HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-09-19 Correspondence
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CITY OF IOWA CIT~
MEMORANDUM
Date:
September 11, 2006
To:
Economic Development Committee
From:
Wendy Ford
Economic Development Coordinator
Hieronymus Square Development Agreement for
an Economic Development Grant
Re:
The draft Agreement for Private Development by and between the City of Iowa City and
Hieronymus Square Associates follows. The salient points include:
. The agreement is structured to provide a property tax rebate (as opposed to bonds)
disbursed each of thirteen (13) consecutive years beginning 2012 and ending the year
the TIF district expires, in 2024.
. The estimated rebate amount is calculated on the tax increment for improvements
assessed at $40,000,000 and rebated at $31.49/$1,000 ($1,259,600 per year) not to
exceed $10,000,000 in net present values. The total grant not to exceed the 13 year
period is $16,374,800.
. The project shall be certified Energy Efficient by LEED (Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design) or a utility company.
. The project shall be completed no later than Dec. 1, 2010 and include the following
minimum improvements:
o 12-story mixed-use building
o A minimum investment of $40 million in construction costs
o Three floors of commercial retail and office development
o Developer's best efforts to establish a 40 unit hotel on floors 4 through 6, which
optionally, if the hotel does not succeed, can be apartments.
o Residential units including high end residential condominiums, with no more
than 3 bedrooms per unit and not more than 30% of the units having 3
bedrooms
o Landscaped courtyard framed by the building, with drop-off area
o Streetscape improvements, including trees, lights, street furniture and sidewalk
finishes
. The developer has stated the project, as described, would not proceed without the
Economic Development Grant.
A recommendation from the Committee to the full Council is requested for the Sept. 19 meeting
of the Council.
cc: City Manager
Page 1 of 1
Marian Karr
From: Stephany Hoffelt [stephanyhoffelt@gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, September 02,20065:21 PM
To: 'City Council
Cc: stephanyhoffelt@gmail.com
Subject: Hieronymus Square Association and TIF funding
Dear Council Members:
The Press-Citizen ran an article on Saturday, September 2, concerning the request made by Hieronymus
Square Associates for tax increment financing (TIF) to fund its building project on the southwest corner
of Burlington and Clinton streets. TIF funding zones have been used, with great success, to fund many
new building projects by ACT, the University ofIowa, and to build the Plaza Towers. While there is no
doubt about the value of TIF to fund expensive projects, this is an opportune time to address the issue of
publicly financed building and environmentally responsible design.
If public funds are to be used to finance new construction, we need to ensure that the construction is
environmentally friendly. To do this, the Iowa City Council needs to include in the TIF agreement with
Hieronymus Square Associates that the new building will meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design) certification standards. To meet LEED certification standards designers must
take several things into account when planning including: reducing the quantity of water needed for the
building and reducing municipal water supply and treatment burden; optimizing energy efficiency and
encouraging renewable and alternative energy sources; using environmentally preferred construction
products, finishes, and furnishings; and indoor environmental quality standards.
Iowa City Community School District officials have recognized the need for local government to take a
proactive role in environmental protection by designing the North Central Junior High building
according to LEED certification standards. The Iowa City Council needs show that they recognize this
responsibility as well by requiring that all construction in Iowa City, financed with city tax dollars, meet
LEED certification standards, including municipal buildings such as the new fire station.
There are many economic, as well as environmental, benefits for both the owners of the building and the
community ifLEED certification standards are met. Ultimately, these environmental protection
measures benefit taxpayers by reducing the burden certified structures place on municipal utilities such
as water treatment and waste management thus maximizing the benefits of using tax dollars on these
construction projects.
Please take time to address these concerns during the discussion of the Hieronymus Square building.
Sincerely,
Stephen and Stephany Hoffelt
850 Page Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
9/5/2006
Marian Karr
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
dennis kowalski [mayflyd@yahoo.com]
Tuesday, September 12, 2006 5:29 PM
'City Council
TIF
Dear council,
Forgive my possible ignorance, but I thought TIF grants were for more down trodden areas
of a city that needed help for developement. Burlington and Clinton are not exactly what I
would call down trodden. I have however witnessed down trodden big city areas become
developed with TIF money to bring in Starbucks, Borders etc. Great for the yuppies, but
this did nothing for the poor folks that got kicked out of the hood, other than to be
displaced into another crummy neighborhood.
As an old man, I wouldn't
guess unlike welfare for
of Iowa City. Blah! Blah!
Blah! So much for a free
with investors.
mind a tax freeze on my house so that I might stay in it, but I
the developers this wouldn't contribute to the economic vitality
market economy. Have Moen, or whoever, finance their projects
Best,
Dennis Kowalski
1932 Hafor Dr
Iowa City, IA 52246 339 0061
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Page I of I
Marian Karr
From: Geoffrey Lauer [glauer@biausa.org]
Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2006 9:25 PM
To: 'City Council
Subject: I object to the TIF request!
September 12,2006
Dear City Council:
My name is Geoffrey Lauer, and I live at 741 Dearborn St. in Iowa City.
As a lifelong resident of the Iowa City I am extremely concerned by the decision of the Economic
Development Committee to recommend granting the TIF request by Hieronymus Partners. I object to
this recommendation for many reasons however the main thrust of my concern is that this is using tax
dollars to subsidize a private development that frankly does not deserve them or need them. The
development, based on my current understanding, has no low income housing slated, has no public
purpose, and has no need to be influenced above and beyond that already available to the City.
Please take a VERY careful look at this issue and vote against the use of the TIF request in this instance.
Thank you for your service to our community.
Geoffrey Lauer
741 Dearborn Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
319-621-7078 Phone
202-478-2966 Fax
glauer@biClU$Cl,Qrg
9/13/2006
Marian Karr
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Rod Sullivan [rodsullivan@mchsLcom]
Saturday, September 02, 2006 11 :29 PM
'City Council
TIF Request by Hieronymus Partners
September 2, 2006
Dear Economic Development Committee and City Council:
My name is Rod Sullivan, and I live at 2326 East Court Street in Iowa City. I am a 22-
year resident of Iowa City, and a lifelong resident of the area. I am writing you today
regarding the TIF request by Hieronymus Partners. I think this is a very bad idea for
several reasons:
1. TIFs are incentives. Hieronymus Partners has been very clear about their desire to
build a 13-story building at the corner of Burlington and Clinton.
No incentives are necessary. It is truly unwise to offer inducements when none are
necessary.
2. The bulk of the building will be residential. Using TIFs for residential units is
imprudent given the rollback on residential property taxes and the fact that the housing
will not meet low-income standards.
3. How many jobs will be created because of the proposed TIF that would not be created
otherwise? (I think a bit of study will show the number to be
zero.) How much would these jobs pay? How long will they be in existence?
What benefits will be provided? Will workers have an opportunity to unionize? Are there
clawback provisions if projections are not met?
4. TIFs hurt other taxing entities. The ICCSD and Johnson County both already suffer from
tight budgets. TIFs only serve to exacerbate these problems, as TIFs divert essential
resources from other units of government.
