INTRODUCTORY
The City Council of the City
of Columbia, Missouri, met for a regular meeting at 7:00 p.m., on Monday,
June 2, 1997, in the Council Chamber of the City of Columbia, Missouri. The
roll was taken with the following results: Council Members CROCKETT,
CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, and JANKU were present. The
City Manager, City Counselor, City Clerk, and various Department Heads were
also present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of the regular
meeting of June 2, 1997, were approved unanimously by voice vote on a motion
made by Mr. Campbell and a second by Mr. Janku.
APPROVAL AND ADJUSTMENT OF AGENDA INCLUDING
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Beck asked that B140-97
be added under Old Business. He explained that it had been introduced
at the last meeting, but due to an oversight by the newspaper, the public
hearing had not been advertised timely. He asked that it be given second
reading and then tabled to the next meeting.
The agenda, including the
Consent Agenda, was approved unanimously by voice vote on a motion made by
Ms. Coble and a second by Mr. Janku.
SPECIAL ITEMS
1. Tree Plan Task
Force Presentation.
Frank Ruggiero, Chairman
of the Tree Plan Task Force, presented a slide presentation highlighting
the group's efforts. He noted that the activities are divided into
two phases. Phase one includes identification of areas in the City
that would benefit from beautification efforts, and development of recommendations
on how this may occur. Phase two would be a fresh review of existing
City policies as they relate to beautification activities.
Mr. Ruggiero said the task
force has identified the major traffic corridors within the City as being
I-70, US 63, Stadium Boulevard, Broadway, and Providence Road. Other
significant arterials were named as Business Loop 70 and Paris Road. He
noted that a major concern was the maintenance of trees and plants once established. The
City must plan for the upkeep of planted material and maintenance costs must
be factored into every beautification project that is planned and executed.
The task force decided their
initial efforts should be focused on Business Loop 70, I-70 and the US 63
interchanges. The plan recommended offering incentives to increase
participation, with one possibility being tax credits to entice business
owners to surrender parking spaces in exchange for planters.
Mr. Ruggiero spoke about
establishing a "Tree Keeper Program" which would train volunteers to perform
routine maintenance of landscaped areas. He said volunteer help could
allow staff to perform the heavier jobs.
Mr. Ruggiero suggested that
the task force function as a permanent board responsible for assessing, monitoring,
and guiding Columbia's beautification efforts. Permanent designation
is also an eligibility requirement for Tree City USA funding.
Mr. Ruggiero listed six recommendations
the task force felt to be most critical to the success of future beautification
efforts. The first recommendation is to concentrate long-term beautification
efforts on the entire I-70 and US 63 corridors. Next is to establish
a user-friendly City Tree Planting Policy, which would modify the existing
policy to facilitate partnering with business and community groups. Through
the Adopt-A-Spot Program, the City should provide trees and plant materials
in exchange for a four year maintenance commitment by the spot adopter. Another
recommendation is to annually budget Tree City USA guidelines, such as $2
per capita for tree planting and maintenance. The fourth recommendation
is to establish a Tree Keepers Program to assist in the planting and maintenance
of existing and future plantings. The fifth recommendation is to establish
a permanent group to continue tree planting beautification and oversight
activities. The last recommendation is for the City to undertake six
immediate impact projects each year. Mr. Ruggiero identified the projects
for 1997 as being the corner of Broadway and Providence, the Business Loop
70 median between Pannell Street and Fay Street, Business Loop 70 on the
north side in front of Parkade Plaza, Business Loop 70 on the south side
in front of Hardee's, Providence Road on the west side between Cherry and
Locust Streets, and the median area on Providence Road at the Rollins/Fifth
Street intersection.
Referring to the establishment
of a Business Loop 70 Business District, Mr. Campbell asked how the Special
Business District had been established. He asked if there were state
or federal procedures that must be followed. Mr. Beck said the Downtown
Special Business District had been set-up under state rule. He said
there might be some possibilities for a neighborhood district, but was not
sure. Under state statutes, Mr. Boeckmann said one could form a special
business district which would not be limited exclusively to downtown areas. Mayor
Hindman asked if that would require action on the part of the district. Mr.
Boeckmann was not sure how these districts were formed initially, but indicated
it would have to be approved by action of the Council. He was not sure
if it had to be initiated by petition. Mr. Janku said there had been
strong interest regarding the establishment of a district when he attended
the dedication of the Senior Center.
Mr. Kruse thanked Mr. Ruggiero
and the Task Force members for all of their work. He reported in Independence,
on Noland Road, there is a special taxing district being formed for a comprehensive
appearance improvement plan which includes landscaping and utility relocations. He
said the plan would even include substituting commercial signs for smaller,
more tasteful signs. Mr. Kruse suggested that it may be a model to
be used for comparison. He asked if it was the intention of the task
force to continue to work through phase two in terms of the policies and
issues. Mr. Ruggiero said if the Council agreed to the continuation
of the task force's activities, they certainly would.
Mr. Campbell was hopeful
that not only would the task force continue to work, but also that the Council
would enact some of their ideas.
On behalf of the Council
and the citizens of Columbia, Mayor Hindman thanked the Task Force for all
of their work thus far.
Ms. Coble made the motion
that the Council adopt the Tree Plan Task Force Report as presented. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Campbell and approved unanimously by voice vote.
SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT
1. Rhonda Carlson
- Homeownership Assistance Program.
Rhonda Carlson, 1110 Willowcreek,
distributed a packet of information to the Council. She said her company
has a development under construction in north Columbia called Spencer's Crest. The
thrust of the project is to provide affordable housing in the area. She
said six units had been sold and these buyers qualified for the Homeowner's
Assistance Program. Ms. Carlson recently spoke with Mr. Hancock and
had been informed that there would no longer be monies available on her project,
although monies would be available for properties in this particular census
tract where Spencer's Crest is located. She was looking for clarification
as to whether monies available through the Homeowner's Assistance Program
were to be used exclusively for existing homes, and whether new construction
was going to be exempt. She said the Spencer's Crest development is
located in the middle of the census tract targeted for the program. She
said these condominiums are the only new properties available for sale under
$70,000. Ms. Carlson thought the purpose of the program was to promote
home ownership, and not a specific type of home ownership.
Mr. Janku asked what the
time frame was for construction. Ms. Carlson said as five units in
a building are placed under contract, the next building is started. She
said there are presently 23 units available, with 13 total properties sold
or under contract. Of the units sold, six have been obtained through
the Homeowner's Assistance Program. Ms. Carlson said there would be
a total of 216 units in 27 buildings. Mr. Janku asked which portion
of the units were targeted for the program. Ms. Carlson said all of
them would qualify if the Council would so stipulate. She understood
there is limited funding available.
