City Council - Regular Meeting

like to welcome you all to the Waterl City Council uh meeting Tuesday, January 20th, 2026. Roll call, please. Mr. Schmidt, here. Miss Clayton Smith here. Miss Barry here. Mr. Salamanca here. Mr. Martin, here. And Mr. Simon, here. Thank you. At this time, we'd like to uh recognize and have you do a a moment of silence or prayer and reflection.

All right. Thank you. And uh tonight's pledge of allegiance will be led by our city clerk, Kelly Felley. Please join me in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag to the United States of the United States of America to the republic for the republic for which it stands one indivisible indivice and justice for all. Mr. Mayor, Mr. Simon, I'd like to make a motion to approve the agenda as proposed as well as the approval of the minutes for of the January 5th, 2026 regular council session as proposed. Second. There's a motion, a second. All in favor?

I opposed. Thank you. Motion carried. Okay, Mr. Mayor. I'd like to um make a motion to approve the consent agenda with the addition of bill payments of January 12th of 4,620,25462 as well as the January 20th um bill payments of $1,846,39526.

Second motion in a second. Uh anybody have any questions about the consent agenda? I did I did get a a uh email question earlier about the uh change order for uh Lehman trucking and excavating. Uh and I responded to that person, but they just just if anybody was questioning that that had to do with asbestous that was found actually in the block in the rubble that we had to make a change order to cover that that extra cost [clears throat] and then we we do the appointment after they vote. Okay, Mr. Mayor, go ahead. If I if I may ask a question on number four. There's a need to pull off the consent agenda for discussion. We'll have to request those now.

Okay. You want to pull off number four? If I may, I'd like to pull off number four. Okay. Individual conver conversation. Anybody else have anything they want to discuss separately? If not, can we have a motion on the consent agenda? You have we have a motion to second of the consent agenda with the exception of number four. All in favor? I I call roll call vote, please. Mr. Smith, yes. Miss Kraton Smith, yes. Miss Barry, [clears throat] yes. Mr. Salamanca? Yes. Mr. Martin? Yes. And Mr. Simon? Yes. Okay. Number four, Mr. Simon. Just real quick, can can read it first.

Okay. Number four is a resolution setting the date of public hearing as February 2nd, 2025 to approve a site plan amendment by Zidco Investments LLC to allow for up to 200,000 square feet of phase 2 and phase three expansion in the M2 M-2P planned industrial district located at 4050 Levery Road and instruct the city clerk to publish notice. And a second. Second.

Okay. So, I have a motion and a second. Uh what's your question, sir? Um, I just noticed that are we on time with this? It seems like this is my question was June 7th of 2021. Can you can you explain if we're on target for this? Mr. Anderson,

no Anderson, community planning development director. So, in terms of on time, are you talking about the uh timeline and the development agreement? Um, they're well ahead of that uh timeline. um they've submitted all their plans and everything like that. So, I think they have to start within the next uh two or three years. I go back and get the exact dates, but um they're looking at moving ahead uh this spring potentially. So, they're they're far ahead of the development agreement. Um and and it's a larger building that they're planning uh through the zoning process. Development agreement, I think, had a minimum 50,000 foot expansion. They're looking at 200,000 square feet now. So, um they're seeing some great things happening out there. Okay. Exciting times. Very good. Thank you. Anybody else have any questions for Anderson. All right. Uh, roll call vote on number four, please. Mr. Schmidt,

yes. Miss Kraton Smith, yes. Miss Barry, yes. Mr. Salamanca, yes. Mr. Martin, yes. And Mr. Simon, yes. And then we have a appointment of James Schleser from the civil service list, position of preparator technician of the culture and arts effective the 21st. Is he in the audience tonight? Please stand. just like to thank you for your service and welcome to the Waterloo family. This it's a great place to work. Thank you. [applause] All right, moving on to resolutions. Would someone take one, two, and three, please? Anybody? Mr. May,

Mr. Smith. Item number one is a resolution approving a revised fee schedule to increase fee for uh request satellite sites for recycling and yard waste collection from $5 per month to $6 per month. Number two is a resolution approving supplemental agreement number one with AECOM Technical Services, Inc. of Wateroo, Iowa in the amount of 62,000 $300 in conjunction with the sanitary sewer improvements fiscal year 2026 CIP phase VA project professional services agreement originally executed November 18th, 2024 and authorizing the mayor to execute said document. And item number three is the resolution approving a development and minimum assessment agreement with E7 Enterprises Corporation for the rehabilitation of 1721 through 1729 Malberry Street into 19 residential units, a daycare and community space, including the Inville housing incentive of $5,000 per residential unit for a maximum of $95,000. and a minimum assessment agreement of $2,250,000 and authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute said documents.

Second. Okay, there's a motion in a second and that would be ET Enterprise. I think you I said E7. I believe you did. I did. Yes. Does anybody from the public have any comments uh questions for resolutions one through three? David Dryer, 3145 West Four Street. Um, I guess what's required satellite sites? Who's here? What does that mean? Sheila or or Scott, please.

Scott Brunson, sanitation director. The satellite spots are the curbside, not the curbside, but the recycling sites that we have spread throughout town. Um, there are four locations currently. Um, over on Franklin Street and East Third. Um, over at the Crossroads location, Ainsboro and Blackhawk Road and Blackhawk Street and 11th Street.