In terms of Johnson County, that means less ambulance service, less deputies, less health
care for the poor, less services for people with disabilities, less services for seniors,
less services for Veterans... Less of everything, except taxes; those have to go up on
everyone else.
The bottom line is very simple: Iowa City does not need a 13-story apartment building.
If someone feels the market will bear this project, she or he should try to convince her
or his financiers of the merits. It is not the job of Iowa City to help one landlord at
the expense of all the rest.
I do not oppose the building being proposed by Hieronymus Partners. I do oppose
taxpayer financing of what should clearly be a private endeavor.
I would like to speak with you further on this matter. Please feel free to give me a
call at 354-7199 at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Rod Sullivan
1
Marian Karr
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Rod Sullivan [rodsullivan@mchsLcom]
Tuesday, September 12, 2006 8:38 PM
'City Council
Hieronymus TIF
September 12, 2006
Dear City Council:
My name is Rod Sullivan, and I live at 2326 East Court Street in Iowa City.
I am a 22-year resident of Iowa City, and a lifelong resident of the area. I am extremely
disappointed by the decision of the Economic Development Committee to recommend granting
the TIF request by Hieronymus Partners. I think this is a very bad idea for several
reasons:
1. I am already hearing justifications for this deviation in policy; 3Historically, Iowa
City has been very responsible with TIFs.2 That may have been the case until now. How do
you react to someone who says, 3Historically, I never drive drunk until now.2 Or,
3Historically, I have been a virgin until now.2 The past is important, but your current
decisions matter now, and will matter long into the future.
2. The fact that Iowa City has historically used TIF less than other cities in Johnson
County is irrelevant. The comparison is akin to saying, 3Crime is low in Chicago. Compared
to New Orleans.2 There is a reasonable standard for the use of TIFs, and Johnson County is
not the correct place to seek comparisons.
3. TIFs are incentives. Hieronymus Partners has been very clear about their desire to
build a 13-story building at the corner of Burlington and Clinton.
No incentives are necessary. It is truly unwise to offer inducements when none are
necessary.
4. Tax dollars should be spent on public purposes. What is the public purpose in this
case? Imagine downtown Iowa City without the TIF. The building still gets built. Now you
offer a TIF. The building still gets built. How does the TIF serve a public purpose?
5. Some claim that use of the TIF 3allows the City to have greater say over the project.2
Last time I looked, Iowa City already had this power. If you do not like a plan, you do
not grant the building permit. Iowa City already has the power to influence this (and any)
development; you simply need to exercise this power.
6. The bulk of the building will be residential. Using TIFs for residential units is
imprudent given the rollback on residential property taxes and the fact that the housing
will not meet low-income standards.
7. How many jobs will be created because of the proposed TIF that would not be created
otherwise? (I think a bit of study will show the number to be
zero.) How much would these jobs pay? How long will they be in existence?
What benefits will be provided? Will workers have an opportunity to unionize? Are there
clawback provisions if projections are not met?
8. TIFs hurt other taxing entities. The ICCSD and Johnson County both already suffer from
tight budgets. TIFs only serve to exacerbate these problems, as TIFs divert essential
resources from other units of government.
In terms of Johnson County, that means less ambulance service, less deputies, less health
care for the poor, less services for people with disabilities, less services for seniors,
less services "for Veterans... Less of everything, except taxes; those have to go up on
everyone else.
The bottom line is very simple: Iowa City does not NEED a 13-story apartment building. The
public will not directly benefit. If someone feels the market will bear this project, she
1
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or he should try to convince her or his financiers of the merits. It is not the job of
Iowa City to help one landlord at the expense of all the rest.
I do not oppose the building being proposed by Hieronymus Partners. I do oppose taxpayer
financing of what should clearly be a private endeavor.
Mr. Hodge is a man of significant means. He has the ability to go to the private financial
market and finance his project. And hypothetically, if all the banks did say no to
financing this, then why would Iowa City say yes?
I urge the Council to vote no on this TIF request. I would like to speak with you further
on this matter. Please feel free to give me a call at
354-7199 at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Rod Sullivan
2
Page I of I
.3 J.(\ )
Marian Karr
From: Patricia Ephgrave [pnephgrave@mchsi.com]
Sent: Sunday, September 17, 20064:07 PM
To: 'City Council
Subject: TIF
Dear Members of the Council:
The decision of the Economic Development Committee to recommend granting a TIF request for a
commercial/apartment building by Hieronymus Partners is a cause for alarm for every taxpayer in Iowa
City.
TIFs should be used for a clear public purpose which benefits the entire community. In our economic
system, investors in an enterprise assume the financial burdens and risk, and receive the benefits. The
proposed structure is not fulfilling any public need which must be met by Hieronymus Partners. They
have stated their intention to build and will do so. It is therefore their responsibility to fund it as the
benefits of the project belong to them. The city will have enough to cope with the traffic and economic
changes without also losing the tax monies to pay for other public obligations.
At a recent candidate forum in our county, the audience questioned the use ofTIFs, and the candidates
responses all expressed reservations about their use and long tax breaks. Furthermore, using a TIF does
not increase the city's control over the project on such matters as local employment, environmental
concerns, building design, or building standards, so a TIF will not assist in meeting these legitimate
Issues.
In Johnson county, TIFs hurt other taxing entities, which means that Iowa City property taxpayers have
to pay higher rates to cover the loss of increased assessments of TIF properties. To make matters worse,
we are now being asked to raise our sales tax to help meet the basic community obligation of supporting
our schools. The City Council should not aggravate the funding needs of other entities by giving tax
breaks to developers at the very moment its school system is forced to ask for sales taxes to help make
up the shortfall from existing TIFs.
Why should the city compound tax problems for the future?
If the developers believe the Iowa City commercial market can support their project, let them compete in
the investment markets for financial backing-not in the taxpayers pockets.
Sincerely yours,
James and Patricia Ephgrave
325 Ferson Avenue
Iowa City, IA 52246
466-9361
9/18/2006
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Marian Karr
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Dale Shultz [dfs001@yahoo.com]
Thursday, September 14, 20064:44 PM
'City Council
Hieronymus Partners TIF
My name is Dale Shultz, and I live at 822 Elliott Court in Iowa City. I have lived here
for 8 years, and I served on the School Board from 1999-2002. I am extremely disappointed
by the decision of the Economic Development Committee to recommend granting the TIF
request by Hieronymus Partners.
This parcel is not part of the urban renewal district, and it is outside the downtown core
area. Given the strong local housing market, I believe that this project will be built
based soley on its potential profits, and no subsidy is needed to make it viable.
If the council is willing to subsidise this project, then is there any project that it
would not subsidise?
Please vote no on this TIF district.
Sincerely,
Dale Shultz
822 Elliott Ct.
Iowa City, IA 52246
Dale Shultz
dfsOOI@yahoo.com
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C I T Y 0 F lOW A C I T Y~
MEMORANDUM
Date: August 31, 2006
From:
City Clerk
Anissa Williams, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner
oP
To:
Re: Item for September 19, 2006 City Council meeting: Installation of one parking meter
on the west side of 300 block of Linn Street for two hour limit at $0.50/hr.
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council
of the following action.
