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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-06-11 Info Packet of 5/30 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET CITY OF IOWA CITY May 30, 2002 www.icgov.org IP1 Meeting Schedule and Tentative Work Session Agendas IP2 Memorandum from City Manager: County Funding of the Senior Center IP3 Memorandum from Lisa Parker (Library Board of Trustees): Parking Suggestions IP4 Memorandum from JCCOG Executive Director to JCCOG Cellular Tower Location Study Committee: JCCOG Cellular Tower Location Study IP5 Letter from Assistant City Attorney Matthews to John Lundquist (Assistant Attorney General): Etc. Complaint and Hearing IP$ Memorandum from Doug Elliott (ECICOG) to ECICOG Board Members: May 30, 2002 Meeting [Wilburn] IP7 Minutes: April 30 Neighborhood Housing Relations Task Force ~ City Council Meeting Schedule and May30, ~ Tentative Work Session Agendas CITY OF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org ]June 10 Monday 6:30p SPECIAL COUNCIL WORK SESSION Emma J. Harvat Hall ]June 11 Tuesday 7:00p SPECIAL FORMAL COUNCIL MEETING Emma J. Harvat Hall · Separate Agenda Posted I July 1 Monday 6:30p COUNCIL WORK SESSION Emma J. Harvat Hall l July 2 Tuesday 7:00p FORMAL COUNCIL MEETING Emma J. Hun/at Hall · Separate Agenda Posted l July 4 Thursday INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY - CITY OFFICES CLOSED l July 15 Monday 6:30p COUNCIL WORK SESSION Emma J. Harvat Hall I July 16 Tuesday 7:00p FORMAL COUNCIL MEETING Emma J. Harvat Hall · Separate Agenda Posted I August 19 Monday 6:30p COUNCIL WORK SESSION Emma J. Ha/vat Hall Meeting dates/times subject to change FUTURE WORK SESSION ITEMS Regulation of Downtown Dumpsters Downtown Historic Preservation Writers' Safe Haven Opening of First Avenue Comprehensive Plan Update Development Agreement for 64-1A Age of Consent City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: May 29, 2002 To: City Council From: City Manager Re: County Funding of the Senior Center The Johnson County government has chosen to reduce their Senior Center funding, as identified in the existing 28E agreement, from what was 20% of the Senior Center's operating budget to a lump sum of $100,000 in FY03. While there are various opinions, it does appear, in our judgment, that these circumstances ara contrary to the expressed language and history of the current 28E Senior Center agreement. The most difficult circumstance created is that it is virtually impossible to plan for future operations of the Senior Center when a major funding source appears to be exercising unilateral change in its historic commitment. We recognize that the County, like all other local governments throughout Iowa, has had financial difficulties. Informal conversations to date seem to indicate there is not majority support on the part of the County board to return the Senior Center funding to its 20% level as identified in the agreement. Future financial commitments by the County government for the Senior Center is now unknown. Immediate action needs to be taken to plan for the Senior Center"s financial future. The Senior Center Commission and staff should be authorized to begin developing a budget and senior programs for FY04 and thereafter which indicate further reduction, if not elimination, of County funding. It would be helpful to the Senior Center Commission as well as for the Iowa City City Council if the County board would articulate a policy as it relates to senior citizen services. This policy statement can help direct the activities of the Senior Center as they relate to our area senior citizens. If the County does not wish to have the types of services offered at the Senior Center available to Johnson County seniors, a statement of policy would be helpful in order to plan for the future. What methods we need to utilize in order to reduce the Senior Center budget to meet revenue shortfalls can hopefully be more easily identified. Arguments have been made concerning the fact that Iowa City residents pay County taxes. Be that as it may, it would seem such issues as tax policy fairness may be irrelevant at this moment, for the real problem is a serious revenue shortfall in the Senior Center budget and the need to reduce operations in accordance with that shortfall. We have assumed a continuing commitment to Iowa City senior citizens by the City Council. In order that we may begin such a planning process, over the next few months I believe we must assume a posture there is a very real likelihood of elimination of County funding to the Senior Center. Other municipalities throughout Johnson County need to be notified of the funding reduction by Johnson County and the effect it will have on the seniors in those communities. Similar policy statements by municipalities wishing to participate in senior services would also be helpful. Options appear to be varied and can involve program reductions, increase in fees, and other changes that are appropriate. cc: Linda Kopping Kevin O'Malley JC Board of Supervisors Brian James, North Liberty City Administrator Kelly Hayworth, Coralville City Administrator ( Iowa City Public' LibraW. 123 South [inn · Iowa City, Iowa 52240 1820 Susan Craig, Director · Information (319) 356-5200 · Business (319) 356-5206 · Fax (319) 356 5494 DATE: May 29, 2002 TO: City Council FROM: Lisa Parker, Library Board President RE: Parking Suggestions After our recent discussions three Library Board members met with Chris O'Brien and Joe Fowler to discuss the parking issues related to library patrons. After that meeting, board member Tom Suter met with Chuck Goldberg, current president of the Downtown Association. Chuck was supportive of anything that could be done to improve parking. Joe and Chris both attended the May 23 Board meeting and I believe we arrived at some recommendations that all parties can support. We are asking the Council to direct staffto take immediate action on two changes: · Reduce the number of permit holders in the Dubuque St Ramp and require remaining permit holders to park higher in the ramp. This ramp is closest to thc Library and most desirable to library users. It must accommodate hotel guests and in addition has the highest ratio of permits to spaces (more than 40%) of any ramp except Chauncy Swan. Parking staff indicates that permits can be switched to either Tower Place or Old Capital facilities. With some permit parking shifted permit parkers can be required to park at level 4 and above. Currently they are allowed at level 3 and above. This will free up