Okay. So, that's the people that put the sites there. Is that per container or do we have to pay to to use them now? the the fee the that is for all residents to be able to use those sites. So the we do we do hire a third party to do the hauling for us on that but that is for every resident of water to be able to use. So all of us are going to get a dollar raise. Correct. Okay. Any other questions as long as I got Scott up there? I'm sorry. No, I said is there any other questions from the audience council? as long as he's standing there. Mr. D, Mr. Mayor, Mr. Salamanca,

Scott, could you uh talk to us about what the projected rates going to be for the next subsequent years and why we're raising it? I want to make sure that folks understand that this is an investment, but also the logic behind that raise and why why we're here at this point in time.

Sure. So obviously the um the recycling industry is quite a bit more expensive than garbage and I don't think a lot of people realize that. Um the tonnage rate to dispose of one ton of garbage is $43 a ton. To do recycling is $225 a ton and you get rebates back for your recycling, but our current rebate is about $30 a ton. So we're only it's still costing us about $195 a ton to dispose of recycling. So, but with recycling being the best thing for the planet, it is the right thing to do. But unfortunately, the right thing to do comes with a cost. Um, and unfortunately, our costs are rising um as we go. Is these these down times with the rebate, you never know how long they're going to last. The last one we had lasted probably, I believe, off the top of my head around 14 months. Um, that it lasted with almost zero rebate. So that's a hit that we take completely on disposing of that recycling.

Mr. Mayor, may I continue? Continue. Yes. Until until [clears throat] you're done with

Okay. [laughter] Scott, can you talk to talk to council about why rates haven't increased on par with with the need since 2019? What was the decision-m behind that? And why, if this is something that we're going to be dealing with, how can we best be prepared in the next couple years? Yeah. So along along with recycling, we also cover um the compost site and the yardway site along with that $5 fee. So it's it's not just those satellite sites. We also have to pay for all the grinding of the brush, the manpower that we have out there, any maintenance, fuel, oil, all the stuff goes out there has to be paid for out of that fee. So um in the future, I mean, this is obviously something that won't be one and done. a dollar increase is probably not going to satisfy these rising costs, but it's something that we will monitor going forward and look at the numbers as we get them. Um, it's not something we're looking to, you know, obviously get rich off of anything. It's just something we're using to cover costs that we currently have.

And these increases are on par with best practices that other cities are doing as well. Most cities actually charge a bit less for recycling than we do. I'm sorry, a bit more than we do. So, we're on the we're on the low end of the spectrum of what we charge for recycling. Okay. Thank you. Any other questions from council? Mr. Mr. Simon, um you said that we get was it $30 per ton unrecycled? We get paid $30 per ton. Is that is that cost not gone up or is that what's that cost? Is it been fluctuating or has it been going up? And why why is that number so low?

It's it's always a roller coaster ride. So the way this works is um the way that works is how the supply and demand of the recyclables and where they go. So CO did a lot a lot to damage this um a lot of our stuff that also with relations with overseas um has caused a lot of recyclables to stay here in the United States whereas about 60% of the US's recyclables used to go overseas. Um once that started then unfortunately now you get a a surplus of recyclables here in America. So the the actual people that use the recyclables here in America now have the choice to be a little pickier. They have a surplus of product. So now they can decide well we only want we only want the good plastic. We don't want the plastic bags anymore. We don't want this light film plastic. and the brokers determine what we get paid for it. So eventually what happens is is um the reason it's an even uh even flow like that is because it will go to like a broker and the brokers will say this is the value said value of that product. Well, when the value is high, a lot of these recycling facilities will ship all the product they can to them and flood them with product because the value is high. You want to get as much money as you can for it. Well, then once they get that flood of product, that drives the value back down and it just goes like a roller coaster. Unfortunately, the roller coaster has been fewer highs and a lot more lows. The lows have been quite a bit longer just because it's been a sustainability problem where there's a surplus of recycling and they just want a lot of the good stuff. And a lot of residents there's a lot of things that are a lot of residents are confused when it comes to what's part of programs now. like the for instance they'll ask are plastic bags recyclable and the answer is yes they are recyclable they're just not a part of our program because these

brokers don't want those anymore. Um those require a lot of bags to make a ton and they jam up equipment and everything else. So they just decided they don't want this product anymore. Cheap water bottles is another one that um they just decide they don't want that product anymore. What they want is the thicker detergent jugs, milk jugs, things of that nature. Anybody else have any questions that that haven't already asked questions? Mr. Mayor, just just a real quick comment. I think council member um Aoya mentioned this that this is the first increase in seven or eight years since 2019.

Yeah. So where those folks with their calculators can see this is a 20% increase. But if we spread that out over those seven years, that's roughly about three. And so going forward, rather than not having increases and then having a big increase, we're going to be a little bit more diligent on our paying attention to what's going on. So it's either gradual increase or Right. Correct. We're trying to be more proactive with this going forward. Thank you. Do you have any another one? No. Uh Mr. Mayor. Yes. Uh, currently where does our recycling go to? Currently, it goes to Republic Services in Cedar Falls. Okay.

Um, the locations we have, there's only really two options we have. There's one in Waterlue, Cedar Valley Recycling, and Republic Services in Cedar Falls. Um, Cedar Valley Recycling is a full sort facility, whereas Republic is a u they basically take the material, bail it up, and then ship it down to their location down in Cedar Rapids where it's broken apart and sorted. Hence the reason for the expense. Okay. And and it should be noted it should be noted that we've kind of been operating in a deficit in some of these funds and it's and and uh and we really can't afford to keep staying in a deficit. So um appreciate all your work work on this. You know Yes, sir. One more question. You sure can. And I didn't mean to interrupt you. Oh, no. You're good. I'm I'm done.

