HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-05-15 Correspondencer
^� CITY OF IOWA CITY 3f(1)
MEMORANDU M
Date: May 1St, 2012
To: City Clerk
From: Darian Nagle -Gamm, Traffic Engineering Planner
Re: Item for the May 15th, 2012 City Council meeting; Change of parking meter terms from
30 minutes to 2 hours for spaces numbered G205N and G207N on the 300 block of East
Market Street.
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council
of the following action.
Action:
Pursuant to Section 9 -1 -3A (17), Change parking meter terms from 30 minutes to 2 hours for
spaces numbered G205N and G207N on the 300 block of East Market Street.
Comment:
This action is being taken to provide additional time for the two metered parking spaces in front
of 330 East Market Street (Blue Bird Diner). This action is being taken at the request of the
Transportation Services department.
Date: May 1St, 2012
CITY OF IOWA CITY 3'
MEMORANDUM --
To: City Clerk
From: Darian Nagle -Gamm, Traffic Engineering Planne
Re: Item for May 15th, 2012 City Council meeting; Installation of (1) NO PARKING
CORNER TO HERE sign on the southwest corner of the intersection of Waterfront
Drive and Southgate Avenue.
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council
of the following action.
Action:
Pursuant to Section 9 -1 -3A (10); Install (1) NO PARKING CORNER TO HERE sign on the
southwest corner of the intersection of Waterfront Drive and Southgate Avenue.
Comment:
This action was requested by Durham School Services to allow for the turning movement of
school buses.
3f(3)
Marian Karr
From:
Steve Long
Sent:
Wednesday, May 02, 2012 3:37 PM
To:
Marian Karr
Cc:
John Yapp
Subject:
Fwd: Safety Concern
FYI
Begin forwarded message:
From: Jesse Burns <jessekburnshousing.com>
Date: May 2, 2012 3:28:38 PM CDT
To: 'Steve Long' <Steve- Long_giowa- cit�org>
Subject: Safety Concern
Hello Steve,
I am not one to complain and I was not sure who I should send this to at the City. Would you please
forward it to the appropriate person /department and the Council?
Thank you.
Jesse Burns
ISSUE:
Safety concern with pedestrian and vehicle intersections on Market & Linn Streets, and Jefferson and
Linn Streets:
In recent months signs were placed in the center of the streets that have only added to the confusion at
these intersections. At certain times of the day it is very bad due to rush hour traffic as well as times
between classes. Vehicle drivers as well as pedestrians are still confused as to who has the right of way,
at what point they have the right of way, whether to start or stop moving. Confusion will lead to
accidents. I drive this route multiple times daily and experience this first hand as well as witness
others. Also adding to the problem is that cars are parked along these intersections which make it more
difficult to see children or persons in wheel- chairs. Additionally, due to the east/west facing directions of
these streets, the problem is compounded by sun glare at certain times of the day /year.
Can some other form of signage or signaling be done to make these intersections safer?
Ideas: Remove current signage in streets and install clear instructions such as
1. Install a four -way stop for vehicles and pedestrians. or
2. Install pedestrian push- button activated lighted signals similar the pedestrian crosswalk on Clinton
Street in front of the Old Capital Mall. It seems like Market and Jefferson are as busy as or even busier
than the Clinton Street example.
3. Other?
Marian Karr 3f(4)
From: sherry Amber <boobooberr @hotmail.com>
Sent: Friday, May 04, 2012 10:46 AM
To: Chris O'Brien; Council; Matt Hayek; Tom Markus
Subject: FW: Request for Transit Policy Change
Mr. Obrien,
Thank you for your response regarding my request for policy modification. I feel that we
are approaching a consensus with the city transit policies and an understanding of some
of the special needs. I would like to further bridge the gap in our common desire to afford
the safest and most reliable transit system in Iowa.
The policies that you cite, address members of the general public, however, I a person
with a disability that uses a service dog among others with special needs, would like to
have a transit system that is more accessible. This would require the Iowa City transit to
modify its existing policies along with continuing education and enforcement.
