September 2, 1997, 5:10 p.m.
Present:
Mayor Lou Colosimo
Councilmembers: Betty P. Wheeler, Steve Bringhurst, Stephen L. Denison
Vern Jone (Administrative Ass't.), Joanne Lessar (City Recorder), Pat Larsen (Finance Director), Gary Sonntag (City Engineer)
Excused: Councilmembers Roy A. Nikas, Joe L. Piccolo
Others Present: Mr. and Mrs. Bevan Young
1. BEVAN YOUNG - Nine Inch Curb and Gutter Replacement Approved
Bevan Young, 655 North 300 East, stated that through the City's replacement program, he requested that his curb and gutter be replaced. At the time he made the request, he was not aware that his current 9" curb and gutter would be replaced with 6" of concrete. When he paid the required costs, he was told the replacement gutter would be the same as he had. In order to handle the volume of water that runs in front of his property, he requested that his curb and gutter be replaced with 9" of concrete. Gary Sonntag reported that the majority of the older section of town, which this is part of, has the deeper gutter. The new areas are being installed with a 6" high curb. The City has wanted to do away with the old 9" gutter because it is more difficult to deal with, as it has the deep invert in it. As a lot of the roads have the higher crown, you invariably drag tail as you drive through the 9" gutter. This is why there are so many requests for overshot driveways. If the City were to put in a new 9" gutter, they wouldn't put the trough in it. Consequently, you wouldn't have to put in an overshot.
Councilmember Denison asked if 6" gutters would handle everything in town or if there are problem areas? Gary stated there is no question that a 9" curb can carry more water. There are definitely areas within the City that this is necessitated. An example would be by the Health Department. Because of the culvert under Main Street, a 9" curb had to be put back in just to handle the water in the transition. Third East is certainly a street that carries a lot of water. However, there are ways to divide it up as to what portions carry more than others. An area further up the street called Covecrest II, has 6" curb. Gary suggested that a decision could be made by either installing 9" versus 6" depending on the function (if you need to carry more water), or aesthetics, trying to match what is there. If the City is going to do this, then you should state that when curb and gutter is replaced in certain areas of the City, that it be consistent. If you look at the side of the street from 6th North to 8th or 9th North, there are about 3 or 4 sections that have already been replaced with 6" curb and gutter. The difference between the two are quite noticeable if you know what you're looking for. Gary questioned if the City went with 9" for Mr. Young, would it set the tone for the rest of the street, and are we going to go back to the others and replace it with 9"? Councilmember Denison stated that because the area receives a lot of water, he would like to see the City keep this block at 9". Anything above that could be reviewed to see if it warrants 6" or if it needs to stay 9". It is his feeling that this needs to be reviewed and identify the areas and make a decision before we make a mistake. Councilmember Bringhurst stated he does not feel the City needs to go back and replace those that have been done at 6". As some of the new subdivisions are constructed, it should be determined if a 6" gutter will work. If 6" is the standard, the City does not even follow it themselves, as some of the gutters on City property are higher than 6". He feels it could be a case by case or area by area situation. Councilmember Wheeler agreed.
Mayor Colosimo recommended that those people who have 9" curb and gutters should be able to keep 9". Gary Sonntag agreed, however, he felt that specific areas should be designated to either have 6" or 9". An example would be everything above and below 3rd East will be 9". An exception to this is once you get below Main Street, the water goes in the ditches. Because of this, you can go back to 6". Mrs. Young stated that the east side of 3rd East has no problem. This side would get by with 6" curb. All the water comes down on the west side. Councilmember Bringhurst recommended doing a research in the areas of town where 9" curb and gutters would be appropriate. Gary Sonntag stated that if the City would like staff to work towards this, they need permission to buy steel forms. If the present 6" forms could be modified or additional parts purchased, it would cost less. It could cost anywhere from $50 to $2,000. MOTION. Councilmember Bringhurst moved that Mr. Young's gutter be replaced with 9" gutter and that the entire west side of the street between 6th and 7th North be replaced with 9" gutter as replacement is requested. Further, that a committee be formed to review what areas need a 6" gutter and what ares need a 9", and that the forms for a 9" gutter be purchased. Motion seconded by Councilmember Denison and carried.
2. PRICE COMMUNITY CENTER - Commercial Renters Approved
Mayor Colosimo reported that it was his understanding that the committee appointed to review prospective renters for the Price Community Center agreed to rent space to commercial as well as government and quasi-government. However, the City has had a chance to do this but at this point, has denied two requests to do so. Councilmember Bringhurst stated it is his recollection certain members of the committee did not want to rent it commercially, and some members that did. He is still under the impression that it was never agreed that we weren't going to. The only time it was stated that the City wouldn't rent it commercially was on two instances that have come before the Council. Vern Jones stated that rates had been set at $7/square foot for government and quasi-government, and $8.50/square foot for commercial. Councilmember Bringhurst stated that he was reminded by Councilmember Denison that most of the spaces in town that a private building owner might have are going to be bigger that the 100' or 200' that the City has. Someone looking for smaller spaces are not going to find them. The City may be the only ones in possession of smaller spaces. Councilmember Bringhurst felt that one of the problems the City is going to face is that we are not generating enough funds to support the building.
Councilmember Denison stated he is not against renting to private individuals, as long as the City charges fair market value. He would never support an undercut. The going rate is between $8.50 and $9.00 square foot. They have been going up because taxes have increased. Owners are passing this tax increase onto their renters. Vern Jones stated that there are over 16 un-rented spaces. The City has only denied two, so there is not a long list waiting for space. If it is going to be rented to at least pay the utility bills, then we should not be too selective. It was recommended to advertise the building. Mayor Colosimo feels the City owes it to the public to rent it. Councilmember Bringhurst stated he is not opposed to setting a little higher rate than the $8.50. MOTION. Councilmember Bringhurst moved that the Price Community Center be rented for commercial use at $9.00/square foot per year. Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried.
Meeting adjourned at 12:50 p.m.