HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-10-17 Transcription
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ITEM 2
Wilburn:
Karr:
Cook:
Wilburn:
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PROCLAMA nONS.
a) Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery Day - October 29, 2006
(reads proclamation)
Here to accept the proclamation is Iowa City Firefighter Steve Cook.
(applause)
With the approaching time change on Sunday, October 29th, the Iowa City
Fire Department would like to remind all residents to make another
change that could possibly save their lives, by replacing the batteries in
their smoke alarms. By replacing the batteries in your smoke alarms once
a year, you greatly reduce the chances of dying and suffering injuries in a
house fire. Also, it's important to note that smoke alarms do lose their
effectiveness over time and they should be replaced every 10 years. So,
please, on October 29th take a few moments to perform a simple life-
saving measure and replace the batteries in your smoke alarms. The life
you save could be your own. Thank you.
Thank you. (applause)
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City
Council meeting of October 17, 2006.
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ITEM 2
Wilburn:
Karr:
Osborn:
Wilburn:
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PROCLAMATIONS.
b) United Nations Day - October 24, 2006
(reads proclamation)
Here to accept the proclamation is Wayne Osborn, President of the
Johnson County United Nations Association. (applause)
I want to thank the City for the proclamation. I expect that this is probably
about the 61 ,t proclamation, this is the 61" year, maybe UNA wasn't
organized in 1945 in Iowa City. This year we are honoring the many
volunteers who have raised funds for UNICEF over, I keep asking people
how long, but I think it may be as many as 30 years in this community,
and our estimates are that the volunteers have raised well over a quarter of
a million of dollars for UNICEF in that time period, because each year
they have raised between $10,000 and $15,000 for UNICEF. So,
therefore, Joan Halton, who was a coordinator of the volunteers for several
years, is our honorary chair for this year's United Nations Day. Secondly,
I want to just mention that the orange boxes for UNICEF are appearing
now in stores, and many people are putting them there. One of the major
activities is a young person named Ryan Young who I believe is probably
in about 6th grade, been doing this for several years, and he takes it upon
himselfto put boxes in several ofthe major supermarkets and has
raised.. .last time he did it he raised over $1,000. Finally, I want to
mention that things are changing now for UNICEF. The Committee, U.S.
Committee for UNICEF, has decided that they will no longer ask
volunteers to sell, but they will go through the Hallmark stores, and
perhaps some other stores as well. So, you can continue to support
UNICEF by shopping at Hallmark and by donating to the little orange
boxes that are distributed around the community. Thank you.
Thank you. (applause) If the Council and the students here for the
Student Citizenship Awards will indulge me just for a minute. Had I been
on the ball I would have been able to create another award tonight,
probably entitled, I don't know, the Mayor's "You Go Girl Award."
Marian Karr, the City Clerk ofIowa City, has earned a designation of
Iowa Certified Municipal Clerk, which is awarded by the Iowa Municipal
Finance Officers Association. They grant this designation only to those
municipal clerks who complete demanding education requirements and
who have significant contributions to their local government, their
community, and state. The Iowa Municipal Finance Officers Association,
in conjunction with Iowa State University Office of State and Local
Government programs, in partnership with Iowa League of Cities,
sponsors the Iowa Municipal Officials Certification program, and the
mission is to insure educational commitment to establish and maintain
competent administration for city government. So, the President of the
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City
Council meeting of October 17, 2006.
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Board of Directors of the IMFOA endorsed the conferring ofIowa
Certified Municipal Clerk Designation to Marian Karr, our City Clerk, and
I just want to say congratulations to Marian and a job well done!
(app lause )
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Council meeting of October 17, 2006.
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ITEM 3 OUTSTANDING STUDENT CITIZENSHIP AWARDS - WEBER
ELEMENTARY.