The City of Iowa City could encourage bus drivers to provide better customer service. In
nearly every case, if the bus driver demonstrated more consideration to passengers needs
and service, many issues could be avoided.
I would be willing to get signatures and letters campaigning for change if we can't come
to an agreement to correct policies in compliance with the ADA, 49 CFR, and other laws
that protect the rights of persons with disabilities and others with special needs.
Shery and Amber Christoffer
From: Chris- OBrien @iowa- city.org
To: boobooberr @hotmail.com; Tom - Markus @iowa- city.org; Council - @iowa - city.org; Matt- Hayek @iowa- city.org
Subject: RE: Request for Transit Policy Change
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:33:27 +0000
1
1.)
2.)
3.)
Ms. Christoffer,
I have reviewed your e-mail and have identified three concerns /policies that you have outlined:
Waiting for passengers to be seated prior to departing a bus stop — This is a stated policy of Iowa City Transit located in
our operating manual for new hires. This document is given to every employee upon hire and any amendments
distributed as they occur. In addition, we post memos at different times during the year to remind drivers of this policy.
Asking boarding passengers to wait until those departing through the front doors have exited the bus - We try to
encourage passengers on the bus to de -board through the rear doors to minimize the conflicts in the entrance doors of
the bus. In circumstances where that is not possible we will ask those boarding the bus to please wait until all have
exited. We have posted a memo for our drivers outlining this procedure and will repost as a reminder. We will also add
this language to our operating manual.
Providing a safe & convenient alternative bus stop location when a regular stop is not accessible - Our current policy
for allowing passengers to de -board the bus is to allow this at designated bus stops during peak hours and to
additionally drop off at safe intersections during off peak hours. In the event that a bus stop is not able to be serviced
we will designate a safe alternative location to stop. In these situations, signs are placed on the affected bus stop
announcing its closure and listing alternative locations. In addition, we will post the closure on our www.ebongo.org
website and send out alerts to those who subscribe. We also have temporary bus stop signs that can be placed in the
event that a safe location can be found near the bus stop that is out of service.
I hope that this addresses your concerns regarding the transit service that we provide. Please feel free to contact me
directly if you have any additional questions or concerns or need further clarification.
Chris O'Brien
Director of Transportation Services
City of Iowa City
(319)356 -5156
Chris- obrien @iowa- city.org
From: sherry Amber [mailto:boobooberr @hotmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 12, 2012 12:57 PM
To: Tom Markus; Council; Matt Hayek; Chris O'Brien
Subject: FW: Request for Transit Policy Change
Dear City Officials,
My name is Sherry Christoffer and a person with a disability. I have epilepsy and use a
service dog. I use city transit services several times each day to get me around the city.
In the course of riding on City Transit, I have encountered some difficulties
that interfere with access and safety. Some of these difficulties could be
remedied by enforcement of your existing policies. The best example of this
is the policy that drivers will wait until all passengers are seated before
starting to move. When the bus moves before persons with disabilities - -or
in my case my service animal -- are seated, it puts us in greater jeopardy of
harm than someone without a disability.
My most urgent concern however, involves polices that need to be modified
to make it safe for a person with disability to ride the bus. This request
stems from two recent experiences that illustrate the need for these
modifications.
On 7/19/111 was riding the 2pm Cross Park bus home and we encountered some
construction at my regular stop. There was also an extreme heat advisory in effect that
day as well. Drivers generally had dropped me off and picked me up immediately before
the designated stop which was safe for me and my service dog. On this day I pulled the
cord prior to this stop, however the driver did not stop and continued driving the bus even
though I had asked the driver to stop the bus several times. He continued to drive to the
next stop which was several blocks away. I asked the driver why he would not stop
where other drivers would. He told me that he was not the other drivers. I then had to
walk several blocks with my service dog in the oppressive heat, which put my dog in
danger of heat stroke and put me in danger of having a seizure.
I contacted Chris O'Brien and Susan Bethal at the Iowa City Transit about this
incident. Chris replied that he would look into it.
