HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-12-23 Info PacketA :LIII
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
MISCELLANEOUS
IP1 Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
December 23, 2015
IP2 Memo from Asst. City Manager: 2016-17 Strategic Planning Report
IP3 Copy of response from Asst. City Manager to Nancy Bird and Ritu Jain: Response to
November 17 correspondence regarding downtown issues
IP4 Emails from Maureen McCue to Recycling Coordinator: Finalizing Grades, seeking missing
pieces (Greener Iowa City)
IP5 Copy of letter from Mediacom: Rate adjustments
IP6 Copy of letter from Mediacom: Renewal of franchise
City Council Tentative Meeting Schedule 12-23-1
Subject to change
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
December 23, 2015
Date
Time
Meeting
Location
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
8:00 AM
Spec. Formal Meeting
City Manager Conf. Rm
Monday, January 4, 2016
1:00 PM
Spec. Formal (Organizational Meeting)
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Special Work Session (Intro Budget)
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Saturday, January 9, 2016
8AM-4PM
Special Work Session (Dept. Budget)
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Monday, January 11, 2016
1-7:00 PM
Special Work Session (CIP Budget)
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Thursday, January 14, 2016
5:00 PM
Special Work Session (Budget)
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
5:00 PM
Conference Board Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Work Session
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Monday, January 25, 2016
4:00 PM
Reception
TBA
4:30 PM
Joint Public Entities Meeting
North Liberty
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
5:00 PM
Conference Board Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Work Session
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Formal Meeting
t 12 -23 -
CITY OF IOWA CITY IP2
MEMORANDUM
Date: December 18, 2015
To: Tom Markus, City Manager
From: Geoff Fruin, Assistant City Manager
Re: 2016-17 Strategic Planning Report
On November 30, 2015 the City Council and Council -elect participated in a strategic planning
work session that was facilitated by the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) at the University of Iowa.
I reviewed a draft final report submitted by the IPA and made minor edits intended to provide
greater clarity to the reader. After receiving an opportunity to review my changes, the IPA has
issued the final report, which is attached along with this memo.
As you are aware, the Council -elect expressed a desire to review the final report prior to having
staff draft a resolution adopting the 2016-17 Strategic Plan. I recommend that we send the final
report to the City Council for their review. At the January 5th work session the City Council can
elect to schedule a strategic plan discussion at a future work session. Once the City Council has
agreed upon the language of the plan, I will coordinate a resolution for formal adoption.
City of Iowa City, Iowa
Strategic Planning Report
November 30, 2015
Mayor:
Matt Hayek (out -going)
City Council:
Susan Mims
Terry Dickens
Jim Throgmorton
Kingsley Bothchway II
Dr. Rick Dobyns (out -going)
Michelle Payne (out -going)
Rockne Cole (in -coming)
Pauline Taylor (in -coming)
John Thomas (in -coming)
City Staff
City Manager Tom Markus
Assistant City Manager Geoff Fruin
Assistant to the City Manager Simon Andrew
City Clerk Marian Karr
City Attorney Eleanor Dilkes
Facilitated bv:
Jeff Schott
Institute of Public Affairs
University of Iowa
CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA
STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION
2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction........................................................................................Page 3
Strategic Planning Work Session ........................................................Page 3
Major City Accomplishments............................................................ Page 4
Issues, Concerns, Trends, and Opportunities.............................................Page 7
FY 16-17 On -Going City
Commitments/Obligations..................................................................Page 10
2016- 17 Strategic Focus Areas and New Priority Projects, Programs,
Policies and Initiatives
.................................................................................................Page 11
FinalComments....................................................................................................Page 12
2
CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA
STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION
2015
Introduction
The City of Iowa City requested the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) to assist the city
with goal setting. IPA agreed to organize and facilitate a process that involved the
following steps:
1. Prepare and tabulate the results of a pre -session questionnaire completed by
strategic planning participants to identify recent major city accomplishments,
issues/trends/concerns, and potential new initiatives/programs/policies.