So, going back to what you just mentioned about the expense for uh separation. So, this would be another reason, you know, for those of us that have been on the council for a while. Uh, there was a previous council member that worked very hard to try and get a recycling center similar to what the city of Seedar Falls has had for years. So, that would be another reason to take a look at one of those. Correct.

Absolutely. a full sort facility that we could use would be a huge bonus because that would cut the expense of the hauling to Cedar Rapids which generally we get u for the actual tonnage that they take is about I want to say it's a $100 a ton and I think it's I think it's 110 for them to haul it. Um and then the other the other about half about half and half so it's about 50/50 of it is hauling it to Cedar Rapids. The other half is bailing it and doing it there. We could probably get it sorted in a facility for about 50% of what we're paying now. And in a perfect world, we'd have a transfer station like Cedar Falls does, too. Right.

We would save a ton of money on our vehicles and trips to the landfill and downtime when when when trucks have to leave the the north side of Wateroo and drive all the way to Washurn Road and and then come back to do their routes. Uh hopefully we look at that some somewhere in the future. a transfer station and it'd be great for residents to be able to bring things down to it also as well as as uh uh saving us money and equipment and and uh fees. Anyone else have a question? Uh Mr. Mayor? Yes, sir.

Um I believe resolution number three. Um can I have it null explain the the this is a change of ownership? Is that correct? Nola Anderson, community planning development director. Yeah, we've approved a development agreement for this site before um with the change of ownership uh because they have uh the state workforce housing tax credits and all that involved. We just went with a new development agreement. Um there are representatives from uh the project here tonight if you'd like to hear more about their particular ownership setup.

Mr. Mayor, can we have those representatives come forward? Sure. Thank you, sir. Could you come to the podium and state your name and address, please?

Sure. Uh Randy Roth Company's Endeavor from Milwaukee. So, it's uh 1938 North Wood Street in Milwaukee. U so my name is Randy Roth, Endeavor Corp. I'm actually a consultant to the transaction. The original owner, Rashanda Young, who's been in front of the committee before, she's going to be here. She's just finishing up at work. But um the reason for the change in ownership is that she suffered a diagnosis for u um a health condition and so she's not in a position to move forward with the project as originally contemplated. So she reached out to a Minneapolis-based development company that has the resources, the experience uh to be able to push this project forward. Nothing's changed in the scope of the project. Um it's still historic tax credits. It's still the same number of residential units. is still the daycare service and then uh uh community space. So, it's really just the same project under a different ownership.

Mr. Mayor, does that help? All right. Um can you talk to us about what other projects this second developer has successfully accomplished?

Sure. I can give you a little bit about my background first because I'll be running the development side. So, Endeavor is a 25year-old company. We're out of Milwaukee. Uh we've done roughly $ 1.5 billion dollars over the last 25 years and about 30 different states. Uh right now we're active in Oklahoma, Alabama, Michigan, Wisconsin. Um here in Iowa, um actually worked, this is going to date me for sure, worked with Don T-ire, um to pull the HIV out of the Logan Plaza deal and did the new construction for them. Actually put the financing together for him. And then we were also involved with the cardiologist who did the cardiologist center behind Logan Plaza. And then in Iowa, I've done probably three or four Aspen dental deals. Um I work closely with a bunch of grocery store operators throughout the country including Hi, and then also AWG, which is associated wholesale grocerers. And so we're a preferred developer for them. So from the development side, my company will be responsible for structuring the financing. Uh FIB, which is a regional bank here, is agreed to provide the construction financing plus be the tax credit investor in the deal. Uh that's a relationship that I have with FIB through some other deals. Um and then the resources, the actual cash owners equity will come from the ET group, which is Minneapolis based. this ET group. Uh it's my understanding they're a relatively new LLC based in Minneapolis or Minnesota properly. Uh in addition, I was able to get a hold of the folks out in Musketine. So I spoke to the Musketine clerk and they mentioned that

there seems to be some discrepancy as to whether or not this new LLC has done a project that they said they did. Okay. In addition to that, um I can't seem to find any records of a successful project that this entity has completed. So, I just want to make sure that if as a city we're going to be accepting this development agreement that these folks are able to come through for us.

Um it's not unusual, and I can't speak to that part of it. Um the first part is as relates to their success in Musketine. Um, it's not unusual for an LLC to be created on a special purpose basis because typically with real estate, you want to be able to take each real estate holding and assign it to an LLC instead of repeating it over and over again because that leads to um exposure on a liability. So, from a professionally standard perspective, that's necessarily not unusual. um as it relates to um the ability to execute on this project and the exposure that the city would have, this project needs to close. You'll you'll see that it's closed. You'll see that the construction has started. There'll be a lot of steps here that demonstrate the capability of the ownership group and also the development team. Um there has been a reshuffleling of the deck as it relates to the construction company. So Jason Huff's company um is going to be the contractor. Jason built a couple of projects for me in Iowa and so his firm is going to be stepping forward. I know they've got a pretty good reputation here. Um so I feel like the team that we've pulled together should give you some confidence there, but can certainly understand the research that you've done and what might cause concerns for you.

