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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-08-01 Transcription #2 Page 1 ITEM 2 PROCLAMATION. b. Community Development Week - August 14-18, 2006 (TAPE STARTS HERE - at 020 on counter) Richman: ...agencies who work with the City, who are recipients of the funds, as well as the public in general to participate as much as possible in the events during Community Development Week. Thank you. Wilburn: Thank you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription ofthe Iowa City City Council meeting of August 1, 2006. ~ P.2 ITEM 3 CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED OR AMENDED. Champion: Move adoption. Wilburn: Moved by Champion. Bailey: Second. Wilburn: Seconded by Bailey. Discussion? Elliott: This is as amended? Bailey: All right. . . we have to delete two items. O'Donnell: We're deleting d(2). Karr: And 3e(3). Bailey: 3e(3), right. Elliott: Okay. Wilburn: Discussion? Roll call. Bailey: I did want to... Wilburn: Discussion. Bailey: .. . given the discussion we had last night about the (unable to hear) on the second floor, that we are approving a permit for a liquor license for a restaurant on a second floor, which is allowed under our current code, and that's...is that 3c(6), the SkyBox. So, just to make the distinction for the public, that restaurants on second floors can get liquor licenses in this community. Wilburn: Roll call. Carries 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of August 1, 2006. --~._-~~-----,.._..,- ._...._-------_._--_._-"~. M P~3 ITEM 4 COMMUNITY COMMENT (ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA). Wilburn: Please approach the podium, state your name for the record, and please limit your comments to five minutes or less. We will be having...I will give a little bit of a grace period for the presentations on the PIN Grants tonight. We're getting a report on that. Walker: Hi, I'm Jean Walker, a member of the Neighborhood Council and I'm here to introduce the program for improving neighborhoods. As you can see.. .no, I'm sorry, it's not working. Champion: Oh, too bad! Walker: So this might be very short. Wilburn: Just use colorful language! Walker: Yes! (laughter) There! Champion: Oh, there! Walker: Perfect. All right. (several talking) All right, we're in business. All right. So.. .as you can see, this program was established in 95, and has funded 92 projects, coordinated by 18 neighborhood associations, and utilizing $225,000 in PIN Grant funds, and in fiscal year 2006, six grants were funded with $15,000 and these projects range from $5,000 to $600, and this is a summary of the results of those grant funds. The six grants cover an interesting variety of projects, from a park master plan to playground equipment to park celebration to trees to entertainment, and all grants have the effect of drawing neighbors together and improving neighborhoods. The neighborhoods are grateful for these grants and these grants are also an asset to the City, as much as, as much neighborhood sweat equity is involved and the City gets a big bang for their buck. We're fortunate to have Marcia Klingaman as coordinator of this program and also as coordinator of the Neighborhood Council in general. The first grant is the Melrose Neighborhood Association's Brookland Park Master Plan, which I will present as the Melrose Neighborhood representative. The neighbors have enjoyed getting together on numerous occasion with Steve Ford, the landscape architect for Shoemaker & Haaland and Terry Trueblood and Terry Robinson of the Parks and Rec department to develop this plan. They're wonderful to work with and we are grateful to Terry Trueblood and Parks and Rec, and for matching our grant with a grant from the Parks and Recreation Department to achieve this project. So, this first slide is a plan ofthe park as it is. You can see the outline of it here. Here is Melrose Court and then the private property here. There's Greenwood Drive, the railroad tracks, and this is private property here, This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription ofthe Iowa City City Council meeting of August 1, 2006. #4 Page 4 and currently there is a path that goes across here with steps here, which are a problem because bicycles want to come this way and they go down the side and then. . . that was dropped by the City so they went down the side here, and this pavement actually is a little outside the park boundaries. There is a path that comes down here and then there's a stream that comes along here. So, the new plan will overcome barriers of the current problems in the park and also enhance it considerably. So, if we look at... (laughter and several talking). The Melrose entrance...the Melrose Court entrance is this entrance here and you can see there's pavement and then there's a drop-off for tl].e path coming down, through the park, and this gets washed out when there's rain, and this is an extension ofthat path and you can see that the tree roots are exposed because of the rain washing down the path. Then this is another extension of the path, coming along the park, and it crosses over a stream and here's the detail of it crossing over the stream, and there's a culvert, and you can see that the path gets eroded when there's wash-off, exposing the culvert. Then, this is the area with the steps at the junction of,oh there.. .at this juncture here and you can see it's quite steep steps and the bikes come careening off the drive here. So that's another problem, and then if we" . if we look at the beginning of the stream on the right-hand side, there's another culvert that gets blocked and so there's flooding in that area, and then following the stream from right to left, this is the stream but currently it's really more of a ditch than a stream, and then if you go further down the park, you can see that it's not much of a stream and there's flooding to the left often. So, the stream hazard, tributary, that comes from the left of the tree towards the stream and because of the railroad is on the other side of that path, and some rocks from the railroad get washed into the stream and block it, creating this stagnant pool that you can see on the right. And, these are both pictures to show that blocked stream on the right of this picture. It looks like a little path and it's just blocked, and it blocks the main part of the stream, as well. So, and this is the master plan, and we're very excited about it. You can see from the lowest part ofthe picture, there's this wide trail - it's 10 foot wide. It'll accommodate both pedestrians and bicycles making their way through there. There are no steps. You