Wilburn: And now the Outstanding Student Citizenship Awards from Weber
Elementary. If you all could come forward, please. Well, thanks for your
patience and thanks for coming down to the City Council Chambers
tonight. This is the time that both the public and the Council really enjoys,
looking forward to hearing what you all have been doing. We know that
you've been working real hard, participating in your neighborhoods, in
your schools, and it's real important for us, while you are getting this
award and designation from the City Council, you really have earned this
with the work that you've done, and it's important for the public and all us
adults to know what you've been up to because you set a good example
for us. So, I will start over here, and if you'd go ahead and say your name
and read your statement.
Engelhardt: Hi, my name is Stephanie Engelhardt and I go to Weber Elementary. At
Weber, I had the opportunity to be a Peer Helper. As a Peer Helper, I
worked with younger kids that have special needs. That was probably one
of the best experiences of my life. I got to know the kids and I was sad to
see them go to Wickham this year. This year I was able to be a Conflict
Manager Captain. It is really fun. Safety Patrol, school store, and media
helper are all great opportunities at Weber. I like that at Weber there are
many things kids can do to help. I'm glad to help with whatever I can.
Last spring break, I went down to Mississippi where Hurricane Katrina
hit. It was nice to help, but very depressing when I saw what happened.
Our family will be going back to Mississippi over Thanksgiving break.
I'm looking forward to it. Thank you. (applause)
Craven: Hi, my name is Ryan Craven and I attend Irving B. Weber Elementary
School. During my six years at Weber, I have served on Student Council,
volunteered as a Conflict Manager, and participated in the school Safety
Patrol. This year, I'm a Weber Safety Patrol Captain. I am also a member
of the Elementary School Advanced Band where I play percussion.
Outside of school, I enjoy playing Iowa City Boys' Baseball, golf, and
watching and going to NASCAR races. I have been in Scouts for six
years and currently am a member ofIowa City Boy Scout Troop 211.
This past summer at scout camp, I received the Heritage Charity Honor
Camper Award. During the past year, I volunteered time to help the Iowa
City tornado cleanup and I also helped my parents deliver Meals on
Wheels to area senior citizens during school break. I would like to thank
my 6th grade teacher, Mrs. Kurtz, the Iowa City City Council, and Mayor
Ross Wilburn for this award. Thank you. (applause)
Peplow: Mayor and City Council, I'm very honored to receive this Citizenship
Award, and I'm very humbled the team four teachers at Weber chose me
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Council meeting of October 17, 2006.
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as one of the students to receive this award. Being a part of the
community and a good citizen is important to me, and I've done Run for
the Schools, Jump Rope for Heart, and Christmas caroling at nursing
homes to be more part ofthe community. At school, I am a Conflict
Manager, on Safety Patrol, a media helper, and work at the school store. I
do these things to help others and to be a good role model to the younger
children at Weber. In the future, I want to be a good citizen and give back
to the community, whether I be an elected official or part of the Iowa
services. Again, I thank you for this honor and good night. (applause)
Wilburn:
All right. These awards all say the same thing, except they have each of
your own names on them. I'm going to read one and we'll just go from
there! For her outstanding qualities ofleadership within Weber
Elementary, as well as the community, and for her sense of responsibility
and helpfulness to others, we recognize Stephanie Engelhardt as an
Outstanding Student Citizen. Your community is proud of you. This is
presented by the Iowa City Council. Congratulations! (applause) There
you go! And Jackson! Now, Jackson, now you and you are Conflict
Resolution, Conflict Managers? We might be able to use you later on, so
you might want to hang around after (laughter). All right, thanks. Good
job! (applause)
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City
Council meeting of October 17, 2006.
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ITEM 5
Wilburn:
Roche:
Page 6
COMMUNITY COMMENT (ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA).
This is the time for the public to approach the Council, address the
Council on items that do not appear on tonight's agenda. If you wish to
address the Council, please approach the podium, state your name for the
record, and please limit your comments to five minutes or less. It's close
to Halloween. I'm going to have to bring some candy to reward people
(unable to hear, laughter).
