2026-10-05 - City Council Work Session

Summary

Built from official work session summary; no video transcript available.

Work session October 5, 5:30 to 6:31 PM. Ten council members present (Kennedy absent/excused), Mayor Nelson presiding.

Engineer Westrope presented proposed one-time charge for new development to fund infrastructure capacity. Base charge $967 per equivalent residential unit (ERU), based on existing system assets and ten-year capital plan. Advisory committee recommended 47% design credit for commercial developments connected to system ($513/ERU) and larger credit for disconnected developments ($329/ERU). Estimated to generate approximately $950,000 annually. If adopted at October 26 regular meeting, implementation target January 1, 2027. Staff to conduct builder outreach in November-December.
Council discussion: concerns about cost impact on housing affordability, treatment of existing homes (retroactive charges not proposed), accessory dwelling units, deed-restricted affordable housing, small infill projects.
Motion by Neese to direct staff to present at soonest available regular business meeting passed 10-0.

Parking Manager Scott outlined amendments updating City Code to state and federal accessible parking requirements. Recommended uniform $250 violation fine and increase boot fee from $50 to $200. Three-business-day period for presenting valid permit allows automatic ticket voidance; longer appeal process available for expired or improperly displayed credentials.
Council discussion: concern that flat $250 fine less effective than graduated penalties for repeat offenders; recommendation to allow fee adjustments by resolution rather than ordinance amendments.
Motion by Boyett to direct staff to bring amendments to future regular business meeting passed 9-1, Neese opposed.

Woltjer presented three-phase approach: Phase 1 (30 days) addresses immediate school-zone concerns, including Will James Middle School on Grand Avenue; Phase 2 (60-90 days) reviews and updates school-zone policies for all school levels, establishes consistent standards and prioritizes locations; Phase 3 addresses wider aggressive driving, vehicle noise, downtown bicycle routes, e-bikes, e-scooters, enforcement and street design.
Multidisciplinary group to hold first meeting October 6. State Transportation Commission added Will James area to December 10 agenda rather than waiting until February. Updated policy could enable more efficient state review than standard speed study (6-8 months).
Council discussion: inconsistent school-zone signs, flashing beacons, speed humps around schools; City has discussed but not formally adopted Vision Zero policy.
Public comment: Mariah Lantz expressed appreciation for Council's safety efforts (referenced her son Chase's death). J-Nell Bermes, Safe Routes to School Committee and RiverStone Health, supported extending designated school-zone speed limits to middle schools.
Motion by Lindley to direct staff to proceed with three-track approach passed 10-0.