can see that there are trees along the railroad to help screen the railroad. There are trees along Greenwood Drive. There are trees and shrubs along the private residence, and then at, where there's the cross in the paths, there will be a sign that proclaims Brookland Park with the date and it'll be a stone marker, and then there's a new shelter, which is in red on the.. .it's actually going to be a hexagonal and right across from that, there will be a little plaza that is bricked and will have a surround of stone that people can sit on so it's like a little stage, and it opens up a lot of possibilities for activities, and there will be new playground equipment and then there is a path that will go all the way around the park so it'll be nice to walk through there, and this stream will wander instead of being just a ditch all the way through, and there will be crossing points on it. Weare very This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription ofthe Iowa City City Council meeting of August 1, 2006. ---_.~-------_.._-~----,._--_..__._~ #4 Eckman: Smith: Baker: Page 5 excited about this project and we are working on some of the details of the plan now. Thank you. And the next presentation is the Southwest Estates Neighborhood Association with Judy Eckman. Good evening. My name is Judy Eckman and I'm here on behalf of Southwest Estates and the Weber playground community of staff, students, neighbors, and friends, and I'd like to thank the City of Iowa City for awarding us a PIN Grant last year. It's amazing what can be accomplished when a need is recognized and a community comes together. It started just over a year and a half ago, as a dream, to have a second playground structure at the largest elementary school in the Iowa City Community School District. A need existed, so a fundraising campaign began. A budget was set at $70,000 and we hoped to raise that amount in a two-year time frame. To our wonder and amazement, we were able to exceed our goal and we raised more than $85,000 in less than nine months. The community came together and agreed with our need. They donated food, soft drinks, water, time, tools, manpower, and lots of money. Once the fundraising and the playground design phases were completed, the build process began. In April ofthis year, loads of dirt and rock were delivered and the grading began. The concrete was poured and with the help of countless volunteers, the structure was assembled and put into place. On Tuesday, June 6 of 2006, a ribbon-cutting ceremony took place to officially open the new playground structure for the community to enjoy. The dream could not have become a reality without the help of many. We once again would like to thank the City ofIowa City for awarding this worthwhile project a PIN Grant and helping it to become a reality. My name is Beth Smith. I'm representing the Northside Neighborhood Association. Urn, last year we were very pleased to receive a PIN Grant of$3,500 towards playground equipment for Happy Hollow Park. We had applied for the grant because our facilities were old, broken, and unsafe. After we applied for the grant, we discovered that the Parks Department was already planning to install new equipment so we added our funds to theirs. Happy Hollow Park now has two slides, a climbing wall, two swings, and swinging bars. It's a much nicer place for a growing number of young children in our neighborhood to play, as evidenced by the participation in this summer's family night, which is what you can see on the slides. So thank you very much to the City Council for helping us to upgrade this wonderful little neighborhood park. Good evening. I'm Ruth Baker from the Miller, Miller Orchard Neighborhood. And we had applied for a PIN Grant to help us with the entertainment for our dedication of the Benton Hill Park, and that was a great celebration. The neighborhood did contact local businesses in the area who generously provided all the food that we had. They also were This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription ofthe Iowa City City Council meeting of August 1, 2006. "_._._._-------------~-_..._--------_.~-,._...-_._-_. .---..----------....------------------.--.......-.------_.------- #4 Wilburn: Baker: Wilburn: Baker: Wilburn: Bailey: Koppes: Page 6 generous in providing...I can't remember how many exactly, but at least over 20 door prizes. The top door prize being a microwave and a bicycle, along with a number of very nice gifts. And, the $1,000 we received from the PIN Grant helped us have all the extra items that go along with having such a large celebration. There were at least 200 people there, and also provided the band that we were able to go ahead and have for this event. It really brought the neighborhood together and I know a number of you from the Council were at that celebration and you could see what a great time it was and for us all, and we very much appreciate what the Council has done for us. As you can see, the hillside was full of people. Now Mayor Wilburn.. . was not Mayor at the time...but he was the person who was helping in the dedication. I'm still bald though. You what? I'm still bald-headed. (laughter) Which worked fine! This is, we had a couple of, or we had rental awnings, and Marcia Klingaman and her intern were so helpful during this event, in preparing for it. It turned out very well, and I appreciate again so much what you've done for our neighborhood. Thank you. Thank you. I think it was hot that day, too, wasn't it, Dee? (several talking and laughing) My name is Charlotte Bailey and I'm from the Galway Hills Neighborhood. Our project, the pictures don't tell all the story, but the nice thing is I'm starting with some from this spring so the trees that we were able to plant along our streets in the neighborhood now have leaves on them. We had areas that had very little landscaping. Our developer did not put in any streetscaping for us. In a previous year, I think it was about five years ago, an earlier part of our development had applied for a PIN Grant and those trees are growing nicely. Some of the people who came and were benefiting from the grant money had to take a little leap of faith because by the time we planted in the fall, some of the trees had lost all of their leaves and so people had to come and dig in clay and spend a number of hours helping each other get the plants in, but not all ofthem looked like they were going to be as beautiful as they are for us right now, but thank you, and the investment by you guys have made with the PIN Grants overall and in our neighborhood is much appreciated. Hi, my name is Beth Koppes with the Weatherby Friends and Neighbors and I'm actually the last one so...but first I wanted to thank you for your support of the PIN Grant program. In 2005, Weatherby received a PIN This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription ofthe Iowa City City Council meeting of August 1, 2006. ___'.