Action:
Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A (17), install one parking meter; L313S in the 300 block of South Linn
Street at two hour time limit for $0.50/hour.
Comment:
This action is being taken at the request of the Parking Division.
jccogtplmem/meter300linn.doc
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CITY OF IOWA CITY~
MEMORANDUM
Date: September 12,2006
To: City Clerk
From: Kent Ralston; Acting Traffic Engineering Planner~
Re: Item for September 19, 2006 City Council meeting; Move (1) existing NO PARKING
ANYTIME sign (with Arrow) on Walden Road 70' to the southwest of its present location.
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council
on the following action.
Action:
Pursuant to Section 9-1-3 (10), Move (1) existing NO PARKING ANYTIME sign (with Arrow) 70'
to the southwest of its present location.
Comment:
This action is being taken to provide adequate sight distance for vehicles existing Walden Place
onto Walden Road.
Mgr/agendaitems/9-9-06Walden No Parking. doc
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C I T Y 0 F lOW A C I T J i;Q)6 J
MEMORANDUM
Date: September 13,2006
To: City Clerk
From: Kent Ralston; Acting Traffic Engineering Planner~
Re: Item for September 19, 2006 City Council meeting; Removal of (2) BUS STOP signs;
Installation of (10) BUS STOP signs to reflect changes in Iowa City Transit routes.
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council
of the following action.
Action:
Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A (19), Remove (2) Iowa City Transit BUS STOP signs at the following
locations: Kenneth Drive/Gustav Street, Duck Creek Drive/Pheasant Valley Street; Install (10)
Iowa City Transit BUS STOP signs at the following locations: Court Street/Kenneth Drive, Court
Street/Camden Road, HWY 6/Heinz Road, Lee Street/Highwood Street, Melrose Avenue/Dublin
Drive, Kenneth Drive/Charles Drive, Charles Drive/Gustav Street, Park Road/Magowan Avenue,
Park Road/Lexington Avenue, Duck Creek Drive / Partridge Court.
Comment:
This action is being taken to reflect changes in transit routes and has been requested by Iowa
City Transit.
Mgr/agd/kr-route changes 9-12-06.doc
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August 29, 2006
Iowa City Council
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
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Dear Council Member:
I wish to respond to the Council about the April 19, 2006 memo from Jeff Davidson,
Department of Planning and Community Development, on the subject of the Lexington Avenue
barrier. The barrier has been a success now for five years. The street, particularly in three
seasons of the year, would have been nearly unlivable without the barrier.
My wife and I moved to the corner of Lexington and McLean in 1998. It was apparent
immediately how dangerous the street had become. The danger is not nearly as apparent to
those who do not live right on the street. As new members of the street organized with city
guidance, the seven step traffic calming procedure was initiated. There was a paper file on the
subject of the street about 3 inches thick of25 years of previous resident action. I have enclosed
a copy of an April 24, 2001 letter to the city from long-term resident, Tom Gelman, for a more
historical view.
A point was raised by a Council member that a barricade would have to be the last resort. Yes,
it was the last resort as all other methods of control had been tried or ruled out.
The issue with Lexington Avenue has never been about traffic volume. Normal traffic studies
are really of no value when addressing the Lexington issue. The problem was the risky drivers
"doing the dips" at any time of day or night. These drivers travel through a short distance (2-3
block area) at speeds of 40 to 70 mph through stop signs like NASCAR racers. The street has a
number of blind or limited visibility driveways. The topography of the area prevents sidewalk
construction, but sidewalks would not solve the safety issue as airborne cars often end up in
yards. Without the barrier people were threatened in their own yards or driveways. A number of
cars through the years crashed over the north side of Park Road. The Weirich's have pictures
of cars overturned in their yard and blood on their sidewalk Cars have also crashed into the
ravine which divides the adjacent Hutchinson Street. Drivers mistakenly think they are on
Lexington and crash into the woods. At 2:15AM, soon after bar closing, cars can be lined up
from either the north or south direction to speed through the street.
A 2004 review ofIowa City Police Department's "Incidents by Location" report for a three year
period prior to the barrier installation showed that Iowa City police responded to 97 incidents of
accidents, personal injury, reckless driving and traffic stops along the two blocks of Lexington.
Their were numerous (almost daily) additional calls to the police from the intersecting McLean
and Lexington streets asking for police patrols. We could have used our own police car. A
comparative review for the three year period after the gate installation showed only one call, in
February of 2002 when the gate was down for the winter. Incidents involving the police went
from 97 to 1. Obviously the police department has been able to redirect resources elsewhere.
On the issue of traffic volume, we feel that the barrier has reduced the traffic to the
neighborhood streets of Manville Heights. The "destination driver" coming across town or
diverting off Park Road to drive the dips has been stopped. Lexington was never a commuter
street Only 2% of traffic at Iowa City (U Hospitals) rush time took Lexington to Park before the
barrier. The remainder 98% traveled from the Hospital area down River Street and Ferson
Street. The reason is logical in that Lexington has a stop sign in the middle of the block and it is
difficult to get on Park Road from Lexington. Commuters wanted to go the quickest and safest
way and avoided Lexington.
The last survey conducted by the City showed nearly 80% approval from households for the
barrier. I like to say if children had a vote, it would have been 52 to 5, or 91 % in favor of the
barrier.
The barrier has been a success. Manville Heights now has a safe environment. Lexington is
now used rcgularly by pedestrians, pets, bicycles, and disabled childrcn from the Hospital in
wheelchairs. The risky driving that invaded the neighborhood at all hours of the day and night is
gone.
If Council members would like additional information or would like to visit the neighborhood as
previous Council members did in 2001, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Thank you very much.
SI'nM.c'"
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Rhys B. Jones
708 McLean St.
Iowa City, IA 52246
319-351-2144
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cc: Jeff Davidson, Department of Planning and Community Development
Sam Hargadine, Chief of Police
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April 24, 2001
Iowa City Council
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City IA 52240
Re: Lexington Avenue traffic calming measure
;
Dear Council Members:
I am writing on behalf of my wife, Becky, and I to support the proposed traffic
calming measure for Lexington Avenue. The measure as is now proposed seems
quite reasonable to help resolve a serious safety problem.
I grew up at 435 Lexington Avenue from 1955 through 1971 and have lived on
the 700 block of McLean Street from 1994 through the present, being a total of
approximately 24 years. I am very aware of the Lexington Avenue safety
concerns and of the efforts spanning the last four decades to resolve them. I was
in junior high when a stop sign was placed in my front yard at the top of the
steep dip. Neither that measure, nor any other measures that have been since
attempted, have been successful in calming the speeding cars and motorcycles.
Even in the late 50's and early 60's Lexington was becoming a significant
problem because ofthe speeding traffic. However, during those years there were
less than half as many college students at the University, very few college
students' had cars, there were less than half as many high school students and
almost none of them had cars. Back then, Iowa City was substantially smaller
and the total vehicle count substantially less. Each of the intervening decades
has brought an exponential growth in the number of vehicles in this community,
particularly in the hands of younger people, those most prone to joy riding. In
good weather there is not a question of whether there will be joy riders, only as
to how many and when. It also seems that the speed at which joy riders are
willing to risk their lives and others has increased both on motorcycles and cars.
