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Home My WebLink About2019-03-12 Correspondence+ r ui �1 lat • yyrrmr�� CITY Ok 10WA CITY www.icgov.org March 12, 2019 ATTACHMENTS: Item Number: 9.a. Description Eastern Iowa Community Bond Project: Anti -immigrant posters [Staff response included] Kellie Fruehling From: Geoff Fruin Sent: Wednesday, February 20, 2019 1:55 PM To: 'Eastern Iowa Community Bond Project'; Rockne Cole; Susan Mims; Pauline Taylor, John Thomas; Jim Throgmorton; Mazahir Salih; Bruce Teague; Council Cc: Julia Zalenski; Natalia Espina; Elizabeth Rook Panicucci; Briana Reha-Klenske Subject: RE: Anti -immigrant posters in downtown Iowa City found this past Saturday 2/16/19 - please respond Eastern Iowa Community Bond Project Representatives: Thank you for your email. I can assure you that the City of Iowa City shares your view on these most recent posters, along with others that we have seen in recent years that convey a similar anti -immigrant message. The Mayor and City Council have repeatedly condemned these hateful acts that have occurred in Iowa City. They have also reaffirmed our commitment to creating a safe and welcoming community through various proclamations and resolutions in recent years. Additionally, they have directed staff training, created a social justice and racial equity grant program, joined lawsuits with other cities against unwelcoming policies from our federal government, and furthered other efforts that are aimed at creating a more inclusive Iowa City for all residents. At the February 19`h City Council meeting, Mayor Throgmorton made a public statement condemning the most recent posters and reaffirming our community's values. Please know that our entire City Council is appreciative of your efforts. However, due to State of Iowa open meeting laws they are not able to engage in email conversations as a group. Thank you again for reaching out and for doing the important work that you do on behalf of our residents. Sincerely, Geoff Fruin City Manager From: Eastern Iowa Community Bond Project [mailto:info@communitybondproject.org] Sent: Tuesday, February 19, 2019 4:07 PM To: Rockne Cole <Rockne-Cole@iowa-city.org>; Susan Mims <Susan-Mims@iowa-city.org>; Pauline Taylor <Pauline- Taylor@iowa-city.org>; John Thomas <John-Thomas@iowa-city.org>; Jim Throgmorton <Jim-Throgmorton@iowa- city.org>; Mazahir Salih <Mazahir-Salih@iowa-city.org>; Bruce Teague <Bruce-Teague@iowa-city.org>; Geoff Fruin <Geoff- Fru in@ iowa -city.o rg>; Council <Council@iowa-city.org> Cc: Julia Zalenski <juliazalenski@gmail.com>; Natalia Espina <espina.natalia@gmail.com>; Elizabeth Rook Panicucci <erpanicucci@gmail.com>; Briana Reha-Klenske <Briana.reha@gmail.com> Subject: Anti -immigrant posters in downtown Iowa City found this past Saturday 2/16/19 - please respond Dear Iowa City Mayor Throgmorton, City Council members and City Manager Geoff Fruin, On Saturday, February 16, 2019, approximately two dozen posters displaying a hateful anti - immigrant message were found on kiosks and signposts in downtown Iowa City. The individual who found the posters informed a member of the Eastern Iowa Community Bond Project (EICBP) the same evening the posters were discovered. On Monday, February 18th, 2019, a formal police report was filed by the individual who discovered the posters. In response to these posters and the views they represent, the Eastern Iowa Community Bond Project wishes to make the following statement: Through our work posting bond for people held in immigration detention and our own experiences with immigration enforcement, we are acutely aware of the harm such enforcement inflicts on individuals, families, and communities. We believe anyone who would purposefully expose a member of their community to this harm is complicit in the ongoing human rights violations of U.S. immigration enforcement. We stand instead with the people targeted by ICE -- they are our family, our friends, and our neighbors, and we will continue to work to free them from unjust imprisonment. While we believe the sentiments expressed in the posters do not represent the best of the communities of Iowa City and Johnson County, publicly disseminating this message is an act of hate that causes real and lasting harm to the immigrant community. We stand firmly against any acts that threaten our immigrant neighbors, friends, and family, and ask that all members of our community who would stand in solidarity with them do so as well. We demand that Iowa City officials, including the mayor, the city council, and the city manager, make a public statement reaffirming our city's commitment to being a safe and welcoming place for immigrants. The city government, including the police department, must deepen its commitment to proactively working with the immigrant community, immigrant advocacy groups, and other community stakeholders to make clear that acts of hate have no place in our community, and that Iowa City can be trusted to protect all its residents from those who would cause them harm. We've also attached a document which highlights EICBP's mission and guiding principles. Please let us know what sort of action you decide to take going forward so that we may be informed as to next steps. Please respond to all included in this email. Let us know if you have any questions or need further clarification. Thank you, Eastern Iowa Community Bond Project Eastern Iowa Community Bond Project P.O. Box 3174 Iowa City, IA 52244 Facebook & twitter: @eicommunitybond Email: info@communitybondproject.orbg www.communitybondproject.org EIN : 82-0931341 CUNNUMITf, About the Eastern Iowa Community Bond Project The Eastern Iowa Community Bond Project works to increase access to due process within the immigration justice system by providing bail funds and additional legal support to individuals who have been arrested and imprisoned by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The following principles guide this work: Eastern Iowa Community Bond Project Principles • We recognize the inherent dignity of all people, and believe that everyone