SPECIAL JOINT MEETING
STUART CITY COUNCIL
AND
STUART MUNICIPAL UTILITY BOARD
STUART CITY COUNCIL
AND
STUART MUNICIPAL UTILITY BOARD
TENTATIVE AGENDA
TUESDAY, JULY 3, 2007
6:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1.) CALL TO ORDER
2.) MIDWEST PARTNERSHIP / IDED
3.) DISCUSSION OF ADA RECOMMENDATIONS
4.) DISCUSS PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE / POSSIBLE
CLOSED SESSION
5.) ADJOURNMENT
58 comments:
Peg, what do you think the real estate purchase will be?
8:48 am - i have no idea unless it is about the cultural center purchase and lease back.
if the cultural center, why would that be a closed session? if the city is purchasing the public should have every right to be aware of the conditions and terms. Correct?
or maybe they decided to buy the horse ranch. weren't they talking about that recently?
If you want to be prepared here is the Iowa Code 12.5.j.... "To discuss the purchase of real estate only where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the governmental body would have to pay for that property. The minutes and the tape recording of a session closed under this paragraph shall be available for public examination when the transaction discussed is completed." The reason to close has to be announced and vote taken and recorded in open session, and the final action taken only in open session. If you then want the sunshine advisory which is more clearly stated April 2006 says; A public body may vote in open session to go into a closed session in connectiion with the purchase of real estate if "both" of the following are true: *The body will go into closed session to discuss the purchase of particular real estate and not to generally discuss whether or when to purchase real estate. *The body reasonably expects that premature discloser of the discussion could increase the price the body would have to pay for that particular property. In addition, as soon as the real estate transaction discussed in closed session is completed, all minutes and tapes of the closed session must be disclosed to the public. Now there should be no question as to whether they can or cannot go into closed session if this law is followed. These closed session minutes are not locked up as some others
did they go close session? where are they eanting to buy at?
8:33 am - yes and i don't know.
Someone seems to have an insight on what they are trying to buy and if they went to closed session for what it sounds like, going by the laws above entered, they may have approached it wrong. What was the final action when they came back to open session?
PEG! WHY DIDN'T YOU LIST YOUR NAME?!
Tyler's blog seems to have the inside track on the "real estate".
Wonder what the price tag will be. Will it have to go to vote by the public? This should be good.
If so, they will be voting for Masonic Temple building or new construction. My vote would be new construction rather than another hundred plus year old building. Fun and games all over again, huh?
As usual, it will remain a secret until someone slams the door and no one has a chance to do anything about it.
3:32 pm - please do not yell.
i did not include my name because i was not a part of the first meeting. it would not be proper to allow the assumption that i was nor to take credit for others work.
i asked to join the committee after the meeting adjourned.
Peggy, why would Tyler post that the Masonic Temple Building would be "in the running" for new city hall, etc. if it is supposed to be secret until a decision is made? Does it have to go to vote, anyway even if the council wants to buy it? Do they really want to buy another old building? One would hope that the voting public would have some say in this. One would also hope that common sense would enter pretty soon and an efficient, new, one story building would be built.
Think about this a minute, people. There is a common thread. The people involved..committee, council, property. Just give it time.
why do you let anonymous accuse tyler of things that aren't true? you know they arent peg.
Yes, that "old" building. How can Stuart ever be a part to that?? And to think the clock fell to the ground floor many years ago and what a fire trap it must be. And only an elevator for the handicapped, no ramps for quick exit. Oh my, oh my, how can they even think it. They definitely have to go for new construction all on one level. Why this goes to the very core of objectionable ideas. Don't you think??
5:53 pm - please do not confuse the two issues. the committee looked at the masonic building to see if it is a viable option. no decisions have been made at this point.
the property discussed at the closed session is not identified. we should not assume they are talking about the masonic building. they may have identified another option that required discussion.
based on the scope of this ada based project the $$'s involved will require a bond referendum for approval.
there is a lot of work to be done on this issue before any recommendations can be made. there are multiple options to be researched and discussed on each site depending on the shorfalls which require correction.
new construction is one of the options being researched and discussed.
remember that the committee is not locked. anyone who has a desire to help on this issue, and there is plenty of work to be done, should contact the mayor.
5:59 pm - apparently that is the perception someone got from reading his posting.
i have tried to clarify the issue under 6:25 pm.
You're funny 6:01. "Only an elevator for the handicapped?" What else would you expect? You can't really have a 3 floor ramp. An elevator is what the highrises and skyscrapers have. You do realize that don't you? If not, let me break it to you gently: Tall buildings do NOT have ramps that go to the 5th, 10th, 20th or 100th floors. So sorry to disappoint.
Also, I've lived here all my life and don't recollect the clock ever falling to the ground floor. Making things up again?
5:53, I'm actually glad they want to buy the Temple. It's a great way to preserve this town's history.
peg if you think these people on the committee hate you now just wait until you get on the committee after they read these nasty comments.