Mr. Campbell asked if there
would eventually be a Homeowner's Association. Ms. Carlson said the
development is already being professionally managed. She said the management
company had worked with them in developing the regulations and dues so in
the future there would be monies in reserve for building and property maintenance.
Mayor Hindman asked what
the Homeowner's Assistance Program money is used for. Ms. Carlson said
the $2,000 is a grant and the applicants work through local lenders. She
said money obtained through the program is used to assist in down payments
and/or closing costs. A standard loan would still need to be secured
through a lending institution.
Mr. Hancock said the product
the Carlson's are providing at Spencer's Crest is wonderful for first-time
buyers who are looking for something new. His only concern is that
there is a small amount of money left in the program for this year, and Mr.
Hancock wanted to ensure that this kind of development had been the Council's
intentions for the Homeowner's Assistance Program. He said approximately
99.5% of all of the grants had been in census tract 8, which contains the
older neighborhoods that had been initially targeted. Mr. Hancock said
what caused his concern was the number of units at Spencer's Crest that could
potentially be eligible for the program, and the limited monies available. Mr.
Hancock stated if the Council wanted these funds used to finance the purchase
of any or all of the units in Spencer's Crest, he did not have a problem
with that as long as the Council felt it met their guidelines, and provided
the funds are budgeted for it. Mr. Hancock could not totally recommend
neglecting the older neighborhoods as real impacts had been made in terms
of property values and crime reduction.
Mr. Campbell asked about
the current fiscal year for the program. Mr. Hancock said the program
year for HUD ends December 31st (the program runs according to the calendar
year). Mr. Campbell asked Mr. Hancock if he understood him to say there
was approximately $14,000 left in the program. Mr. Hancock said that
was correct. He added that there is an agreement on the agenda later
this evening with Enterprise Development for payment of their administrative
funds. Mr. Hancock said after those funds are paid, there would be
approximately $14,000 remaining in that budget. He pointed out in his
memo that these funds clearly would not be enough for the remainder of the
program year, even excluding the Carlson's project, so money would have to
be found within other accounts that may no longer be active. Mr. Campbell
asked if there were pending applications competing for that money. Mr.
Hancock said approximately eight applications are received per month. Mr.
Campbell asked if it was true that the City just made a large loan to a private
developer for a housing project, and wondered if that money came from the
Homeowner's Assistance Program. Mr. Hancock said funds for that project
were obtained from HUD, but it was a different program (the HOME Program).
Mr. Campbell asked about
funding alternatives. Mr. Hancock said he had been looking at funds
that had been set aside for the old rehabilitation program. This project
was originally funded from the HOME Program, but had been switched to CDBG
funding because it is easier to administer. These and other project
funds will not be needed immediately and could be used for the Homeowner's
Assistance Program through the end of the year, depending on what the Council
decided tonight. Mr. Hancock thought he could try to acquire another
$50,000 from an old rehab account where the funds are being replaced by the
HOME Program. This is as far as he could go at this point.
Mr. Janku asked if it was
possible to reprogram funds that have been designated for other projects
besides the Homeownership or Home Rehab. He thought it would be helpful
to move other funds into the program if it could be done. Mr. Hancock
thought, with the understanding on the Carlson's part that every unit in
Spencer's Crest would not receive funding, enough monies would be available
for the rest of the year.
Mrs. Crockett asked Mr. Hancock
to explain how and why this program got started. Mr. Hancock said it
was an outgrowth of all of the neighborhood stabilization efforts the City
has done for 25 or 30 years utilizing HUD Programs, etc. He said a
concern had been expressed in 1993 about the number of renters versus homeowners,
particularly in census tract 8. He said the Council made a decision
to do something to alter these circumstances. At the same time, the
lenders had a great interest in doing more in the older neighborhoods for
home ownership, and financing permanent mortgages was one of the issues targeted. He
said it had been decided that the City would provide up to $2,000 to assist
folks in buying a house as long as they met income guidelines. He said
it was limited to the CDBG eligibility area.
Ms. Coble said it had been
noted that what prevents a lot of people from becoming homeowners is the
lack of money in the range of about $2,000. She said these people may
be paying enough in rent to afford a home purchase, but they do not have
the amount of cash at one time to handle the closing.
Mr. Janku asked if there
were certain recapture provisions if the home is sold within a certain period
of time. Mr. Hancock said this is a restriction with the HOME Program
and is the reason it is not used for the purpose of assisting with down payments
or closing costs.
Regarding the boundaries
of eligibility, Mr. Coffman noted that it appeared the program was designed
to help older neighborhoods not necessarily homes. He asked if the
neighborhoods had something in common that need protection. Mr. Hancock
said census tract 8 is an area where it has been determined by HUD that the
majority of the people living in these neighborhoods comprise 80% of the
median income, and experience certain housing conditions like lack of plumbing,
lack of a complete kitchen, etc. These factors determine eligibility. Mr.
Hancock said the Homeowner's Assistance Program can be administered in these
areas without documenting the incomes of every single beneficiary.
Mr. Beck would like to see
a more clear-cut policy as to how this program would be funded and if it
was going to be in older neighborhoods, and percentages, etc.
Mr. Janku did not think the
issue before the Council tonight had been thought about when the program
was brought forth by Mr. Hancock. He said the City has helped fund
the Community Development Corporation in building some new houses, in addition
to the rental property on Hanover Boulevard which has been assisted with
HOME funds. He said there are a couple of beneficial issues regarding
the Spencer's Crest development which include the fact that it is new construction
and its location. New construction has advantages for home ownership
because certain types of apartments can be occupied by people who cannot
live physically in some of the older style homes. There are also people
who cannot maintain a property so condominium ownership would be an advantage. Mr.
Janku thought the suggestions to have some guidelines was a good one.
Mr. Campbell said when the
Council first discussed this program, two different points were addressed. One
was the desirability of having people own their own homes and the Council
felt it would help stabilize the community to have a larger proportion of
homes owned by their occupants. When the census figures came in, it
was shown that an increased proportion of homes were renter occupied rather
than owner occupied. Mr. Campbell said the other point was the maintenance
of older neighborhoods and suggested a tiered situation. He said there
could be certain older neighborhoods that do get priority, but secondly,
help would be given wherever feasible so those people who are eligible can
own their own home regardless. Mr. Campbell stated the Carlson's need
a relatively speedy resolution because they have units under construction
and have operated on a series of assumptions that seemed valid at the time.