____.m___ ..._____.__,.______'"_.____m__ #4 Wilburn: Neades: Page 7 Grant for movie nights in our neighborhood. Over the years, we've had multiple movie nights and I know some of you have attended them previously. The latest one was in June of this year. We did it in the Grant Wood Gymnasium the last time. Currently, we're probably the only group that still has money left in our 2005 PIN Grant. Weare currently discussing having an event that will showcase the new art proj ects in our southside neighborhood. Any event would be in conjunction with the Neighborhood Council, Parks and Rec, and the public Art Commission. We are planning on the Weatherby Friends and Neighbors to use the rest of the 2005 PIN Grant to support this event. And so on behalf ofthe entire Neighborhood Council, as a wrap up, I would like to thank you for your time, and if you have any further questions please feel free to contact us. Again, thanks for supporting the PIN Grant program throughout the years. Thank you. (applause) Good evening. Rebecca Neades, Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce. I'm here tonight because we've been approached by several of our downtown members about a parking issue that concerns them, as far as safety goes. It's the double parking of delivery vehicles on Dubuque Street. I think it's the zero-hundred block. It would be right in front of Catherine's and the Deadwood - in that block - where delivery vehicles, sorry to mention store names. That wasn't who talked to me. Um, but, it's where delivery vehicles would double park in the middle of the street, and I'm sure most of you have seen that before. Then pedestrians are forced to walk either in between the vehicles. The delivery people are forced to go through, and cars go around that, and we are not asking or suggesting that you eliminate parking there because we understand that there isn't adequate parking for delivery downtown, especially where there are no alleys. What we are asking is that you look at some other options to maybe make that a little safer. I did a little research. I talked to some other communities - Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport - and I've left a message in Omaha, Nebraska, just about what they do and to make high delivery, high densely populated areas more safe, and there are a few suggestions we might have, like hours of operation that people can deliver _ if you want to limit that a little bit, or maybe look at something like limiting how long a truck can park there, so instead of they can make their delivery but then instead of staying there and walking over and having lunch, you know, they have to move like the rest of us. So, we'll leave that up to you. Please, keep in mind that our businesses rely on delivery downtown, but we're just looking for maybe a safer way for that to happen, and I did talk to your Transit, Joe Fowler, Parking and Transit Director today, who shared some thoughts with me. I'd be happy to relay to you, and maybe Jeff Davidson, I know that he works a lot with This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of August 1, 2006. .._..-.__._---_.._-_.--'~----~._._-_.~.- #4 Page 8 transportation and parking, as well, so he may have some suggestions. Thank you very much. Wilburn: Thank you. Champion: We should put that on a work session agenda some time. Bailey: Yes, I'd agree with that. Champion: It's a, it is a big problem. Bailey: Well, we've talked about it. Champion: We've talked about, we've talked around it. Neades: I think most of you know where to find me, so if you have any questions or follow up, you can hunt me down. (laughter) Hartwig: Good evening, Randy Hartwig, representing the Airport Commission. I just wanted to give you an update on some of the projects at the Airport since, if you're passing there this month, there'll be quite a bit of visible activity. The runway extension project, which has been ongoing prior to my coming on the Commission, finally...in fact, they started today they'll actually be moving dirt out on the west end of the Airport, and also that'll entail that along Highway I and so it'll be kind of changing the looks there a little bit. The, I think I sent a memo to you, regarding the closing ofthe north-south runway, which in conjunction with the moving of the weather equipment, will allow Mormon Trek extension to begin, I assume very soon, if not this week actually. Also, this month, just last week we've been awarded a contract for the rehabilitation of the taxiways along the north T-hangar area, and in conjunction with that, we included the north parking lot, which was in the budget to do. So doing them together I think we'll save a little money and get it all done at once. Once the parking lot is done, the.. . and if Ernie was here I'm sure he'd be happy...the fencing for the viewing area will go in. So, hopefully that'll get done before the summer season is over and be available to the public. You probably did see, I think, in the last month, we did get a couple grants from the State on the, on some projects, which is much needed too. So, there's always a lot going on, but I guess it will be more visible in the next month or so. Any questions? Bailey: I have a question. I saw in the minutes that you were looking at a grass runway. Is that something you're exploring, or is that feasible? Hartwig: Well, I think it's feasible, and I think that's something we'll look at in the future. You know, obviously with the closing of one runway, none of us This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of August 1, 2006. .~-._._.__.- ~"_._---,~-----_.,.._----_.__._---_._.._"._.__._._..__..-_._._----".._~-_..._-,,- ..--,-.---..-.