2. Conduct a preliminary session with department/division heads
3. Conduct strategic planning session with the elected officials.
4. Preparation of this final report.
Strategic Planning Work Session
City Council Members and the Mayor held a strategic planning work session conducted
by the IPA on November 30, 2015. In attendance and participating at this meeting were
Mayor Matt Hayek (out -going), City Council Members Susan Mims, Terry Dickens, Jim
Throgmorton, Kingsley Botchway II, Dr. Rick Dobyns (out -going), and in -coming
Council Members Rockne Cole, Pauline Taylor, and John Thomas. Also in attendance
and participating in this session were City Manager Tom Markus, City Clerk Marian
Karr, City Attorney Eleanor Dilkes, Assistant City Manager Geoff Fruin, Assistant to the
City Manager Simon Andrew, Finance Director Dennis Bockenstedt, and Public Works
Director Ron Knoche
A preliminary session was held with Department/Division Directors on October 28, 2015,
for the purpose of providing staff input into the strategic planning process. In attendance
and participating in this session were Economic Development Coordinator Wendy Ford,
Airport Operations Manager Michael Tharp, City Clerk Marian Karr, Public Works
Director Ron Knoche, Library Director Susan Craig, Assistant City Manager and Acting
Parks and Recreation Director Geoff Fruin, Assistant to the City Manager Simon
Andrew, City Attorney Eleanor Dilkes, Police Captain Doug Hart, Fire Chief John Grier,
Transportation and Resource Management Director Chris O'Brien, Senior Center
Coordinator Linda Kopping, Equity Director Stefanie Bowers, Finance Director Dennis
Bockenstedt, Human Resources Administrator Karen Jennings, Neighborhood and
Development Services Director Doug Boothroy, Communications Coordinator Shannon
McMahon, Management Intern Ian Korpel, ICMA Fellows Soytavanh Mienmany and
Margaretta Christita and City Manager Tom Markus.
3
Maior Accomplishments
The following items were identified by participants as major accomplishments by the
City during the strategic planning process. In November of 2015 the City published a
formal Strategic Plan Final Report that contains a more complete listing of the major
accomplishments in each of the strategic plan priority areas. A copy of this report can be
obtained by contacting the City Clerk's Office or by visiting
www.ic og v.org/strategicplan.
Economic Development
• Riverfront Crossing planning
o Adoption of Form Based Code
o Inclusionary zoning progress
• Context -sensitive development in Downtown Planning District
• Northside Commons development
• MidWestOne Bank office building
• Assistance to bring Meta Communications downtown
• Rezonings for new elementary schools, new UI School of Music and Art
School, HyVee on N. Dodge, old Hartwig Motors location, Court/Linn,
College/Gilbert
• Selected preferred developer for Court and Linn St. project
• Completed action on the Iowa City Marketplace (Lucky's, etc. at Sycamore
Mall)
• Revised City's Economic Development Policy
• Supported economic development in all corners of the city
• Made Iowa City competitive with neighboring communities
• Brought attention to inequities that hurt Iowa City - county funding,
poaching from neighbors, school district spending, regional issues, etc.
