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Norwalk council approves Golden Valley assessments, Echo Valley irrigation release and other measures
Summary
At its April 17 meeting the council accepted completed Golden Valley improvements, fixed the assessment interest rate, authorized an irrigation connection for Echo Valley Golf Course to Des Moines Water Works, and passed several final readings and rezoning items.
Norwalk City Council on April 17 approved a series of routine project closeouts, assessment actions and administrative items including final acceptance of the Golden Valley improvements project, adoption of final assessments with an amended interest rate, authorization to permit Echo Valley Golf Course to connect an irrigation meter to Des Moines Water Works, and final readings for a zoning map amendment and hydrant meter rate changes.
Golden Valley Improvements: Council accepted the completed work on the Golden Valley Drive improvements project and approved the final assessment schedule. Wayne (public works/staff) reported the average assessment on Golden Valley is $5,737, lower than the preliminary assessment set at the beginning of the project. The council voted to accept the project (motion and second on the record) and the motion carried by roll call.
Assessment interest rate for Golden Valley: Council debated the appropriate interest rate for payment plans on assessments. Staff noted 3.5% had been included in the draft resolution, and final action amended the rate to 3.44% to match the city's bond cost. Council member Livingston moved and Council member Cool seconded the amendment setting the interest rate at 3.44%. Roll-call votes recorded: Meineke (yes), Baker (yes), Brown (yes), Cool (yes), Livingston (yes). Motion carried.
Echo Valley irrigation meter: Council authorized the city manager to send a letter to Des Moines Water Works releasing the Echo Valley Golf Course irrigation meter so Echo Valley may establish a direct irrigation connection to Des Moines Water Works system. Staff said the connection is limited to an irrigation tap to fill the golf course pond; it will not permit potable service or residential/commercial service. Council member Livingston moved and Council member Baker seconded the motion. The council voted in favor by voice vote and roll call; the motion carried.
Final readings and rezoning: The council conducted final readings and voted to: (1) submit the official zoning map amendment rezoning 818 1/2 North Avenue from C-4 Founders Business District to R-F Founders Residential (motion carried on final reading); and (2) adopt an ordinance adjusting hydrant meter deposit/rate language so deposits reflect meter replacement cost (final reading carried). For each final reading the council recorded roll-call affirmative votes.
Why it matters: These votes finalize capital work and assessments for Golden Valley Drive, set the finance terms homeowners will face for a multi-year payment plan, and change a utility practice to reduce future billing spikes by allowing an irrigation meter connection for Echo Valley. Several items will affect property owners along assessed streets and utility customers if and when the irrigation connection is used.
Ending: Staff will proceed with assessment billing under the newly set interest terms, and the city manager will transmit the letter to Des Moines Water Works to allow the irrigation tap. Related follow-ups on possible impacts of the irrigation connection and any required inter-jurisdictional paperwork with Central Iowa Water Works will be handled by staff and reported back to council as needed.