While there are certainly other streets and circumstances in Iowa City that have
traffic and safety issues, there is no question that Lexington Avenue and its
"double dips" constitute an extra-hazardous circumstance because of the
ongoing "tradition" of joy riding.
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April 24, 2001
Page 2
My wife and I have learned to use Lexington very defensively. We drive
defensively and walk defensively because we know that it constitutes a serious
safety risk. However, we are enonnously concerned about the many children,
from infants through college age, who reside on Lexington and the 700 block of
McLean Street. Each will be walking, riding bicycles and driving on Lexington
and each is at risk. Even my wife and I, when we are walking our dog at night,
feel that every car that turns on either end of Lexington Street is a potential joy
rider and a physical threat. We have had to jump into yards on numerous
occasions. While during the day joy riders are frequent, particularly in good
weather, at night an alarming percentage of the cars going down the street are
joy riders at terrifying speeds. The numerous driveways, absence of sidewalks,
McLean Street intersection and limited visibility due to vegetation all make the
high speeds even more life threatening.
It is time to reasonably solve this safety concern before somebody is seriously
injured or killed. The proposed traffic calming solution, seasonal closure of the
street, is realistically the only effective way to accomplish the task. Opening the
closed section of the street during the winter months is an appropriate
accommodation to those neighbors who correctly indicate the need to have an
option to go north or south because of the adverse driving conditions weather
circumstances can cause on the dips and at the Park Road intersection.
We encourage the Council to approve the proposed traffic calming measures for
Lexington Avenue. Overall the measures are a logical solution to a problem that
has gotten materially worse over time and for which there is no other effective
solution. Your fullest consideration of this matter is much appreciated as is the
City Staff s cooperation in assisting the neighborhood through this process.
Very truly yours,
Thomas H. Gelman
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Cities Working Together to Protect Our Air Quality, Health and Environment:
A Call to Action
March 30, 2005
DearMayor: /WI{ wll~/A f C~ totl,(pY ~"4d
We invite you to join the US Mayors Oimate Protection Agreement by signing onto the enclosed
resolution and supporting it at the US Conference of Mayors meeting in June. We also welcome the
endorsement of other Mayors, whether or not you are currently a member of the US Conference of
Mayors.
With less than 5% of the world's population, the US produces more than 25% of the global greenhouse
gas emissions, and those emissions are continuing to grow . We believe that US cities can - and should
_ act to reduce global warming pollution, both in our own municipal operations and in our
communities. Many of us are already doing so through programs such as energy conservation, urban
forest restoration, controlling sprawl and using alternative fuels in our fleets. Not only are we reducing
our contributions to global warming pollution, we are investing in more livable cities through cleaner
air, creation and preservation of open space and urban forests, and reduced energy costs.
On February 16, the Kyoto Treaty, the international agreement to address climate disruption, became
law for the 141 countries that have ratified it to date. As you know, the United States is not among
them. For 38 of the countries with the most advanced economies, the Treaty sets binding legal
commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on average 5.2 percent below 1990 levels. If the
United States had ratified the Kyoto Treaty our nation would be required to reduce our greenhouse gas
emissions by 7"10 below 1990 levels by 2012.
Please join us and the other Mayors who are already committed to providing leadership on this nation-
wide, urgent effort. When we meet together at the June US Conference of Mayors we intend to have
at least 141 mayors signed up to participate in the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. The
June meeting is an opportunity to promote and expand this effort by passing a resolution that endorses
the Agreement Although there have been climate protection resolutions adopted by the USCM in
prior years, you will see that we are urging specific actions - the only way we will make real progress
in reversing the trend toward global warming.
Since Sc:attle's Mayor Greg Nickels first announced this initiative on February 16, the interest and
positive feedback has remained intense, including national news stories. This is an opportunity to
bnild on what is becoming an increasingly bi-partisan issue. And it is an opportunity to provide real
leadership to the more than 80% of Americans who think the US should be acting to reduce global
warming pollution.
Enclosed, please find the draft Resolution, which includes the U.S. Mayors Climate Pro~on '.,
Agreement, and a form for your signature. Also included are contacts for more informa~; the :2
website for the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement is www.seattIe.gov/mavor. T~ our3;
target of having most signatures collected by May 2, we look forward to hearing from y~ lit'ourCti
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Mayor, Seattle, W A
Peter Clavelle
Mayor, Burlington, VT
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Rosemarie Ives
Mayor, Redmond, WA
Gavin Newsom
Mayor, San Francisco, CA
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Pam O'Conner
Mayor, Santa Monica, CA
Tom Potter
Mayor, Portland, OR
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Mayor, Minneapolis, MN
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Mark Ruzzin
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ENDORSING THE US MAYORS' CLIMATE PROTECTION AGREEMENT
WHEREAS, the U.S. Conference of Mayors has previously adopted strong policy resolutions
calling for cities, communities and the federal govemment to take actions to reduce global
warming pollution; and
WHEREAS, the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the international
community's most respected assemblage of scientists, is clear that there is no longer any credible
doubt that climate disruption is a reality and that human activities are largely responsible for
increasing concentrations of global warming pollution; and
WHEREAS, recent, well-documented impacts of climate disruption include average global sea
level increases of four to eight inches during the 20th century; a 40% decline in Arctic sea-ice
thickness; and nine of the ten hottest years on record occurring in the past decade; and
WHEREAS, climate disruption of the magnitude now predicted by the scientifIC community will
cause extremely costly disruption of human and natural systems throughout the world including:
increased risk of floods or droughts; sea-level rises that interact with coastal storms to erode
beaches, inundate land, and damage structures; more frequent and extreme heat waves, more
frequent and greater concentrations of smog; and
WHEREAS, on February 16, 2005, the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement to address
climate disruption, entered into force in the 141 countries that have ratified it to date; 38 of those
countries are now legally required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on average 5.2 percent
below 1990 levels by 2012; and
WHEREAS, the United states of America, with less than five percent of the world's population, is
responsible for producing approximately 25% of the world's global warming pollutants yet is not a
party to the Kyoto Protocol; and
WHEREAS, the Kyoto Protocol emissions reduction target for the U.S., had it ratified the treaty,
would have been 7% below 1990 levels by 2012; and
WHEREAS, many leading US companies that have adopted greenhouse gas reduction programs
to demonstrate corporate social responsibifrty have also publicly expressed preference for the US
to adopt precise and mandatory emissions targets and timetables as a means by which to
remain competitive in the intemational marketplace, to mitigate financial risk and to promote
sound investment decisions; and
WHEREAS, state and local govemments throughout the United States are adopting emission
reduction targets and programs and that this leadership is bipartisan, coming from Republican
and Democratic governors and mayors alike; and
WHEREAS, many cities throughout the nation, both large and small, are reducing global warming
pollutants through programs that provide economic and quality of life benefits such as reduced
energy bills, green space preservation, air quality improvements, reduced traffic congestion,
improved transportation choices, and economic development and job creation thro~ energ~
conservation and new energy technologies; and -s: g~
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WHEREAS, mayors from around the nation have signed the U.S. Mayors Climate ~ionr:;:;
Agreement (list attached) which reads: ;~~ f: ci-,
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The U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement
A. We urge the federal government and state governments to enact policies and programs to
meet or beat the Kyoto Protocol target of reducing global warming pollution levels to 7%
below 1990 levels by 2012, including efforts to: reduce the United states' dependence on
fossil fuels and accelerate the development of clean, economical energy resources and
fuel-efficient technologies such as conservation, methan recovery for energy generation,
wind and solar energy, fuel cells, efficient motor vehicles, and biofuels;
B. We urge the U.S. Congress to pass the bipartisan Climate stewardship Ad sponsored by
Senators McCain and Ueberman and Representatives Gilchrist and Olver, which would
create a flexible, market-based system oftradable allowances among emitting industries;
and
C. We will strive to meet or exceed Kyoto Protocol targets for reducing global warming
pollution by taking actions in our own operations and communities such as:
1. Inventory global warming emissions in City operations and in the community, set
reduction targets and create an action plan.