Urban Core
• Approval of Chauncey development
• Completed Downtown Streetscape Plan
• Downtown District initiatives
• Vibrant downtown and effective collaboration with Downtown Business
District
Finance and Budget
• Continuation of strong financial position and Aaa bond rating
• Merger, reorganization, cross -training of city departments and staff
• Took proactive action to plan for looming financial crisis due to tax reform
• Dropped property tax levy 4 years straight with a Sth year anticipated
• Cut costs for city through natural attrition in personnel, made our operations
more nimble
4
Healthy Neighborhoods
• Goosetown/Horace Mann Conservation District
• Updated the housing code
• Continuation of the UniverCity Housing Program
• Undertook multiple initiatives to strengthen core neighborhoods
Communications and Marketing
• City Council listening posts
• Continued work on racial issues and establishment of City Manager/Staff
meetings with community representatives
• Received Equity Reports
• Created and received report from the Ad Hoc Committee on Senior Services
• Strengthened ties with UI leadership
• Maintained effective lobbying relationships in Des Moines
• Pushed ICCSD for balance and equity and lobbied for better collaboration
• Updated website
Other Accomplishments:
City Operations and Facilities
• Revised the Purchasing Policy
• Streamlined permits
• Joint -use agreement for Alexander Elementary School
• Continuing City's agreement with National Development Council
• Providing $388,000 to 1105 Project
• Coordination and Cooperation with the County on Community ID cards
• Charter review
• Completed new South District Plan
• Completed lease -purchase agreement for Harrison St. project
• Working with amazing city staff
• Wage theft resolution
• Minimum wage
• New Animal Shelter
• Difficult decision about three cottages on S. Dubuque
• Supported City Manager's work with succession planning at department level
and other key positions
• Made City Hall more customer friendly and responsive
5
Infrastructure
• Design work on Gateway project
• Various flood prevention projects
• Completed construction of West Side Levee
• Rocky Shore Pump Station project complete
• Completion of Moss Ridge Road
• Completed improvements to Lower Muscatine Rd and started improvements
on S. Sycamore Dr.
• First Ave grade separation project
• Made key investments in public infrastructure
Parks and Recreation
• Ryerson Woods dedicated as State Preserve
• Preservation of Ashton House and Tate Arms
• Purchase of Chadek Green
Public Safetv
• Procurement and use of body cameras for police officers
Other
B1ueZones Project: Observations and Recommendations: The Built
Environment
• Support of Winter Homeless Shelter
• MERGE
C
Issues, Concerns, Trends and Opportunities
The following were identified as issues, concerns, trends, and opportunities that may
affect future city services, policies, finances or operations as related to the 2016-17
Strategic Planning Council Priorities:
Economic Development
• Potential loss of business and development by not staying competitive in our
market
• Assuring business and development community that Iowa City government is
still committed to working cooperatively on economic development projects
• Riverfront Crossing development plans
• Coralville and North Liberty offer opportunities that appeal to a significant
fraction of businesses and residents in the region - aggressive use of TIF
• Form Based Code provides too many incentives for excessively concentrated
high-rise development
• Return to Iowa City's reputation as anti -business - whether perceived or real
- and the loss of tax base and population to the suburbs
Urban Core
• Loss and lack of affordable residential/commercial properties in general
Downtown area
Healthy Neighborhoods
• On-going threats to historic properties and neighborhoods
• Need for affordable, diverse housing
• Joint -use agreements with the ICCSD to strengthen neighborhood identity
and provide social and recreational opportunities, especially for lower
income youth
• Structures and streets in older core neighborhoods continue to deteriorate
with age
o Schools in older core neighborhoods are continually faced with possibility
of closing
o Two processes can jointly lead to downward spiral for the neighborhoods
Finance and Budget
• Decrease in revenue from property taxes due to state legislation
o Maintaining financial strength and stability in light of state property tax
reform, including Aaa bond rating
• Shrinking tax base - University
• Risk of overspending, failure to watch budget carefully as revenue streams
drop
Communications and Marketing
• Lose the word "transparency" - already exists
• Lack of voters -15% turnout, shameful
7
• Need for greater accessibility, accountability
• Current lack of citizen engagement
• Ensure that development enhances Iowa City's "sense of place" and enjoys
community support by being sensitive to the scale and character -defining
elements of the surrounding context
• Addressing issues of racial disparity
• Eliminate the disconnect from city government of lower income and non-
English speaking residents
• Difficulty for newcomers - people of color and non-English speaking, to feel
connected with and welcomed by larger Iowa City community/finding
rewarding employment
• Risk that we alienate UI leadership just as Herrald administration gets going
• Risk that IC's attitude toward UI leadership will damage UI's relationship
with IC and could help the suburbs - including impact of new UI facilities on
economic development
• Failure to maintain advocacy with ICCSD to promote equity and balance -
quality and quantity of buildings, student population demographics, etc. -
risk of middle class flight from IC
Other Issues, Concerns, Trends, Opportunities
City Operations
• Loss of key staff - retirement and frustration
• Increase of demand for city services
• Diversity in city staff, boards and commissions, businesses
• Transit issues
• Loss of our recently -developed reputation for good customer service
• Alienation of internal city staff if proper balance between council and city
manager's office is not respected
Infrastructure
• Ensure that streets live up to their potential as important elements of the
public realm
• Maintenance/upkeep of infrastructure (roads, sidewalks and curb cuts)
• Concern for car/pedestrian/bicycle safety
• Implementation of Complete Streets
Parks and Recreation
• Promote active mobility (i.e., walking and bicycling) and address
environmental concerns
• Ensure that parks live up to their potential as important elements of the
public realm
Public Safetv
0 Disproportionate contact with people of color
Other
• Increased risk of weather-related events (e.g., floods, drought) on land use,
food production, etc.