Another incident had occurred on 10/3/11 on the Broadway bus at the Sycamore Mall
stop. Jeff was the driver that day. As I was exiting the bus people were rushing
on. When I was at the top step of the bus near the driver when I heard a woman yelling,
"Stop hitting that dog!" She yelled this several times. When I turned to look at my sevice
dog I saw a kid repeatedly hitting her. I intervened and managed to separate my dog
from the kid and told him to stop hitting her. I immediately turned around to Jeff the
driver and asked if he could get people to wait until I could exit the bus safely with my
service dog. He told me that I would have to go to management. On 10/5/111
immediately went to discuss this with Stephanie Bowers, Iowa City Human Rights
Coordinator. She stated that she would address this with Iowa City Transit authorities
and, per my request, give me copies of all communication regarding this matter.
Fifteen minutes after this meeting I emailed Susan and Chris at Iowa City Transit to
inform them that I had talked with Stephanie to address establishing policies which would
address these issues.
A number of other persons have expressed having similar issues.
3
The aforementioned issues are exigent circumstances which are addressed under Title II
of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). I, as a person with a disability
protected under Title II of the ADA and 49 CFR parts 27, 37 and 38, am requesting a
modification of your policies so that I may use city transit safely with my service dog.
Following are the policies that I am requesting to be modified:
These policy changes will allow all persons who use the city transit to ride more safely to
and from their destination with minimal changes in expectations from transit drivers.
Following is the email I had sent to Susan and Chris, including their responses.
From: sherry Amber [mailto:boobooberr @hotmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 05, 201112:17 PM
Subject: Exigent Circumstances
Susan and Chris,
I spoke with Stephanie Bowers at the IC Human Rights Commission on Oct. 5, 2011 at 11:30am. My concerns were about
how the Iowa City transit needs to modify transit policy in exigent circumstances.
(1) driver needs to tell people to wait until dog and owner are off the bus before boarding, for the safety of passengers
and service dog team.
We try to encourage passengers on the bus to de -board through the rear doors to minimize the conflicts in the entrance
doors of the bus. In circumstances where that is not possible we try to suggest to those boarding the bus to please wait
until all have exited. We will make sure that we put out a reminder, however, we can only suggest the behavior as we
have no mechanism to force those waiting to board to wait.
(2) to pick up and drop off when it is safe to do so when asked by passengers, especially in inclement weather.
Our current policy for dropping off passengers is to drop off only at designated bus stops during our peak hours and to
additionally drop off at intersections during off peak hours. Should a stop be out of service due to construction or for
other reasons, we will stop at an alternative location that is safe for all parties involved. In those situations, we will send
out a press release, post a notice on the closed stop and establish the alternative location.
From: Susan- BetheMiowa- city.org
To: boobooberr hotmail.com
CC: Chris- OBrien@iowa- city.orq
Subject: RE: Transit reminder
Date: Fri, 23 Sep 2011 18:01:17 +0000
9/22/11
Sherry,
I am writing in response to complaints you have lodged regarding various trips on Iowa City buses. Several of your
complaints address the issue of drivers not waiting for you and your service animal to be seated before the bus starts
moving. Our investigation into these incidents did confirm some of those assertions. To address the matter fully, we
have spoken to the individual drivers as needed, and also issued a memo to all drivers reminding them of the importance
of waiting for passengers to be seated. If this continues to be a problem, please let us know.
Another of your complaints was in reference to a Crosspark trip on July 19, 2011. On that day and throughout the prior
week there was construction going on at the location of your regular bus stop. Iowa City Transit had issued press
releases via e-mail, text alerts and newspaper, letting people know that stop #7024 was closed. Both drivers and
passengers were instructed to utilize the bus stop at Hills Bank and the bus stop at Gilbert and Southgate Ave as
alternative stops. Our investigation into the matter supports the action of our driver that day. The fact that other drivers
did not follow that procedure is unfortunate because it creates a negative situation for drivers that do follow policy. I am
truly sorry that this was an inconvenience for you. Please understand that detours and closed stops are done so as a
safety requirement, and usually at the request of other city departments who are doing the work.