2. Adopt and enforce land-use policies that reduce sprawl, preserve open space, and
create compad, walkable urban communities;
3. Promote transportation options such as bicycle trails, commute trip reduction
programs, Incentives for car pooling and public transit;
4. Increase the use of clean, alternative energy by, or example, investing in 'green
tags., advocating for the development of renewable energy resources, and
recovering landfill methane for energy production;
5. Make energy efficiency a priority through building code improvements, retrofrtting
city facilities with energy efficient lighting and urging employees to conserve
energy and save money;
6. Purchase only Energy star equipment and appliances for City use;
7. Pradice and promote sustainable building practices using the U.S. Green Building
Council's LEED program or a similar system;
8. Increase the average fuel efficiency of municipal fleet vehicles; reduce the number
of vehicles; launch an employee education program including anti-idling
messages; convert diesel vehicles to bio-diesel;
9. Evaluate opportunities to increase pump efficiency in water and wastewater
systems; recover wastewater treatment methane for energy production;
10. Increase recycling rates in City operations and in the community;
11. Maintain heaflhy urban forests; promote tree planting to increase shading and to
absorb C02; and
12. Help educate the public, schools, other jurisdidions, professional associations,
business and industry about reducing global warming pollution.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the U.S. Conference of Mayors endorses the US
Mayors Climate Protedion Agreement and urges mayors from around the nation to join this effort.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, The U.S. Conference of Mayors will establish a formal relationship
with International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) Cities for Climate Protection
Program to track progress and implementation of the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.
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US Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement - Signature Page
DATE:
You have my support for the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.
Mayor
(name)
(signature)
City:
Address:
Staff contact:
(name, title)
Staff phone:
Email:
Please add my comments in support ofthe US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. We will
add these to the Website (optionaV:
Please retum completed form at your earliest convenience to: US Mayors Climate Protection
Agreement
c/o City of Seattle
Office of Sustainability and Environment
PO Box 94729
Seattle Municipal Tower
Seattle, WA 98124-4729
OR FAX 206-684-3013
email PDF file to:
dena.aazin@seattle.aov
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US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement - Contact Information
Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels is coordinating this initiative. He can be reached at 206-684-4000.
The primary staff contacts for Seattle are:
. Steve Nicholas, Director
Office of Sustainability and Environment
(206) 615-0829
steve.nicholas@seattle.aov
PO Box 94729
Seattle Municipal Tower
Seattle, WA 98124-4729
. Kim Drury, Senior Policy Advisor
Office of Sustainability and Environment
(206) 684-3214
kim.drurv@seattle.aov
PO Box 94729
Seattle Municipal Tower
Seattle, WA 98124-4729
US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement Website: www.seattle.aov/mavor
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City of Marion
1100 8th Avenue. Marion, IA 52302
(319) 377-1581. Fax (319) 377-7892. www.cityofmarion.org
September 1, 2006
Mayor Ross Winburn
City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
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Dear Mayor Winburn:
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As you know, the City of Marion has been actively investigating alternative technologies to
landfilling for solid waste disposal. Our research has indicated that plasma arc technology
may be a very viable mechanism to apply to solid waste disposal. Communities in Saint
Lucie County, Florida and International Falls, Minnesota are actively moving towards
implementation of this technology for solid waste disposal.
The Marion City Council has been so impressed by the possibilities that plasma arc
technology offers in this regard that it unanimously adopted Resolution No. 18978 supporting
plasma arc technology for municipal solid waste disposal. A copy of the resolution is
attached.
Due to the possibilities of providing solid waste disposal on a regional basis, the City Council
directed that I notify other local governments in the area regarding this technology. Charles
Kress, Marion's representative on the Cedar Rapids/Linn County Solid Waste Agency anda
retired Rockwell Collins engineer, has conducted extensive research in this technology and
its application to solid waste disposal. Mr. Kress is available to make a presentation to your
City Council for this technology by contacting him at chaskresslalmchsLcom or 319-377-
5055.
I would strongly urge you and your City Council to familiarize yourselves with the application
of plasma arc technology to solid waste disposal. If we call ourselvesthe "Technology
Corridor", let's live up to our label and fully investigate how this technology can be applied to
our current and future solid waste challenges.
Sincerely,
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Mayor
JBN:st
RESOLUTION NO. 18978
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING INVESTIGATION OF PLASMA ARC TECHNOLOGY
AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO LANDFILLlNG FOR PROC~SSING OF
MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE
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WHEREAS, the City of Marion, Iowa, is an Associate Member of th~da~ap-
ids - Linn County Solid Waste Agency (Agency), and : ) ::::-' ~ Il
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WHEREAS, the Agency's sole facility remaining available for landfif!l6ltis L8J'ldfi(L)
#2 located immediately adjacent to the corporate limits of the City of Mariog; #d - ',j
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WHEREAS, the Marion City Council has long expressed concerns c?t;out t~
environmental, social, traffic and related impacts of landfill expansion on the City of
Marion and its citizens, and
WHEREAS, Paragraph 7 of the Settlement Agreement between the City of
. Marion and the Agency, dated December 20, 2005, calls for the Agency to aggressively
support (among other things) the use of alternative waste disposal technologies prior to
the conclusion of the life of Landfill #2, and
WHEREAS, the Marion City Council has become apprised of the application of
plasma arc technology to the processing of municipal solid waste.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Marion,
Iowa, as follows:
1. The Marion City Council respectfully urges the Agency as soon as possible
to investigate the application of plasma arc technology to the processing of
municipal solid waste to reduce or eliminate municipal solid waste being
deposited at Landfill #2 and to capture and use the energy and by-products
of solid waste as a viable and valuable resource.
2. That the Agency, in order to fulfill its obligation to the City of Marion to ac-
tively pursue alternatives to landfills as spelled out in said Settlement
Agreement, actively research and study the application of plasma arc tech-
nology to the treatment of municipal solid waste to the end that Site #2 will
not be needed as a landfill.
3. The Marion City Council respectfully urges the Agency to pursue state and!
or federal grants to undertake such investigation of plasma arc technology
for processing of municipal solid waste.