spaces at lower levels. · Remove the "daily maximum" charge at the Dubuque St Ramp. A maximum charge for parking all day makes a ramp attractive to long term parking because vehicles can be parked for many hours at what is, practically speaking, reduced rates. There is no maximum daily charge for the Old Capital Ramp which steers people to the Dubuque St. facility. A daily maximum charge has recently been instituted at Tower Place so the option would still be available in the downtown area. We also agreed to recommend several changes to enforcement of meters on downtown streets (area bounded by Gilbert, Burlington, Clinton, and Iowa Ave): · Enforce the current ordinance that allows only one hour in a one hour meter. Parking staff estimates that this measure would result in a 20% increase of spaces available for on street parking. · Enforce on street parking meters in the downtown area until 8:00 in the evening Monday-Thursday and Sunday afternoons. Current enforcement ends at 5:00 pm. This results in many metered spaces being occupied by vehicles that arrive between 4:00 and 5:00 and remain for the entire evening. If meters were enforced until 8:00 pm additional turnover would occur. Likewise enforcing meters for some hours on Sundays opens up spaces. Another measure that was discussed which we hope parking staff can pursue is adjusting the pay machines in the Chauncy Swan Ramp to accept some type of token so library users in the facility can take advantage of the Library's Park 'n Read program. Joe indicated this was feasible. The most difficult problem is identifying good options for signage and enforcement of short-term (90-120 minute) parking in the Dubuque St Ramp. Council has already agreed that if the current development project moves ahead on 64-1A with the planned skywalk connecting an upper level of the ramp through the ramp to the front of the proposed facility, directly across from the library entrance, that short-term parking will be available near the skywalk. The Library Board would like to see some spaces identified as short term prior to the completion of development on 64-1A, and most definitely when the current metered spaces are removed for construction. Even a modest number of designated spaces will provide turnover and new options for library users and other short- term visitors to the downtown. We would like to revisit options for expanding short-term parking in the Dubuque St. Ramp once we have seen any potential results from the chances listed above. Our discussions with parking staff were very productive. We understand the difficulties they face. Although some of the solutions we propose may not be popular with downtown parkers who are looking for free and long-term parking on city streets we believe these changes will improve access to parking close to the library and also benefit other downtown visitors. Please consider them as soon as possible. Please let me know if you have any questions about these suggestions. cc: Joe Fowler Chris O'Brien Johnson County Council of Governments ~.'~-~-~-~ ~.~ 410 E W~sh~ltonSt Iow~ Qty, Iovv~ 52240 -raj, Steve Atkins, City Manager Date: May 23, 2002 City of Iowa City To: JCCOG Cellular Tower Location Study Committee: Lee Freeseman, Jim Kessler; Gity of Goralville Dale Helling, City of Iowa City Brian James, Tom Palmer; City of North Liberty Adrian Shoenmaker, City of University Heights Rick Dvorak, Mike Sullivan; Johnson County Larry Wilson, University of Iowae,,~,~/ From: Jeff Davidson, Executive Director Re: JCCOG cellular tower location study Thank you alt for committing to participate in the JCCOG cellular tower location study. The JCCOG Urbanized Area Policy Board has directed JCCOG staff to conduct this study as part of our FY03 work program. JCCOG staff persons assigned to the study in addition to me are Brad Neumann and John Yapp. Brad, John, and I will be spending the next couple of months educating ourselves about the cellular communications industry and familiarizing ourselves with telecommunication tower issues. We intend to begin the activities of the study committee in earnest after the start of the new fiscal year in July. We do not intend to require a significant amount of committee time. We would anticipate holding meetings on an as-required basis, which would not exceed a two-hour meeting once a month. We also may send out materials for you to review and return to us with comments. Late afternoon meetings seem to work well for most people; let us know if this is not the case for you. Would you also please examine your mailing label and let us know if anything needs to be changed. You should feel free at any time to contact me at 356-5252 or jeff-davidson@iowa- city. org; Brad at 356-5235 or brad-neumann@iowa-city, org; or John at 356-5247 or john- yapp@iowa-city, org if you have any questions. Thanks again for your participation. cc: Kelly Hayworth, City of Coralville Steve Atkins, City of Iowa City Gloria Jacobson, City of University Heights Carol Thompson, Johnson County Board of Supervisors Mike Finnegan, University of Iowa Brad Neumann John Yapp jccogadm/mem/celltowerloc doc May 29, 2002 ~ John Lundquist Assistant Attorney General ~ C~t~ Offs, .oover State O ce Bldg. 1305 East Walnut St. Des Moines, IA 50319 Re: Etc. Complaint & Hearing Via fax ~ (515) 281-7551 & U. S. Mail Dear John: l thank you for the opportunity to comment on or provide input regarding possible sanctions and resolution of the above-referenced complaint. I have conferred with the City Attorney, Mayor, City Manager and Police Chief regarding this matter, which is currently scheduled for hearing ou June 26th. Given the seriousness of the charges, the number of patrons seriously injured as a result of the incident, the fact that it occurred with the knowledge and consent of management and had occurred on previous occasions as well, I believe I can safely say that it is the collective view at the City that the maximum penalty permitted by law be imposed on the establishment. Whether revocation of license is feasible is something we leave to your best judgment and that of the Alcoholic Beverage Division. At the same time, our office recognizes that the potential sale of the premises must be considered in terms of the timing and imposition of any penalty, given the language in Iowa Code §123.39(3), which provides generally that when a license is suspended after a hearing as a result of violations, the premises which were licensed shall not be relicensed for a new applicant until the suspension has terminated or time of suspension has