Mayor Hindman decided this
issue was not a true agenda item and, rather, should be treated as a report. He
said there would be opportunity at the end of the meeting to discuss it further.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
B148-97 Rezoning
five parcels of property in the East Campus area.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that the
City's policy is to allow neighborhoods to make a request once a year for
rezoning, and the Council would pay for the advertising. Of the five
parcels in the East Campus area, three are asking to rezone from R-3 to R-1,
and the remaining two request rezoning from R-3 to R-2.
Mayor Hindman opened the
public hearing.
There being no comments,
Mayor Hindman closed the public hearing.
B148-97 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL,
KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
OLD BUSINESS
B138-97 Authorizing
acquisition of an easement along State Route 763 for construction of an
8-inch
water main to serve Phenora Subdivision.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck noted that this
would extend a water main northward to Phenora Subdivision.
Comments were called for
with none received.
B138-97 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL,
KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B139-97 Calling
for bids for sidewalk construction along portions of State Route 763,
Blue Ridge
Road,
Katy Lane and Forum Boulevard.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck reported a portion
of these sidewalk costs would be paid for by the abutting property owners.
Mr. Patterson explained that
these were projects that already had a public hearing. He said there
had been an in-depth description of the projects at that time. This
is a mixture of annual projects with funds coming from a combination of tax
bills, CDBG funds, and City funds. The total cost is estimated at $106,000.
Mayor Hindman asked if there
would be a sidewalk constructed down Forum from the north as part of another
project. Mr. Patterson said there was a project under the Forum construction
program that provides for sidewalks on both sides and, as the development
of the area south of Chapel Hill occurs, there would be a sidewalk constructed.
B139-97 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL,
KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B141-97 Amending
Chapter 14 of the City Code to include the municipal parking lot at
Fourth and
Cherry
in the four-hour parking zone.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that the
parking lot at Fourth and Cherry had been completed and was now ready to
meter. He said the staff recommended that the meters be four hour meters.
Mr. Janku said that he had
an amendment sheet that would reserve a portion of the lot, the nine spaces
immediately adjacent to the proposed Trail Head Park, for ten hour parking
and the remainder of the lot would be four hour parking.
Mr. Janku made the motion
to amend B141-97 per the amendment sheet. The motion was seconded by
Mr. Campbell.
Mr. Janku thought people
who generally use the MKT trail use it for less than four hours, but there
would be a certain segment of the public who will want to use it for longer.
Mr. Campbell asked Mr. Janku
how the City could ensure the ten hour meters were available for the trail
users and not for people who want to park in the lot all day. Mr. Janku
said there was no way that could be determined, but thought if someone came
early on Saturday morning their chances of the lot being full would not be
great. He said during the week it would be more of a problem. Mr.
Janku said there were some ten hour spaces in the immediate vicinity and
if there are concerns about turnover, these could be changed to four hour
spaces.
In view of Mr. Janku's comments,
Mr. Campbell asked if somewhat of an inconsistency would be created to have
four hour meters within half a block of ten hour meters. He asked how
the decision had been made. Mr. Patterson said staff had evaluated
the lot on the basis that it was felt the usage of this parking lot should
be kept primarily for Trail Head use. He said there is some ten hour
parking in the vicinity for day long parking, but this is a very attractive
location and it was staff's concern that any of the ten hour meters at this
parking lot would be immediately taken for day long parking during the week. Mr.
Patterson did not know that it was critical to establish ten hour parking
versus four hour parking because if it is determined there is a problem,
the meter could always be changed. He said this bill is staff's recommendation
to initiate parking and see how the usage of it held up.
Mayor Hindman assumed it
was not possible, with the present meters, to have four hours of parking
during the week and ten hours on the weekends. Mr. Patterson said it
was not possible with the type of meters that are currently used. He
said computer chip meters are required for programmable parking, and these
are very expensive. Mayor Hindman suggested that perhaps this might
be the time to experiment with some computer chip meters. Mr. Patterson
said staff looked at some on an experimental basis. Mr. Patterson wanted
to clarify that the new mechanisms that were installed in current meters
did not have to be replaced every time parking limits or rates are changed. He
said all that is required is to have the timing on the mechanism changed. Mr.
Patterson explained that a lot of old meters had to be replaced when the
last change was made. He said if it was decided to change the rates
again, new meters would not be required. Mayor Hindman said these meters
still do not have the programming flexibility.
Mr. Campbell asked about
the relative cost of the two meters. Mr. Patterson said the meters
that were looked at about 18 months ago had been about three times the cost,
which was about $260 at the time. He said the meters that are used
by the City now cost a little over $100 just for the mechanisms.
Mayor Hindman asked how the
Council felt about establishing ten hour parking in the nine spaces which
were identified in the amendment until new meters come in. Mr. Janku
said he was all for new ideas, but hoped something like this would not cause
confusion. He guessed, properly signed, it could work. He said
it was probably the most logical place to try something like this.
Mr. Patterson asked if the
staff could make the hours for this particular lot somewhat different in
which there would be enforcement of the lot during the week only. Mr.
Boeckmann said it could be done somehow, but the way the ordinance is structured
now there are different sections for each parking zone. He said there
is a section for ten hour parking and one for four hour parking, so another
section may need to be added. Mr. Patterson said if the Council was
concerned primarily with Saturday parking, he suggested that enforcement
for this particular lot could be scheduled from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the
week, and from 7 a.m. to noon on Saturday. He said there would not
be an enforcement problem and this would avoid the concern about someone
having a ticket when they get back from using the trail.
Mr. Beck asked if the Council
thought this parking lot would be used by others in addition to the neighborhood
until such time that the Trail Head is built. He said if the answer
is no, he would suggest that the Council pass the ordinance as written, direct
the staff to investigate the new kinds of meters, and try to have them installed
at the time of the MKT Trail Head opening.
Ms. Coble asked why there
was a downside to having nine, 10 hour meters. The Mayor said it might
be used by people looking for all day parking during the week instead of
by trail users.
Mr. Kruse asked if the Council
could try establishing the two parking zones and monitor the situation. Mr.
Janku thought that was a good suggestion. He thought the Council should
pass this bill with his amendment and not spend three times as much money
on meters.
The motion to amend B141-97,
made by Mr. Janku, seconded by Mr. Campbell, was approved unanimously by
voice vote.
Mayor Hindman said he would
still like to see some experiment with the new meters to allow for more flexibility.
B141-97, as amended, was
given third reading with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT,
CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO
ONE. Bill declared enacted, reading as follows:
B145-97 Approving
the final RMH development plan of Richland Heights, Phase 2.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck noted that this
plan had been unanimously recommended for approval by the Planning and Zoning
Commission. He said there was a condition that the development have
landscape screening and fencing along the west side prior to the homes being
placed on the site.
Mayor Hindman understood
there was going to be a public dedication of a trail easement on the plan. Mr.