Yeah. Yeah. And I do want to say that I want to make sure that as a city we're supporting developers and we're being helpful and considerate. At the same time though, we are tasked with doing our due diligence, reading through me notes from reading through these packets. And it does concern me that an entity is passing off another entity's project because I actually did call this developer that actually developed the building on Musketine and spoke with him and he was very baffled as to why one entity is claiming to have completed their project when you know you see where I'm getting at is that

I do but I don't know enough about that to speak to that. Um uh they've contracted with me within the last two or three months. Okay. Um so um and Rashonda I wish she was here. she'd be able to answer those questions a little bit more. But, um, I do think that there's guard rails for you, that this group has to perform before they even get a chance to get to the funds from the city. Um, and that there would be an opportunity for you to really look underneath the the hood as far as how the project's going. So, so I think for tonight's purposes, if if that change in ownership could be approved, knowing that you're going to see this project to completion before your funds are at risk. I appreciate it. Thank you. Yeah, you bet.

Yeah, Mr. Mayor questionain to the citizens of Water, the neighborhood around it. I had a phone call today concerned about taxes and then I guess I heard the announcementw about $2 million whatever. So can you kind of just give an explanation of how that's going to benefit that area?

No Anderson, community planning development director. So you know this is a former church site um which means it did not pay property taxes before. So now being redeveloped as a private site, it will be paying property taxes and contributing to the city from that standpoint. Um they're creating 19 new residential units. Um putting in some potential commercial aspect there with the daycare. So, some more conveniences to the neighborhood. Um, but the 19 new units, you know, we need more housing units here to help grow the population. Um, and and as Randy noted, you know, in terms of the incentives, all of our incentives are at the end of the project when they actually have to do have it all completed. So, there's very little risk to the city um to move ahead with the with the development agreement. Um, it's all all on the developer to do the project. Thank you.

Any other questions? The other thing I would add is, and we do these projects in underserved markets, is the challenge for underserved development is that the project costs you this much, but then it's valued here. And until you get a number of projects that are moving within an underserved market where that value equation changes, you're always going to have the need for subsidy. But the idea is you get a bunch of catalytic projects moving and then that valuation changes. So now you have the value is worth more than the cost. and then the project doesn't need to come in front of a committee anymore because the market is now responding to the real estate dynamic. So I think in addition to the benefit of additional housing and services is that it's starting a process that changes that narrative. So

thank you. Does anybody else have any questions? Yes, Mr. Mayor, I have a question. Cra Smith.

Um yes. Um so I understand um you know with the Shambanda um Young has a stellar reputation and financial capacity and competence. Um and um she would entrust this project only to someone that she trusted. Um my question would be after it is completed whose hands will this uh project be in for maintenance uh and upkeep? Because my fear is that someone from out of town managing it will not have the um um investment and the um you know uh investment in the community in the neighborhood to um do what Rashand would have made sure was done uh in that area. So um who's going to be responsible after um its completion?

Yeah, I can I can answer that. Um, so I think there's two responses there. One is it sounds like you know Rashanda. Um, and so she is um, a person who's concerned about legacy and I know although she will not necessarily be an owner in the project, there's no doubt that her fingerprints are all over it and her legacy is important to her. But specifically and technically there will be a third-party management firm that is retained and it would not be which would be local instead of using an out ofstate or out of market uh management firm. So hopefully that helps. Okay. Thank you.

Any other questions? Ma'am Smith, any other questions? How about anybody else on the council? No, I have a couple questions. God, that got loud. [clears throat] Where are they at in the development agreement timeline for construction or do are we getting going to get to the point where we have to bring it back to amend it uh so the timelines fit?

I I can check to see with this uh with this development agreement. I think we had a new timeline in there um or or we changed it slightly to meet what they said. So I'll go back and double check that with them. They have started on the project. They had to start at a certain point uh I think to do some asbestous work and testing to stay eligible for the state workforce housing tax credits. So they've done some work in the building to stay eligible for those tax credits, but they haven't done any construction. Probably not. Asbestous and light demo. Okay. You got to be careful in how much you do in order not to jeopardize the tax credits, but enough to to make sure you don't also lose the credits. It's a balancing act. And then are these are these going to be lowincome apartments?

They're not they're not termed affordable housing units. Low-income housing units typically uh refer to a federal designation. So these aren't receiving a federal designation of affordable housing credits. I would probably classify them as workforce housing. Um so instead of affordable, it's it's what the market's going to bear. And in this market, it's interesting. There's not much of a difference in certain neighborhoods between what's considered federally affordable and what is considered market. So, it's going to be market rate. Market rate apartments. Yeah. Yeah. There's no actual percentage that they have to stay under. Okay. Thank you. Yeah. So, if no one else has any questions, uh, roll call vote on one, two, and three, please. Mr. Smith.

Mr. Mayor. Miss Kraton Smith. Yes. What? I think she was asking a question. Oh, okay. Miss Gra Smith, you have a question again. Yes. Yes. I was asking a question of null. So, Miss Mr. Anderson, are you saying that it will be more mixed income than residents and uh uh Mr. Randy, that may also apply to you as well. Hi, Rashand.

Yeah, I I would Nol Anderson, community planning development director. I would just say from a from a standpoint of all the documents, they have the ability to to lease the apartments however they wish. So whichever you know mixed income, it's a mixeduse building to begin with, but there's no limitations on the tax credits. Thank you. Okay, so no other questions. Roll call vote, please. Mr. Schmidt, yes. Miss Kraton Smith, yes. Miss Barry, yes. Mr. Mr. Salamanca, can I do yes on one, two, and no on three? Uh, Mr. Martin? Yes. And Mr. Simon?