• Ensuring that development will be economically sustainable
• Need for more space for the homeless shelter
• Disproportionality - increase
• Regionalism
E
FY 2016-17 On -Going City Commitments/Obligations
The participants identified the flowing significant programs and projects currently
underway or otherwise committed to or obligated by the City Council:
• 1St Avenue grade separation/railroad crossing project
• Harrison St parking ramp lease -purchase agreement
• Gateway project
• Riverfront Crossing Park
• Washington St reconstruction
• Continue economic development programs
• Continued investment in Towncrest
• Development agreements:
o Chauncey development
o Riverside West
o Iowa City Marketplace
o Sabin condos
o Court -Linn
o Hilton Garden Inn
• Infrastructure projects for new school construction
• Preparation of ordinance regarding downtown waste management and alley
maintenance
• Make a decision regarding road diets and one-way streets in downtown
• Continue infrastructure improvement program for designated neighborhoods
• Continue conversations about how to grow population and housing so that all
are welcome
• Racial equity initiatives - employment, leadership, DMC,
schools/neighborhood balance, businesses
• Develop Lower City Park master plan
• Support and promote expansion of UniverCity
• Continue to address downtown security issues
• Continue to monitor impact of relocation resulting from gentrification projects
• Historic preservation initiative to identify and designate historically significant
properties and neighborhoods
• Evaluate transit system
10
2016- 17 Strategic Focus Areas and New Priority Proiects, Programs,
Policies and Initiatives
After review and discussion, the City Council identified the following as their
strategic planning focus areas for 2015-16:
• Strategic Economic Development Activities
• A Strong Residential and Commercial Urban Core
• Healthy Neighborhoods
• A Solid Financial Foundation
• Enhanced Community Engagement and Intergovernmental Relations
• Sustainability
• Social Justice, Racial Equity and Inclusivity
As in previous years, staff will prepare an Action Plan for the purpose of tracking
progress within each of the focus areas. The Action Plan will be updated and shared
with the City Council every three or four months through the planning cycle.
During the strategic planning session, the City Council identified several new
initiatives that will be combined with on-going commitments and incorporated into
the new Action Plan for 2015-16. Those new initiatives include:
Economic Development
• Identify how the City and local partners can effectively market and grow the
local foods economy
• Develop an economic development plan for Iowa City Marketplace region
• Review the City's TIF policy
• Work closely with the University of Iowa on future facilities and economic
development opportunities, especially in Riverfront Crossings
Healthy Neighborhoods
• Consider amending the City's annexation policy to require the provision of
affordable housing in residential areas
• Incrementally repair, thicken and improve pre -1950 core neighborhoods
through infrastructure upgrades and appropriate neighborhood -scaled private
development
• Evaluate the implementation of a Form Based Code in other parts of the
community
• Develop strategies to promote the establishment of neighborhood associations
Finance/Budge
• Evaluate alternative revenue sources in response to potential impacts of the
2013 state property tax reform
Communications and Marketing
• Meet regularly with ICCSD, Board of Supervisors and local units of government,
to discuss policy issues of mutual concern
11
Support the ICCSD's bond referendum efforts in 2017
Consider televising Council work sessions
Sustainability
• Raise Iowa City's bicycle -friendly status from Silver to Gold
• Evaluate a plastic bag policy
• Create an ad-hoc Climate Change Response Task Force, establish a 2030
carbon emission reduction goal, and determine the most cost-effective ways of
achieving the goal
Social Justice, Racial Equity and InclusivitX
• Evaluate use of a racial/socioeconomic equity review tool kit
• Work closely with ICCSD, Kirkwood Community College, Iowa Works, and
others to explore the feasibility of an industrial arts/crafts facility in SE Iowa
City
• Consider a permanent location for a winter homeless shelter and support the
Housing First initiative
• Evaluate making significant changes in the City Council committee structure
including the possibility of new committees to review policies related to
sustainability and social justice.