Boeckmann said there were no dedications at this stage of the process. He
said it could be identified as a future easement. Mr. Hancock said
it was identified as a future easement. Mr. Janku thought there had
been a reference about a conservation easement. Mayor Hindman asked
if that meant the easement would be available for developing a public trail
on it. The response was no. Mayor Hindman was under the impression
that was what had been agreed to. Mr. Hancock said that a greenspace
conservation easement was simply a perpetual interest in land described and
prohibits development, but does not allow for public access.
David Rogers, an attorney
with offices at 813 E. Walnut, thought this was the easement the developer
committed to give at the prior hearing. He said this particular instrument
tonight dedicates no easements at all, but if there was something the developer
was asked or committed to do and has not, it would be done at the time of
the final plat. He thought the greenbelt easement was, in fact, what
was asked for at the prior hearing. Mr. Rogers said the conditions
that were suggested (fence and landscaping) by the Planning and Zoning Commission
were acceptable to the developer.
Mayor Hindman said his memory
was pretty specific that a "public" access easement had been discussed, especially
because it goes along the creek which is a designated part of the greenbelt. He
said that was his expectation. Mr. Rogers said if that had been committed,
the final plat would include it. Mr. Rogers reported he would check
the minutes.
Mrs. Crockett did not remember
the developer agreeing to a public access easement. She said there
were some people in the Woodridge Subdivision totally opposed to people walking
a trail behind their homes. Mr. Rogers said that also had been his
memory of it.
B145-97 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL,
KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B146-97 Approving
the final plat of Creek Pointe, Plat 1.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck said this would
connect the south side of I-70 Drive SE to the east of the Woodridge Subdivision. He
said it would create the right-of-way that had been discussed. Mr.
Beck noted that it would create five lots zoned A-1 to C-3.
Mayor Hindman asked about
the sidewalk requirements. Mr. Hancock explained that sidewalk requirements
are bound by the performance contract or at the time of the certificate of
occupancy. The performance contract is 36 months.
B146-97 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL,
KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B147-97 Authorizing
an agreement with Jack and Doris Overton pertaining to Chapel Ridge
Road,
and
approving the final plat of Chapel Hill Estates, Plat 3.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck noted that this
plat will create 21 R-1 lots and a common area for an existing cemetery. In
order to line-up the new street south of Chapel Hill with the existing road
on the north side of Chapel Hill, there is a tract of land, about 1,450 square
feet, that will be dedicated for right-of-way. He said the developer
will pay for the street, sidewalk, and some landscaping that has been requested
by the Fire Department.
David Rogers, an attorney
with offices at 813 E. Walnut Street, explained that this was the agreement
discussed at a previous meeting in which the developer is agreeing to pay
for all of the road and the sidewalk, as well as providing landscaping.
B147-97 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL,
KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B149-97 Authorizing
a right of use permit allowing Boone County Regional Sewer District
to
construct
a sewer line across a portion of Lake of the Woods Recreation area.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck commented that this
sewer line was part of the Pin Oak Neighborhood Improvement District. He
pointed out the lagoons along I-70 on the overhead and indicated that these
would be eliminated.
Mayor Hindman asked for what
reason the City was providing sewer to an area outside the City. Mr.
Patterson said this permit is one of the agreements discussed regarding Water's
Edge, and the extension of sewers in this area for potential annexation of
the land just east of Lake of the Woods Road, north of I-70. He said
the pre-annexation agreement provides for elimination of the lagoons. He
pointed out that this was one of the three projects the City Council directed
the staff to proceed with last year at the retreat in conjunction with the
Boone County Regional Sewer District.
B149-97 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL,
KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B140-97 Authorizing
land acquisition for the Sewer District No. 142 (Anthony Street area)
project.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mayor Hindman noted that
this was the bill that had not been advertised timely and asked that a Council
member make a motion to table it to the next meeting.
Mr. Campbell made the motion
that B140-97 be tabled to the June 16, 1997, meeting. The motion was
seconded by Ms. Coble and approved unanimously by voice vote.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following bills were
given second reading and the resolutions were read by the Clerk.
B135-97 Engineer's
report and authorizing partial payment of differential costs for an
8-inch water
main
in the Timberlane Subdivision.
B136-97 Engineer's
report, accepting conveyances and authorizing payment of differential cost
for
a
12-inch water main serving Hunters Gate, Plat 2.
B137-97 Accepting
water and underground electric utility conveyances.
B142-97 Vacating
a sewer easement on Lot 1 of Itschner Hill.
B143-97 Approving
a replat of lot 81, Country Club Villas III.
B144-97 Approving
a replat of lot 82, Country Club Villas III.
R78-97 Setting
a public hearing regarding construction of a 12-inch water main in Woods
Mill, Plat
1,
and authorizing payment of costs above those to install a 6-inch main.
R79-97 Setting
a public hearing regarding construction of a 12-inch water main in Woods
Mill, Plat
1,
and authorizing payment of costs above those to install an 8-inch main.
R80-97 Setting
a public hearing regarding Columbia Transit's application for federal operating
assistance.
R81-97 Setting
a public hearing regarding construction of sanitary sewers in Sewer District
142
(Anthony
Street area).
R82-97 Setting
a public hearing regarding construction of a flood intake structure at Wetland
Treatment
Unit No. 3.
The bills were given third reading and the resolutions read with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bills declared enacted and resolutions declared adopted, reading as follows:
NEW BUSINESS
R83-97 Authorizing
purchase of 5,000 kilowatts of peaking capacity for June, July, August and
September
from Fulton.
The resolution was read by
the Clerk.
Mr. Malon explained that
this purchase is needed to meet the City's summary loads of resources forecasted
for this summer. He said this is similar to the transaction agreed
to last year.
Mr. Janku referred to an
article given to the Council by Mr. Malon regarding possible problems with
the electric load this summer. He said the article indicated because
of problems with plants in other states, there might be problems in the midwest. Mr.
Malon said there are several nuclear plants in Illinois and Wisconsin which
are expecting some problems this year if the weather gets real hot. He
said it should not affect Columbia, but it could possibly if some transmission
bottlenecks occur. He said if there were a transmission failure, it
could affect us. Mr. Malon did not anticipate problems, but wanted
the Council to be aware of the potential. Mr. Janku asked why then
if the purchase was at a higher level last summer, why it was going to be
at a lower level this year. Mr. Malon said the same amount could be
purchased as last year, but this agreement allows for the total projected
system load for the summer plus 15%. He said it seemed prudent to match
the loads and resources.
The vote on R83-97 was recorded
as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN,
COBLE, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Resolution declared adopted,
reading as follows:
R84-97 Transferring
funds for computer repairs.