Yes. All right, motion pass. U, can someone take four, five, and six for me, please? Mr. Mayor, Mr. Simon

like to make a motion to approve the resolution approving the amendment to the development agreement originally executed May 20th, 2024 with Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity to extend the deadline for completion of 516 Pine Street to January 20th, 2028 and authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute said document. Number five, a resolution approving a development agreement with Jeffrey P. Weber and Denise K. Weber for the construction of a new fam a new single family home on an infill lot located at 610 Burbank Avenue including a $5,000 infill incentive upon substantial completion and authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute said document. And number six, resolution approving filling the W 2 vacancy by special election. You skip.

Oh, no. That's not six. That's seven. We're stopping at six. Oh, we are stopping. Yes, we are. Did you read six? I did about the transportation. My my um my paper is different. I'll give you that one. There we go. Sorry, this is printed off to a different date. Okay. Number six, a resolution approving a cooperative agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation up to a maximum DOT contribution of $500,000 in conjunction with the fiscal year 2026 South Water Business Park phase 1 contract number 1129 and authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute said document. Second.

Okay, there's a motion that motion on the floor and a second. Uh, anybody from the from the uh, audience have any questions or concerns about four, five, and six, please? First, David Der, 3145 West 4 Street. First off, on number four, um, Habitat usually doesn't take that long to build a house. Uh, do they have some sort of a holdup? Because 2028 is two years from now. They usually get in there and get it done. And uh number six, uh what is the $500,000 for? Any other questions besides those two? I'm sorry.

Do you have any other questions besides those two? No, that's it. All right. We'll start with we'll start with the habitat. We'll start with Mr. Anderson. Maybe null could answer the other question, too, unless you want to get put Jamie on. trying to convince me to do uh Noah Anderson, community planning development director. So, uh Habitat is uh for the first time utilizing historic tax credits um because they can actually sell those to their uh their financial people uh and and create more revenue to build the house. It's taking a little bit longer than what they had originally anticipated um to go through the historic process and get the approval. So, that's what they're asking for the two years. And they're new to that process. They are new. This is the first time they've used it.

Okay. Okay. Who wants to answer number six?

Jamie Kudson, city engineer. The $500,000 grant that's before you right now is from the DOT to help pay for installation of a roundabout at the eastbound exits at ASboro and Highway 20. And that's part of the almost $5 million or will be part of the almost $5 million to do the work at Aborus Park. And most of that's covered by RISE money for the concrete. Correct.

Yes. The five the four and a half million we've received from RISE will cover street costs and storm sewer costs. It does not cover water or sewer costs. Is that was that at what intersection? At the eastbound off-ramp from Highway 20 onto Enboro Avenue. That's going to be a roundabout. That's going to be a roundabout. We say it on the other side of Highway 20 from VGM. Any other questions from the public? Mr. Mayor, would um council have any questions?

I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't see anybody coming. That's all right. All right. I was trying to get ahead of the I appreciate that. Yeah. Um, at a previous meeting, I know we talked about the purpose of that roundabout there, and I don't know if the public's been made aware of that, but as far as certain times of the day, traffic backs up onto Highway 20. So, I don't know if Jamie or whoever might want to just give a little overview on that, too, to I know there's some It's a very busy intersection when VGM's uh coming to work. Coming to work. Yeah.

Jamie Kson, city engineer. Again, Mayor Bzen, as you said, that's exactly what happens right now. the the folks coming from the west going to get off of 20 onto Ensboro to go to VGM. The traffic is backing up onto the highway. The DOT actually owns all of that. So that we were designing work on Ensboro to tie into that. So this is a way for the DOT to help pay for the design and construction of what is technically theirs anyway. But we want to get this roundabout in prior to us getting the South Waterlue business park opened up. Otherwise, we'd end up being have to close it again as once the business park's open and people would have to go around and over to 21 to get onto the highway

and it's going to be a huge inconvenience for most VGM people once we have to get off on 63 and come come back around. Does does anybody council have any questions about four, five, and six? If not, mayor. Yes, ma'am.

Yes. Um had a question for Mr. um Noel Anderson. Um it's my understanding also, Mr. Anderson that the um the uh project uh Habitat for Humanity is one that not only um is it a historic uh property, but they have to follow the uh specifications um which require a lot of um changing up of the way that they usually do things. They have to use material that's in line with the historic preservation of that property and its integrity. So there are host of additional um um hurdles that they will have to jump over or obstacles that are put in place that they will have to uh navigate in order to u meet the requirements for that property. So um that's a you know 2028 is a realistic timeline. Um would that be correct Mr. Anderson?

That that is correct. They'll have to use exact historic materials. Everything is approved through the state historic preservation office. Do you have any other questions, ma'am? No. No, Mr. Mayor. And if you looked at the your council packets and and the photographs, it's going to it's a it's a really interesting uh building with the windows and everything. It's going to be a beautiful structure when it's all said and done. So, four, five, and six. Roll call vote. Miss City Clerk. Mr. Schmidt. Yes. Miss Greatton Smith. Yes. Miss Barry. Yes. Mr. Salamanca. Yes. Mr. Mr. Martin. Yes. And Mr. Simon. Yes. So, what we've all been waiting for, number seven. Who would like to take that one

separately? Mr. Mr. Mayor. Mr. Barry. Mr. Mayor. A resolution approving filing the W 2 vacancy for special election. That would be filling. But excuse me. Filling. I need my glasses. We'll get it all done at the same time. We have a second. Second. Second. All right, we have a motion in a second. Does anybody from the audience would like to come up and address number seven about filling the war two vacancy by special election?