elapsed, or ninety days have elapsed since the commencement of the suspension, whichever comes first. We understand that as a result of this Code provision, if the sale of the premises occurs prior to any suspension as a result of an arm's length transaction to someone unrelated to the owner, and is not done simply as a sham to avoid the imposition of sanctions, no suspension could be imposed. Similarly, pursuant to section 123.40 revocation of the Etc. license will only have lasting consequences if there is a license to revoke, i.e. the license has not been surrendered due to sale or otherwise. It is my understanding that you concur with this assessment. In view of these Code provisions we are also mindful of the fact that the Etc. license expires June 13th, absent a renewal. Again, I believe I can safely say that it is the collective view of the City that the least desirable outcome would be to permit the establishment to walk away relatively scot-free simply because it was sold prior to any hearing and imposition of suspension. One of the reasons the City Council opted to forward the matter to the Alcoholic Beverages Division for action was to expedite the hearing process so that action could be taken prior to any sale of the premises. Accordingly, the City requests that you continue to use your best judgment as to what penalty is likely to be imposed were the matter to proceed to hearing compared to what can be obtained through settlement discussions and to proceed accordingly to obtain the maximum penalty possible under the circumstances. 410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240- 1826 · (319) 356 5000 * FAX (319) 356-5009 If our office can be of any assistance in this matter, please do not hesitate to call me. We appreciate all your efforts in pursuing this matter. Sincerely, Andrew P. Matthews Assistant City Attorney cc: City Council Stephen Atkins, City Manager Dale Helling, Assistant City Manager Marian Karr, City Clerk R.J. Winkelhake, Police Chief J. Patrick White, Johnson County Attorney 2 EAST CENTRAL IOWA. COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS ~.,'~,-.x~& ko ~) YOUR REGIONAL PLANNING AGENCY ~ ~.\~...~ ~ MEMORANDUM DATE: May 22. 2002 TO: ECICOG Board of Direotors FROM: Doug Elliott~ecutive Director , SUBJECT: Next Meeting - Thursday, May 30, 2002 The ECICOG Board of Directors will meet on Thursday, May 30, 2002, 1:00 p.m., at the ECICOG offices in Cedar Rapids. An agenda for the meeting and minutes of the April 25th meeting are enclosed. Other items are highlighted below: Item 2.0 Routine Matters: Financial statements for the month of April are enclosed. They reflect adjustments to federal funds and transit capital as'sets due to, an entry.errdr made in the previous month. While this does show a reduced but correct net worth, it does not affect the agency's cash position.. Additional information will be provided at the meeting. .- Item 3.3 Director's Report: I ha~,e enclosed several items for your information. The first is a 'newsletter from an engineering firm in Wisconsin regarding a survey on intergovernmental cooperation. Given current interest in govemmen[ organizationjn Iowa, I found the article interesting. The communities surveyed were in the state of Wisconsin. President Bush sign6d the Farm Bill on May 13, 2002. While there are numerous items in the bill of interest to cities, counties, and elected officials, I' ye enclosed information On two items of . particular iqterest to organizations like ECICOG. Both are from Title VI of the bill. The first regards the authorization of the Northern Great Plains Authority (NGPA), a multi-state organization modeled after the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Delta Regional Authority. Also enclosed is information regarding the availability of grants to multi-jurisdictional regional planning organ, izati'ons of up to $100,000 to, "provid(e) assistance to local governments to improve the infrastructure, services and busin,ess development capabil)ties of local governments, and local economic development organizations." Exactly what opportunities these Sections provide for ECICOG remains to be sorted out. However, a meeting of COGS from states in the NGPA is planned at the EDA conference in (OVER) 108 Third Street SE, Suite 300 Ceda,r Rapids, Iowa 5240'1 31%365-9941 FAX 319-365-9981 www. ia.neff-ecicog Next Meeting May 22, 2002 Page 2 Kansas City in June. IARC, our statewide association, is also following up with our congressional offices. The board may want to invite a congressional staff person to the June meeting to further discuss these items and the Farm Bill in general. Items 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, & 3.8 Community Development, Housing, Circuit Rider, Solid Waste &, Transportation Reports: Staffreports are enclosed. Item 4.4 Transit Operators Group: Minutes of the TOG's most recent meeting are enclosed. Item 4.5 Solid Waste TAC Report: Minutes of the TAC's most recent meeting are enclosed. Item 4.6 Transit Services Review Committee: The committee will meet prior to the board meeting to review current requests (copies enclosed), and will make recommendations for your consideration at the meeting. Please review the remainder of the enclosed materials, and contact us if you have questions before the meeting on the 30th. Eno. East Central Iowa Council Notice TEL 365-9941 FAX 365-9981 pages 1.0 CALL TO ORDER · 1 Recognition of Alternates .2 Public Discussion .3 Approval of Agenda 2.0 ROUTINE MATTERS 1-3 .1 Approval of Minutes (April 25, 2002) 4-6 .2 Preceding Month's Budget Reports/Balance Sheets 3.0 AGENCY REPORTS · 1 Chairperson's Report .2 Board Members' Reports 7-13 .3 Director's Report 14-15 .4 Community Development Report 16-18 .5 Housing Report 19-20 .6 Circuit Rider Report 21 .7 Solid Waste Report 22-36 .8 Transportation Report 4.0 COMMITTEE REPORTS · 1 Executive Committee .2 Personnel Committee .3 Budget Committee 37-38 .4 Transit Operators Group 39-40 .5 Solid Waste Technical Advisory Committee .6 Ad Hoc Committee Reports · Transit Services Review Committee 41-48 5.0 IOWA INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW SYSTEM 6.0 OLD BUSINESS · 1 Approval of Expenditures 7.0 NEW BUSINESS 8.0 NEXT MEETING: June 27, 2002 ECICOG is the Region lO planning agency serving local governments in the counties of Benton, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Washington. MINUTES East Central Iowa Council of Governments Board Meeting 1:00 p.m. - April 25, 2002 East Central Iowa Council of Governments 108 Third Street SE, Suite 