The resolution was read by
the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that this
would transfer $29,350 between departments for computer repairs. Because
the transfer is between departments, Mr. Beck said it could not be handled
administratively.
The vote on R84-97 was recorded
as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN,
COBLE, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Resolution declared adopted,
reading as follows:
R85-97 Authorizing
an agreement with Show-Me Central Habitat for Humanity for CDBG funds.
The resolution was read by
the Clerk.
Mr. Beck said he understood
that the City had about $50,000 set aside to help offset costs of construction
of new single family dwellings by this group for affordable housing. He
said Habitat for Humanity plans to use part of the funds for land acquisition
and construction costs. This agreement will authorize them to do so.
Ms. Coble asked how many
homes the funding would be used for. Mr. Hancock said probably between
three to five. Ms. Coble asked how many of the existing homes had been
on lots where variances had been requested for lot size or setbacks according
to existing specifications. Mr. Hancock could not recall any variances
being requested. Mr. Boeckmann said a few lot size variances had been
requested.
Mr. Janku asked if these
homes would be built within the CDBG target area. Mr. Hancock said
they would.
Ms. Coble said it was an
excellent program, but cautioned as these homes are constructed with CDBG
funds, it would be the expectation that they be built according to existing
zoning regulations and to the same specifications as others. Ms. Coble
reported the greatest concentration of these homes were in her ward on vacant
lots. She said the lots are often odd-sized.
The vote on R85-97 was recorded
as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN,
COBLE, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Resolution declared adopted,
reading as follows:
R86-97 Authorizing
an agreement with Enterprise Development Corporation for CDBG funds.
The resolution was read by
the Clerk.
Mr. Beck said this agreement
was for approximately $80,000 and is targeted for low income home buyers. He
said $72,000 would actually go toward homes and $6,200 would go toward administrative
costs.
The vote on R86-97 was recorded
as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN,
COBLE, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Resolution declared adopted,
reading as follows:
R87-97 Authorizing
a petition to annex two tracts of City-owned land east of State Route
763 and
north
of Smiley Lane.
The resolution was read by
the Clerk.
Mr. Beck noted that this
annexation included two small tracts in north Columbia, east of 763. He
said these tracts had come with the Prathersville Water District.
The vote on R87-97 was recorded
as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN,
COBLE, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Resolution declared adopted,
reading as follows:
R88-97 Authorizing
an agreement with the Department of Conservation for croplands management.
The resolution was read by
the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that this
is an agreement the Public Works Department worked out with the Department
of Conservation where farmers in the area would be allowed to farm the land
and pay the City about $3,000 per year. He said the Department of Conservation
would manage the land until such time that the City needed it for future
use, possibly a future wetlands unit.
The vote on R88-97 was recorded
as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN,
COBLE, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Resolution declared adopted,
reading as follows:
The following bills were introduced by the Mayor, unless otherwise indicated, and all were given first reading:
B150-97 Amending
Chapter 27 of the City Code regarding water rates at Columbia Regional
Airport.
B151-97 Authorizing
construction of a 12-inch water main in Woods Mill, Plat 1, and authorizing
payment
of costs above those to install a 6-inch main.
B152-97 Authorizing
construction of a 12-inch water main in Woods Mill, Plat 1, and authorizing
payment
of costs above those to install an 8-inch main.
B153-97 Accepting
water utility conveyances, engineer's report and authorizing payment of
differential
costs for a 6-inch water main along Green Valley Drive.
B154-97 Accepting
utility conveyances.
B155-97 Authorizing
an agreement with the Department of Transportation for improvements at
Columbia
Terminal's crossing at Route HH, and appropriating funds.
B156-97 Amending
Chapter 2 of the City Code regarding sales of surplus property.
B157-97 Approving
the final plat of Derby Ridge, Plat 5.
B158-97 Granting
a variance regarding lot frontage for lot 22 of West Creek, Plat 1.
B159-97 Vacating
a public alley east of Fifth Street between Locust Street and Cherry Street.
B160-97 Authorizing
application for Federal Transit Administration funding.
B161-97 Calling
for bids for construction of sanitary sewers in Sewer District 136 (Olive
Street).
B162-97 Authorizing
land acquisition for construction of sanitary sewers in Sewer District 138
(Route
B/Waco Road).
REPORTS AND PETITIONS
(A) Bicycle Racks
on Buses.
Mr. Beck said that this report
had been requested by the City Council. The cost to install racks on
the buses would be about $12,000 to $14,000, with $8,000 qualifying for federal
funds. Mr. Beck said there are currently 12 buses that would need the
racks, and potentially two more buses could be added next year.
Mr. Kruse thanked the staff
for the report. He noted that a number of communities had been contacted
and asked if anyone had mentioned whether or not there had been an impact
in terms of time. Mr. Beck thought because of the infrequent use, it
would not affect the scheduling of the routes very much. Mr. Kruse
asked how many bikes could go on a rack. Mr. Patterson said there was
a variety of different sized racks that could be installed. He said
most of the racks could hold anywhere from three to six bikes. He said
the report noted that some of the communities allowed riders, during off-peak
hours, to put their bikes on the bus in case of racks being overloaded.
Mr. Kruse made the motion
that the funding for this project be considered for inclusion in the 1998
budget. The motion was seconded by Ms. Coble and approved unanimously
by voice vote.
(B) Evaluation of
Social Service Agencies.
Mr. Beck said this report
had been discussed at the pre-Council dinner and it was his understanding
that it was the Council's desire that the City not necessarily attempt to
perform an evaluation this year, but to plan on it for next year.
Ms. Coble explained that
a presentation had been given by Mr. Steinhaus and it was agreed, since there
was no one responding to the request for proposals for evaluation, that the
City should wait a year and develop a different type of evaluation process
for those agencies that receive social services funding from the City.
Mr. Beck said the staff would
report back to the Commission regarding the Council's suggested course of
action for this year.
As a part of that, Mr. Campbell
said there was some discussion that the staff would prepare a policy statement
that the Council and others could review before going forward with it for
the next year.
Mr. Campbell made the motion
that the staff be directed to not prepare any social service evaluations
for the current fiscal year, and to introduce a policy resolution for the
coming year. The motion was seconded by Ms. Coble and approved unanimously
by voice vote.
(C) Intra-Departmental
Transfer of Funds Request.
Report accepted.
(D) Street Closure
Request.