4. That the Agency closely monitor the progress of SI. Lucie County, Florida
and other governmental agencies in their pursuit and application of plasma
arc technology in municipal solid waste processing and the recovery of en-
ergyand by-products from municipal solid waste.
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5. The Mayor and City Manager are hereby directed to communicate to and
encourage other Linn County municipalities, county governments, utility
companies, community organizations such as the Cedar Rapids Area
Chamber of Commerce, Marion Chamber of Commerce, Priority One and
MEDCO to support research into the application of plasma arc technology
leading to the elimination of the need for landfills and to the recovery of en-
ergy and valuable by-products.
Passed and approved this 17th day of August, 2006.
~or
~~~~.~~
Wesley A. Nel'!;on, City Clerk
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Marian Karr
From: Terry Trueblood
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2006 12:07 PM
To: 'CWatson109@aol.com'
Cc: 'City Council
Subject: RE: Scott blvd Soccer Park - a lawsuit in the making
Carrie,
I received a similar concern last week; will send you a copy of that
response. It appears that we may need to move this up on our
priority list, and at least come up with some temporary solutions.
Terry Trueblood
Director of Parks & Recreation
From: CWatson109@aol.com [mailto:CWatson109@aol.com]
Sent: Sunday, September 10, 2006 9:S7 AM
To: Terry Trueblood
Cc: *City Council
Subject: Scott blvd Soccer Park - a lawsuit in the making
Hello Mr. Trueblood,
I wanted to write to express my concern about the safety of Scott Blvd. Park. On Wednesday, my son
had his first practice at the park. When we arrived, we found 10-15 young children (ages 3-12 I would
guess), playing in the newly updated drainage ditch. Unfortunately, there were few parents overseeing
there children and several of us stood around for a while to try and watch over the kids and their safety.
There are several potentials problems with the set up as it is:
1) There is no fence surrounding the drainage at all. Lots of kids were down in there and many were
throwing boulders, barely missing others. There is a "bridge" that presumably was built by the city. It is
six inches wide, no hand rail and about 4 feet above a bed of boulders. Looked easy enough until I
watched a 2 year old walk up to it and start to cross. Any fall from this bridge is sure to cause injury,
possibly to the head.
2) There is a unsound wooden railing that goes along the path. Unfortunately, there is no fencing;
young and old could easily slip and fall through. At one point along the fence, there is a huge hole that is
a definate ankle breaker and could cause a six foot drop to the boulders.
I strongly urge the city to completely fence this are off from children, including the bridge. While I realize
it is a short cut, I believe it is far too dangerous and in the long run is a liability for the city. As you can
see, I've forwarded this letter to the council as well. Please address this issue as soon as possible
before someone gets hurt. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Carrie Watson
140 S. Westminster SI.
Iowa City
9/11/2006
Page 1 of2
Marian Karr
From: Terry Trueblood
Sent: Monday, September 11,2006 12:23 PM
To: 'CWatson109@aol.com'
Cc: 'City Council
Subject: FW: Scott Park
Carrie,
Here is the other response to which I referred. One thing that I
failed to mention is that the project was necessary to comply with
DNR regulations for the dam (i.e. Scott Boulevard). We will
undertake some temporary solutions, while trying to come up with a
more permanent solution. Thanks for your interest and input.
Terry
From: Terry Trueblood
Sent: Friday, September 08, 2006 4:50 PM
To: 'bethglobokar@yahoo.com'
Cc: *City Council
Subject: fIN: Scott Park
Mr. and Mrs. Globokar,
I have been asked to respond to your concerns about Scott Park. I went to the park to get a first hand view of the
issues you raise, and yes there are some things in need of attention, and we will undertake some improvements
as soon as possible. Some are relatively easy to address, and others not so easy.
In order to help you understand the situation, Scott Park is first and foremost a storm water management area
(i.e. a detention basin). Secondarily, it is a park (although we in Parks & Recreation tend to look at it first as a
park). That portion of the creek that was cleared and rip-rapped was done so in order to reduce the blockage of
the water flow to the outlet running under Scott Boulevard, and to take care of an erosion problem. The steel
"bridge" is actually a "debris guard" placed there to minimize the possibility of iarge debris (tree limbs, etc)
blocking the culvert, which would create a greater amount of water backing up during times of heavy rain. This
guard has been there for many years, but might be more of an attraction since it is apparently now more exposed.
The rip-rap and the "bridge" are the problems not so easy to address, but we will put our heads together to try to
come up with a solution to reduce the potential safety issues while not compromising the stormwater
management function. Unfortunately, wherever there is something to throw or roll down a bank, kids will do it;
and wherever there is something that looks like an adventure, kids will test it.
I just ask that you bear with us for awhile. . . . our plate is very full right now with many other areas needing
attention. We will get to it as quickly as possible. Thanks for calling this to our attention.
Feel free to contact me anytime.
Terry Trueblood
Director of Parks and Recreation
9/1112006
Page 2 of2
From: Beth Globokar [mailto:bethglobokar@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, September 07,2006 10:11 PM
To: *City Council
Subject: Scott Park
This e-mail is in regards to the improvements made to the west side of Scott Park, near Scott Boulevard
and the soccer fields. Please forward this to the appropriate parties.
Our family was recently at Scott Park for soccer practices. The improvements made to the creek area
between the parking lot and the soccer field are a vast improvement in terms of appearance. The
clearing of brush and overgrown folliage was noticed by all families familiar with the park.
Unfortunately, the changes have made this area more attractive to young children as a play area. The
steel beam "bridge" and the large stones along the creek became a play area for dozens of children
during soccer practice. While it clearly is the parents' responsibility to supervise their own children, we
are concerned that there are a few safety concerns with the new arrangement.
Our primary concern is the wooden railing along the walkway to the soccer fields. Erosion near the
railing is prevalent, leaving numerous places for a person to slip down the embankment. Our seven year
old slipped while holding onto the railing, and we even witnessed an adult lose their footing along the
rail as well.
In addition, we understand that the steel beam probably was not intended to be a pedestrian walkway,
but children use it as a bridge quite often. Last Wednesday, the rocks along the creek were picked up
and thrown by many children, and the area seemed quite dangerous.
If you are interested in seeing this park "in action", we recommend coming to Scott Park on Wednesday
evening between 5 PM and 6 PM. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or suggestions.
Sincerely,
Brian & Beth Globokar
How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger's low PC-to-Phone ,call rates.
9/11/2006
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Marian Karr
From: Dale Helling
Sent: Thursday, September 07,20063:02 PM
To: .City Council
Subject: FW: Truck Traffic on Scott Blvd
FYI - Jeff Davidson's response to Mr. McCusker's email expressing the same concerns as in his email to Council.
From: Jeff Davidson
Sent: Friday, September 01,2006 1:59 PM
To: 'McCusker, Bradley A.'