300 - Cedar Rapids, IA MEMBERS PRESENT Bob Stout-Washington County Supervisor Lu Barron-Linn County Supervisor Don Magdefrau-Benton County Citizen David Vermedahl-Benton County Supervisor Ross Wilburn-lowa City City Council Rod Straub-lowa County Supervisor Ed Raber- Washington County Citizen Gary Edwards-Iowa County Citizen Ed Brown-Mayor of Washington Dennis Hansen-Jones County Citizen Pat Harney-dohnson County Supervisor Ann Hearn-Linn County Citizen James Houser-Linn County Supervisor MEMBERS ABSENT Henry Herwig-Coralville City Council Charlie Montross-lowa County Supervisor Leo Cook-Jones County Supervisor Larry Wilson-Johnson County Citizen Wade Wagner-Cedar Rapids Commissioner Tom Tjelmeland-Mayor of Ely Benton County elected official-vacancy Jones County elected official-vacancy ALTERNATES PRESENT - None OTHER'S PRESENT - None STAFF PRESENT Doug Elliott-Executive Director Gina Peters-Administrative Assistant Chad Sands - Planner Tracey Mulcahey - Grants Administrator Mary Rump-lT/TransportationPlanner Robyn Jacobson- Transit Administrator Marie De?ries-$olid Waste Planning Coordinator Lisa Carlson - Planner Catherine Hankey-Circuit Rider Lisa Garlich-Planner 1.0 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called.to order by Ch~trperson, Ed Brown at 1:05 p.m. .1 Recognition of Alternates - None .2 Public Discussion - None .3 Approval of Agenda M/S/C (Houser/I-Iandsen) to approve the agenda. All ayes. (Yermedahl joined the meeting at this time.) 2.0 ROUTINE MATTERS .1 Approval of Minutes (March 28, 2002) M/S/C (Barron/Hamey) to approve the minutes as written. All ayes. .2 Preceding Month's Budget Reports/Balance Sheets Elliott gave an overview of the March £mancial statements. The quarterly departmental statements were handed out. M/S/C (Hansen/Raber) to receive and file the March financial statements for audit. All ayes. (Stout joined the meeting at this time) 3.0 AGENCY REPORTS .1 Chairperson's Report Brown handed out a list of standing committees for 2002 and thanked board members for agreeing to serve on the committees. .2 Board Members' Reports - None .3 Director's Report Elliott referred to page 7 of the board packet, a travel request to attend the Economic Development Administration Conference in Kansas City, MO to be held in June. Discussion followed on the request and the means of transportation to get to the conference. M/S/C (Barron/Wilburn) to approve the travel request as presented unless another staff or board member would like to attend and then they are to travel by car. All ayes. .4 Community Development Report Brown asked the status of the Cmwfordsville lagoon system project. Mulcahey said that judgments have been entered, land condemned, and Wapello Rural Water is involved in the project again. .5 Housing Report Mulcahey passed around a map of Iowa showing the communities where housing funds were awarded. Two communities in the ECICOG region received funding. .6 Circuit Rider Report Hankey told the board future staff reports will only include projects in the ECICOG region. .7 Solid Waste Report DeVries said last Friday the Iowa City Landfill hosted an open house for local officials. On Saturday, over 200 Johnson County residents came to the landfill for the open house activities. Barton asked if an open house event would be good idea for Lima County. DeVries stated a similar event could be organized at Bluastem Site 2. .8 Transportation Report Jacobson referred to pages 22-25 of the board packet, a dra~ Invitation for Bids. She asked the board for direction on how to proceed. M/S/C 0touser/Raber) to proceed with the Invitation to Bid for vehicle signage as presented. All ayes. 4.0 COMMITTEE REPORTS .1 Executive Committee - None .2 Personnel Committee - None .3 Budget Committee - None .4 Transit Operator's Group - None .5 Solid Waste Technical Advisory Committee Elliott told the board that with the GRO house proceeds and the funds in the housing account, there would be enough money to purchase another home for rehab. He asked if the board had interest in another GRO project and if so, in what community in the region should he pursue a property. He told board members to contact him with their thoughts and ideas. .6 Ad Hoc Committee Reports - None 2 5.0 IOWA INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW SYSTEM M/S/C (Raber/Hansen) to approve the Iowa Intergovernmental Reviews with a favorable review. All ayes. 6.0 OLD BUSINESS .I Approval of Expenditures M/S/C (Stout/Hearn) to approve payment of expenditures. All ayes. 7.0 NEW BUSINESS - None 8.0 NEXT MEETING: May 30, 2002 David Vermedahl, Secretary/Treasurer May 30, 2002 Date 3 The event will provide transit service information for human ~4rvice agencies and human resource professionals aud their constituents throughout Benton, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn and Washing- ton Counties. There is no cost. Registration is appreciated. Date: June 13, 2002 Time: 1:O0.-3:OO PM Council Chambers, City Hall Cedar Rapids, Iowa Sponsored by: Confact person: Robyn Jacobson ~:.~ ........ ~ Phone: (319) 365-9941 ' *~ Fax: (319) 365-9981 Emnil: rjecicog@innv, net CENTRAL IA COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS Balance Sheet As of Apdl 30, 2002 Apr 30, 02 ASSETS Current Assets 1 t 20 · CHECKING-FIR:STAR 53,230.11 1140 · CHECKING-JG-FHLB 28,003.70 1150. PL=TIY CASH 50.00 1220 · SAVINGS-TRANSIT 33,157.59 1230 - SAVINGS-FIRSTAR 88,793.15 1240 - SAVINGS-HOUSING 72,590.83 Total Checking/Savings 275,825.38 Accounts Receivable t 500 * ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE 111,226.16 Total Accounts Receivable 111,226.16 Other Current Assets 1400. PREPAJD EXPENSES 6,602.58 1450 · REHAB LOAN REC-WlLCOX 4,228.62 Total Other Current Assets 10,831.20 Total CurTent Assets 397,882.74 Fixed Assets 1610 · TRANSPORTATION EQUIP 3,113,813,13 16t5 - AK) TRANSPORTATION EQUIP -2,446,610.90 1620. FURNITURE & FIXTURES 68,940.64 1625 · NO FURNITURE & FIXTURES -57,763.04 Total Fixed Assets 678,379.83 TOTAL ASSETS 1,076,262.57 LIABILITIES & EQUITY Liabilities Current Ltabllifles Accounts Payable 2100 · ACCOUNTS PAYABLE 25,322.37 Total Accounts Payable 25,322.37 Other Current I_labllitles 2300 · ACCRUED VACATION PAY 11,184.99 2350 · IPERS PAYABLE 10,420.76 2360 · CAFETERJA 404.28 2450 - STATE PAYROLL TAXES 1.776.00 2460 - STATE UNEMPLOYMENT 33.63 Total Other Current Uabllitles 23,819.66 To~al Currant Liabilities 49,142.03 Total UabiliUes 49,142.03 Equity 2500. FUND BALANCE-UNRESERVED 394,074.95 2510 · FUND BALANCE.RESERVED 669,576.50 Net income -36,530.9t Total Equity 1,027,120.54 TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 1,076,267.57 Page RECEIVED Bulletin Vierbicher S ey Inte~0ve~en~l ~opemfi0n Su~ey Pr0~d~ Useful lnf0~afi0n In light of recent budget problems Has your community attempted to ~nage and a continued emphasis on cost- growth by working in c~ration ~th other effectivene~, an increasing numar of uni~ of government? communities are l~king to use ~ alternative appr~ches to providing ~rvices. To learn from the~ experi- ences, Vierbichcr ~iates, Inc. conducted a survey of over 350 com- munities to obtain information regarding effective strategi~ to en- Has your community attempted ~o consolidate hance inlergovernmental c~peration, servkes with other units of govern~nent? ~ollowing are the results from the 76 res~nses we r~eived. ~ey Shows ~mfion H~ N~ow F~ While a relatively high l~rcentage of l~al units of government ccx~l~rate Has your community attempted to jointly when providing traditional ~rvices, pu~h~e~pital~uipmentand/orshare opevat~g expenditures with other units of such as fire proration (~ percent) government? and EMS (58 ~rcent), the percentage ~ drops off significantly when l~king at other services. On an average, only 14 ~rcent of l~al units of government retorted using other forms of inter- governmental c~peration. Based utxm the survey result, the most shared activities include: What is your community's relationship with · Fire protection (~%) ad, cent units of government? · EMS (58%) 1 P~r><5=(~ · Library (38%) ~ · Joint Planning (2~/o) · Exlralerritorial Jurisdiction (26%) · police (25%) · Wastewater Ireatment (20%) · (~q>ital t~uipment Purchases (2ff~o) Use Vs. Perceived Effechveness Of Achv~t~es Respondents were asked to rank the effectiveness of the activity/program listed across the lx)ttom of the chart. Those who responded rated the level of effectiveness of each activity/program (1 Poor to 5 Go~). The resuhs are communicated on this chart, along with the ~rcent of res~ndents who n~ that particular aclivity/pr~ram. Joint ~rchasing and Growth ~n~lidate ~rvices Shared O~ration Emphasis 5 80 3 Opfi0m ~e Av~ble ~e long standing traditional approach for l~al units of government to provide services is to u~ their own employees and equipment. While there are ~mc cxccption~ a vast ma~rit7 of ~rviccs are provided individua~7 by each l~al unit of government. t Iowever, options arc available to this traditional approach. Thr~ mawr options includ~ - Shared ~ices Using this approach, a unit of government contracts with one or more l{ralitics or with thc county' to provide a ~rvicc. ~othcr appr~ch is for two or more units of government to provide a ~rvice on a ~int basis. - Pfivati~tion Under this appr~ch, a unit of government contracts with a private individual or compan7 to prohde the ~rvicc instead of it ~-ing done b7 municipal employees. What barriers e~st which im~de 7our Another form of privatization community's efforts for intergovernmental is for a community to not c~rafion~ provide a service and make it ~ure thc ~'rvicc on lheir own. - Transfer ~e To Tndifion Another Unit of Gover~ent h~ ~ lnter~ ~e other primary option is SmallS~ for a unit of govcrmnent to unit of government, usually. ~&~ ~r~menU the county. In certain ca~s. a special district may ~ created 0 2 4 Num~ Of ~s~n~s Engmeefin& Arehitedure, En,,Sronmental, Sttmeying, Gkq, Community FX,velopm~a~t, Plafufing 400 Viking Drive, EO. Box 379 6200 Mineral Ptnnl Rind RO. Box 650 [K) Box 542 Recdsburg, WI .53%9 Madison, WI 537054504 Scofield, WI 54476dYa~ Prairie du Chien, WI 57',821~1542 (60~} 5246468 (608) 23.%5S00 {715) ,359-2003 (~)8) 326 I0'~1 v.~'w. 8 hercom IP7 FINAL/APPROVED MINUTES NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING RELATIONS TASK FORCE - PUBLIC FORUM WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2002- 6:00-8:00 PM CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS- HARVAT HALL Members Present: Hillary Sale, Jerry Hansen, Larry Svoboda, Nick Klenske, Tim Walker, Mike Newman, Ann Freerks, Anne Vespa, Ted Chambers, Mike Carberry and Sally Cline Members Absent: Staff Present: Marcia Klingaman, Sue Dulek, Capt. Matt Johnson, Doug Boothroy, Norm Cate City Council Members Present: Irvin Pfab, Steven Kanner, Mike O'Donnell University Staff Present: None Others Present: The following is a list of speakers who signed in. Other unidentified were present in the audience. John Robertson, Brett Johnson, Nick Herbold, Matt Blizek, Mayrose Wegmann, Thomas Wattenburger, Paul Carlsten, Anna Buss, Michael Wright, Roger Anderson, Jonathan Fiddelke, Amy Butler, Jay Semei, Kecia Leary, Kyle Vogel, Marcia Muldoon, Bob Thompson, Scott Alvaradu, John Soper, Margaret Felling, Chuck Felling, Doug Anderson, Matt Blizek, Gilliam Rosenberg, Micah Weidemeyer, Charles Earlham, Jacob Felderman, Jonas, Barbara Buss, Charles Major, Carl de Prosse, William Buss, Wes Kuehlthau, Cecile Kuenzli, Julie Spears, Karin Leigh, Nancy Carlson, Tom Waters, Andy Kahn, Mauree Cilek, Mike Brennan, William Howard-McKinney, Sabina S. Peters, Mary Eakins, Angela Stolte, Gwendolyn Lee, Dave Tingwald PRE-MEETING (5:30 PM), CITY MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM Call to Order Hillary Sale called the Pre-meeting to order at 5:42 PM Approval of Minutes for March 27, 2002 MOTION: Jerry Hansen moved to approve the minutes for February 27, 2002. Tim Walker seconded the motion. Motion passed 11-0. Discussion of Forum Format and Strate,qy Sale described the forum process. All speakers will be required to sign in on a list. Speakers will be called in order from said list. No individual will be allowed to speak more than once until all individuals have been given a first chance to speak. Speakers will be given two minutes to address the task force. Marcia Klingaman will act as timekeeper, giving one minute and fifteen second warnings before time is called. A five-minute break will be taken at 7:00 PM. Task force members are present to listen and not to respond. Sale will respond if it is necessary. Other answers will be done via the web. Iowa City Neighborhood Housing Relations Task Force April 30, 2002 Page 2 If there are too many speakers to be accommodated by this forum, another will be scheduled. However, because of scheduling conflicts, this would have to be held in late May. The task force will meet next Wednesday at 3:30 PM in the City Manager's Conference Room. If there are too many speakers this evening, this meeting will be rescheduled and held after subsequent forum(s). The task force expressed displeasure at the way that they have been portrayed