has the right to seek a life of peace and safety. • We respect each person's right to make choices about their lives free from the harm and coercion caused by imprisonment. • In the face of systems that dehumanize, divide, and confuse, we choose to love and trust each other. • We strive to uplift the voices and prioritize the participation of members of affected communities, to ensure that we are not recreating systemic structures of oppression within our work. • We seek an end to imprisonment in all its forms, and we stand in solidarity with all people and movements working to end the imprisonment of fellow human beings. Principios fundamentales del proyecto de fianza del este de Iowa • Reconocemos la dignidad inherente de todas las personas y creemos que todas las personas tienen derecho a buscar una vida de paz y seguridad. • Respetamos el derecho de cada persona a tomar decisiones sobre sus vidas sin sufrir danos ni la coercion causada por el encarcelamiento. • Frente a los sistemas que deshumanizan, dividen y confunden, elegimos amarnos y confiar uno en el otro. • Nos esforzamos por elevar las voces y priorizar la participaci6n de los miembros de las comunidades afectadas, para asegurarnos de que no estamos recreando estructuras sistemicas de opresi6n dentro de nuestro trabajo. • Buscamos poner fin al encarcelamiento en todas sus formas, y nos solidarizamos con todas las personas y movimientos que trabajan para poner fin al encarcelamiento de companeros seres humanos. 2/2019 - EICBP + r ui �1 lat • yyrrmr�� CITY Ok IOWA CITY www.icgov.org March 12, 2019 ATTACHMENTS: Description Lee Grassley: Right of Way Bill Item Number: 9.b. Kellie Fruehling From: Lee Grassley <Igrassley@mediacomcc.com> Sent: Monday, February 25, 2019 11:39 AM To: Council Subject: Right of Way Bill Attachments: HSB 32 Letter to legislators FINAL.docx; Letter to State Legislators re HSB32 Amendments To Iowa Code.pdf; HSB32.pdf Hello It has come to our attention that the attached bill, HSB32, is being pushed by CenturyLink and the municipal telephone companies. This amendment would exempt utilities from permit fees that municipalities use to recover the cost of managing the right of way and eliminate any percentage of revenue paid by these utilities to municipalities for managing the right of way. The legislation and Iowa Code specifically excludes cable television companies like Mediacom. This legislation would shift the costs of managing the right of way to Mediacom and new entrants, and protects incumbent utilities. Mediacom is opposed to this legislation, and we are not in favor of changing the code to exempt Mediacom from these fees. We believe the municipality has a right and duty to manage its right of way, and exempting permit fees and revenue shares from some utilities hinders a level playing field for competition, and creates a barrier to new entrants. Dubuque and Des Moines have been vocal in their opposition to this, but momentum is building in favor of the bill. The attached letter from the City of Dubuque lays out the arguments fairly well: Clear that this is averse to new entrants into the telecommunications market. It is incumbent protection. An entity is not regulated by this code chapter would be left to pay for the cost of maintaining the right of way. It is not technology agnostic. Anything that's not picked up by these utilities will be shifted to other users of the right away and/or property taxpayers. The proposed legislation does not provide a level playing field, as cable system also pay permit fees and a percentage of revenues to municipalities under a different section of Iowa code related to franchised entities. This proposed legislation amends only Iowa Code 480, and I'll remind you that Section 480A of the Iowa code referenced in the bill states: "Public utility" means a person owning or operating a facility used for furnishing natural gas by piped distribution system, electricity, communications services not including cable television systems, or water by piped distribution system, to the public for compensation. Any questions let me know. Lee Grassley Senior Manager Government Relations 4010 Alexandra Dr. Waterloo, IA 50702 319-395-9699 ext.3461 House Members, The Committee will be considering HSB 32 next week. This legislation relates to certain fees imposed on public utilities for the use of public right -or -way. For the reasons outlined below, our clients, the City of Des Moines and Mediacom, are opposed to HSB 32. Local governments incur considerable expense in managing their right-of-way. This management includes the supervising and controlling of the public right-of-way. Additionally, it includes the local government needing to construct facilities along or within the right-of-way. These management costs are real and are significant. In a recent 8th Circuit Court of Appeals (Federal court) decision, Qwest Corporation v City of Des Moines, filed July 17, 2018, the court found that under Iowa Code Chapter 480A municipal governments can recover their "costs actually incurred ... in managing the rights-of-way" HSB 32 would significantly limit a municipality's ability to collect any right-of-way fee other than by permitting, which greatly benefits incumbents. The legislation would limit the management fees to "direct" and fully documented costs. By inserting the term "direct," HSB 32 further limits the ability of municipalities to collect management costs for managing the right-of-way. Costs that are incurred but not "direct" would be passed on to non "public utility" users of the right-of-way and property tax payers. Mediacom is a cable television system and is specifically excluded by the language in 480A and HSB 32. Mediacom pays a franchise fee to the city and also permit fees when using the right-of-way. As a non 480A entity, franchisees like Mediacom and the city's property tax payers would be left to shoulder the burden of maintaining the right-of-way. HSB 32 further limits the collection of management costs to a "permit fee." As a result, there would no longer be an annual right-of-way fee paid