Mr. Beck noted that this
would close Seventh Street for the moving of the Fire Department from the
old station to the new one on June 12 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. He
said it would be worked out so that people will have access into the parking
plaza from the west side. Also, the Columbia Art League was requesting
a street closure for the Art Fair on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8. The
request was to close Dorsey Street from Broadway to the Stephens College
Parking lot between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on both days of the Fair. He
said the Art League also requested permission to close the south lane of
Broadway from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Mr. Beck said this request
had been granted in the past. The third request was from Boatmen's
Bank for a closure of Eighth Street, between Cherry and the alley, on Saturday,
June 14 from noon until 5:00 p.m.
Ms. Coble made the motion
that the requests be approved as submitted. The motion was seconded
by Mr. Campbell and approved unanimously by voice vote.
(E) Sidewalks on
West Worley.
Mr. Beck said this report
had been prepared at the request of Ms. Coble. He said the Public Works
staff had put together a lengthy report including estimated costs of the
different segments of sidewalk. According to present policy, he said
the cost would be shared by the abutting property owners and the City. The
total cost was $259,000. Mr. Beck said this project was not in the
CIP and would need to be discussed by the Council when looking at the overall
plan.
Ms. Coble thanked the staff
for preparing the information so quickly. She thought it would be appropriate
to use the materials for discussions during the retreat when other capital
improvement projects are discussed.
(F) Report on Kavanaugh
Easement - Clark Lane.
Mr. Campbell asked if there
was any way of alleviating the impact of the water line installation to the
environment. Mr. Malon said staff would certainly not clear any more
trees than absolutely had to be. He said a 16 inch water main, which
is rather large, is to be installed on Clark Lane. He said the size
of the water line requires a wide trench and staff is asking residents for
a 25 foot wide easement, but did not plan on using the entire 25 feet. It
was hoped the water main would not have to be placed at the back of the easement. Mr.
Malon stated his staff will work with the forester and try not to take out
any mature trees, but unfortunately, putting in a water main requires that
some trees will need to be removed. He said the City will have a clear
right-of-way to dig a trench.
Mayor Hindman understood
there were power lines that will need to be moved as well. Mr. Malon
said whatever right-of-way that is acquired for the water line would certainly
accommodate a power line. Mayor Hindman asked if staff opposed burying
the power lines. Mr. Malon said it was a matter of cost and this water
line is a large main line feeder. He said the power lines could certainly
be buried while working on the water main, it was just a matter of cost. Mayor
Hindman asked if the same ditch could be used. Mr. Malon said that
probably would not occur as the water main will be contained in a very wide
ditch and the trench will be very soft and awkward to work in. He said
in normal circumstances, an electric line is placed on top of a water line. If
it had been a six inch water line, it probably would not have been a problem. Mr.
Malon said staff would attempt it if the Council makes that determination.
Mr. Campbell asked how much
it would cost to underground the electric in that location. Mr. Malon
said the underground cable is a lot more expensive, and switching devices
will also need to be installed along the line so that will be an extra cost
above standard overhead construction. Mr. Malon stated he would get
an estimate for the Council.
Mayor Hindman asked about
a sidewalk easement. Mr. Malon guessed the City could ask for it, but
staff did not know what the final design of the road would be or where the
right-of-way would be. He suspected the sidewalk would normally be
on the right-of-way. Mrs. Crockett thought the City was pushing its
luck to get the water line. Mr. Malon said additional authorization
would have to be obtained from the Council before staff could move forward
with acquisition of easements for sidewalk purposes. He said the original
ordinance authorized strictly electric and water easements. Mayor Hindman
asked Mr. Malon if he would look into all of those issues and report back
to the Council.
Mrs. Crockett asked if at
some point Route PP would connect to Lake of the Woods. Mr. Patterson
said the Planning Department and Major Thoroughfare Plan were advocating
additional arterial routes connecting to Lake of the Woods, with a possible
Ballenger Lane crossover or connection to I-70. He said staff was very
much aware of the need for the additional transportation network in the area.
Mr. Malon said he will submit
to the Council a report for the cost estimate on the undergrounding of electric
lines, and information on a sidewalk easement.
(G) Community Gardens.
Ms. Coble thanked the staff
for the report. She spoke with Guy Clark, of the Community Garden Coalition,
and was told the issue regarding the Clinton Street plot had been discussed
with the Board of Directors for the Community Garden Coalition. The
Coalition wanted to inform the Council that they are willing to pay for water
usage and probably could afford the estimated $338 for the installation of
the water meter and the line. Ms. Coble reported this group hoped to
utilize the help of plumbers the Coalition had worked with in the past to
do the additional installation of a back-flow preventer and a locking spigot. She
felt that some of the questions the City Manager had raised in his report
were being answered. Ms. Coble reported the Garden Coalition does have
a source of payment, it is an official group and not individuals, it is being
supported by formal vote of the area neighborhood organizations, none of
the property owners in the vicinity have objected to it, and she thought
it was something the Council could proceed with in terms of making a formal
policy. Ms. Coble thought at this point, it seemed that a lot of the
concerns were being met. The last item would be whether or not the
Coalition could afford the plumbing professional costs to get the project
completed.
There was a discussion about
how an agreement could be handled. Mr. Janku suggested that a policy
resolution should be prepared at some point setting forth the issues. Mayor
Hindman said the problem with that recommendation is that the Garden Coalition
would like to proceed with the project on Clinton Street. Mayor Hindman
reported he would like to see this group be given permission to proceed. It
was determined that a resolution will be prepared for the next meeting that
would grant authorization to proceed.
Ms. Coble made the motion
that a resolution be prepared allowing the Community Garden Coalition and
the Smithton Valley Neighborhood Association to have a community garden on
City-owned property on Clinton Street. The motion was seconded by Mr.
Kruse and approved unanimously by voice vote.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
None.
COMMENTS OF COUNCIL, STAFF AND PUBLIC
Regarding the construction
of the new middle school, Mr. Janku wondered to what extent a stop sign might
be justified at Oakland and Smiley since there would be kids trying to cross
the street to access the school. He said there is a lot of traffic
generated in the morning and evening. At some point, Mr. Janku thought
a stop sign would be needed at this intersection.
Mr. Campbell complimented
the staff and said the lights on Chapel Hill Road are greatly appreciated.
Mayor Hindman said he had
been asked about the bus stop at Oak Towers. He was told the bus goes
right by the building, but the area was not designated as a bus stop. Mr.
Patterson said a report had been sent to the Council about bus shelters. He
said the shelters are being bid out now for installation this summer. He
thought there were a total of 12 shelters, and Oak Towers had been targeted
as one area for installation. Mayor Hindman said he was actually referring
to a bus stop sign, but if there was going to be a shelter, he thought that
would be more than adequate.