by the local media and by students. The members feel that many of the proposed ordinances have precedents in other states or in other cities. Newman pointed out that Des Moines is bringing back its own Neighborhood Housing Relations Task Force. The task force feels that the suggestions are not anti-student, but rather anti-bad behavior. Marcia Klingaman distributed copies of e-mails that have been sent to her office since last Thursday. PUBLIC FORUM Call to Order Hiilary Sale called the Public Forum to order at 6:04 PM Introduction Hillary Sale introduced the group and gave a short background of the task force's purpose. Sale also provided a breakdown of the demographic of the members (landlords, tenants, student, etc.) Sale briefly outlined the format and the guidelines set forth for speakers in the pre-meeting. Then she opened the floor for discussion. Public Discussion John Robertson, 915 Oakcrest #12- 10 year resident of Iowa City, attorney, now works in Muscatine, but considers Iowa City is home. He thanked the task force for all of their work, but did not commend them for their results. He commented that he felt the proposals were too expensive, divisive and cumbersome. He criticized them as harsh and punitive intrusions that unfairly target the poor, the working class and students. He noted that more police and City staff would help the status quo. Further comments were submitted in writing. Brett Johnson, 415 Mormon Trek #2- UI senior. He commented that the ordinance against drink specials is not useful for curbing underage drinking and that neither will the keg ordinance, which he called ridiculous. He said that Iowa City is nothing without UI, because students are the lifeblood of the city. He said that he felt that students are under-represented in the city and said that it was good that so many students are present this evening. Nick Herbold, 702 N. Dubuque- President of the UI Student Body, he spent the afternoon before the meeting publicizing the forum by passing out buttons at the IMU. Herbold commented that he felt that many students were unable to attend the meeting because of previous Iowa City Neighborhood Housing Relations Task Force April 30, 2002 Page 3 commitments, so he had them fill out comment cards for the task force, which he presented to the members. He said that he was against many of the proposed ordinances. He felt that it would be a good use of the committee's time to develop a "new tenant" handbook for students. This would increase communication between renters and owners. He ended by saying that the task force should educate instead of restricting students. Committee Spokeswoman, Hillary Sale, responded that the task force spent a lot of effort in planning this forum at a time that would accommodate as many students as possible (i.e. After day classes, before finals, before summer break, etc.) She referred Herbold to paragraph 18 of the committee's recommendations, which addresses the renters' handbook idea. Matt Blizek, 2605 Westwinds Apt. #1- UI student, he said that there is widespread student opposition to the keg, party and couch ordinances. He also was concerned about the recommendation for police to ticket and tow more frequently rather than using warnings. He said that the most insidious result of many of these proposed ordinances is that they target students in their own private residences. He added that the recommendation for UI to withhold diplomas until City fines are paid makes it clear that students are the targets. He also was concerned about the support of some committee members for racial profiling and said that many of the proposals are tantamount to student profiling. Brad Kosar, 729 N. Dubuque St. (time yielded by Mayrose Wegmann)- 3yr. Iowa City resident and member of the tenant landlord association. He said that since he has spoken to over 500 tenants, he felt that he was the person best informed to speak about this situation. He demanded more accountability for landlords and said that leases should be more explicit. Paul Carlsten, 640 Stuart Ct.- Iowa City resident, he spent over 20 yrs in D.C. dealing with matters such as those before the forum today. Tongue in cheek (one hopes), he gave a moving speech proposing a sundown ordinance like those adopted against racial minorities during WWlI. However, he proposed that the target should be students, but allowing for limited passes for "useful" students such as athletes. Since Carlsten's enthusiasm exceeded the time allowed, the remainder of his remarks were submitted in writing. Anna Buss, 830 Miller- Longtime landlord, she began by saying that many of these proposals are unenforceable. She said that Iowa City suffers from the 80/20 problem. That is to say, that 80% of the problems are caused by 20% of the people, but the ordinances will effect 100% of the citizens. Instead of following these proposals, she suggested backing up housing officials, magistrates, police, etc. and laws that are already on the books. She added that since the City does not have a lot of money to waste that it should instead use the laws and programs already in place. Michael Wright, 815 Roosevelt St.- Longfellow neighborhood resident, he said that some of the proposals were worthwhile, but some are unnecessarily restrictive. He said that he walks a lot and on his walks, he has become tired of walking past couches on porches. Ne also is tired of calling to have the same illegally parked cars ticketed. He pointed out that the Ames couch ordinance is not burdensome to its citizens and works. His problem with some of the other proposals is enforcement. He urged the committee to rethink the party and keg ordinances, but reiterated that he liked the parking and couch proposals. Tom Wattenburger, 115 S. Governor- UI student who lives in Iowa City year round. He thanked the task force for the forum, but blasted them for what he called unfair, unjust and discriminatory proposals. He said that he chose to come to school at UI not just for academics, but also because of the community. He felt that these proposed ordinances will set the citizens against the students, dividing the community. He suggested enforcing the laws on the books and working with students if you have problems with their parking. Iowa City Neighborhood Housing Relations Task Force April 30, 2002 Page 4 Roger Anderson, 1310 Cedar St.