Subject: RE: Truck Traffic on Scott Blvd
Hello Brad McCusker. You are correct that Taft Avenue is scheduled to be next north-south arterial street east of
Scott Boulevard. We do not have official truck routes in Iowa City (although we have a few streets where trucks
are embargoed), but it is likely that Taft would receive much of the truck traffic currently on Scott Boulevard. The
truck drivers prefer to avoid the more congested routes, and Scott Blvd is becoming more congested. What is
unknown is when Taft Avenue will be constructed. It is not currently in the City's five year plan of funded
construction projects. You should let the City Council know your opinion on this matter. Ultimately they will
determine when it is constructed. You are aware that your neighborhood is a rapidly developing area, and we
expect traffic volume on Scott Boulevard to continue to increase, even if Taft Avenue is constructed. I hope this is
helpful. Jeff Davidson.
From: McCusker, Bradley A. [mailto:Bradley.McCusker@med.va.gov]
Sent: Friday, September 01, 2006 11:48 AM
To: Jeff Davidson
Subject: Truck Traffic on Scott Blvd
Dear Jeff: My name is Brad McCusker and I live at 94 Heron Circle in Iowa City. I'm writing to you in
regards to the apparent increase in truck traffic on Scott Blvd. Our $ 300,000 home, unfortunately, isin
close proximity to Scott Blvd. and we are the unfortunate recipients of the increase in the decibel level. My
question to you is if there are any future plans to re-route the truck traffic along another route in a non-
residential location? I have heard Taft Avenue as a possible alternative route. My family and I enjoy our
northeast Iowa City location but have been actively looking at other possible locations to live in (including
Coralville/North Liberty) mainly because of the intolerable noise level and ground vibration due to the truck
traffic. I would appreciate your timely comments on this most disturbing issue. Thank you in advance.
Brad
McCusker
91712006
Marian Karr
G::]
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Sam Schrup [sam@discerningeyeoptical.com]
Friday, September 08,2006 1 :11 PM
'City Council
Downtown Portable Sign Ordinance
Dear Council Mernbers-
My name is Sam Schrup and I am the co-owner of Discerning Eye, an optical retail store,
located at 119 E. Washington Street in downtown Iowa City. I am writing the council today
to propose a change to the sign ordinance concerning downtown zones CB-2, C8-5 and C8-10.
Specifically, I would like to change the language used for portable signs only as
described in Table 58-4: Sign Specifications and Provisions of the city code.
Currently, no portable sign is allowed on any public property. Portable signs are only
allowed on private property and the sign may not block access to any doorway. This,
however, is a problem for my establishment. The property line of the building does not
include any of the sidewalk in front of the building. This means that the only private
property in front of my store exists within the entrance to the building. In order, to
place a portable sign on private property it would have to exist within the entrance,
which is a violation of the ordinance.
My proposal is that portable signs are allowed on public property as long as they are not
placed further than three feet away from private property and allow for a minimum of eight
feet of unobstructed sidewalk for pedestrian use and follow all of the other requirements
as described in the sign ordinance. This would allow me to place a portable sign in front
of the building.
This change, however, would not block pedestrian traffic in the downtown area. Consider
the use of sidewalk cafes downtown. Discerning Eye is located next door to the Brown
Bottle, which has a sidewalk cafe.
Currently, the cafe extends into the public sidewalk space and still allows for
unobstructed pedestrian traffic. My proposed change to the sign ordinance would not
affect pedestrian traffic more so than the sidewalk cafe.
I appreciate your consideration of this issue.
Sincerely,
Sam Schrup
Discerning Eye
119 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
319.338.6800
sam@discerningeyeoptical.com
1
Marian Karr
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Karin Franklin
Tuesday, September 19, 20066:42 PM
'sam@discerningeyeoptical.com'
'City Council; Dale Helling
Portable signs downtown
Mr. Schrup: Your question regarding portable signs downtown has been referred to me. The City Council considered your
letter at their work session last night and generally chose not to amend the Sign Ordinance to provide for these types of
signs in the public right-of-way.
These signs are not currently allowed on the public sidewalks primarily because of the impediment that results to
pedestrian fiow on busy downtown sidewalks and the potential clutter that would ensue if they were allowed. Secondarily,
the portable sign becomes a private use of public property.
In your email you draw an analogy to sidewalk cafes, which is valid in many respects. However, sidewalk cafes have
been permitted downtown to add to the ambience and vitality of downtown. This has been seen as a public good.
Portable signs, on the other hand, do not have the same attributes as sidewalk cafes to contribute to the greater good.
Consequently, the legislative choice has been to disallow them on public property. Fortunately, there are a number of
other signage options for downtown businesses inciuding facia, canopy, awning, window, and projecting signs.
We are happy that you have chosen downtown Iowa City as a place to do business and wish you every success and hope
that the other signage options open to you further that success.
Karin Franklin
Director
Dept. of Planning & Community Development
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
319-356-5232
Fax 319-356-5217
1
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
October 4, 2006
OFFICE OF THE
CITY MANAGER
Sam Schrup
Discerning Eye
119 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Stephen J. Atklns
City Manager
steve-atkins@iowa-city.org
Dear Mr. Schrup:
D!!Ie E. Helling
Assistant City Manager
~dale-helling@iowa-city.org
Portable signs were added to the sign ordinance for CB-2, CB-5 and CB-10 zones in
1997. These signs are one of our more difficult enforcement problems with respect
to their possible proliferation in our downtown area. Some of our businesses have
sufficient space in a recessed area near their entrance to have a sign without
blocking the entrance. However, other businesses would simply put signs in the
public right-of-way.
In discussing this matter a number of years ago with our Planning and Zoning
Commission about the possibility of allowing signs in the. public right-of-way the
Commission felt this would simply exacerbate the problem. If signs were permitted
in the public right-of-way they not only will encourage a possible proliferation of
these signs but also the potential for trip and fall hazards and therefore expose the
City to liability.
I understand your interest but it would seem to be in the public's interest that as few
obstructions as possible be placed in the public-right-of-way.
Sincerely,
S~
City Manager
cc: City Council
mgrlltrs/portable signs. doc
liiiJ E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: (319)356-5010
Fax: (319)356-5009
~
Marian Karr
From: Dale Helling
Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2006 10:03 AM
To: 'rdf rdf
Cc: 'City Council; Sam Hargadine
Subject: RE: Dubuque and Park Rd Red Light Runners
Dear Mr. Ferguson,
Thank you for your emailto the City Council regarding traffic violations at the Park Road and N. Dubuque Sl.
intersection. Council members do not receive emails directly and your communication will be included as official
correspondence on an upcoming Council meeting agenda. I have taken the liberty of forwarding your emaH to the
Police Chief to call that departments attention to the violations you refer to so that officers will be more aware of
that situation and can perhaps focus more on traffic enforcement at that intersection as time and resources allow.
I do appreciate your bringing this matter to our attention.
Sincerely,
Dale Helling
Assistant City Manager
cc. Chief Hargadine
From: rdf rdf [mailto:fergystuff@hotmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2006 8:47 AM
To: *City Council
Subject: Dubuque and Park Rd Red Light Runners
Recently Mr. Elliott made comments to the media concerning the prevelance of red light runners in our
community. I applaude his concern. I am a pedestrian who passes thru the Dubuque and Park Rd
intersection on my way to work. It is far too common to see cars running the red light at this
intersection. This illegal behavior puts pedestrians at great risk.