Final Comments
It was a pleasure to again assist the City of Iowa City with this strategic planning process.
I continue to be extremely impressed with the level of commitment, cooperation and
positive attitudes demonstrated by all the elected officials and department/division
directors.
Jeff Schott
Institute of Public Affairs
University of Iowa
December 4, 2015
12
December 18, 2015
Nancy Bird and Ritu Jain
Iowa City Downtown District
14'A Clinton Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Nancy and Ritu:
Original correspondence # 2e(47
November 30 Consent Calendar
r 112-23-15
IP3
-some
CITY OF IOWA CITY
414 East Washington Street
Iowa Clty, Iowa 52240-1826
(3 19) 356-5000
(319) 356-5009 FAX
www.lcgov.org
This letter is in response to your communication to the City Council dated November 17, 2015.
The City continues to appreciate the Iowa City Downtown District's (TCDD) ongoing efforts to
strengthen our community and collaborate with us on multiple projects and initiatives. Our
strong working relationship will undoubtedly help us ensure that the 2016 Washington Street
reconstruction project is implemented as smoothly as possible with disruption to the business
community minimized to the extent possible.
Your correspondence to the City Council contained numerous requests. I will attempt to address
each one below:
General Requests
Consultant selection should not be based on lowest cost alone — State of Iowa law governs
the procurement of contractors for public improvement projects. As such, the City will be
obligated to accept the lowest bid from all responsible bidders. However, as you are aware the
City is taking steps to include provisions in our plans and specifications that will attempt to limit
the negative impacts of construction on the downtown community.
Limit duration — At the December 3"' public meeting the City outlined the anticipated
construction phasing and timeline. We are currently revising such plans based on the comments
received at that meeting. The duration of the project will ultimately depend on a multitude of
variables, including several contractor restrictions that we are putting in place to minimize
impact to businesses on and around the project area. Ultimately, it is our aim to balance
contractor restrictions and project duration in a manner that is best for the community.
In an effort to expedite construction progress the City will be using an incentive / disincentive
approach to encourage early completion. We feel that such a system will help ensure that
milestone completion dates are achieved.
General Contractor Requests
1. Construction will not result in any business having to close for any period of time
during normal operating hours — Unfortunately, the complexity of the project will
necessarily result in periods of time when primary entrances to certain properties will be
inaccessible. Such variables include underground vault repairs, new utility connections,
coordination with private contractors hired by property owners to penetrate new utilities
through building foundations, necessary curing of concrete in front of access doors, and
more. The City is attempting to connect with businesses to determine strategies that will
eliminate or minimize any required closure times. Reasonable steps will be taken in this
regard.
2. Balance day / night construction — Regular construction activity that generates noise is
required to occur between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. consistent with City Code. Work outside
December 18, 2015
Page 2
of this time can be approved by the City and we will consider such requests by the
contractor. However, we also must be cognizant of the residential population in and around
the project area. The City will work with the contractor on timing issues and will
communicate with the ICDD on construction timing issues.