Video footage from buses is available for a charge. To acquire video it is necessary to submit a request in writing, which
includes an explanation as to why the video is needed. Requests may be submitted to either the Transportation Services
Department Director, or to the city Attorney's Office. Keep in mind that video footage is kept on file for a limited time
period so it is necessary to make those requests as soon after an incident as possible.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Thanks,
Susan Bethel
Iowa City Transportation Services
356 -5094
The following is the email sent out to Stefanie Bowers:
From: sherry Amber [maiito:boobooberr @hotmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, December 01, 201111:51 AM
To: Stefanie Bowers
Subject: FW: Exigent Circumstances
Stefanie,
Just a reminder that I have not heard back from you on this exigent circumstance of my service dog being
assaulted on the bus. I came to talk to you on Oct 5th about my concerns on getting immediate action for
the transit to modify their policy as to make people wait until I can disembark the bus safely with my
service dog. Why have I not heard anything from you?
Sherry
To 'sherry Amber', Chris O'Brien
From: �
Stefanie Bowers (Stefanie- Bowers @iowa- city.org)
Sent: Thu 12/01/11 1:06 PM
To: 'sherry Amber' (boobooberr @hotmail.com)
Cc: Chris O'Brien (Chris- OBrien @iowa - city.org)
Sherry-
It is my understanding that Chris O'Brien has responded to you concerning the matters you discussed with me on October
5, 2011. In the future, if you feel there is an unresolved issue I would encourage you to bring the matter to my attention
without delay.
Thank you,
Stefanie
I will be expecting an urgent response,
Sherry Christoffer
I would appreciate a formal and expedient response to my concerns within
the next thirty days via certified letter. My address: Sherry
Christoffer
1550 South Gilbert St. #2
Iowa City, Iowa
52240
Phone: 319- 330 -0077
Sincerely,
Sherry Christoffer
6
3f(5)
Marian Karr
From: Jeff Davidson
Sent: Friday, May 04, 2012 10:44 AM
To: 'kaleb.hays @gmail.com'
Cc: Tom Markus; Geoff Fruin; Eleanor M. Dilkes; Marian Karr; `'City Council
Subject: Your questions about the neighborhood stabilization zoning code changes
Hello Kaleb Hays.
Your correspondence below was forwarded to me for response.
In terms of residences that currently house more than 3 unrelated people, if any such residence has a valid rental permit
for more than 3 unrelated occupants, the number of unrelated renters is legally grandfathered in and allowed to
continue as long as the rental permit is maintained. This would seem to allay some of your concerns.
The ordinance you refer to was adopted into law by the City Council last Tuesday. It was not a referendum that was
decided by vote; it was an ordinance adopted into law by the City Council after they received public comment on the
matter. You, and all students, are able to vote in City Council elections and help select the City Councilors who vote on
the ordinances.
I hope this answers your questions.
Jeff Davidson, Director
Department of Planning and Community Development
The City of Iowa City, Iowa
From: Kaleb Hays [mailto:kaleb.hays @gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2012 9:51 PM
To: Council
Subject: housing ordinance
This correspondence will become a public record.
Hello,
I have a few questions regarding this new housing ordinance that will be voted on soon. I would like the
questions to be answered before the meeting tomorrow night.
1.) What will happen to houses that house more than 3 unrelated students?
2.) Is there laws that allow students to vote on this issue?
My main concern is this: If this ordinance exists on houses in Iowa City and is enforced, no three students will
be able to afford to live in a house close to campus. Therefore, all of those students in those houses will be
forced to spend more money and relocate to apartments further away from time since more students would be
relocating. Also all those houses would be empty and probably not refilled very easily. All of those house
owners would hurt because of that as well as all services provided by the city and other companies that give
services to those houses. Plus, thousands of students would be forced to relocate and spend much, much more
money. Does that make sense? If I am completely wrong in my interpretation of this ordinance I would like to
know. Otherwise, I would like to attend a meeting tomorrow night if I can and voice my opinion.
Thanks
Kaleb Hays
Marian Karr
From: mschut @aol.com
Sent: Monday, May 07, 2012 12:30 PM
To: Council
Subject: Bus system
3f(6)
This correspondence will become a public record.