Stacy Roberts 411 Arman. I think the best thing we could do is have it where the community or the war votes on who's going to be the mayor rather than it be a you pick or y'all pick. So, that's what I think. Thank you, sir. Anyone else from the audience uh have any questions about this process? Before the council has anything, can you miss Kelly Miss Kelly explained? Sure. The process so everybody's on the same page before we start asking questions.

Yeah. So, we've got this um resolution on the agenda to fill the vacancy by special election. Um, so if this resolution passes tonight, I will send notice over to the Blackhawk over to Blackhawk County. Um, and then from there, they will call the special election. Um, they said that no sooner than 32 days from the date the notice is received by the county auditor is when they would be able to hold the election. Um, however, to potentially save on cost, we may be able to hold it on Tuesday, March 4th, since that's already like a pres-scheduled special election date. Um, I think one caveat to that is that another jurisdiction would probably have to have an election on that same date in order to spread out the cost between um multiple local governments. Um, city budget for holding a special for holding elections is $65,000. Um, we spent 32,500 on the general election, $26,17746 on the special or excuse me, the runoff election. The special election is estimated by the auditor right now to cost between5 and $6,000. Um, I do know that I think we've all seen that a couple individuals have announced their intention of either of filling that role. So, I would say we would likely be looking at an additional runoff election since we'd have to have 51% um in order to win that seat. Um so, if we had to have another runoff, that cost would double. Um we are kind of looking at we'll be right up at the um budget for our elections, but I think honestly overall we've been down this road before where we've looked at an election versus an appointment. and each time we try an appointment, we go to an election. So, I

think it's obviously the most practable um option is to probably go for a special election. Does anybody from the council have questions for Miss Felley? Mr. Mayor, Mr. Salamanca, Miss Folk, uh is it Tuesday, March 3rd, or is it Tuesday or March 4th? Because I've had questions about that. Um let's see. Let me get my calendar out. It would be I've got Tuesday, March 4th in the memo, but let me just verify that I didn't miss that date. So, first Tuesday is the 3. March 3rd. Yep. Thank you. Y clarify on that. Any other question?

Typically, the runoff would be April 7th. That's typically Yeah, it's typically 30 days after on a Tuesday. Well, and I I would just also like to mention that again uh with a little history, the last time that we had something like this where we appointed somebody I think was 20 plus years ago. Reggie Smith. Since then, pardon me. Was it Reggie Smith?

Yeah, the other the other Schmidt. But uh um since then, I think we've been down this road two or three times. And much as I and I'm sure most of the council hates to spend the money, it seems like it's the right thing to do. And I've also heard if if for some reason we were to decide we wanted to appoint somebody, there's already several people that said they would gather signatures because they just think we should have the the voters vote, which I agree with that, too. So, yeah, I just wanted to share that. And and it should be noted it takes 127 signatures

to force us to a special election. And even if we went through the process of application, resumeumés, interviews, and and the council decides who we're going to appoint for that position, we can make that appointment and they still have 40 days to file that petition and we're right back at square one having a special election. So, I think for the benefit of of the citizens, for the benefit of the people in W 2, I I think this is the right way to go and I hope you all decide that way, too. That being said, uh, roll call vote on number seven, please. All right, Mr. Schmidt. Yes, Mr. Mr. Kraton Smith. Yes. Miss Barry. Yes. Mr. Salamanca? Yes. Mr. Martin? Yes. And Mr. Simon? Yes. So, should we do these all together? One, two, and three. Since there's so much here.

Um, why don't we do them one, two, and three? Just separate more. All right. Uh, moving on to ordinance. Who would like to take number one, please? Mr. Mayor, Mr. Salamanca. An ordinance amending the city of Warloo code of ordinances by amending chapter 4 plumbing regulations of title 9 building regulations. Motion to receive, file, consider, and pass for the first time an ordinance amending the city of Waterloo Code of ordinances by repealing and replacing chapter 4 plumbing regulations of title 9 building regulations with a new chapter 4 plumbing regulations of title 9 building regulations. Motion to suspend we stopped right there. Uh do I have a second? Second.

All right, we had a motion and a second. Does anybody from the public would like to address the uh code of ordinance change for uh building regulations for plumbing 3145 West Fourth Street? Please. I don't have any skin in the game anymore, but I guess I've seen over the last several years all the ordinances seem to be getting changed. Are they necessary updates or are they just people playing with words? Is anybody here? No, please. or are they making it more difficult for a plumber or whatever?

Nel Anderson, community planning development director. They're actually mandatory uh updates. Um we are required to change to what the state uh changes to by state code. Um our staff and uh both all of the uh the boards for these uh respective ordinances have looked at them and don't see any concerns. Um but we're required by state code to change them to what the state has changed them to. Okay. So we don't have a choice. Okay. I just they're mandating these changes so many times. Yes, sir. You're absolutely correct. But the state this time has mandated some of them are just numbering changes.