by public utilities. Instead, only public utilities requesting a permit to use the right-of-way would be assessed for management costs. This would significantly increase the permit fee and would adversely impact new entrants into the right-of-way and entities bringing new technology to the municipality. HSB 32 would end a municipality's ability to collect management costs when the municipality needs to perform work in the right-of-way and incurs additional expense due to the presence of a public utility's plant or equipment. This added expense would fall to: new permittees, property tax payers, other users of the right-of-way not regulated by 480A. The current language in Iowa Code chapter 480A and the guidance provided by the Quest decision and other court decisions provide necessary clarity and limits on what municipalities can charge as management costs. The costs must be demonstrated, tied to a public utility's activity in the right-of- way, actually incurred, and documented. HSB 32 is not necessary and significantly reduces Iowa municipality's ability to recoup the costs they incur due to public utilities use of public right-of-way while greatly benefitting incumbent users of the right-of-way. We look forward to the opportunity to discuss this issue with you and ask that you oppose HSB 32 if it is brought before the House Commerce Committee. THE C DUIBQTE, Masterpiece on the Mississippi VIA E-mail The Honorable Pam Jochum Senate Chamber Iowa Capitol Building Des Moines, IA 50319 The Honorable Chuck Isenhart House Chamber Iowa Capitol Building Des Moines, IA 50319 Dubuque City Manager's Office r City Hall 50 West 131h Street Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864 (563) 589-4110 office (563) 58911149 fax 2007.2012 2013.2017 ctymgr@cityofdubuque.org January 31, 2019 The Honorable Carrie Koelker Senate Chamber Iowa Capitol Building Des Moines, IA 50319 The Honorable Shannon Lundgren House Chamber Iowa Capital Building Des Moines, IA 50319 The Honorable Andy McKean The Honorable Lindsay James House Chamber House Chamber Iowa Capitol Building Iowa Capitol Building Des Moines, IA 50319 Des Moines, IA 50319 RE: HSB32 Amendments to Iowa Code Ch. 480A Public Utilities in Public Rights -of- Way Dear Elected Representatives: The City of Dubuque City Attorney's Office has reviewed HSB32 which would amend Iowa Code Ch. 480A providing for management fees for public utilities using rights-of- way. Current Iowa Code § 480A.1 states that, "The general assembly finds that it is in the public interest to define the right of local governments to charge public utilities for the location and operation of public utility facilities in local government rights-of-way." January 31, 2019 Page 2 Section 480A.3 provides: A local government shall not recover any fee from a public utility for the use of its right-of-way, other than a fee for its management costs. A local government may recover from a public utility only those management costs caused by the public utility's activity in the public right-of-way. A fee or other obligation under this section shall be imposed on a competitively neutral basis. When a local government's management costs cannot be attributed to only one entity, those costs shall be allocated among all users of the public rights-of-way, including the local government itself. The allocation shall reflect proportionately the costs incurred by the local government as a result of the various types of uses of the public rights-of-way. "Management costs" means the reasonable costs a local government actually incurs in managing public rights-of-way. Iowa Code § 480A.2(2). Under the current statute, cities may recover not only direct costs of the utility caused by the public utility's activity in the public right-of-way, but also indirect costs caused by such activity, such as construction costs, degradation costs, disruption costs, operating costs, and all other costs the city incurs in managing its rights -of way. HSB32 would revise § 480A.3 to provide that, "A local government shall not recover any fee from a public utility for the use of its available right-of-way, other than a permit fee for its management costs attributable to the public utility's requested use of the local government's right-of-way. "Management costs" is redefined to mean "the reasonable, direct, and fully documented costs a local government actually incurs to manage public rights-of-way. HSB32 would eliminate a city's right to recover the very significant indirect costs the city incurs caused by the public utility's activity in the rights-of-way, and not just the direct costs attributable to the public utility's "requested use" of "available" rights-of-way. HSB32 also appears to limit the city's recovery of costs to a permit fee, rather than an annual right-of-way fee from all public utilities using the rights-of-way, including incumbents. Under HSB32, incumbent public utilities would only be responsible for actual costs for new permitted work and not for their proportionate share of all costs "for the location and operation of public utility facilities in local government rights-of-way," the stated purpose of Iowa Code Ch. 380A. The existence of incumbent public utilities creates on-going costs for cities, not simply one-time permit costs. Taxpayers will be responsible for the incumbent public utilities significant on-going costs. Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork January 31, 2019 Page 3 Iowa Code Ch. 480A is an effective right-of-way management statute and should not be amended. Sincerely, w+t Mi hael C. Van Millige City Manager MCVM:tIs Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork House Study Bill 32 - Introduced HOUSE FILE BY (PROPOSED COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE BILL BY CHAIRPERSON CARLSON) A BILL FOR 1 An Act relating to the imposition of certain fees on public 2 utilities for the use of public rights-of-way. 3 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA: TLSB 1784YC (2) 88 gh/rn H. F. 1 Section 1. Section 480A.2, subsection 2, Code 2019, is 2 amended to read as follows: 3 2. 