Regarding the recommendation
heard earlier from the Tree Plan Task Force, Mayor Hindman said it was wonderful
to see such a broad spectrum of citizens participating in this project. He
is proud of what had been accomplished and thought the City should do whatever
it could to support the task force. Mayor Hindman said the undergrounding
of utilities was an issue he has a great deal of interest in. He said
the overhead power lines located along the rights-of-way were one of the
greatest problems when it comes to successful tree planting. He said
the City is either limited in the size of the tree or the trimming practices,
and trees are never allowed to take shape and grow out over the street because
of the lines. Mayor Hindman thought a huge amount of potential in the
tree planting program is being lost. In conversations with the University,
Mayor Hindman reported they have a program of undergrounding all power lines. It
had taken the University 40 years to do this and added that he thought the
City should look into a long-term program. Mayor Hindman requested
a report regarding what would be involved in a 40-year program of undergrounding
power lines. He noted that some of the older neighborhoods have beautiful,
large trees that extend into the street because power lines are located at
the rear of the property instead of along the street line. He wanted
the report to include these alternatives as well. Mr. Beck pointed
out that a certain percent of the budget was targeted for undergrounding
utilities. He said staff could attempt to see how the project could
be stepped-up.
Mr. Campbell said another
idea he thought had great potential was the formation of a business association
along Business Loop 70. He suggested that the City, working with the
Chamber or some other group, could meet with businesses in this area to determine
if there is any potential interest. Mayor Hindman thought that same
idea could be applied in several locations around Columbia.
Mr. Janku asked if the staff
has had any contact with businesses along the Business Loop. He thought
he had previously asked for a report on this. Mr. Beck was not sure,
but he knew that in the mid-60's when major comprehensive planning was deliberated
in the area, there was a Business Loop 70 Association formed that met twice
a month. He thought a similar group could be re-established. Mr.
Campbell thought now might be the appropriate time to gauge interest. Mr.
Beck thought a report had been submitted. Mr. Janku said the Council
received a report regarding the estimated cost of preparing the master plan. Mr.
Beck said the alternative was that the City phase in the tree plan recommendations
without spending a great deal of money to have a professional plan developed
for the area. Mr. Janku suggested that the first step should be to
get these area business owners together and the City should initiate the
process. He spoke to one person that would be interested in participating. Mr.
Janku thought it was up to the City to provide some of the initial leadership.
Referring to the report,
Mr. Kruse thought the Council should do three things; authorize the Tree
Plan Task Force to continue and make recommendations on Phase II dealing
with policy and other issues, let the task force know the Council authorized
the continuation of work on implementation of their Phase I recommendation,
and direct the task force to coordinate efforts with the Growing with Columbia
activities.
Mr. Kruse made the motion
that the Tree Plan Task Force be authorized to continue and make recommendations
on Phase II, to continue work on implementation of Phase I recommendations,
and to coordinate efforts with the Growing with Columbia activities. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Janku.
Mr. Janku said one of the
key issues is the demonstration sites. He said it would take time to
coordinate some of the larger projects along I-70 and 63, but thought the
City should begin work. He thought the focus should be on demonstration
projects distributed throughout the community. There are some projects
that could be done quickly and completed by this fall. Mr. Janku said
there is $200,000 set aside from the 1995 ballot issue, so there is funding
available. Mayor Hindman thought it was important also and would like
to see at least two projects initiated. He suggested involving volunteers
as much as possible.
The motion made by Mr. Kruse,
seconded by Mr. Janku, was approved unanimously by voice vote.
Relative to undergrounding
utilities, Mr. Kruse said it seemed to him it would take another set of citizens
sitting down and working on the concept to proceed. He did not suggest
that this needs to be done immediately, but the emphasis on undergrounding
existing above-ground utilities should be concentrated on the entryways and
main corridors to the City. He said many of these corridors had been
recommended for street tree programs. He thought the next step would
be to select priority areas, get cost estimates, and then establish a 30
or 40 year phase-in period. Mr. Kruse reported there are some people
in the community who propose funding opportunities for beautification in
general, the Growing with Columbia group in particular. He said until
the priority areas are identified and it is determined where the money is
coming from, it is all just talk. He suggested that the Water and Light
Advisory Board might be the group to look into the concept.
Regarding the Homeowner's
Assistance Program that had been discussed previously, Mr. Campbell said
there were two problems; one is immediate and the other is long-term. He
suggested that the Council ask the staff to immediately come back with a
report, in view of some of the comments heard earlier, that would attempt
to address the program for this fiscal year. Policy for future years
could perhaps be addressed at the retreat.
Mayor Hindman said the investment
in Spencer's Crest made a lot of sense because this would allow people to
purchase newly constructed units. At the same time, there is also the
issue of trying to rehabilitate and upgrade the neighborhoods in town which
is absolutely essential for a strong core city.
Mrs. Crockett thought the
problem was that the program's intent had been for older neighborhoods, but
this had not been specified in the report.
Mr. Campbell said the Council
often had discussions about the concentration of low income families in one
area, and this would help to distribute low income housing into other parts
of the City. He thought this would be an attractive feature.
Mr. Janku thought the Spencer's
Crest development is clearly a more attractive alternative to duplex developments
due to the greater density, etc. He thought there were a lot of good
reasons that the Council should support it, but the problem was that there
was only a limited amount of funds available at the present time. From
comments made earlier by Ms. Carlson, Mr. Janku thought that problem was
understood.
Mr. Beck thought it was desirable
to have a priority plan for the use of money if there are more requests than
money. He would like to see these types of developments on bus routes,
if possible. The Council could perhaps establish how much of the total
dollars should be made available for the Homeowner's Assistance Program,
how much for rehabilitation, and what the percent should be for new housing. He
said if the money is not completely utilized for the year, a greater percentage
could be placed into new housing the next year. However, Mr. Beck said
that would make it difficult for the people planning projects. He said
there is more competition for CDBG money than there is for HOME money. It
is unfortunate that HOME money could not be used for the Spencer's Crest
project.
Mr. Janku asked Mr. Hancock
to explain the difference between HOME money and CDBG money. Mr. Hancock
said to be able to use HOME money, the units would have to have been built
at the prevailing wage, the units could not appreciate above a certain amount
of money, the owners would have been locked into their units for five years,
and the units could not be sold to anyone but a low income homeowner. Mr.
Hancock said there are a lot of restrictions and he did not have the staff
to keep up with the paperwork for the HOME program now, let alone start financing
a 217 unit condominium project with HOME money. He said it was a very
complicated, complex program. He can send the Council a report on the
difference between the two programs, but CDBG funding is much easier to use
for rehabilitation and loan programs for the first time home owner. Mr.
Janku did not think a report was necessary, but he appreciated the explanation.