Dear council members,
It came to our attention in viewing the play Mayberry that our city may be in need of a more effective
bus system. Running most buses through downtown is not flexible and results in many folks having
wait times at Old Capitol. Please consider revising the bus system to provide more direct travel.
Thanks for your consideration.
Martha Schut and Doug Peters
Sent from my U.S. Cellular® Android - powered device
3f(7)
7 May 2012
City of Iowa City City Council
410 East Washington Steet
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Council Members,
On 13 April 2012 my Home Health Aide had a conversation with Darian in the Traffic Engineer
Department. My Aide had called the office to request an adjustment be made at the intersection of
Muscatine and First Avenue.
I am legally blind and am unable to discern the lights for crossing the streets and need audio indication
to safely cross. This is the only street that I utilize.
Darian kindly informed me that the evaluation process for these types of accommodations will be
started sometime late spring 2012, as the first step in this process. I know things take time and I
understand funding will likely be part of the discussion, also a time laden process.
I am requesting expediency in this process, and I urge the Council to quickly make these decisions of
accommodation.
I thank you for your time and considerations.
Sincerely,
Paula Kinyon
3042 Muscatine Avenue #2
Iowa City, IA 52240
F -f
r—'>
s
;7
r
r,
' t 1
ik
111
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240 -1826
Paula Kinyon (319) 356 -5000
2042 Muscatine Ave #2 (319) 356 -5009 FAX
www.icgov.org
Iowa City, IA 52240
Re: Audible pedestrian signals at First Ave / Muscatine Ave
Dear Ms. Kinyon,
Thank you for your letter regarding the need for an accessible (audible or vibration -
tactile) pedestrian signal at the First Ave / Muscatine Ave intersection. We have a project
in our Fiscal Year 13 (starting July 1) Work Program to evaluate traffic signals around
Iowa City for accessible pedestrian signal potential. We are using Department of
Transportation criteria. The criteria include factors such as intersection geometry,
distance to transit stops, distance to pedestrian destinations particularly medical - related
destinations and services for visually- impaired persons, traffic speed and volume, and
several similar criteria. In general, the criteria are in place to ensure an audible
pedestrian signal is not installed at an inappropriate location.
As Darian Nagle -Gamm, our Traffic Engineering Planner has indicated we have moved
up the intersection at First Ave / Muscatine Ave, and have collected much of the data we
need to make a determination.
Our next step is to determine an appropriate technology. Technology for accessible
pedestrian signals has evolved in recent years due to complaints regarding excessive
noise levels, difficulty in determining the direction of the sound, inconsistent use by
pedestrians, etc. We are researching appropriate technologies which are compatible with
our current traffic signals, and our climate.
Thanks again for your letter — we will be contacting you with the results of our
evaluation. Feel free to share this letter with your Aide.
`7 --4 y 7r--°
John Yapp
Transportation Planner
Marian Karr
From: Al and Bobbie Paxton <al loverrovers@g mail. com>
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2012 9:08 AM
To: Council
Subject: Payday loans
This correspondence will become a public record.
Payday loans are predatory in nature. Impossible interest rates which prey on the
less informed users, or those who really don't know what they're getting into. They do
not meet the needs, at all, for the most vulnerable. "Just say NO to passage. Please
follow the example set by Ames, Iowa.
Bobbie and Al Paxton
3f(8)
Marian Karr
From:
Jill Foco <jumbleblue @yahoo.com>
Sent:
Thursday, May 10, 2012 9:02 AM
To:
Council
Subject:
Re: Predatory Payday Lenders
Tuesday night, May 8, the city of Ames joined Des Moines, West Des Moines, and Clive in passing a tough new local
zoning ordinance restricting payday lenders inside city limits. The Ames ordinance is perhaps the most restrictive in the
entire state of Iowa.
I support the same initiative in Iowa City.