- He began by saying that what the task force is proposing is not indicative of friendly neighborhood relations. He continued that the recommendations are vindictive and that the residential parking program would be a bureaucratic nightmare. He urged the City to enforce or remove existing laws and balked at the idea that more staff could be needed, saying that the City budget should be reduced, if anything. He said that many of these proposals unfairly target renters and students. He said that the keg ordinance tramples on legal rights and that withholding diplomas because of fines would be wrong. He ended by saying that landlords should be given more latitude to handle problem tenants. Jonathan Fiddelke, 625 S. Clinton St. #3- UI student and tenant of task force member, Svoboda. He spoke out against the proposed couch ordinance and said that he was afraid that this kind of restrictive harassment would not stop when he was no longer a student. Amy Butler, 326 Melrose Ct.- She complained that houses in her neighborhood are being sold by single families and sold to lessors, which has led to frequent drunken parties. She said that she has suffered drunks trampling her garden, blowing trash and cars parked on her lawn. She said that she was reluctant to speak up because she feared retaliation. She urged enforcement of existing laws, but said that she liked th~ proposal to report unpaid fines to credit agencies. Jay Semel, 331 Summit- He said that he has a problem with noise, not with a particular group. He said that present codes need to be enforced. He urged a crackdown on loud drunks. Kecia Leary, 915 Oakcrest #21- 2nd yr. Dental student and Iowa City homeowner. She said that the proposed party ordinance is bad because she felt that it would not hold everyone to the same standard. She said that the football games in her area lead to trash, parking nightmares and noise. She asked if these sports event would be held to the proposed ordinances, keeping in mind that many participants are from out of town. Kyle Vogel, (time yielded by Marcia Muldoon, 1946 Broadway St. #A2)- He decried that committee's proposals, saying that current policies should be sufficient to solve all these problems. He said that what is missing is enforcement. He said that since condominium rental permits encompass all renters, the actions of one tenant effect all the others. Subtle problems with expulsion such as this should go to housing officials to figure out. Vogel submitted written comments as well. Bob Thompson, 1004 E. Church St.- He said that he had gone over past minutes and was very disturbed by what he read. Based on his readings, he commented that he was pleased that the final proposals were only half Draconian. He quoted Supreme Court Judge Brandeis who said that the greatest threat to liberty is the insidious encroachment by men of zeal. Scott Alvaradu, 100 Quadrangle Bldg. #2114- UI student, lives at his parents' in Davenport during the summer. He said that he agrees with the task force for the most part, because he dislikes seeing trash everywhere. He added that most students wil~ not agree with his support. John Soper, 100 Quadrangle Bldg. #2109- UI student, he said that he, too, was in complete agreeance with the majority of the proposed ordinances. He said that the current codes do not go far enough and that these proposals are a good start. He added that this is not a student vs. community issue. Margaret Felling, 825 S. 7th Ave.- Iowa City resident, she said that she liked the task force's early idea to create a tenant handbook modeled on the one from East Lansing. Iowa City Neighborhood Housing Relations Task Force April 30, 2002 Page 5 Chuck Felling, 825 S. 7th Ave.- Iowa City resident, has been active in council activities. He commented that there are not a lot of teeth in present laws. He suggested adding or stretching City staff to get things done. He encouraged students to stay involved longer than the duration of this one forum. Doug Anderson, 633 S. Dodge St. #1- He said that most of these proposals would alienate students from the City, causing them to leave or not come here in the first place. He added that many of the proposals are not enforceable and will not stop students from doing what they want to do. Gillium Rosenberg, 728 E. Washington- UI student and Student Government senator. She commented that she was glad that to see so many active and vocal students. She apologized to Mrs. Butler for the problems she has had at the hands of a minority of students. She said that students do not see the task force as the enemy and will act as friends with the council. She commented that many of the proposed ordinances attack rights of students. She called the proposals student profiling which she said is as bad as racial profiling. She encouraged landlords to be accountable for their tenants. She suggested improvements such as better public transport and street lighting. Mike Wedemeyer, 427 N. Dubuque St.- UI student, he said that the task force has a duty to uphold the bill of rights, but that they were shirking this duty. He added that the proposed ordinances were the tools of those who destroy liberty. Charlie Eastham, 1152 E. Court- Iowa City resident of the Longfellow neighborhood. He suggested that the task force try a balanced approach and move away from punitive measures. He also suggested enlisting the suppod of students and landlords in improving the community. He added that he did not think that many of the permit ideas will work. Jake Felderman, 11366 E. Court- UI law student, he thanked the task force for their hard work, but voiced some problems with their proposals. He asked that if some permits for parties or kegs are denied, how this would be done constitutionally. He added that he assumed that students would be the most likely candidates to be turned down. He criticized the proposed permit ideas and the increased citations. He said that Iowa City is already extremely punitive; in fact, it leads the Department of Education's list of arrests in public colleges over 25,000. Jonas, 802 E. Washington St.- Former UI student, graphic designer and Iow-income advocate. He read a moving piece from A Reasonable Life by Frank Monte, which described the joys of the front porch. Barbie Buss, 747 W. Benton St.- Iowa City resident that lives close to UI students. She said that she only has problems with students when their activities are at odds with the law. Her biggest problems are with over-letting, which drives up prices so that families cannot afford many homes. She urged that over-occupancy restrictions be enforced. Charles Major, 7 Blue Stem Ct.