Minutes-3 /28/2014

There was discussion that the school districts rarely look to the City for insight into the issue of planning for infrastructure and the money typically comes after the investment, which makes things difficult for the City. Pat Harney indicated that there are LED signs that come on only when someone approaches that might be feasible for the 4-way stop Ireland Avenue intersection when complete. They are expensive, but might be a good option. Trail: Discussion about future plans for off-street parking for the trail off of Ireland Avenue. Administrator Jackson indicated that MPO funded a portion of the trail. Once the portion is completed, the flat area next to the trail and Ireland could possibly provide for a a parking lot. It will take 1-2 years for Coralville’s trail to meet the one in Tiffin. There were concerns raised that the I-380 interchange fly-overs could be problematic for the trail, but there is hope that they would either build around it. Residents are very interested in the completion so that they can use it to get to and from work. Larry Gullett from Johnson County Park introduced himself. He was hired last year and works at Kent Park. At the last board meeting, they moved to contact land owners west of Half Moon Ave. to get the trail to Kent Park. He is also working on managing the Clear Creek Trail. Larry discussed that from the flood, a section of the bank was washed out and they are currently working on a bio-restoration of the stream bank. It will take place in September or October. There is a pre-construction meeting on July 28th. One of the methods used to strengthen the bank is to use logs and trees and to slope the bank back gently. It is hoped that this new method will be used in the future as it is better for the ecology. In the Kent Park beach area they will put in a new beach house that is ADA accessible. The Kent Park shower house will be redone and the new facility will have 12 individual shower and toilet stalls. Fourteen restroom facilities are being replaced for ADA accessibility and the entry from Hwy 6 will also be done to provide better access. In total, $4 million in changes will be done. Use of tax increment financing (TIF): Janelle Rettig indicated that TIF is an ongoing discussion for the City. Growth is wonderful, but the question is would the business come despite the TIF? Using restraint with TIF is important; we need to let people invest if they want to not because they get TIF for it. Per Administrator Jackson, Slum & Blight was added a couple years ago to allow for updating the old town area with TIF. No further TIF will be added if possible. Need to have longevity and get growth the good old fashioned way. 5. Update on addressing jail/courthouse needs: Pat Harney indicated the courthouse annex is on the next ballot. There will be an additional 6 court rooms and the high risk trials will be held in the annex. A lower level would house prisoners while court is in session. Each judge would have their chambers, room for attorneys to have counseling. The bond is scheduled to cost $30 million dollars. Costs have gone up since the original bonding request years ago. None of the jail is part of the referendum.