'Management costs- means the reasonable, direct, and 4 fully documented costs a local government actually incurs 4 -ft 5 managing to manage public rights-of-way. 6 Sec. 2. Section 480A.3, Code 2019, is amended to read as 7 follows: 8 480A.3 Fees. 9 1. A local government shall not recover any fee from a 10 public utility for the use of its available right-of-way, other 11 than aep rmit fee for 4-te management costs attributable to 12 the public utility's requested use of the local government's 13 right-of-way. 14 utility enly these management eats —caused by t w publie 15ef-way.A fee or 16 other obligation under this section shall be imposed on 17 a competitively neutral basis. When a local government's 18 management costs cannot be attributed to only one entity, 19 those costs shall be allocated among all users of the public 20 rights-of-way, including the local government itself. The 21 allocation shall reflect proportionately the costs incurred by 22 the local government as a result of the various types of uses 23 of the public rights-of-way. 24 2. This section does not prehlbltr: 25 a. Prohibit the collection of a franchise fee as permitted 26 in section 480A.6. 27 b. Prohibit voluntary agreements between a public utilit 28 and local government to share services for the purpose of 29 reducing costs and preserving public rights-of-way for future 30 public safety purposes. 31 Sec. 3. Section 480A.4, Code 2019, is amended to read as 32 follows: 33 480A.4 In-kind services. 34 A local government, in lieu of a fee imposed under this 35 chapter, shall not require in-kind services by a public utility LSB 1784YC (2) 88 -1- gh/rn 1/2 H. F. 1 right-of-way userr or require in-kind services as a condition 2 of the use of the local governments public right-of-way, 3 unless pursuant to a voluntary agreement between a public 4 utility and local government to share services for the purpose 5 of reducing costs and preserving public rights-of-way for 6 future public safety purposes. 7 EXPLANATION 8 The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with 9 the explanation's substance by the members of the general assembly. 10 This bill relates to certain fees imposed on public 11 utilities for the use of public rights-of-way. Code chapter 12 480A allows local governments to impose certain fees on public 13 utilities for operating public utility facilities in public 14 rights-of-way. A local government may only impose a fee for 15 management costs, as defined, that are caused by the public 16 utility's activity in the right-of-way, and cannot require 17 in-kind services in lieu of a fee. 18 The bill modifies the definition of "management costs- in 19 Code chapter 480A to provide that such costs must be direct and 20 fully documented. The bill specifies that a local government 21 may only recover a permit fee for management costs attributable 22 to the public utility's requested use of an available public 23 right-of-way, instead of management costs caused by the 24 public utility's activity in the right-of-way. The bill 25 provides that Code section 480A.3, relating to permissible 26 fees imposed on public utilities, shall not prohibit voluntary 27 agreements between a public utility and local government to 28 share services for the purpose of reducing costs and preserving 29 public rights-of-way for future public safety purposes, and 30 allows in-kind services in lieu of a fee if pursuant to such a 31 voluntary agreement. LSB 1784YC (2) 88 —2— gh/rn 2/2 + r ui �1 lat • yyrrmr�� CITY Ok 10WA CITY www.icgov.org March 12, 2019 ATTACHMENTS: Item Number: 9.c. Description ChristopherArp: Please consider updating bus routes [Staff response included] Kellie Fruehling From: Geoff Fruin Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2019 3:31 PM To: 'Christopher Arp'; Council Cc: Mark Nolte (mnolte@icadgroup.com); Darian Nagle-Gamm Subject: RE: Please consider updating bus routes Mr. Arp, Thank you for your email. I would like to clarify the status of our transit bus route update. We are currently working through the final stages of a consultant selection process. We aim to bring a firm on for the review that has significant experience in route planning. We will then launch comprehensive review, including a robust public engagement process for feedback. We hope to finish the route study in 202o and begin implementation as soon as possible after the City Council considers the recommended changes. Thank you for using Iowa City Transit. We are hopeful that the forthcoming study and resulting changes will greatly enhance our service to the community. Sincerely, Geoff Fruin City Manager -----Original Message ----- From: Christopher Arp [mailto:arpchol@gmail.com] Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2019 11:56 AM To: Council <Council@iowa-city.org> Subject: Please consider updating bus routes Hi, I've lived in Iowa City since August as a non traditional student at the University. I live on the corner of American Legion and Scott Blvd. I was surprised to discover after moving in that the bus stop in front of my building (7605) is not actually serviced by regular routes which head downtown. Instead, the closest bus route is Towncrest and the half mile walk to and from the bus stop has been difficult on many occasions due to snow and ice this winter. My understanding is that the most recent update to the Iowa City bus routes was July i, 2012. The building I live in wasn't even built the last time the routes were updated. In discussion with a city official in the Transportation department yesterday, I was told that there might be a study in the next couple of years and thus I could maybe expect updates routes in 3-4 years. Please consider more frequent and regular updates to routes to better service Iowa City citizens. I would advocate for some sort of regular interval for these updates. Christopher Arp 2/28/19 + r ui �1 lat • yyrrmr�� CITY Ok 10WA CITY www.icgov.org March 12, 2019 ATTACHMENTS: Item Number: 9-d- M .d. Description Katherine and John Moyers - deer in my backyard [Staff response