Ms. Coble said a number of
the 180 homes that have been purchased through the Homeowner's Assistance
Program are in the center part of the City, with the largest portion being
in the first ward. She said the homes that are left on the market are
either in pretty bad shape and would actually be candidates for renovation
funds, or they are often no longer in what is called a "low income range". In
her opinion,$64,000 properties are not owned by people who could be classified
as low income. She said affordable housing might be a better term. Ms.
Coble said it is not low income people trying to move to other areas in the
City, who are also solely reliant upon public transportation, that are recipients
of the program. The Homeowner's Assistance Program benefits people
who need assistance to make a first time purchase. Ms. Coble stated
there are not a great deal of properties currently on the market that are
in the dollar range of the homes that had been initially purchased through
the Homeowner's Assistance Program.
Ms. Carlson pointed out that
Spencer's Crest is not being funded or subsidized by the City, nor has it
ever been requested. She said the only funding that has been received
from the City is when a potential buyer has requested, through their lender,
participation in the Homeowner's Assistance Program. Ms. Carlson's
intent when she sells real estate is for the property values to go up, which
allows homeowners to build equity in their home. She is not interested
in having properties subsidized that would not allow the purchaser to recoup
their investment. Ms. Carlson noted that 50% of the units being constructed
in Spencer's Crest are handicapped adaptable.
Regarding the point about
low income, Ms. Carlson said Spencer's Crest is not a low income project,
it is a low to moderate income development. She said people must still
qualify for a loan in the same manner as anyone else. Ms. Carlson stated
the interest rate on the loan is not lower, and assistance that might be
received through the program is for the down payment.
Mrs. Crockett asked how individuals
discovered the Homeowner's Assistance Program. Ms. Carlson said some
information is obtained through their advertising, but usually it is supplied
through the lenders. She said several lenders strongly promote the
program and there are 15 to 20 realtors that actively work on selling homes
within the eligibility range for the program. Mrs. Crockett stated
the people who had purchased condominiums in Spencer's Crest utilizing the
Homeowner's Assistance Program would not have been able to do so without
help with the down payment. Ms. Carlson said that was correct. She
said usually the buyer's income was good, but is short the $2,000 to $3,000
of a 5% plus closing cost down payment.
Mr. Janku asked what factors
went into choosing the location for Spencer's Crest. Ms. Carlson said
she had been looking for an area in Columbia to build more affordable housing. She
said it was extremely difficult to rezone property to a density of R-3. This
particular piece of property had been zoned C-3 for highway business, and
she decided a portion of it could be down-zoned. She said the new middle
school and a lot of other desirable factors contributed to the decision to
use this location. Ms. Carlson felt the area would be attractive
to purchasers regardless of whether there were CDBG funds available. Ms.
Carlson said if one were to look at the zoning map, there are no other sites
available that could be targeted without disrupting surrounding neighborhoods.
Mayor Hindman said Mr. Beck
was correct in that the Council needed to establish a policy to provide future
guidance in administering the Homeowner's Assistance Program.
Mr. Janku pointed out that
the City had received recognition from the Department of Housing and Urban
Development for its program.
Mr. Janku made the motion
that the staff report back with a suggestion on allocation of the Homeowner's
Assistance Program funds for the remainder of this year and, further, that
a policy be developed for the future. The motion was seconded by Mr.
Kruse.
Mr. Beck said the staff could
come back to the next meeting with something related to Ms. Carlson's request,
and then the policy issue will be submitted at a later date. Mr. Campbell
thought the second report could probably wait until the fall since the program
year ran until December 31.
Ms. Coble had also heard
from others regarding the lack of policy and the need to make clarifications
on the few dollars remaining, and that it should be applied to all different
ownership programs and condominium projects. She said there were others
in town where this money has been used to help qualified buyers get into
housing. Mayor Hindman said that had to be true.
The motion made by
Mr. Janku, seconded by Mr. Kruse, was approved unanimously by voice vote.
Henry Lane, 1816 E. Broadway,
reported he is interested in knowing exactly what the monies approved by
Proposition 2 would be used for. He had asked City staff for a summary
of the projects, and had been told there was none. He was told there
were detailed records that had been used to prepare the total amount. He
asked for details on three projects. He talked about discrepancies
he thought he had found and would like to look further into the situation. However,
he had been informed this evening that he was causing too much of a disruption
and extra cost to the City. He said it was important to know how the
$39.4 million was planned to be used. Mr. Lane said he would like to
continue, but did not want to cause problems.
Mayor Hindman said Mr. Lane's
inquiries would have to begin with the staff and, if problems came up, some
sort of policy may need to be developed. He said the City obviously
permits access, but there was a point where it becomes burdensome and costly. He
said the state and federal government had policies with respect to access
issues and, perhaps, the City needed to develop some form of policy as well. Mayor
Hindman asked if there was any type of policy regarding excessive use of
staff time and, if so, how it was handled.
Mr. Beck said the question
that probably had been raised was how much time the Water and Light staff
are spending on the same questions that are being asked over and over
again. He noted that all of the money was accounted for and added that
there was no question about the accountability of monies being spent. Mr.
Beck said there was a policy in place under the Open Meetings Law in which
a person could submit a request for information in writing and the City has
three days to respond.
Mr. Boeckmann said there
were two issues and, if Mr. Lane wants to see any records that are open,
which most of the City's records are open, he is entitled to do that. He
did not think that was a problem, but thought it became a problem when Mr.
Lane wants explanations or asks for information that is not readily identified
in a document.
John Clark, 2000 Allen Lane,
was appreciative of the discussion of the Block Grant money and the assistance
grants. He said it was a policy issue, but as president of a central
city neighborhood, he did not think there was much of a problem as long as
huge amounts of money are not diverted some place else. He was grateful
for the reminder about the original impetus for funding was established for
the central city area in which it was perceived to have a very large percentage
of rental housing. Mr. Clark suggested that most of these issues were
developer or agency driven and that there was not really the kind of planning
regarding community needs in affordable housing. He thought this would
be an appropriate topic for a task force that would involve lots of people
in the community, from the private sector to the public sector. Mr.
Clark said this group could work on developing some kind of consensus and
planning process to inform both the City and the County about what the needs
are. He said that would also allow developers to construct projects
in conjunction with recommendations, rather than just working on developments
and the Council having to react to them.
Regarding the Community Garden,
Mr. Clark proposed that the City set aside $25,000 in next year's budget
for fifty, $500 grants for neighborhood-supported or neighborhood-initiated
projects similar to the one mentioned earlier. The grants should be
established with very low application requirements as well as very low follow-up
requirements. Enactment of the grants would stimulate neighborhood
participation in more of these types of projects.
The meeting adjourned at
10:15 p.m.
Respectfully
submitted,
Penny
St. Romaine
City
Clerk
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