- ,- #4 Page 9 as pilots like to see any runways closed, but the, and as some of you may know, there are quite a few taildraggers, older airplanes, that would actually work better on grass, but that's certainly worth looking into. Bailey: Okay, thanks. Wilburn: Thank you. Walker: Hi, I'm Jean Walker, and I'm a Melrose Neighborhood representative, and I want to make just a brief comment about the proposed roundabout on Grand Avenue. A plan for this was presented last night at the Council's work session. The roundabout, which would cost $360,000 was proposed to overcome several perceived problems in the area. The neighborhood believes and has suggested several times that there are other ways to address these problems that would be less costly, and we think that these should be investigated before a commitment is made to spend $360,000 on such a roundabout. After development, we think the two alternatives should be compared side by side, in order to make the best decision for our city. We think it wise to do some comparison shopping before buying a large-ticket item. Thanks. Wilburn: Thank you. Anyone else care to address the Council on an item not on tonight's agenda? Karr: Can we have a motion to accept correspondence. Bailey: So moved. Wilburn: Moved by Bailey. Vanderhoef: Second. Wilburn: Seconded by Vanderhoef to accept correspondence. All those in favor say aye. Opposed same sign. Carries 7-0. (unable to hear person in audience) No problem. Thibodeau: Well, my name is Jim Thibodeau. I actually, last week, emailed you all a letter regarding I recently purchased the property at 424 E. Jefferson, and I addressed some concerns that I and some ofthe other property owners in, on the adjoining area, have with the, concerns that we had about the alley. I guess I talked to Ron in the Engineers' office, referred to it as "John's Grocery alley," and urn, did you all receive the email I sent? Okay, Ijust wanted to see if there's anything I can address, or anything I can... Wilburn: Is there anything you wanted to add to your comments and letter or... This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of August 1, 2006. #4 Page 10 Thibodeau: No. . . told me it was going to be brought up at the next Council meeting? Wilburn: It's always, the correspondence is always put in our packet, accepted into the formal record, Council members take a look at it - read it, feel free to address or give anyone of us a call or Council members are invited to contact you if they have any further questions. Thibodeau: Well, I told you I was going to be here tonight, so I thought I'd at least show my face. Atkins: Jim, before you go. Have you read Ron's most recent email, he prepared one late this afternoon? Thibodeau: I got it, but I didn't read it. Atkins: Okay. I haven't either, but he told me he was going to prepare something and kind of outline some other issues for you, and I think he has the intent of getting back with you, to talk about. . . because there are some other options. Thibodeau: Yeah, he suggested to me that, it sounded like that it's a project that the City would be consider. . . Atkins: Yeah, I think he wants to visit with you about it, but.. .haven't shared that correspondence with you, that was again late this afternoon. (several talking at once) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of August 1, 2006. #5 ITEM 5 Wilburn: Bums: Page II PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS. a) CONDITIONALLY REZONING APPROXIMATELY 2.83 ACRES OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4435/4455 MELROSE AVENUE FROM NEIGHBORHOOD PUBLIC (P-I) ZONE TO NEIGHBORHOOD PUBLIC / LOW DENSITY MULTI- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (P-I/RM-12) ZONE. (REZ-06-00001) 1. PUBLIC HEARING (pounds gavel) Public hearing is open. Good evening, my name is Bob Burns. I'm an architect here in Iowa City, 319 E. Washington Street, and I represent the Johnson County "Permanent Support of Housing" limited partnership, and its general partner, Chatham Oaks, Inc., which is a local non-profit, and there are three members of that organization with me tonight. Rosemarie Fredrick, who's a Board Member. You want to stand up, Rosemarie? Vivian Davis, who's their Executive Director, and Lowell Looman, Board Member. Melrose Ridge is a project that will provide eighteen apartments in two one-story buildings that will be targeted for occupancy by persons with disabilities with special needs, and it will provide apartments for independent living for those who currently reside in an institutional setting because there will be support services provided with this development. All the funding's in place and the final step is to finish the rezoning in accordance with the City's requirements, and that's what's on your agenda tonight. We ask you that you support the project. The Chatham Oaks Board asks you to support it. Just for a point of information, as you know, the owner of the property is actually Johnson County, represented by the Board of Supervisors, and they will be entering into a Conditional Zoning Agreement with you. The Board of Supervisors will be taking this issue up, the Conditional Zoning Agreement, up on Thursday at its meeting. They were not able to get it on the agenda before tonight's meeting. We are asking if you would consider, I know it's not your normal process, if you would consider approving the first reading tonight, if you chose to approve the rezoning, conditioned upon the Board of Supervisors approving that Conditional Zoning Agreement. If not, we'll have to come back after they take the issue up on Thursday. This is a project that I know you've supported in the past. I know you deal with a lot of issues that come before you. You've provided $275,000 in financing, back earlier in the year for this proj ect, and I know you support it, and I think in the past, and we hope that you allow the project to move forward. And I'd be happy to answer any questions that you might have regarding the project, and I'm sure the representatives of Chatham Oaks would too. Thank you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription ofthe Iowa City City Council meeting of August I, 2006. --~----~_._-~~--~-_._.._----_..._~------ .-..-.-.--..---" - - .---..------..-------..----...---...----.-......-.-.. #5 Page 12 Wilburn: We were to, what Mr. Bums is asking us to do tonight, and I'm not sure if he's aware, would be to close the public hearing with out a signed Conditional Zoning Agreement from the County. Dilkes: I don't think we can do first reading tonight, because we can't do first reading until you close the public hearing. You can't close the public hearing until we have the Conditional Zoning Agreement signed, so you'll need to.. . any expediting will have to happen after tonight. So, you'll need to continue the public hearing to a date certain. Wilburn: Would anyone else (unable to hear other person talking) would anyone else care to address Council through public hearing? Davis: Yes, I'm Vivian Davis. I'm the Executive Director of Chatham Oaks and I just wanted to express my thanks for your support in this project. It is very exciting to think we're finally getting to the point where we can actually start building apartments. As you all know, there is such a great need for low-income housing in this area and the opportunity to provide housing that is affordable, plus