3. Reducing noise and dust (no jack hammers) over the lunch hour — Through the project
plans and specifications the City is attempting to minimize dust (e.g. utilization of a wet saw
on concrete). However, the nature of the work being completed will at times generate
significant noise and construction dust. We do not believe a hard restriction on lunch hour
activity that generates noise and dust is in the best interest of the downtown community.
Such a restriction would interrupt daily work progress and prolong the overall length of the
project significantly. That said, we will stress to the contractor the importance of this
particular time and ask that reasonable strategies be undertaken to minimize disruption
during the lunch hour.
4. Assign a senior project manager with authority and good interpersonal skills — The
City does not have the ability to dictate the general contractor's project manager. City staff
will work closely with the contractor to facilitate timely communication with business and
property owners.
5. Instruct construction employees to park personal vehicles offsite — The City is
sensitive to the parking concerns associated with this project. While we generally concur
that parking should be contained within the project site, there will inevitably be
circumstances where some contractor parking is needed outside of the area. Again, we will
work to ensure that such parking only occurs when critical to a particular task.
Business Relief, Communications, and Support Requests:
1. 10% tax relief — The City recognizes that capital projects such as street and utility work can
negatively impact businesses during the construction phase. However, tax relief is not
something the City can consider for this or any other of the numerous capital projects we
undertake every year. Property taxes are the predominant funding source for this
approximately $5 million improvement. Providing a rebate would undermine our ability to
cant' out the project and simply shift the cost burden to property owners outside of the
project area.
2. Parking Solutions — The City is happy to work with any business owners who wish to
purchase extra validations for customers or employees. However, we cannot supply
businesses with free parking vouchers during the project.
3. Communications — The City will have on-site inspectors working daily as well as
engineering staff regularly monitoring progress. We are planning to utilize regularly
scheduled in-person meetings and electronic communication with interested stakeholders to
keep people appraised of the changing progress. We recognize we will need to work closely
with the ICDD as an organization. To that end, it would be appreciated If the TCDD would
assign a primary contact for us to correspond with through this project.
4. Community messaging ! construction fencing support — We agree that signage on the
construction fencing is an important component of the project. We will need to consider the
bid prices before committing to the TCDD suggested initiative, but are generally supportive of
working with you on this effort. Once a contractor is selected and a fencing plan is being
determined, we will simultaneously coordinate signage opportunities with the ICDD.
The Washington Street reconstruction project will present considerable challenges in 2016. The
City is committed to working closely with you throughout the project. As unanticipated
challenges arise it will be essential that we communicate well and work together to minimize
impacts to businesses and their patrons. Given our strong history of collaboration I am confident
December 18, 2015
Page 3
we can successfully navigate this project together. Once the project is complete the downtown
will be far less vulnerable infrastructure failure, which has caused business disruption in past
years with the 2013 water main break, 2015 sidewalk repairs and various other maintenance
projects. Furthermore, the downtown will be well -situated to prosper from the infrastructure
upgrades and improvements to the public realm. I look forward to this day and the opportunity to
build off its success in the years to come.
As we put the finishing touches on our phasing plan we will communicate that to you. Our
intention is to hold a public hearing on the plans and specifications at the January le City
Council meeting. Assuming City Council approval that that evening we will bid the project with
an April 11 project start date.
Thank you for your support and continuing commitment to Iowa City.
Sincerely,
Geoff Fruin
Assistant City Manager
From: Jennifer Jordan
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2015 7:31 AM
To: 'Maureen McCue; Ribar,Zoe C; Oakley,Alexis M; Schuessler,Sheridan C; maureen-
mccue@uiowa.edu
Cc: Council; Jim Throgmorton
Subject: RE: Finalizing Grades, seeking missing pieces
Thank you, Zoe, for the update last week and the rest of the group for the work you put into this.
Several staff members are working on a draft code change to require apartment managers/owners to provide
recycling. We plan to have a public comment session early in 2016 and take it to City Council for consideration shortly
after that. I will keep you updated with dates as we get them set.