included] Rebecca Porter - Deer population and problem in Manville Heights [Staff response included] Kellie Fruehling From: Geoff Fruin Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2019 9:14 PM To: Katherine Moyers; Council Subject: RE: deer in my backyard Katherine and John, Thank you for taking the time to write about the local deer population. Your email will be shared with the City Council. The City is actively working with the State of Iowa on a deer reduction strategy. While we were unsuccessful in obtaining the needed permits in 2018, we are actively working with the State to get the approval in 2019. If you would like more detailed information please let me know. Thank you again for emailing. Geoff Fruin City Manager From: Katherine Moyers <katherinemoyers@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2019 2:45 PM To: Council <Council@iowa-city.org> Subject: deer in my backyard Dear Council Members, Yesterday afternoon we had 5 bucks in our backyard with an additional 6 females and young deer. They were there again this morning. They are not afraid of us and do not leave the yard when we shout at them. We are afraid to go out in our yard. They have eaten our yew hedge bare and we will have to replace it this spring at considerable expense. The density of deer in our neighborhoods is certainly out of control now and warrants your immediate action. Thank you, Katherine and John Moyers 417 Hutchinson Ave, Iowa City, IA 52246 319-338-2693 Kellie Fruehling From: Rebecca Porter <rebeccaporter.porter@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, March 04, 2019 8:23 AM To: Geoff Fruin Cc: Council; Bill Campbell Subject: Re: Deer population and problem in Manville Heights Good Morning, Mr Fruin, Thank you for your prompt response. I will follow-up with Captain Campbell. I have read the City website on the deer issue. Plus, the latest information I found was a mid-December 2018 Iowa City Press Citizen article indicating that the NRC had not made a decision about controlling the deer population. So, I (and others) will look forward to knowing the plans for 2019. Rebecca Porter On Mar 4, 2019, at 7:49 AM, Geoff Fruin <Geoff-Fruin@iowa-citv.ore> wrote: Ms. Porter— Thank you for emailing with your deer concerns. The City is actively working with the State of Iowa on a deer reduction strategy for our community. We hope that we will be able to start taking action to reduce the population in 2019. If you would like more information, Police Captain Bill Campbell is taking the lead on this effort. He is copied on this email for any follow-up questions you may have. Best, Geoff Fruin City Manager From: Rebecca Porter[mailto:rebeccaporter.porter@gmail.com] Sent: Sunday, March 03, 201912:24 PM To: Council <Council@iowa-city.ore> Subject: Deer population and problem in Manville Heights Dear Mayor Throgmorton and Members of the Council, The purpose of this email is to add to the concern about the deer population in our neighborhood, Manville Heights in hopes that population control will happen very soon. This is a list of my concerns: • The population is increasing. There is a herd of at least 12 (counts have ranged up to 16) deer roaming around • Concern about the health of the population as they forage and compete for food through our neighborhood this winter • Behaviors that suggest loss of fear of people and dogs • Safety: the deer are crossing Park Road/Rocky Shore as cars speed along — increasing the concern for injured animals and causing a car accident. Here are some highlights of the problem: • last week on two (2) occasions, our fenced -in yard was occupied by five (5) bucks. One has a handsome antler rack. o the large buck "stood his ground" when my dog ran at them while the others fled. I was able to control my dog to get her back into the house before the buck charged her. 0 our neighbor has written you with a similar description of the bucks in their yard o every single day, there is a herd of 7-10 female deer lying in our yard or our neighbor's yards (a fence is meaningless, of course) ■ this same female herd grazes all day long and has destroyed very old, long- standing yew bushes and now they are eating any branches of trees that they can reach. at least one of the young female deer has an injury on a right rear leg and is limping. none of the deer show any fear of us or our dog. 0 our dog will "charge" the fence and some deer will move a few feet but others stand and "stomp" at her o they barely move when I run at them yelling and waving my arms. They did move when I threw an ice -ball at them — but returned within a minute to again forage in the yards. a deer hit by a car and badly injured on Park Road at Hutchinson had to be shot by a City Police Officer Please take action to control the deer population. I realize that there is a group of people who are against controlling the population. Would you please ask the City Manager to consider putting "deer crossing" signs along Park Road/Rocky Shore? In addition to helping to control speed, the signs might keep drivers alert to the problem. Respectfully, Rebecca Porter 425 Hutchinson Avenue Disclaimer The information contained in this communication from the sender is confidential. It is intended solely for use by the recipient and others authorized to receive it. If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking action in relation of the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. + r ui �1 lat • yyrrmr�� CITY Ok 10WA CITY www.icgov.org March 12, 2019 ATTACHMENTS: Item Number: 9.e. Description Hanwei Chen - Concerning City's Road Diet plan for Mormon Trek Iowa City [Staff response included] Craig Michel - Mormon Trek Road Diet [Staff response included] Original email distributed in 2- 19-19 agenda packet Darrell Hansen - City Council Work Session, Feb 19th -- Road Diet Tom Rutkowski - support for Mormon Trek road diet Steven Feddersen - Mormon Trek Diet Patricia Benson - Road Diet for Mormon Trek [Staff response included] Kellie Fruehling From: Kent Ralston Sent: Wednesday, February 20, 2019 8:15 AM To: 'Hanwei Chen' Cc: Geoff Fruin; Susan Mims; Scott Sovers; Jason Havel; Council Subject: RE: Concerning City's Road Diet plan for Morment Trek Iowa City Thank you for reaching out regarding the Mormon Trek 4 Lane to 3 Lane Conversion Project. I'm certain that your concerns, as well as others, will be given additional consideration by staff and the City Council. To ensure that Mormon Trek was a good candidate for the conversion, both the existing and future forecasted traffic were carefully analyzed under both the existing 4 lane, and proposed 3 lane configurations. In summary, the result of the analysis indicated that the traffic volumes within the corridor do not necessitate the current number of lanes. Additionally, a travel time study showed a minimal increase in anticipated vehicle delay within the corridor under the proposed 3 -lane scenario. However, any increase in delay should be offset by the improved vehicular and pedestrian safety expected from the proposed 4 to 3 -lane conversion. Upon review of the traffic data/analysis that was prepared, Snyder and Associates (Design Consultant for the Project), the City, the Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County, and the Iowa Department of Transportation are in support of the 4 to 3 lane Conversion on Mormon Trek Boulevard from 1,000 ft. north of Westside Drive to Melrose Avenue. Additional information about the Project, the Federal Highway Administration Road Diet Informational Guide, and an AARP Road Diet Publication can be found on the City's Website: https://www.icgov.org/project/four-lane-three-lane- road-conversions. Please feel free to contact me should you have any additional questions or comments. Best Regards, Kent Ralston, AICP Executive Director I Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County Transportation Planner I City of Iowa City 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 319.356.5253 From: Hanwei Chen [mailto:hanweic@hotmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, February 19, 2019 5:05 PM To: Geoff Fruin <Geoff-Fruin@iowa-city.org>; Rochne-Cole@Iowa-city.org; Susan Mims <Susan-Mims@iowa-city.org>; Scott Sovers <Scott-Sovers@iowa-city.org>; Jason Havel <Jason-Havel@iowa-city.org>; Kent Ralston <Kent- Ralston@iowa-city.org>; Council <Council@iowa-city.org> Subject: Concerning City's Road Diet plan for Morment Trek Iowa City To whom it may concern, As a resident in the weber neighborhood area, I'm writing to express safety and traffic congestion concerns for the road diet plan. It had been proved that high volume of vehicles couldn't get over the traffic with only one lane each direction during the construction period last year. It's so obvious that heavy traffic can be observed using the road to get into Iowa City downtown, hospital, or Coralville during rush hours. Please consider to withdraw the road diet plan. Your consideration will be very much appreciated it. Thanks, Best Regards, Hanwei Chen Kellie Fruehling From: Kent Ralston Sent: Wednesday, February 20, 2019 8:18 AM To: 'cmichel5l@aol.com' Cc: Geoff Fruin; Susan Mims; Scott Sovers; Jason Havel; Council Subject: RE: Mormon Trek Road Diet Thank you for reaching out regarding the Mormon Trek 4 Lane to 3 Lane Conversion Project. I'm certain that your concerns, as well as others, will be given additional consideration by staff and the City Council. To ensure that Mormon Trek was a good candidate for the conversion, both the existing and future forecasted traffic were carefully analyzed under both the existing 4 lane, and proposed 3 lane configurations. In summary, the result of the analysis indicated that the traffic volumes within the corridor do not necessitate the current number of lanes. Additionally, a travel time study showed a minimal increase in anticipated vehicle delay within the corridor under the proposed 3 -lane scenario. However, any increase in delay should be offset by the improved vehicular and pedestrian safety expected from the proposed 4 to 3 -lane conversion. Upon review of the traffic data/analysis that was prepared, Snyder and Associates (Design Consultant for the Project), the City, the Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County, and the Iowa Department of Transportation are in support of the 4 to 3 lane Conversion on Mormon Trek Boulevard from 1,000 ft. north of Westside Drive to Melrose Avenue. Additional information about the Project, the Federal Highway Administration Road Diet Informational Guide, and an AARP Road Diet Publication can be found on the City's Website: https://www.icgov.org/project/four-lane-three-lane- road-conversions. Please feel free to contact me should you have any additional questions or comments. Best Regards, Kent Ralston, AICP Executive Director I Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County Transportation Planner I City of Iowa City 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 319.356.5253 From: cmichel5l@aol.com [mailto:cmichel5l@aol.com] Sent: Tuesday, February 19, 2019 3:44 PM To: Geoff Fruin <Geoff - Fru in@iowa-city.org>; Rochne-Cole@Iowa-city.org; Susan Mims <Susan-Mims@iowa-city.org>; Scott Sovers <Scott-Sovers@iowa-city.org>; Jason Havel <Jason - Have l@iowa-city.org>; Kent Ralston <Kent- Ralston@iowa-city.org>; Council <Council@iowa-city.org> Subject: Mormon Trek Road Diet Didn't see there was a meeting. Wanted you to know I oppose the current plan to reduce the four lanes to three with a turning lane and bike lane. I have to believe there are more reasonable alternatives. It is also my understanding there was little to no feasibility study completed. Maybe you could add a turn arrow at the lights? Maybe just widen the current sidewalk for a bike path? My vote is NO for this project. Kellie Fruehling From: Darrell Hansen <dohjkh@yahoo.com> Sent: Wednesday, February 20, 2019 4:31 PM To: Geoff Fruin; Susan Mims; Scott Sovers; Jason Havel; Kent Ralston; Council; Rochne- Cole@Iowa-city.org Subject: City Council Work Session, Feb 19th -- "Road Diet" I recorded your work session, Feb 19th. Below is my summary of the "Road Diet" discussion. I am in agreement