Some of them are just changing definitions. But I think what people need to understand about codes and codes of ordinances is is codes are reactionary. You know, things happen in a building code and change in a building code because something happened that was disastrous that caused us to change those items in the code. So these are pretty minor changes compared to to to major changes. So does council have any questions about the plumbing code? If not, Mr. Mayor. Okay. Yes, please.

Yes, I I had questions earlier. Um no has answered um it some of it for me. I had some concern because some of the um uh plumbing talked about um changing and using a substance that may have more potential for root infiltration. So null is is that I don't see you. Um would that be um a concern? I know before they were um the the the piping was housed in concrete and was also that um they called it um you know that baked clay kind of stuff which could last up to like 4,000 years. Um but some of the materials that they're introducing now uh has a you know is is not as secure or stable or I'm just concerned about you know the state kind of ordering to do us to do something that um is not as effective as what we had before.

Yeah, I know that the plumbing board has has reviewed this and did not have any major concerns with uh with any of the changes. Um, you know, that that's a very good point in some of the materials that are being changed as as a you know, alternatives to to what has probably been used historically, but uh um this is the code that we're required to adopt. Okay. Yeah, it it seems like it may be more cost effective maybe and that's why we're moving to that, but just I wanted to make sure that it was on the record that I I kind of question that. Thank you so much, Mr. Answer. Any more questions? Ma'am, Mr. Kraton Smith, any more questions? Okay. And and it should be noted that the state's mandating that we pass this roll call vote for uh number one, please. Mr. Schmidt,

yes. Miss Greatton Smith, yes. Miss Barry, yes. Mr. Salamanca, yes. Mr. Martin, yes. And Mr. Simon, yes. Okay. Who would like to take number two? Oh, wait. Now you go on to your motion to to uh suspend the rules. Motion to suspend the rules. Motion to consider and pass for Just suspend the rules. Second. We have a motion and a second to suspend the rules. Uh all in favor go ahead. Is there a reason for the suspending and passing a second third time on this? I guess that's a question. Well, the only only reason I can say is that we don't really have an option to pass it or not pass it. So

I mean is there a timeliness is my question. That does it has to be done tonight or No, there's not. So we have a a motion to suspend the rules. Is that roll call or roll call vote, please? Right, Mr. Schmidt? Uh, I'd vote no. And just for the record, I vote no because in the past we've had a notoriety of suspending rules just for no good reason. There's no good reason here u other than we have to do it. But it doesn't need to be done by a certain time. There isn't a deadline for this. So that's why I'm voting no. Okay. Thank you, Miss Katron Smith. Yes. Miss Barry, yes. Mr. Salamanca, yes. Mr. Martin. Yes. And Mr. Simon. Yes. So that's five to two. Is that Yep. That fails. That failed.

Yep. Correct. All right. So we'll just since that failed, we will move on to number two only because W two council seat is empty. So that's a no vote. So two notes to no votes on a motion to suspend the rules causes a failure. We will bring this up in two weeks. Uh Miss Kraton Smith, did you want to do number two? Yes, Mr. Mayor. I'm I move that we uh adopt an ordinance amending the city of Waterl code of ordinances by amending chapter 3 electrical regulations of title 9 building regulations and that we file consider and pass for the first time this ordinance. Second

motion in a second. Is there anybody from the public that would like to talk about the changes to the electrical code? Go in once. Council, any questions on the changes to the electric code? Mr. Mayor, Mr. Martin, I don't have a question, but I do have a comment. People need to understand that these are national and international codes that have been passed and have to be submitted to the city of Wateroo and they are being that I worked for the city of water previously. I understand the codes and I understand the plumbing and electrical codes. It's not us saying the city's not the ones saying it has to be done. It's the international code of ethics and the state saying these have things have to be done.

So it's not the city of water saying they got to be mandated. It's the state and federal. Any other any other coun you have any any question? Any other council people want to address it? And I can attain because I was a fire inspector, fire marshal and and I I understand all of these codes. Um okay, roll call vote on number two, please. Mr. Schmidt. Yes. Miss Katrton Smith. Yes. Miss Barry, yes. Mr. Salamanca, yes. Mr. Martin, yes. And Mr. Simon, yes. Mr. Kraton Smith. Mr. Mayor, I move a motion that we suspend the rules. Second. There's a motion in a second to suspend the rules. All in favor? Roll call vote. Uh, Mr. Schmidt,

no. Miss Kraton Smith, yes. Miss Barry, yes. Mr. Salamanca, yes. Mr. Martin, yes. Mr. Simon, yes. Okay, that fails. We'll bring it back in two weeks. Who wants to take number three? Don't want anybody jump up at once. Mr. Mr. Smith, [laughter] did you want to take it? Go right ahead. No, you you go ahead. I I I do need my glasses. So, [laughter] go ahead. You want to borrow?

Item number three. is a motion to receive, file, consider, and pass for the first time an ordinance amending the city of water code of ordinances by repealing and replacing chapter 5 mechanical systems of title 9 building regulations with a new chapter 5 mechanical systems of title 9 building regulations. Second motion and second. Anybody from the council or from the council chambers have anything to say about the mechanical system code changes? Seeing none, councel. Nobody from the council. Uh, roll call vote, please. Mr. Schmid, yes. Miss Clayton Smith, yes. Miss Barry, yes. Mr. Salamancao, yes. Mr. Martin,

yes. Mr. Simon, yes. Schmidt. Yes, sir. I'd like to make a motion to suspend the rules. Second. Motion in a second to suspend the rules. Roll call vote, please. Mr. Schmidt. No. Miss Greenmith. Yes, Miss Barry. Yes, Mr. Salamancco. Yes, Mr. Martin. Yes, Mr. Simon. Yes, that motion failed. That'll be coming back in two weeks. So, now is the time for public comments. Um, anybody in the audience can come up and speak for three minutes. Uh, please approach podium. State your name and address, please.

