Minutes-1 /12/1983

Council discussed problems with delinquent waterworks bills in the apartments because water cannot be shut off individually. Attorney Hoefer advised against shutting water off the whole apartment because those tenants who paid their bill on time could have reason to press lawsuit. She stated that the landlord is ultimately responsible for paying all waterworks bills. Potter suggested amending the ordinance to require billings only to property owners since property owner is responsible anyway. Stevens asked if property owners could take city to court. Attorney stated that city could do whatever they wanted to as long as they followed their own ordinances. Rohret stated that he would prefer one billing to multi-family units. Spivey stated that amendment should read that all property owners pay waterworks bills, not just multi-family owners. If someone rents a home the bill would go the the owner instead of the renter. Stevens stated that if one apartment does not pay then the city should shut off the whole building. It is the owner's responsibility to pay bills that are delinquent. Attorney stated that this is a good argument but it is also a good argument that people who paid bills should not have their water shut off. City would be risking a lawsuit. Attorney stated that the city could take that chance but she recommends against it. Council directed attorney to draw up amendment to water ordinance stating that bills will be sent to property owners only. Item will be placed on agenda for February meeting. Council discussed complaints of vandalism. Rohret stated that he talked with Johnson County Sheriff's Department and that they would try to be in town at times when they will be more visible, but it is not possible to spend all of their time on weekends and nights because other towns want the same thing. Cox stated that Sheriff's Department will write parking tickets and put the copies in the drop box at the city clerk's home. Curfew issue was dismissed because it is so difficult to make an enforceable curfew at this time. Motion Cox second Brown to approve Iowa Department of Transportation application for use of Highway Right of Way for Utilities Accommodation in relation to extension of service line by William Rogers under highway no. 6 east of the Post Office. Carried unanimously. Motion Rohret second Spivey to approve Resolution Naming Depositories, naming First National Bank of Iowa City, Iowa for coverage in the amount of $75,000.00, Resolution No. 1983-1. Carried unanimously. Motion Brown second Stevens to approve bank resolution establishing one signature required for city' lock box and naming clerk, mayor and mayor pro-tem as authorized signatures. Carried unanimously.