that the Mormon Trek, "Road Diet" should not proceed until the Hard data is available. Darrell Hansen 83 Durango PI Iowa City, la 52246 319-338-5253 (home) 319-621-3043 (cell) dohjkh@yahoo.com After recording & watching the City Council Work Session, Feb 19, 2019 1 am left with Great apprehension on the "Road Diet" for Iowa City. I do believe we are on a "Trip to Abilene"I Why do I say this? - It was stated that "TWO years" would be needed before a change would be made back to 4 lanes! (This seems like a Very Long time to live with a problem!) - A number of IC council members asked very good questions. But, when asked if Iowa City proceed with the "Road Diet" a number of members asked for: "Hard Data and it should not be flawed." The council wants data so Iowa City can monitor improvements. Data Requested by the Council: 1 What are "Number of Actual accidents and Severity" for each intersection on Mormon Trek? (City says there was 136 accidents in the corridor for 2011- 15. But, this is not the data for Mormon Trek.) What is the "Actual Traffic Volume" during peak times? (The data has not been collected. Instead a car was driven on Mormon Trek to see how much longer it would take in time with 2 lanes verse 4 lanes. Is the Traffic study done on Jan 12th considered a "Peak Time?" (The City said this date was good as any other day in the year even though University out of session, winter weather, people on vacation, construction limited, etc.) What is the cost of the project, is it $1,100,000? (The City responded that was close to costs, but the estimate for the project in August 2018 was $1,500, 000. The original estimate for the project was $1,200,000 in 2016.) What is the "Actual Traffic Volume" study done on the cut through (Dublin/Melrose) to avoid Mormon Trek traffic? Why not just use 4 lanes and put turning arrow on lights at Benton and Rohert Road? (City says when they did this during construction last summer it slowed traffic down. But, what I saw was an improvement in traffic flow!) How do you know if the Road Diet is a success or failed? How will football traffic go with reduction of traffic lanes? 2 What is the "Actual Traffic Volume" on 15tAve on the East side of town where a "Road Diet" is in operation? (Problems with the Road Diet have been reported!) Some other questions: How will the City monitor Emergency Vehicles response time and people held up trying to get themselves to the hospital in an emergency? What is the projected growth for Mormon Trek? What we may have? We have a "Road Diet" that has been promoted by Iowa DOT, based on studies on other cities, that do not match Iowa City streets, use "Percentages" such as "Reduction in traffic accidents of 25 to 60%" with a "Road Diet!" But percentages do not tell the story, you need to know numbers not percentages, i.e. reduction of 1 accident in 2 base accidents is 50%! 3 Kellie Fruehling From: Darrell Hansen 4dohjkh@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, March 11, 2019 8:08 AM To: Geoff Fruin; Rochne-Cole@u Iowa-City.org; Susan Minis; Scott Savers; Jason Havel; Kent Ralston; Council Subject: "Road Diet" In Iowa City We're just before Spring --- not to late to change the direction for the Mormon Trek, "Road Diet!" See my response below to the City Engineers memo to Geoff Fruin, Late. Handouts Distributed Darrell Hansen 83 Durango Place Iowa City, la 52246 319-338-5253 (home) 319-621-3043 (cell) rf –/ 9 — (Date) Re: March 6, 2019 City Engineer Memo to Geoff Fruin - Mormon Trek Road Diet [link below] https://drive.google.com/open?id=1 eryba LEc3FXdar1 kF+en 1 IU Ei1 wXupvl 2 (nay need to paste this in your browser.) This memo creates a number of questions, but lets just focus on the biggest question/issue. What is the "Cost verse Benefit" for doing this project? Cost verse Benefit of Project: The 9 years (2010 through 1018) of data show 268 accidents, for an average of 29.8 /year. The city says we will have a reduction in accidents of 20% with the "Road Diet." This results in a reduction each year of 5.96 accidents. If you round this to 6 accidents reduced per year, for 5 years, that would reduce 30 accidents. The estimated cost for this project is $1,500,000. $1,500,000 Divided by 30 = Cost of $50,000 per accident reduced!!! 1 was taught that if you could not produce enough benefits in 5 years you should not do the project. I The data, "Severity of Collisions" of accidents over 9 years shows 99% of the 268 accidents & 265 accidents that were not significant and 3 accidents that had major injury. I am having trouble identifying the benefit for this project? Bottom Line: Why send $30,000 for changing payment markings luck to 4 lanes from 3 lanes, PLUS the cost to change traffic lights back when there is PICU DATA to show this change should be made? (There will be large amount push back from the community after the "Road Diet" is implemented.) What we may have? We have a "Road Diet" that has been promoted by Iowa DOT, based on studies on other cities, that do not match Iowa City streets, Iowa City does not have the DATA to justify the chap e, what a vast majority of Iowa City residents do not want. We're going to Abilene! F] Kellie Fruehling From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear Council members, Tom Rutkowski <dtrutk@gmail.com> Thursday, February 21, 2019 6:41 AM Council support for Mormon Trek road diet I am writing to express my support for the Mormon Trek road diet. I understand that a very vocal group of citizens oppose the road diet, but I think this reflects poor understanding of why the road diet is necessary there. I have lived off of Rohret Rd for the past 10 years and travel on MormonTrek frequently. The road is dangerous as currently designed --with northbound traffic turning left into the Kum and Go, the shopping plaza, or the Pheasant Ridge apartments, and southbound traffic turning left on Benton or Cameron, there are constantly cars swerving out of the left lanes into the right lanes. A road diet would alleviate that problem dramatically. In addition, as a cyclist, it is difficult to get from Rohret