Aaron Stacy Roberts, 411 Armor Street. I got a couple calendars. I want to give one to you, police chief, and the other one to the mayor. and what the calendar here you can come get it. I can't bring it over here. It is the uh history of racial injustices in America. And I think it would be good for you to uh get a little insight [snorts] on the plight of African-Americans and what's to come in the future because the knowledge was once where we couldn't get it. Now it's very much available and let you see some of uh [snorts] why some African-Ameans act out the way they do. And it's because of our history here. Uh, and believe me, the 250 years has been good and bad, but there was years before. And what's going on right now is is bad, too. And that's why I'm down here every week and will every other week and will continue to be. It's a public safety matter, as I said before, and I look at it as operation lifesaver basically. um came down and complained on [clears throat] law enforcement and the judicial and I seen that speaker of the house uh Pat what is his pat Graassy has brought up [cough] something where he wants to come up with Iowa having a three strikes rule and I think more than targeting on that crime right there uh we need to focus on where this criminal activity is coming from and some policemen in the past have been drug dealers out here in the streets as well as Indie Moyes. They tried to get me Indie Moyes and there's a real good story behind it. The cop ended up who was bringing the cocaine to my next door neighbor ended up getting pregnant by her and then she spoke the [cough] guts of woman scorn and she told me the whole story and and we'll go with that when it's investigated. So when I speak on this I'm not just talking. Um, also I seen that Chief Justice Christensen and her condition to the

judiciary is saying we're having a problem retaining judges and also they're drinking at an outrageous rate right now. uh unheard of the judges and when I look at what's going on in my case and and what has happened in De Mo around judges like Jeff Litman who was an attorney at the time and his assistant was Brandon told me that at that time the police could have the judge could have the police come get me off my couch and whoop my ass. He's an administrative law judge. So this is the mindset of some of them. What we need to do now is judges need to police judges so that it's a safer place for the judges because when you have people who are going through this and judges are violating rule 51 Iowa code 633 and when a person knows it and there's th hundreds of thousands million dollars involved in it they can act out inappropriately. So to keep it safer for the judges who don't go along with that, the police need to start investigating concerns like mine to make sure that an innocent judge's door is not kicked in and somebody trying to shoot their family out like what happened in Indiana. This is a very much a public safety matter when I speak.

Thank you, sir. Anyone else from the chambers? State your name and address, please.

Yep. Uh name is Zach Hansen. from the economic vitality uh council and the chair at Main Street Waterlue uh over at 512 Malberry Street. Uh just want to give you a quick update and things that are going on over there. Uh Main Street Waterlue is really proud to celebrate a major milestone in 2026. Uh it's our 30th anniversary. Um as a part of that um you know these past three decades we have supported local businesses, strengthened downtown and brought people together. Uh in those 30 years, downtown Waterlue has seen 245 net new businesses. Uh those businesses have created uh net 78 new jobs in our downtown. [clears throat] 318 building projects have been completed representing more than $155 million in private investment. The reason I share these numbers is that they tell a story of consistent momentum and strong public private partnership. In 2025 alone, we welcomed three new businesses with another opening soon as well as some um announced developments that will be coming up here. Uh we've had three new business or three businesses transition to new ownership and to expand. Um in this past year, Main Street Waterlue raised $16,000 for our downtown impact grant program funded by our annual golf tournament. We awarded $6,000 to RE Supper Club and Martini Lounge to support an all-season outdoor igloo dining experience to really add some winter vibrancy into our downtown. We also awarded $10,000 to Studio 13 uh for downtown Waterlue's first parklet. Uh this creative outdoor space will be adding seating, art, and community gathering providing that small proving that small spaces can make a big impact. Uh in 2025, Main Street Waterlue welcomed 157 new volunteers. Uh we also hosted 12 support local cash mobs, bringing more than 400 visitors

downtown. 62% of participants uh were visiting those businesses for the very first time. For our 30th, we are inviting 30 businesses to become legacy leaders by donating $1,000 to Main Street Waterlue. Uh these taxdeductible gifts honor our past and invest directly into downtown's future. U please be sure to check out the Main Street Waterlue website with full calendar of events, investments, and community challenges. This anniversary year is about connection, momentum, and meaningful progress. Main Street Waterlue is a volunteer-driven nonprofit that sparks growth, builds connections, and champions downtown Waterlue as a vibrant destination for all people. We are excited to celebrate these wins, share these stories, and keep moving downtown Waterlue forward together. Thank you for your time and your support.

Thank you, Zach. Anyone else from the audience like to have something to address the council on? That being said, does council have anything they want to talk about or address? Mr. Mayor. Yes, sir. So, I know I don't want to I don't I don't know this, but can I ask a question about the resolution number three? Right now, we can't. Okay. Because that's already been settled. I was just asking if it fa No, no, no problem. No, it's good good information. Okay. No. Council have anything? No. Mr. Simon, uh like a motion to adjurnn. Second. Motion is to adjurnn. Motion second. All in favor? I we are ajourned. I thank you.