5:55 think about THIS a minute, the committee for this type of item should be open to the public and minutes recorded. The is a very thin line here and as AG says boards should be very careful in setting up their committees and advisory boards. The only thing they need to go into closed session for is as stated in Iowa code 12.5. The committees are discussing different possiblities and the actual negotiations would be done in closed session for a particular property. As usual, behind closed doors discussions, and then brought to the table when decision is already made.
Peg, Why didn't you post my comment? It wasn't negative. I'll try again...
I, for one, support the Masonic Temple location. It's an important part of the town's history and having the city offices there just helps in the fight to preserve something great in this town. The Temple building is beautiful and, as one who's been in there several times including on the holiday home tour, is in pretty good condition. Being in there gives chills because it's so historic. Plus, it does have an elevator so it's ADA compatible.
Peg, you are posting others opinions so please, post mine.
6:49 pm - this is the only comment recieved. there is nothing on it i would not post.
is it possible that you did a preview and forgot to hit publish?
i have done that several times myself.
6:42 Look in the Stuart History books, you will find the account of the clock falling to ground floor. And my comment about elevators? We couldn't put any in the library or city hall? Even outside access on West sides of both. And quite some time ago there was a suggestion for elevator in 3 story school building that was severely attacked as not good enough as elevators get shut off in case of fire, so how would handicapped get out. Try the history book. You could live here all you life and not no anything about the town you live in if you don't read.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Special Joint Meeting":
I read all the time 10:10, were you referencing when the Temple was on fire in the 1800s? I know the clock fell then but, as most buildings that are on fire do, it had reason to collapse.
So, having a 3 story building won't be ADA compliant? Ok, so, how do all the buildings in DM get away with it? The NEW buildings on the Wells Fargo campus have about 4-5 floors and the WF building on University has about 10. The NEW ING and NEW Allied buildings have at least that many too. The 801 Grand is 45 stories tall and Ruan building has 35. So, all those buildings need to come down according to your logic. Hmm.
Unless YOU are planning to set the Temple building on fire, I don't think that'll be a problem. Elevators are considered ADA compliant. I don't think a one floor building would be good. There's no way to house the city hall offices, the library, and the police department in one building in the space available... any space in town actually. Two+ floors would break each area up nicely to give them their own room and keeps things from being crowded.
I think you need to think this through a little more 10:10.
i just rejected a comment.
please refrain form name calling and try again if you wish.
The Masonic Temple building is one solid building. There are no building that I know of today that are made as well. The foundations is very good.
If case of fire, and the elevator is not working, you use the stairs, as do all hospitals and other buildings.
It will never happen. Not in this town. Not with that building. a vot will never be approved and everyone knows why.
8:23 Thank you for your comments. No, I didn't mention that the falling of the clock resulted from the fire, but glad you did. So everyone now knows the building already has had a fire. Also I wasn't aware that the buildings in Des Moines you mentioned were government (taxpayer) owned. That is what we are talking about. If the building in question is purchased it will become our property. So if you want to list government buildings, try our state capitol and many others that aren't fully compliant with ADA. I' am just thinking of the fact that if there were a need for quick exit and a handicapped person were on the third floor and elevators shut off, who is going to help them down the stairs before they save themselves. Remember 9/11? It is our tax money that pays for all of this. What I was referring to in my original post was the discrepancies in the thinking of a lot of people here as to what is okay and what is not. Depends on what they are trying to accomplish. Now you think about it and go over not just this subject, but many other happenings in the last 15 years. Remember the post from 6:43 about a way to preserve the towns history. Well the city bought the old jewelry store, pharmacy, and Doc Taylors office and where are they now. Doesn't mean that would happen here, but remember history doesn't really mean that much to a lot of people. Let's wait and see wait the actual meeting was about and await the final verdict.
maybe the city didn't buy the three mentioned for dollar store site but they certainly promoted the destruction.
Ok, you want government owned? Here: Des Moines City Hall, The CAPITOL building, Terrace Hill, The Supreme Court of Iowa, Des Moines Federal Building, the Polk County Courthouse, Adair County courthouse, Dallas/Guthrie/Warren county courthouses, West Des Moines Library, the Des Moines Libray... Shall I go on? I can.
That fire was over 100 years ago IN THE 1800s! I think the lack of fire in over 100 YEARS is a testament to how safe that building is. I'd never have thought of that if you didn't keep harping on about it. So, THANKS!
according to historical records, after the fire in the 1800's (late) the owners rebuilt the building from where the fire damage occured. when the older bumps purchased it, they tore it all apart and redid it again. and you know the bumps have more money than fort knox and they dont skimp on anything.
So, 12:51 that should make us feel all warm and fuzzy about it, huh? I'll wait and see for this one. Should cause about as much ruccus as the police drama of a few months ago. Your post makes absolutely no sense at all.