Rd down to Sand Rd --I have to either ride on Mormon Trek, which is dangerous for me, or on the sidewalk, which is dangerous for pedestrians. Having a bike lane will make a useful corridor. I hope the council realizes that the loudest people do not necessarily reflect the majority view, and that they move forward with the project. Thank you, Tom Rutkowski Iowa City Kellie Fruehling From: Steven Feddersen <sfedder935@yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2019 12:10 PM To: Council Subject: Mormon Trek Diet My wife and I travel through the intersection of Rohert Rd and Mormon Trek Blvd almost every day. I think this idea by Sovers is ridiculous, everything works great now. All I can see from this ridiculous project is more accidents and confusion. I think Sovers has too much time on his hands.. Steven Feddersen, 935 Duck Creek Dr, Iowa City 52246 Sent from my Whone Kellie Fruehling From: Kent Ralston Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2019 1:48 PM To: 'Patricia BENSON' Cc: Geoff Fruin; Susan Mims; Scott Sovers; Jason Havel; Council Subject: RE: Road Diet for Mormon Trek Hello Ms. Benson - Thank you for reaching out regarding the Mormon Trek 4 Lane to 3 Lane Conversion Project. I'm certain that your concerns, as well as others, will be given additional consideration by staff and the City Council. To ensure that Mormon Trek was a good candidate for the conversion, both the existing and future forecasted traffic were carefully analyzed under both the existing 4 lane, and proposed 3 lane configurations. In summary, the result of the analysis indicated that the traffic volumes within the corridor do not necessitate the current number of lanes. Additionally, a travel time study showed a minimal increase in anticipated vehicle delay within the corridor under the proposed 3 -lane scenario. However, any increase in delay should be offset by the improved vehicular and pedestrian safety expected from the proposed 4 to 3 -lane conversion. Upon review of the traffic data/analysis that was prepared, Snyder and Associates (Design Consultant for the Project), the City, the Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County, and the Iowa Department of Transportation are in support of the 4 to 3 lane Conversion on Mormon Trek Boulevard from 1,000 ft. north of Westside Drive to Melrose Avenue. Additional information about the Project, the Federal Highway Administration Road Diet Informational Guide, and an AARP Road Diet Publication can be found on the City's Website: https://www.iceov.org/project/four-lane-three-lane- road-conversions. Please feel free to contact me should you have any additional questions or comments. Best Regards, Kent Ralston, AICP Executive Director I Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County Transportation Planner I City of Iowa City 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 319.356.5253 From: Patricia BENSON [mailto:jpbenson2005@msn.com] Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2019 8:31 AM To: Geoff Fruin <Geoff-Fruin@iowa-city.org>; Rochne-Cole@Iowa-city.org; Susan Mims <Susan-Mims@iowa-city.org>; Scott Sovers <Scott-Sovers@iowa-city.org>; Jason Havel <Jason- Have l@iowa-city.org>; Kent Ralston <Kent- Ralston@iowa-city.org>; Council <Council@iowa-city.org> Subject: Road Diet for Mormon Trek Dear city council members: I am writing to voice my opposition to the planned road diet for Mormon Trek. I believe you have heard from many of us who live near Mormon Trek who have stated this plan is potentially dangerous due to the amount of traffic on this boulevard (be it normal traffic days or Hawkeye football Saturdays), especially for young drivers going to West High or to work at Fareway (who hires a large number of teen employees). It is also going to increase the danger for pedestrians in these same circumstances. A proposal for turn signal additions for lights currently on Mormon Trek should be considered instead. Please stop this project before it goes any further, for the safety of all who drive, walk, or live along Mormon Trek Blvd. Patricia Benson Sent from my U.S. Cellular® Smartphone Item Number: 9.f. + r ui �1 lat • yyrrmr�� CITY Ok IOWA CITY www.icgov.org March 12, 2019 ATTACHMENTS: Description Adam Rains: Climate Concerns/Citizen Action Kellie Fruehling From: Adam Rains <adam.c.rains@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, March 07, 2019 11:18 AM To: Council Subject: Climate Concerns / Citizen Action Council Members, My name is Adam Rains - I moved to Iowa City in 1996. 1 went to Roosevelt Elementary, then North West, then West, and then finally the University of Iowa - as did my wife who now is a clinical pharmacist for the VA. My father was the Vice President of Sales for Heartland Express for two decades. Suffice to say I am very invested in my community. I recently became aware of a paper by a tem Bendell, "Deep Adaptation", which concerns his projections for climate change and how it will impact our way of life. It has scared me absolutely shitless. I don't think that I, as a single person, can change the world but I want to do something to seriously and radically prepare Iowa City so that we can adapt and flourish in the decades to come. • Is there any interest in getting Iowa City onto completely renewable energy? If so, by what date? • How can we decrease our carbon footprint as much as possible? • What plans/measures are in place to protect Iowa City from a major disaster such as a severe power outage, disruption of the supply of essential goods, or a lack of drinking water? am so concerned about this that I want to do anything and everything in my power to help improve the lives and secure the future of Iowa City residents. However, I have no idea how to go about doing that. I hope that the Council will appreciate my earnestness and sincerity. Your guidance on this issue would be greatly appreciated. Please do not sit idle, or allow the people of IC to sit idle, in the face of potential climate disaster. All the best and yours sincerely, Adam Rains 1924 Gryn Drive, Iowa City, IA (319) 400-5889