Two recent hot topics in the city, a proposed rental housing ordinance and access to an alley west of the Longfellow School property, were discussed once again Monday night by the Belle Plaine City Council in its committee-of-the-whole meeting preceding the formal council meeting.
The council had earlier passed the first of three readings of an ordinance which would have created an inspection process for residential housing properties in the city. But at its last meeting, the council heard from several landlords who said the ordinance was not needed, especially in the form that had passed the first reading.
At the time of that passage, council members indicated they were seeking input from citizens before any housing ordinance became law. Monday night, they considered a different ordinance which would require landlords to furnish proof that their units were insured. It would also create an ombudsman position to help iron out any disputes between landlords and tenants.
It was thought that the inspections could be left up to the insurance companies. But Monday night, City Administrator Bill Daily said he was told by a former insurance agent that not all companies require inspections before insuring a property.
Dick Wells, a former councilman and insurance salesman and current landlord, told the council that the revised ordinance might be worthwhile, since some landlords may not carry insurance. He added that they might be the ones causing the problems in the city.
Council members decided to table any further action on the matter for further study of the new proposal.
The alley that runs parallel to the west edge of the Longfellow School property will soon be reopened to traffic, after council members agreed that it should be reopened. The alley had been temporarily closed to reduce potential construction traffic in the area while additions are being built on the Longfellow property. But residents whose garages open onto the alley asked that the council consider reopening it, especially due to problems with snow removal.
The alley takes a 90-degree turn on the south end, which makes snow removal difficult even when it is open. In addition, a chain link fence bordering the Longfellow property makes it doubly difficult for snow removal.
Daily said residents should realize that clearing of all alleys in the city is the last priority of city crews. He added that residents should be ready to clear the alley themselves if the city crews can’t get to them in a timely manner. The council rejected a claim from Kaleb Hadenfeldt, whose house borders the alley, who had submitted a bill to the city for snow removal.
Also during the committee session, Police Chief Kris Hudson urged the council to consider revising its curfew ordinance. Currently, juveniles who are cited for curfew violations must make a court appearance. He said this would seem counterproductive, since they might have to miss school class time to appear in court. He suggested that the infraction be a scheduled fine, which would not necessitate a court appearance.
During its formal meeting, the council set Feb. 1 as the date for the public hearing on the sanitary and storm sewer project. The total estimated cost for the 13th Avenue sanitary sewer project and storm sewer work on Ninth Avenue under the railroad tracks is $295,648. Daily said that engineers indicated that recent bids on other projects around the state have been good. Construction should begin as soon as possible in the spring with a tentative completion date of July 4.
Following a public hearing, the council formally approved an application for a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant for façade renovation on the downtown revitalization project. Daily reported that 29 downtown property owners of 34 properties signed the necessary temporary easements which would allow for government financial assistance in the façade upgrades.
The council authorized that mayor to sign the airport five-year capital improvement plan for submission to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Highlights of the plan include $500,000 for wetland mitigation, grading and drainage in fiscal year 2011, $244,000 for a snow removal equipment storage building in fiscal year 2012, $80,000 for land acquisition the following year, $50,000 for a wildlife study in fiscal year 2014 and $450,000 for a deer fence in fiscal year 2015.
Of the roughly $1.35 million in proposed improvements, the FAA would fund all but just over $66,000 of the projects. While each of the projects are contingent on federal approval, the five-year plan is necessary for consideration for the future grants.
In a separate vote, the council authorized the mayor to sign and submit an application to the FAA for snow removal equipment for the current fiscal year. Total cost for the dump truck, sander and associated costs is $142,000.
In his report to the council, Daily commended the work of the public works department in the recent blizzard in opening city streets. Less than 48 hours after the blizzard ended, crews were called out to a water main break on Seventh Avenue. They worked Friday night and all day Saturday to repair the break.
“They did a wonderful job,” Daily said. Councilman Marv DeRycke echoed those sentiments on behalf of the council.
Daily said he wanted to make clear that snow removal is not a budget concern, that the safety of the residents is the primary concern.
He also reported that negotiations on a new master contract for city employees will begin in January. They are currently working on the last of a three-year agreement.
The Ninth Avenue railroad crossing should be reopened this week, he said. Daily said the railroad closed the crossing without warning for repairs, performed some of the work, then left. He was finally able to contact someone with the railroad who assured him that, weather permitting, the crossing should be opened sometime Tuesday.
The council set Jan. 18 as the date for its next committee of the whole session.
Mayor Jim Daily presented a certificate of appreciation to James Kurovski, who attended his last meeting as a councilman Monday night.