supportive for individuals who need a little extra support is just very, very exciting and really appreciate the support. I would also like to add that we're very excited about having the City bus come out to Chatham Oaks. That starts in two weeks, and we had a meeting with the residents today and I have not seen them that excited in a while. (laughter and several talking) Thank you. Wilburn: Mike, I think you had a question, before ask for a motion to continue the... O'Donnell: Well, I was just wondering what the delay was with the County. Anybody heard anything? This certainly isn't a new issue. Champion: Yeah, it needs to get going. Burns: The delay was just a matter of timing, to get it on the Board's agenda, get the Conditional Zoning Agreement. We didn't have it in our hands any sooner that we could get it on a meeting any sooner than Thursday. So, there's no delay caused by inaction. Just not having a meeting yet. O'Donnell: Okay. Wilburn: The Chair will entertain a motion to continue the public hearing to August.. . Correia: I don't know what the whole motion was. I would propose that we continue the public hearing to our, a special meeting the night before our work session, on August 21, so that we can do a first... we could have a This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of August 1, 2006. ._---,._~--_.,_._-~_._-"-----,..._--_.. #5 Page 13 first reading that night and then potentially there's support, collapse the second and third readings at our formal meeting the next night, so that this project can get up and running and started. Wilburn: Is that what you moved, Connie? Champion: That's not what I moved, but I'm probably willing to support. I think it's a really incredible, worthwhile project. It bothers me to have a public hearing on our work session. Wilburn: Is your motion for the 220d then? Before we have discussion... we can't discuss.. . okay. It's been moved by Champion to continue the public hearing the August 22od. O'Donnell: I second that. Wilburn: Seconded by O'Donnell. Now, discussion? Champion: And I think what you're saying is, I mean, I'm not going to get upset if the Council decides to do that. I just, but I am willing to have a special meeting a few days after that so this gets moved along as quickly as possible. Bailey: I would be willing to do that, the same week. Champion: Yeah, exactly, it would take just a few minutes. Elliott: I would just like to say that as an old-timer, I grew up in a time when people with disabilities were virtually discarded. Attended a luncheon this afternoon where ARC of Johnson County spoke and now tonight with Chatham Oaks people here, I am rather proud of what's happening. Champion: So, if we could schedule, I'm sure four of us could make it to a special meeting some time Wednesday or Thursday of that same week, and I mean, so they could get moving on it. I just think it's bad policy to have public hearings on work session nights, and we would be closing the public hearing at a regular meeting. O'Donnell: I don't know why we couldn't have three readings on... Champion: Oh, no! O'Donnell: This is not a controversial. ..(several talking). Bailey: .. .not be willing to do that. Philosophically, I just can't support that. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of August 1, 2006. _._-----~-~-----_._- #5 Page 14 Correia: I'd come in at 8:00 on Wednesday morning to finish the readings. (several talking and laughing) Is it a philosophy issue or. . . Champion: We all want to move it along. You know, we're talking about a few days. We all want to move it along. Correia: Well, I'd be willing to support the motion if we will meet that same week to do that. Wilburn: Sounds like there's. . . Vanderhoef: They're meeting this Thursday, it would be like Friday of this week, or... Correia: No, I think what we're saying is we would close the public hearing and have first consideration on the 22nd, and then that same week, some time Wednesday or Thursday, we would hold a special meeting to.. . (several talking) . Champion: Would that be agreeable with Chatham Oaks? Wilburn: Okay. It's been moved and seconded to continue the public hearing until August 22nd. All those in favor say aye. Opposed same sign. Carries 7-0. Karr: Motion to accept correspondence. Vanderhoef: So moved. Wilburn: Moved by Vanderhoef. Correia: Second. Wilburn: Seconded by Correia to accept correspondence. All those in favor say aye. Opposed same sign. Carries 7-0. 2. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE (FIRST CONSIDERATION) Bailey: Move for first consideration to August 22nd. Wilburn: Moved by Bailey. Vanderhoef: Second. Wilburn: Seconded by Vanderhoef to defer until, first consideration until August 22nd. Champion: Do we want to set a time for that special meeting now? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of August 1, 2006. #5 Page 15 Bailey: We could do that during Council time, or. . . Karr: Why don't you just give me dates. We can firm it up at the work session on the 21". You'll still have ample time... Wilburn: That way we'll have to do it on TV. (laughter) All those in favor of deferring the ordinance reading to August 22nd say aye. Opposed same sign. Carries 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of August 1, 2006. #5 Page 16 ITEM 5 PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS. c) AMENDING TITLE 14, ZONING CODE, SUBSECTION 4E-8C, NONCONFORMING SIGNS, TO ALLOW FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF A NONCONFORMING SIGN BY SPECIAL EXCEPTION. 1. PUBLIC HEARING Wilburn: (pounds gavel) Public hearing is open. Alberhasky: Doug Alberhasky of John's Grocery, and I have to say I didn't know we had an alley named after us. (laughter) I'm here on behalf of the Iowa City Noon Optimists too, and I just wanted to say that over the past 20 or so years, our club has raised over $200,000 for the youth ofIowa City, and it's in no small parts the McWane family and them generously letting us use their parking lot for the selling of Christmas trees, and you know, being a local person as well, there are a lot of things that make Iowa City very unique, and when you think ofIowa City, you think of Pagliai' s, the Hamburg, John's, and McWane's Dairy Queen, and whatever you guys can do to help these folks out and to get it going, I would wholeheartedly support, so thank you. Wilburn: Thank you. McWane: Hello, I'm Tracy McWane. My husband and I are the third generation to operate McWane's Dairy Queen, and I just wanted to thank everybody for their support, because you turned something that was really negative into something very happy and promising for us, and I thank you very much for giving us this opportunity. Thank you. Wilburn: Thank you. Elliott: I used to buy pints of ice cream when it was located up near the dam bridge. I recall. Mc Wane: Thank you very much. O'Leary: Hi, my name is Ryan O'Leary, and I'm also here at the request ofthe Iowa City Noon Optimist Club and in contrary to my tradition, I'll try to be brief. (laughter) Actually, I'm really impressed. I had a good conversation with J ann Ream this afternoon and at first I guess I fell victim to some of the chatter around town that Dairy Queen might not be allowed to put up their sign, but I'm very impressed with the feedback I heard back from your staff and what I've read now about the progress, and the proposed amendment, so thanks again from the Noon Optimist Club and for advocating for the McWanes. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of August 1, 2006. #5 Page 17 Wilburn: Thank you. (pounds gavel) Public hearing is closed. 2. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE (FIRST CONSIDERATION) O'Donnell: Move first consideration. Bailey: Second. Wilburn: Moved by O'Donnell; seconded by Bailey. Discussion? Bailey: Ijust want to thank the McWanes for building. I mean, this is great that we have this continuing at that location. O'Donnell: I don't remember the Dairy Queen being up by the bridge. (laughter) But I've bought a lot ofice cream at the present location, as well as a Christmas tree every year, so I'm glad... Champion: It's a landmark! Wilburn: It's a critical stop on my way back to town from... Champion: ...those peanut buster parfaits! (laughter) Wilburn: That's why you have to bike before... Bailey: That's why we have a bike path going by it. (laughter) O'Donnell: You can't touch the strawberry sundaes at all. Wilburn: Roll call. Item carries 7-0. Champion: Maybe we can expedite that the next time. (TAPE ENDS) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of August 1, 2006. ..---~--~..._--_._~-~..,----,._"---"..... _._~--------_...---_..---_.__.__._.__.".---_._--,._-_....... #7 Page 18 ITEM 7 APPROVING PLANS, SPECIFICATION, FORM OF CONTRACT, ESTIMATE OF COST FOR THE RE-DEVELOPMENT OF BROOKLAND PARK, ESTABLISHING AMOUNT OF BID SECURITY TO ACCOMPANY EACH BID, DIRECTING CITY CLERK TO PUBLISH ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS, AND FIXING TIME AND PLACE FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS. a) PUBLIC HEARING Wilburn: (pounds gavel) Public hearing is open. (pounds gavel) Public hearing is closed. b) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION O'Donnell: Move the resolution. Bailey: Second. Wilburn: Moved by O'Donnell; seconded by Bailey. Discussion? Champion: What year was this park built? Does anybody know? (several talking) Vanderhoef: It's one of the olderparks...in the city. Champion: I know. Vanderhoef: Do you know how old the park is? Jean Walker: 1924 Champion: 1924. Vanderhoef: Oh, thank you. O'Donnell: That's when the Dairy Queen was by the bridge. (laughter and several talking) Wilburn: Roll call. Item carries 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of August 1, 2006. -~-------_..._---------~-------,._--~-"-- #11 Page 19 ITEM 11 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST AN AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY AND EARTH TECH TO PROVIDE ENGINEERING CONSULTANT SERVICES FOR THE MCCOLLISTER BOULEVARD ROADWAY PROJECT. Vanderhoef: Move the resolution. Bailey: . Second. Wilburn: Moved by Vanderhoef; seconded by Bailey. Discussion? Bailey: I just want to thank Brian for the memo that he prepared for us very quickly about the process. That was very helpful. Correia: And these, are these funds... .federal funds... the funds for this McCollister, are they road use tax funds? Atkins: Road use tax, general obligation, federal monies - yeah, it's all blended. Correia: Okay. Wilburn: Roll call. Item carries 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of August 1, 2006. #12 ITEM 12 Bailey: Correia: Wilburn: Bailey: Wilburn: Page 20 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ON UNCLASSIFIED SALARY COMPENSATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007 FOR THE CITY MANAGER, CITY ATTORNEY, AND CITY CLERK AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AMENDMENTS TO THE CONTRACTS OF THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY CLERK TO INCLUDE A PROVISION FOR CONVERSION OF ACCRUED VACATION AND CLARIFY VACATION PAYMENT FOR THE CITY MANAGER UPON RETIREMENT OR RESIGNATION. Move the resolution. Move the resolution. Moved by Bailey; seconded by Correia. Discussion? Just thank you... to all of you for your hard work. On top of that, I think Iowa City is privileged to have such professional staff, people who care about the community they live in, and work very hard for the City. So thank you all. Roll call. Item carries 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of August 1, 2006. --~-_._-----_._~-----",.-_.__._~.__.._-'--.--- _____________.__..___"__________.__________..___n___ #14 Page 21 ITEM 14 COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS. d) Library Board of Trustees Wilburn: I'm going to ask that we consider a motion to approve appointing Mary New, is that who it was? To the Library Board of Trustees. Champion: So moved. Wilburn: Moved by Champion. Correia: Second. Wilburn: Seconded by Correia. All those in favor say aye. Opposed same sign. Congratulations, Mary. c) Housing and Community Development Commission Wilburn: The next appointment is for the Housing and Community Development Commission. I have a conflict of interest with appointments to this Commission due to the organization I work for receiving Community Development Block Grant funds, and cannot make appointments to this Commission. Bailey: Last night we discussed appointing Michael Shaw and Steve Crane. I would entertain a motion to do that. Correia: So moved. Vanderhoef: Second. Bailey: Moved by Correia; seconded by Vanderhoef. All those in favor. Opposed same sign. Motion carries 6-0; Wilburn abstaining due to conflict of interest. Elliott: This is the same thing we have every time, but this time especially there were some excellent candidates and applicants, and a couple of whom I was particularly interested in. I certainly encourage the folks to apply again. We really appreciate it! Karr: Motion to accept correspondence. Vanderhoef: So moved. Wilburn: Moved by Vanderhoef. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of August 1, 2006. #14 Page 22 Correia: Second. Wilburn: Seconded by Correia to accept correspondence. All those in favor say aye. Opposed same sign. Carries 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of August 1, 2006. #16 Page 23 ITEM 16 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION. Wilburn: Amy? Correia: I don't have any information. I was just wondering if the pullout ofWal- Mart, on that space, could we have a work session where we talk about plans for moving forward on that Airport Commerce Park? Update on where we are, what... Atkins: It's official today, we received their $15,000 check. That came in today, and that's been deposited. Correia: Right, so I just mean in terms of that area. Atkins: It's back on the market effective today. Bailey: But it's a different zoning than it was a couple years ago, and (several talking at once). It's a different approach, I think. Champion: Since she wasn't on the Council when we were going through all that, it might be helpful for her. Atkins: I'll give you an update, that's fine. Vanderhoef: And look at both zones and compare. Atkins: Sure. Vanderhoef: Present zone, or the previous zoning, I'd like to really take a good look at that. Correia: I would too. Wilburn: .. ..prepare a memo. Before we continue with Council time, there's something I neglected last night. We had request from our Planning and Zoning Director, Karin, to kind of close out discussions related to the fringe area agreement with the County. I had met with Ernie before with the representatives from the County. Ifit's okay with Council, if there's consensus, that I - and I would ask Dee to serve on that group to finish up...(several talking). Now, Connie? Champion: No, that's fine. Somebody called me today and suggested we put a trial roundabout in. I mean, a trial roundabout. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription ofthe Iowa City City Council meeting of August 1, 2006. -~,.._-,,--------_..,- ._-,....--,--,~-_.._--,_.._---_.'"-~--.~--~--- -~--"_._--_._._-----_..- -- #16 Page 24 Bailey: Like Grand Avenue? What are those made out of? (several talking at once) .. . could use those plastic cones they use on highways and close it off. Correia: Isn't one issue that the plan is to take part of the steps away, that creates more room for the roundabout, but.. . sounds like... Bailey: Somebody wants to confuse new residents. (laughter) Vanderhoef: They're already confused. This is the time of year you watch it when you go down the one-way streets because you're going to meet a car at some point in time. Champion: The other thing that somebody called me about, several people, and I know we talk about it every year, but what happens with all the trash that's left on the curb when people move out of apartments? Atkins: First of all, it's scavenged. A good bit of it will disappear late at night. Secondly, we allow the landlords some discretion. Give them a couple of days because they have an extraordinary amount of work, and so, ifit looks like it's there a couple days - it is, but we're trying to let the landlords - they've got a lot of work that they have to do, and then thirdly, if it isn't picked up, we will pick it up and we will bill people. Yeah. Wilburn: Okay. Mike? Champion: So if I take all my trash and put it in front of an apartment, somebody might pick it up for me? (several talking at once) Vanderhoef: I set a grill out on my front lawn couple years ago, and it just. ..it walked, and that was what I wanted it to do. (several talking) Wilburn: Mike? O'Donnell: I think it's good that we meet on this parking downtown on Dubuque Street. We all know that if you're walking between the trucks, you're jaywalking. That does happen, and we do need parking. I'm looking forward to that meeting. I've thought for a long time, why don't we use smaller trucks, but it just seemed to make sense. Also... Atkins: The difficulty, Mike, is when you get two beer trucks. O'Donnell: Excuse me? Atkins: Two beer trucks side by side, you've got some trouble. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of August 1, 2006. -"-,------------------~----- #16 Page 25 O'Donnell: You really do! Smaller trucks (several talking) Wilburn: We probably should stick to comments. Champion: I know. I can't help it! O'Donnell: Probably should have a meeting on that, and we will! Also, Steve, I haven't heard anything on the Peninsula in a long time. Atkins: Peninsula? We have an update planned for you. It's just a matter of getting it on the agenda. I'll push her up! O'Donnell: Okay, thank you. Wilburn: Dee? Vanderhoef: I don't think I have a thing tonight. Thank you. Wilburn: Okay. Regenia? Bailey: It did occur to me today that when we were doing that massive amount of umealistic scheduling that we neglected to look at our Legislative Priorities Meeting and also the possibility of meeting with the legislators before their session in January. So I think that that's something we should also add to our schedule in December, or late November, however we can work it out. It's been something I think we've been refining since I've been on Council and I think that the relationship with our legislators has been very good, and I would like to see that continue. Champion: The (unable to understand) probably fit into another work session. Bailey: I think so, yes. Champion: You're right, it's a very productive thing to do. Bailey: Well, and perhaps if we're starting this early, we can simply contact them and ask them what dates work and then set something up. I don't know. Vanderhoef: And just as a quick reminder, many of you that are on this Iowa League of Cities, City Voices - the survey is out right now for State Legislative issues, so be sure to take a look at it and send your preferences in, or if you want to read it and hand it to me, you can do that too. Elliott: Mr. Mayor. Wilburn: Yes, sir? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of August 1, 2006. #16 Elliott: Page 26 I'm sorry to throw a little cold water on what has been a pretty upbeat meeting tonight and really almost heart -warming meeting tonight, but I sat here and listened to a number of things about the Wal-Mart situation. I have a few observations. I'm going to read them. It'll take me about three minutes. About 150 years ago, Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "Build a better mousetrap, and the world will beat a path to your door." Now we have a group of people who've said, "Build a better mousetrap, and we'll call you a corporate predator, and not let you into our town." I'm embarrassed by the entire Wal-Mart affair. About 15 years ago, an Iowa City referendum determined a majority ofIowa City voters favored Wal- Mart opening a store here. Since that time, literally thousands, thousands of shoppers have voted with their feet and pocketbooks. So, Wal-Mart wants to open a super store here and a few