Jill Foco
Marian Karr
From: Bonnie Orgren <starlight7 @Lcom.net>
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2012 8:51 AM
To: Council
Subject: pay day "businesses"
Council Members,
I just receive notice that Ames has passed a restrictive ordinance for payday lending businessess. Iowa City could join
them in leading the way to exemplfy sound business practices. Personally I don't see how they are allowed to exist as
"legitimate predators ".
Thank you,
Bonnie Orgren
Marian Karr
From: SHenryson @aol.com
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2012 11:05 AM
To: Council
Subject: Payday Loans
Yikes! Ames did something really good here. WE need to catch up.
Thanks,
Sara Henryson
1023 Kirkwood Ave.
Iowa City, IA
This correspondence will become a public record.
%6?,
1 r 1
'AVZ. — 7�
CITY OF IOWA CITY
Planning & Community Development
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
(3 19) 356 -5230
(319) 356 -5217 FAX
www.icgov.org
May 15, 2012
Donna Grgurich
Project Manager
Iowa Economic Development Authority
200 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
Subject: Multi- Family (Rental) Unit Production – New Construction Program
Dear Ms. Grgurich:
am writing to show the City Council's support for an application from the City of Iowa
City for the Multi - Family Unit Production – New Construction Program.
Iowa City received three proposals to develop multi - family rental housing. A committee
of staff and private citizens reviewed the proposals and selected the proposal by the
Votroubek Real Estate Group. The proposed project will develop seven three - bedroom
units in northeast Iowa City, an area that is compatible with the City's affordable housing
location model. In addition, the Votroubek Real Estate Group has experience in
developing affordable multi - family housing in eastern Iowa.
We encourage you to strongly consider Iowa City's application for multi - family housing.
The Single Family New Homes Program for rounds 1 -3 for Iowa City have been very
successful. Developers have been eager to provide affordable single family homes. The
Multi- Family application being submitted will complement the Single Family New Homes
Program and adds another option for affordable housing in Iowa City.
Sincerely,
Matthew J. Hayek
Mayor
I r j
—t6a -4
A X al., .,
Date: May 10, 2012
To: Tom Markus
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
From: Jeff Davidson, Director, Planning and Community Development
Re: Multi - Family Housing Application- May 15, 2012 Council Meeting
Introduction
The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) is soliciting proposals for affordable rental
multi - family development. The source of funding for this program is the CDBG Disaster
Recovery Housing Fund. These funds complement the Single Family New Construction
program and are meant to replace the housing stock destroyed or acquired from the flood
buyout. The City of Iowa City solicited proposals from multi - family developers to apply to this
program. Three proposals were submitted by area developers and a committee of staff and
private citizens reviewed the proposals and selected one to submit to IEDA.
History /Background
The City Council approved a housing location model on February 15, 2011 (Resolution #11 -51)
that identified where new affordable workforce housing sites could be located in order to receive
city financial assistance. New rental housing for the elderly or persons with disabilities were
exempt from this location model. The site proposed by the Votroubeck Real Estate Group
(Skogman Realty) is in an area allowed for new affordable housing opportunities. The housing
proposed will be limited to those households earning 80% of median income or less. In Iowa
City, a household of one can make up to $45,000; a household of three can make up to $57,850
to be eligible for this housing. Rent is limited to the area's fair market rent which is currently
$1,087 for a three bedroom apartment. The Votroubek Real Estate Group's proposal will
develop seven three - bedroom units at the corner of Hickory Trail and First Avenue. The state
requires a 10 -year compliance period. After this period, the units can be rented at market rate
and there are no income restrictions.
Discussion of Solutions
The Votroubek Group proposal will provide seven units of affordable multi - family housing in an
area compatible with the City's Affordable Housing Location Model.
Financial Impact:
There is no local match required for the Multi - Family Housing Program. Within the application is
a 2% administrative fee to cover costs for community development staff to monitor the project.
This project will pay full property taxes.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends submitting the Votroubek Real Estate Group's multi - family housing
application to the Iowa Economic Development Authority for their consideration and authorizing
the Mayor to sign a letter of City Council support for this application. A letter of City Council
support (acceptance by local government) is a requirement to apply for these funds.