Thank you,
Jen
Jewwi RrJordaw
Recycling Coordinator
City of Iowa City
319-887-6160
0ennifer-iordan(aD-iowa-city.org
From: Maureen McCue [mailto:mickiq@earthlink.net]
Sent: Sunday, December 20, 2015 8:35 PM
To: Ribar,Zoe C; Oakley,Alexis M; Schuessler,Sheridan C; maureen-mccue@uiowa.edu
Cc: Jennifer Jordan; Council; Jim Throgmorton
Subject: Re: Finalizing Grades, seeking missing pieces
Thanks folks. I really hope you can get out a few, good, strong voices of support. The next city council
meeting is Jan 5th I believe. I mentioned to Mr. Jim Throgmorton that's there's no time like just after the Paris
summit to move forward on developing and instituting legislation that helps Iowa become a greener city
ASAP. Not the least of such legislation will be efforts to increase recycling in multi -unit dwellings, and to keep
pollution, methane producing waste out of local land fills. Good luck one and all. Enjoy a great holiday break
then come on back all the stronger and fighting all the harder for a green, healthy, livable future. M.
-----Original Message -----
From: "Ribar, Zoe C"
Sent: Dec 18, 2015 12:48 PM
To: "Oakley, Alexis M" , "Schuessler, Sheridan C" , "maureen-mccue(auiowa.edu"
Subject: Re: Finalizing Grades, seeking missing pieces
Professor McCue,
I've put the letter to Jennifer Jordan in a Microsoft document and attached it to this email! I will be sending her
this version in a second email after I send this one --if you would like confirmation of that please let me know!
Thanks for such an informative class this semester, I truly learned so much that I hope to apply in the future.
(Especially since I want to work in hospital administration, and there's really so much change that needs to
happen in health care).
Have a happy holiday!
Zoe
From: Maureen McCue <maureen-mccue@uiowa.edu>
Sent: Thursday, December 17, 2015 3:29 PM
To: Ribar, Zoe C; Oakley, Alexis M; Schuessler, Sheridan C
Cc: jennifer-jordan@iowa-city.org
Subject: Finalizing Grades, seeking missing pieces
Zoe, Alexis, Sheridan,
I read your paper re. efforts to work with Jenn Jordan and the city to mandate recycling facilities in multi -family
units (Apartments and Condos) in Iowa City. I can see that the effort goes on. What i need to complete the
grading effort is to see the letter sent to Jennifer re. the results of your survey and suggestions for and support of
the efforts of the city to get such an ordinance passed. A digital version would be fine. Please and
thanks. Then sit back relax and enjoy the holiday with friends and family. M.
P.S. to Jenn, So how is it going? It seems this no brainer issue has been years in coming! Ugh.
YOUR APARTMENT DOES NOT
PROVIDE RECYCLING...
BUT YOU HAVE OPTIONS!
WHAT CAN YOU RECYCLE IN IOWA
CITY?
PAPER PRODUCTS - CARDBOARD
PLASTIC - METALS - GLASS
WHERE CAN YOU RECYCLE IN IOWA
CITY?
HY-VEE FOOD STORE, 1201 NORTH DODGE STREET
NEW PIONEER FOOD CO-OP, 22 S VAN BUREN STREET
EAST SIDE RECYCLING CENTER, 2401 SCOTT BOULEVARD
SE
REPUBLIC SERVICES, 3 EAST BENTON STREET
IOWA CITY LANDFILLIRECYCLING CENTER, 2900 HEBL
AVE SW
WaNrRECYCLiNG?
Support ECO Iowa's efforts to yet recycling in your building!
Jennifer-Jordan(diowa-city.ors
https:/Acgov@orq/eco
Mediacom
December 17, 2015
Ms. Marian Karr
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
Dear Ms. Karr
F I L 1E-- D
2015 DEC 21 AM 10: 1
U
The purpose of this letter is to inform you that effective on or about January 18,
2016, Mediacom will be implementing the following rate adjustments impacting our
video customers: 16
zi
Product:
Old Rate:
New Rate:
Net Change:
Local Broadcast
$4.67
$7.64
$2.97
Channel Surcharge
17
Regional Sports
$2.03
$2.37
$0.34
Surcharge's
The decision to make price adjustments is always a difficult one. However, cable
and satellite companies are constantly being pressured by the content companies
we buy from to pay more for the channels that we carry.