The city hall is the capitol of Stuart. No building in Stuart, new or existing, would project a better image than the former Masonic Temple. I expect that most of the public facilities would be on the very accessible ground floor. I hope the ADA committee can make it work. An existing elevator is certainly going to be more affordable than a new one. Renovating the existing city hall and library would be prohibitively expensive on its face. I do not have high hopes for those buildings. I believe in representative government. We elect people in whom we have confidence and expect them to study the problems that face the community and make tough decisions. I favor public scrutiny, but we do not need a public vote on every controversial issue. That just gives the CAVE people an opportunity to trot out their tired excuses for doing nothing. I am tired of all the "poor me" and "we can't" belly-aching. The only thing that is poor in this community is the attitude of some of its citizens.
Capitol of Stuart? Prohibitively expensive?
Thought,
First tear down the town hall, bld new one. Then house City Hall in it till new City Hall is Built. Library, Build new one with the advances in technology and allow for increase for growth, conference rooms etc.
Police Station. Like the idea of it being located uptown. So with the empty lot next to current location, build new police station The Temple is a historic landmark on the register and changes would not be allowed to the current structure of the bldg. Remodeling yes, but no changes to the outside structure is allowed.
This entire facility should be new construction. The idea of using the masonic temple for city hall, library and police station is insane. A bond referendum will be soundly defeated!
3:50, How does that not make sense? The person is giving some historical information about a topic being argued. Do you not understand what they are saying? Perhaps that person can rewrite it clearer and in simpler terms.
Simpler terms for the simple. They won't understand no matter how definitive you get. It's like trying to teach a child how to drink without spilling. Until they've gotten soaking wet a few times, they'll keep tipping the glass to soon, or grabbing it to fast, before the science of drinking without a straw or lid becomes clear to them. In time the grow and learn.
Has anyone given any thought to having the need for ample parking for these relocations. I suggest acquiring the property where old stage stop was and also stuart motel and build city hall and police department. The police right there on the corner would be a good place. The library probably should be closer to uptown. But how big a library do we want. Enough to suffice or to provide for future expansion. Enough for now, how about seeing if Shepherd would trade buildings. He could have a beautiful historic place for his business and the libaray would be near the park to accomodate the kids better. Just some ideas. I even thought of all of them being built out east of the vet clinic. With the lack of foresight in planning our town for beauty and ease of access, these should be okay ideas.
8:42...don't like your Cheerios this morning?
6:54, you are so right. Never happen.
i love cheerios, how was your gerbers?
the masonic temple will provide plenty of space for a library expansion. have you ever been up there?
6:53, why would you need to make changes to the outside?
East of the vet clinic is outside city limits... Shepards building is WAY way too small... I vote for the Temple. I really haven't heard any GOOD reasons why it shouldn't be there. It's downtown and on main street. It's a perfect location.
directly east of the vet clinic is in city limits
12:27p.m.
Those building were in poor condition and would have falled in on their own some day
Why are they in poor condition? Not because they are old. Too many old buildings are in good condition. And then again if you look at the people attending the meeting on July 1, what makes you think they were discussing the masonic temple in closed session? Vitzhum is working to get monies for Stuart Cultural Center (Old All Saints) and city was asked to buy it and rent it back to them so they would quality for funds. Of course I question the need for a cultural center, since by the sounds of some of these commenters, we are lacking in culture in Stuart. For those of you who need to, it is defined in the dictionary.
There are alot of old buildings in Stuart in good condition but alot have been neglected and are not in good condition. The ones torn down had been neglected.
The Masonic Temple, Ruppert's building and alot of others have put alot of money in them to keep them in good shape. Not everyone with the older buildings do this or can afford to do this.
12:27 and 1:28 How old were those buildings and what was the matter with them? What do you consider poor condition? I guess I'm trying to get a view on how others look at things and come to their conclusions. Anyway, I just need some others view of neglected and poor condition.
the land east of the vet clinic is where the school is going to be.
maybe
There is land east of the vet clinic that is not owned by the shcool and not a proposed site for the school.
I have a question. If the government owned buildings, city hall and library are in bad shape, isn't it because they have not been maintained well?I know they also need upgrades, but I am addressing there current state of repair right now. If this is the case what makes anyone think that a different building will be maintained any better? I guess a new building wouldn't (I hope) need any repairs right away, but purchasing an older building, no matter how well it has been refurbished, there are bound to be maintenance problems sooner than later. The government overseers are not as apt to get right on top of the maintenance as fast as the private owner would. The private owner also only has him/herself to care about, not the taxpayers. My big question is, do we want to put a beautiful building in jeopardy by putting it in the hands of those who have shown little action in repairing that which needs to be repaired?
A poor building would have lose mortar in between bricks. a foundation with walls pushing in, a bad roof, walls pushing in or something like this.
10:30. So a poor building is a result of neglect by the responsible agent to keep it in shape. All of the things you mentioned would never get to the point of disrepair had they been taken care of to begin with. There is a thing called tuck pointing for the mortar and foundations, and I believe there are roofing companies and people who repair walls before they get to bad. If you look at all the buildings owned by the city, how many have been kept up and how many have been neglected? We can expect this to happen with any building that out tax dollars pay for, because they really don't care.
Sounds like the same people who take care of the current school. Boards on the windows/painted repairs only when it's leaking. Does this town not know how to take care of anything?
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