dozen or maybe a few hundred people believe they know what's best for everyone else. I believe many people initiating the Wal-Mart litigation are sincere. Some of them are acquaintances, some of them are friends of mine, but they're like the overzealous Boy Scout who wants to help the old lady cross the street, whether she wants to or not. In response to one of the several messages I've received on the subject, I wrote the following two sentences in a letter earlier today. Iowa City is a wonderfully vibrant, safe, attractive, financially stable, and generally enlightened community. Unfortunately, we have some people among us who believe it's appropriate to impose their personal philosophies and beliefs on the rest of us. Several times over the past month and a half, we've had people appear before our Council claiming Wal-Mart is a predator, or worse. About being a predator, do we work to keep out of town any business representing threatening competition to existing businesses? After Hy- V ee and Fareway came to town, we lost neighborhood grocery stores. Among them, Stubbs, Seatons, Watts grocery store along Muscatine Avenue and Whiteway downtown. When Best Buy came to town, among others, goodbye to Criss TV on Muscatine Avenue, Sutton's TV across from Hamburg Inn, and Hagen TV downtown, but those super stores or big box stores, or whatever you want to call them, aren't predators. They're outlets for corporations that are well-managed and enable their customers to benefit financially from the sound business practice of economy of scale. The anti-Wal-Mart folks appear to want us to make personal, moral evaluations about which businesses we should allow. Will the next business we won't let in be a sporting goods super store because it sells weapons that kill animals? Or should we disallow grocery supermarkets that sell non-organic food? Probably what anti- Wal-Mart folks find most distasteful is the union issue. Ifwe don't want anti-union or non-union firms in town, say good-bye to among others, NCS Pearson and A.C.T. Unfortunately, all ofthis adds to the unfortunate perception that Iowa City isn't friendly to business, or worse. It also eliminates more than $3 million we could have used for a desperately needed northside fire station This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of Augnst 1, 2006. ,.----_.~-~-_._---_..~-------~--_._'_.'"_._._._-".,-----...---.--...-. #16 Page 27 and fire fighters to staff it. I hope the next time we have an opportunity for a legitimate sale to a legitimate business, it is handled as nothing more than a legitimate sale to a legitimate business. Sorry to interrupt, but that's the way I feel. Champion: Just a short response. You, your premise is that you should not decide what businesses can come to town. Maybe I agree with you on that, but you allowed Wal-Mart to decide whose business is going to come to town, because in their Purchase Agreement, there were certain stores that could not locate next to them on our land. So, you know. Elliott: We have purchase agreements in residential areas and commercial areas. That's common. Bailey: Wasn't that $3 million going to pay down the Airport debt? Elliott: Oh, that'd be helpful. Bailey: I mean, that's what.. . Elliott: But, if it goes down to pay down the Airport debt, that means General Funds that can be used for other things. Wilburn: This is Council time and Bob made a statement. W ai-Mart is. . . not on the agenda for this evening, so we cannot discuss deliberations. O'Donnell: Good job, Bob. Wilburn: Urn, I want to, first of all, thank City staff who participated in assisting several fund raising efforts this weekend, whether that's the Crisis Center or the ADA celebration this past weekend. I know the Police and Fire chiefs and our Planning Director, Karin Franklin, were all in the dunk tank this weekend. Elliott: Did you say the drunk tank? Wilburn: Dunk tank, dunk tank! Urn, I certainly had a good time on RAGBRAI last week and was joined by Austin. Got some good pictures of us enjoying the ride. I want to say congratulations to everyone who completed the week and their portion of the ride. I want to thank the people of Iowa City who were on the ride who introduced themselves to me and offered words of encouragement on those very tough, hilly days. The hospitality ofthe overnight pass-through communities was, you know, that Iowa legendary friendliness, so want to thank folks. RAGBRAI means so many different things to people, whether that's vacation, sense of community, partying, cycling enthusiasts, or supporting different causes, whether it's the church This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription ofthe Iowa City City Council meeting of August 1, 2006. #16 Page 28 or the scouts. This year, an additional cause, cancer research funding and policy came to the forefront with the addition of Lance Armstrong on the ride. It was very gracious of him to join the ride and I want to thank Senators Harkin and Kerry for hosting the congressional hearing related to cancer research. I also want to thank all the panelists who were at that hearing and testified their positions, and the other cancer survivors. Almost everyone in the audience that day had been affected by someone, either personally or family member or friend, who had died of cancer or had been a cancer survivor. I, myself, was affected 21 years ago by the death of my mother to rare cancer, metastatic carcinoid syndrome and continue to be impacted by her battle with cancer. Well, today, I continue to be impacted by that. I'm grateful that such progress has been made and I'm hopeful that Iowans and people living in Iowa City will educate themselves on cancer prevention and research. I know that I will personally join their effort to ask presidential candidates as the caucuses come through on what their plan and policy will be for supporting research, funding, and policy related to cancer prevention and cancer treatment so that we can one day have a cure for cancer. Otherwise, City Manager? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of August 1, 2006. #17 Page 29 ITEM 17 REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF. Atkins: Couple quick things. You had a good evening again tonight. Housing for 18 citizens oflimited means, new families getting, going from tenant to ownership; renovating one of our older parks; and one thing I didn't get to report to you, that refunding proposal on the Consent Calendar - that could amount to over $800,000 in interest savings, if we hit the bond market right, which we will. (laughter) That's all I have. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of August 1, 2006.