Over the last decade, the most aggressive channel owners when it comes to price
increases are the local broadcast stations like ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC. In fact, a
recent industry analyst report indicates that broadcast station owners have
increased the fees they charge to cable and satellite companies by an astounding
40% during each of the last 3 years.
Many of the channels that carry live sports have also been very aggressive in their
pricing practices. In recent years, professional teams and college conferences are
raking in huge amounts of money by selling off their TV rights to a growing number
of national and regional sports networks. As the games spread out over more
channels, the cost of delivering sports content continues to rise.
16 Depending on the terms of their contract, certain customers on promotional rates may or may not receive this rate change at this
time.
17 in some customer communications the Local Broadcast Channel Surcharge is referred to as the Local Broadcast Station Surcharge.
18 The Regional Sports Surcharge does not apply to customers that only subscribe to the Local Plus TV der, as there are no regional
sports networks carried in that level of service.
In order to bring more transparency to the massive fee increases being taken by
local broadcast stations and sports networks, Mediacom instituted both a Local
Broadcast Channel Surcharge and a Regional Sports Surcharge over the last several
years. The Local Broadcast Channel Surcharge was previously equal to the fee
increases that the local broadcast stations in your market have demanded we pay to
them since the start of 2012, but now represents the entire cost of all the local
broadcast channels Mediacom carries in your market. The Regional Sports
Surcharge is equal to the increases that regional and certain other sports networks
in your market have demanded we pay to them since the start of 2011.
For over a decade, Mediacom has been aggressively pursuing legislative and
regulatory reforms to rules governing our Nation's wholesale video marketplace. By
providing specific information about the price increases being demanded by the
local broadcast station owners and sports networks, we ultimately hope to draw the
attention of consumers and their elected representatives to this rapidly escalating
problem.
Despite the increasing wholesale cost pressures faced by our business, Mediacom
appreciates the opportunity to continue to serve your community's
telecommunications needs. If you have any questions, please contact me directly
319-395-9699 ext. 3461 or via email at Igrassley@mediacomcc.com
Sincerely,
064
Lee Grassley,
Senior Government Relations Manager
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Mediacom
December 11, 2015
Mariam Karr
City Clerk
Iowa City
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Ms. Karr:
Bruce Gluckman
Deputy General Counsel
CERTIFIED MAIL
Our records indicate that Mediacom's cable franchise with Iowa City is scheduled to
expire on August 1, 2018. Mediacom wishes to continue to provide service to the City for an
additional renewal term and is, by this letter, informing you of our intention to seek renewal of
the franchise.
As of July 2007, Senate File 554 of the 2007 Iowa Acts (the "Video Services Franchise
Act of 2007") established a state -issued video services authorization procedure and designated
the Iowa Utility Board as the authority for granting such video services authorizations.
Accordingly, it is Mediacom's intent to apply for authorization under the Video Services
Franchise Act of 2007 to provide video services in the City.
In the event the Video Services Franchise Act of 2007 is determined to be
unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction or is otherwise invalidated or modified by
other judicial, legislative or agency action, Mediacom, by this letter, preserves our formal
process renewal rights under federal law as well as the opportunity to reach a mutually beneficial
agreement for franchise renewal through informal negotiations as also allowed under Section 626
subsections (b) through (g) of the Communications Act.
Mediacom is proud to serve the City, and looks forward to working with you on this
renewal. If you have any questions, you may contact Lee Grassley, Senior Manager of
Government Relations, at (319) 268-5033.
Sincerely,
JJ�'
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Bruce Gluckman
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cc: Lee Grassley
Enclosure
Mediacom Communications Corporation
One Mediacom Way • Mediacom Park, NY 10918 • 845-443-2650•Fax 845-698-4570