- Iowa City resident, he said that many of the proposed ordinances violate several human rights ordinances. He urged that current laws be enforced. Carol de Prosse, Lone Tree, IA- She asked to know who favors what ordinances. Chairwoman Sale responded that the members made a decision before the forum to listen only and that any responses would be by e-mail. De Prosse pressed for a show of hands, but was denied. She then gave a homemade button to Klenske that said "a couch for every porch". Iowa City Neighborhood Housing Relations Task Force April 30, 2002 Page 6 William Buss, 747 W. Benton- He thanked the task force for the forum, lent support to Barbie Buss's comments. He added that he enjoyed Jonas' reading on porches. [FIVE-MINUTE BREAK] Cecile Kuenzli, 705 S. Summit- She thanked the committee for their work and lent support to Anna Buss's comments. She added that existing laws needed to be enforce. She commented that the proposals are not aimed at a population, but at a problem. She said that the problem has been exacerbated by too many rentals. She said that there are an inadequate number of housing inspectors and that more police are needed. Wes Kuehlthau, 521 S. Johnson- UI student, he said that he wants a good-looking couch on his porch, not a raggedy one. He voiced disapproval of the party permit idea and added that smaller fines are needed for first time offenders. He commented that he felt he was old enough to take care of himself and did not want to have his landlords alerted to problems with him. Julie Spears, 1019 Church St.- UI urban planning and social work graduate student. She has submitted a memo to the City Council decrying the lack of student representation in City business. She said that many of the proposals are clearly unconstitutional. She cited the mailbox tags as an example of this. She urged the task force not to take action on these issues while students are gone for the summer. She suggested community service instead of fines. Karen Leigh, 809 E. Bloomington St.- Iowa City resident, she said that the proposed ordinances are necessary for those who do not follow the law. She described property damage to her home by b-b guns and other projectiles tire tracks on her lawn, and a broken windshield. She spoke of noise and litter that has hurt her quality of life. As a parting remark, she said that she felt that she should not be able to smell the couches on her neighbors' porches. Nancy Carlson, 1002 E. Jefferson- 20yr. Iowa City resident and 20 yr. landlord, who was a UI partier in her younger days. She said that she lives next door to an overlet home and is tired of absentee landlords. She said that she has complained repeatedly about the overletting and was even threatened by the landlord. Tom Waters, 906 Harlocke St.- Iowa City resident, he said that he has problems with construction workers parking in his apartment parking lot. Andy Kahn, 706 E. Jefferson- UI student, he asked the task force to take notes that there are many people speaking out against the proposed ordinances who are not students. He spoke out against the party and keg permits. He said that more trash is generated by beer bottles than by kegs. He said that people should be able to put a couch on their property wherever they want. He was worried that rights are being violated and that students are being viewed as guilty until proven innocent. Mauree Cilek, 404 Boyrum- UI non-degree student and homeowner from NYC. She said that she is not necessarily opposed to students, but rather to their trash and noise. She has small children, must be up with them early, and is constantly kept awake by student noise. She urged kids to be more responsible when having a good time. Gwendolyn Lee, 412 Dodge St. #2- UI student, she urged the Iowa City police force to learn from the response time of UI Public Safety officers. Dave Tingwald, 814 E. Market St. Apt. D- Iowa City resident, he said that he had not seen any of the recommendations before this evening and had not planned on speaking. However, he Iowa City Neighborhood Housing Relations Task Force April 30, 2002 Page 7 felt compelled to speak because he felt that many of the proposals are illegal and are not enforceable. Specifically, he said that #3 violates fairness, ~ party permits violate right to assembly, on #'s 13, 14 & 16 he agreed with Barbie Buss and he said that #24 was just good common sense. Mike Brennan, 1207 Seymour Ave.- Iowa City resident and property owner, he said that proposal #24 is good and long overdue, but some of them are annoying or even appalling. He added that education does not work with chronic offenders. He suggested using the present laws on the books. He expressed irritation at the fact that his house is now covered under a historical ordinance, causing him to have to ask for permission before re-siding his house. He added that you cannot force people to be good neighbors. William Howard-McKinney, 802 E. Washington- He said that he was concerned that these proposals misrepresent Iowa City citizens. He added that as long as there is even one unsolved rape case that the City should not concern itself with vice. Sabina S. Peters, 517 Iowa Ave.- UI graduate student, she said that ~ was bad because it violates the right to assembly. She also voiced concern with the parking ordinances since out- of-towners will not be aware of these changes and will blithefully violate them. Mary Eakins, 55 Lucas Street- UI transfer student, she said that she received a very un-warm welcome from the City. She said that students are always suspect. She suggested enforcing the laws already on the books and increasing the police force. She said that the party permit and couch ordinances are ridiculous and unenforceable. Angela Stolte, 509 S. Linn- She said that the issue is not whether or not students are being prevented from having a good time, the issue is that their rights are being violated. She said that she has lived in over-let situations before because of lack of money and sees no problem with it. She said that Iowa City is a nice place with less crime than other cities. She added that people riding their bikes on sidewalks should not be considered criminals. She urged that the police pay more attention to rapes and as a parting comment, asked where all the so-called Iowa City gangs are. Parting Comments Hillary Sale thanked everyone for coming and sharing their comments. She added that all the Neighborhood Housing Relations Task Force meetings are advertised and open to the public. She urged those present to come to the regular meetings as well and to get their information on the task force from papers other than the DI. Constructive criticism can be submitted by e-mail or snail mail.