

50.   Receipt of 2008 Annual Report of Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation.  Moved by Hensley to receive and file.  This item should be placed on a workshop agenda.  Motion Carried 7-0.  

 

 

 

 

 

HEARINGS (OPEN AT 5:00 P.M.) (ITEMS 51 THRU 53)

 

 

09-2136

51.   On lease of property known as “Hansen Triangle” at 2nd and Grand Avenues from MidAmerican Energy, dedication of property as parkland and as part of the Principal Riverwalk and reaffirming the name as “Hansen Triangle”.  (Council Communication No.  09-808) Moved by Hensley to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2137

(A)   Setting date of hearing on grant of a license to Edmundson Art Foundation, Inc. d/b/a The Des Moines Art Center and the Des Moines Riverfront Development Authority for the installation, display and maintenance of the sculpture and fountain at Hansen Triangle, (12-7-09).  (Council Communication No.  09-809) Moved by Hensley to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2138

52.   On corrected conveyance of segment of east/west alley running west of Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway between Washington and Mondamin Avenue to Frederick Robert Hews, (to correct error in legal description).  Moved by Vlassis to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2139

53.   On conveyance of city-owned property adjoining 1404 Emma Avenue to Nicholas P. Tursi, $100.  (Council Communication No.  09-822) Moved by Meyer to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

 

*** END HEARINGS AT 5:07 PM ***

 

 

 

APPROVING

 

 

09-2140

54.   Memorandum of Agreement with State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and SA Metro Lofts Limited Partnership for archaeological survey of site for Metro Lofts Project at 255 Vine Street.  (Council Communication No.  09-832) Moved by Hensley to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2141

55.   Recommendations to modify the Vicious Dog Ordinance.  Moved by Hensley to refer to the City Manager to provide information regarding how many of the pit bulls impounded were properly licensed.  The City Manager will continue discussions focusing on irresponsible owners, education and compliance issues.  Motion Carried 7-0.

WITHDRAWN

 

09-2142

(A)   Approving amendment to the schedule of fees regarding vicious dog licenses.  (Council Communication No.  09-817)

 

 

09-2143

56.   Recommendation to construct a trail connection to McHenry Park as part of the rebuild of the Birdland Levee.  (Council Communication No.  09-828) Moved by Mahaffey to adopt.  Motion Carried 6-1.  Pass: Cownie.

 

 

 

EXTRA ITEMS

 

 

 

1.     Approving appointment and reappointments of the following:

 

 

09-2144

(A)   Council Member Bob Mahaffey to appoint Ryan Smith to Des Moines Music Commission, Seat 5, for a two-year term commencing July 1, 2009 to expire July 1, 2011.  Moved by Vlassis to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2145

(B)   Council Member Christine Hensley to reappoint Martie Mendenhall to Building and Fire Code of Appeals, Seat 6, for a three-year term commencing April 1, 2009 to expire April 1, 2012.  Moved by Vlassis to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2146

(C)   Council Member Christine Hensley to reappoint Tom Zmolek to Des Moines Music Commission, Seat 6, for a two-year term commencing July 1, 2009 to expire July 1, 2011.  Moved by Vlassis to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2147

(D)   Council Member Chris Coleman to appoint Darlene Blake to Sister Cities Commission, Seat 6, for a five-year term commencing April 28, 2009 to expire April 28, 2014.  Moved by Vlassis to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

 

BOARD OF HEALTH

 

 

09-2148

MOTION TO CONVENE.    Moved by Vlassis that the City Council adjourn and convene as a Board of Health.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

 

1.     Authorizing the Legal Department to proceed with court action seeking authority to abate the public nuisance at the following locations:

 

 

09-2149

(A)   1429 University Avenue, fire-damaged structure, Titleholders:  Charles E. Stewart and Evelyn W. Stewart; Contract Buyer: Church of God in Christ.  Moved by Meyer to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2150

(B)   3703 SE 14th Street, main structure and accessory structures, Titleholder: Kenoyer and Associates, LLC.  Moved by Meyer to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2151

(C)   1232 48th Street, main structure, Titleholders:  Robert H. Meddaugh and Kathryn A. Stangle; Mortgage Holder:  West Des Moines State Bank; Beneficiary to Trust:  Grace V. Meddaugh; Trustee: Transnation Title Insurance Company nka Transnation Title Agency of Michigan.  Moved by Meyer to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

 

09-2152

MOTION TO ADJOURN.  Moved by Kiernan to adjourn at 7:36 PM.  Motion Carried 7-0.