Please see the attached photos that illustrate examples. As you can see my pedestrian walk signal is
illuminated in each photo. One photo was taken this morning, the other photo was taken a few days ago.
I have attempted to take other photos but have failed due to my infamiliarity of the timing of my cell
phone camera. As I improve my technique I will be able to offer you additional examples.
I urge you to consider action to eliminate the occurence of these events. I feel that the city is obligated
to provide a safe atrnoshere for all.
Thank You For Your Consideration
Randy Ferguson
712 Kimball Road
9/13/2006
r
Page 1 of 1
"3 sr (I~)
Marian Karr
From: Ryan O'Leary [ryan.oleary@lepickroeger.com]
Sent: Thursday, September 14, 2006 11:46 AM
To: Wendy Ford; 'City Council; Marian Karr; Dale Helling; Andy Rocca; Mike Moran; Terry
Robinson; Terry Trueblood; mailto:doug-boothroy@iowa-city.org; mailto:tim-hennes@iowa-
city.org; mailto:steven-rackis@iowa-city .org; mailto:norm-cate@iowa-city.org; mailto:joe-
fowler@iowa-city.org; mailto:ron-Iogsden@iowa-city .org; mailto:karin-franklin@iowa-city.org;
mailto: marcia-klingaman@iowa-city.org; mailto:jeff-davidson@iowa-city.org; mailto:bob-
miklo@iowa-city.org; mailto:misha-goodman@iowa-city.org; Steve Atkins; Jann Ream
Subject: Foster Crossing Neighborhood
Attachments: Building Neighborhoods Luncheon.pdf; Building Neighborhoods Friday night concert.pdf
West Bank is sponsoring a luncheon on Tuesday to introduce Foster Crossing and highlight the many benefits of
this growing area of Iowa City.
Please see the attachment for information about a ribbon cutting, speeches from iocal officials and presentations
from the developers. We are excited to show the public the many housing options. There are a variety of styles
and prices surrounded by amenities that provide for an enhanced quality of life.
To further celebrate the new developments in this area, and attract the entire community, we will be hosting a
Friday evening concert. Please Invite friends and neighbors for food, fun and music.
Thank you for all that you have done to enhance this neighborhood, and please extend our appreciation to all of
the city staff.
Ryan O'Leary
COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL AND INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE AGENT
LEPIC KROEGER REALTORS
2346 MORMON TREK BLVD.
IOWA CITY, IA 52246
(319) 936-7926 MOBILE
(319) 248-0547 OFFICE
(319) 248-2055 FAX
LICENSED TO SELL REAL ESTATE IN IOWA
9114/2006
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I Bridging Communities...
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"pevelo~lJIe~.t11r~~IBender, Luxury Condominium . tartlng at $lQ~,~OOIII,' '.
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;....: . *A donatio~ of $5 is being requested to support tJl~."...
United Way of Johnson County 1:11
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Page 1 of2
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-.).~ .(13)
Marian Karr
From: Richard Shannon [richardshannon@mchsLcom]
Sent: Thursday, September 14, 2006 7:53 PM
To: 'City Council
Subject: vehicle for hire issues
I was happy to read in the Press Citizen that the council will be considering new taxicab regulations.
I think we would all be better served by some additional regulations and/or changes in existing regulations. I also
think you need to take in consideration the peopie who use the taxicab service - and avoid anything which limits
or decreases service.
We can tell people who are drunk to take a cab, but if we limit cab service and extend what can often be a very
long wait to an even longer wait we should expect fewer people to take a cab. Requiring all taxicab companies to
have at least two vehicies and one on the road at all time may have this unforeseen result.
There are people like myself who choose not to have a car. I rely on the bus systems (Iowa City, Coralville and
University of Iowa) or I walk. In my case this is not a financial decision but a political and ethical decision based
upon how I want to live my life and the footprint I want to leave on the planet. As I am sure you know there are
places the bus does not go and times it does not run. During these times I use taxicabs. I have lived in Iowa City
for 25 years - and remember the days when there were two companies and you could wait quite awhile for cab.
That has improved the last few years. At best it would be unfortunate if regulations pushed some cabs out of
business - thereby limiting service.
Remember many people do not have cars quite simply because they can't afford one. They use cabs.
Regulations which might impact service and increase prices but only provide cosmetic value should be avoided.
Reducing competition or profitability will probably result in higher prices. I am not sure taxicabs all the same color
are worth this.
On the surface meters seem like a good idea - but are they?
Many times I take a cab and there is more than one rider and destination. I am not sure how this would be
metered. But I would rather get a cab quickly and share it, which often results in a slightly longer trip and not a
direct route than pay more for the ride or wait longer for the cab I dq not share.
I do think more frequent and stringent inspections are good ideas. To be honest I was very surprised to read in
the article that there is an annual inspection. I have ridden in more than one taxicab - which seemed less than
safe. As a matter of fact there is one company I will not use because their cabs are unsafe in my opinion.
The smoking ban is clearly a good idea.
Driver badges and perhaps a picture with the driver's name - posted in place passengers can easily see it is also
a good idea.
Finally I think there should be some version of a taxicab commission established. Obviously the number of
taxicabs in Iowa City probably doesn't merit a real commission, but maybe a number where people can register
complaints. The number could be on the outside and inside of the taxicab. There has been occasions where I was
a passenger and had a less than positive ride - and felt that I needed to do more than ryet tip the driver. There
have been other times where I have been a pedestrian and have come very close (I mean very close) to being hit
by a taxicab.
Sincerely,
Richard Shannon
255 Iowa Ave. Apt 504
Iowa Citv. IA 52240
319-321-6167
9/15/2006
----,._-----------_._.,._---_._-~'-
Page I of I
~i\ ~- (/3 ",
j
Marian Karr
From: Mike Thayer [sickofspin@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, September 14, 20066:57 PM
To: 'City Council
Subject: cab companies - new requirements
Council,
These proposed new requirements for Iowa City cab companies, who exactly, proposed ideas such as
deleting some paint schemes and mandatory number of vehicles owned and operated?
Mike Thayer
Coralville, IA.
Get your email andmore.rightonthepewYahoo.com
9/15/2006
----,---_._~._..---_._._-_.---------- - -_.,---_._._-'~._.~---
___.___._"._.~____.____.~_'__m____"_"__"~__'_'_____...__.._.___._________.n ---..-..--.----.... -
Page 1 of 1
3~ (\3)
Marian Karr
From: James Gray Uames.gray@mchsi.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2006 11:40 AM
To: 'City Council
Subject: 9/18/06 Work Session
The proposed revisions to the vehicle for hire code contain several items that are unnecessarily restrictive and
against the best interest of the community. Some items have good intentions, but should be selling points for
individual companies rather than across-the-board reguiations. I have a few ideas that can help to increase the
safety of Iowa City's cab industry. I will eiaborate at tonight's regular work session. Thank you and I will see you
alltonighl.
Sincerely,
James Gray
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9/19/2006
"..___m_..____~..___.~_~___.____~..__~__________._~___----------. -~.------....-..-._,---.-.-..-~..--.-..--.--.--.---..--...