Hi everybody. I'm Katie Roche. I'm the Executive Director for Summer
of the Arts. I'm here today to report to you about the first year of the
Summer of the Arts and how the City's funding affected our programming
and operations. I'll, of course, include a more complete report when we
apply for the funding. As I told you earlier this year, we incorporated the
City ofIowa City's name into our logo and into all of our marketing
materials. We not only wanted to recognize the important relationship that
we have with the City ofIowa City, but found this to be a valuable way to
give ownership of these events to the community. The community
responded by coming out in bigger numbers than ever before, by attending
and volunteering our events. Our best and most reasonable estimate is that
96,600 people. 96,600 people attended our events over the course ofthe
sununer. The bulk of this was, of course, at the Iowa Arts Festival and the
Iowa City Jazz Festival, but our weekly series - the Friday Night Concert
Series and Saturday Night Free Movie series - also had dramatic
increases. If you were down there, I think you probably witnessed what a
huge attendance we had this summer. As I said, we are planning to
reapply for funding again for the 2007 season, and you'll be hearing from
our friends and advocates for Sununer of the Arts, over the course of your
budgeting process. We have gotten a lot of positive feedback from the
community this summer. People were really pleased to see the City
support us in such a good way, and I know that the extended Library hours
were also appreciated. Lots of people approached me at the Friday Night
Concert Series with bags in their hands and saying it's great that they were
able to use the Library during that time. I personally attended 96 of the
102 events (laughter) that we put on this sununer. Had a lot of fun this
sununer! I spoke to hundreds of people who had compliments and
encouragement and constructive criticism for what they were doing. We
take this very serious - the feedback we get from the community. We feel
as though we are serving the community with this organization, and I
know that it's an important part of our identity and perhaps one of the
most important things that we can do being out there and hearing what
folks have to say. I also want you, to let you know that we have plans to
develop an extensive and all-encompassing volunteer program for the next
year. We used nearly five times as many volunteers this year as we did in
past years, and it's absolutely wonderful to see our diverse and talented
community step forward, and everything from leadership positions to
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription ofthe Iowa City City
Council meeting of October 17, 2006.
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Wilburn:
Drulis:
Muller:
Drulis:
Page 7
burning the midnight oil, getting the streets prepared to be reopened at the
end of the festivals. Within this volunteer program, we'll be seeking new
ways to mentor and train future volunteer leaders and we will focus
closely on engaging as much of our population as possible. As you know,
all of our events are handicapped accessible, and we've also created
opportunities for parents to volunteer with their children. So, we're really
reaching out to our youngest citizens, as well. Finally, I want to report to
you how Summer of the Arts worked together this year as a group. I know
that your support was given in support ofthese groups coming together
and we accomplished a lot over the course of this year. First, as we hoped,
we found major savings in marketing operations. Secondly, we found the
best practice among each of our member organizations and are trying to
apply it throughout the entire organization. We also found renewed vigor
in our small donor base and our direct mailer to local citizens. In fact, of
households in Iowa City, individual households, $42,000 came in, in
checks of$25.00, $100.00, sometimes even more than that. So, that was
quite an increase among the four organizations. This was amazing to us. I
mean, it felt to be a sincere vote of confidence. Finally, by marketing our
events together, we exposed our region and our nation to our great city
throughout the entire summer, where in the past, only our Arts Festival
and Jazz Festival were marketed regionally and nationally. I met people
from all over the country this summer, from big cities and small
communities, who all said the same thing: every town should have this.
This is what makes a place great! So, thank you again for your support,
and I hope that you will consider supporting us again in the next year, as
we continue to solidify our place in the future of this city. Thank you very
much.
Thank you. Does anyone else care to address the Council on an item that
does not appear on tonight's agenda?
Hello, I'm Jean Drullis. I'm from 1362 Burry Drive, and this is...
Barbara Muller, 1350 Burry Drive.
And we have spoken with, can you hear me? Okay, I'll try to speak
louder. We have spoken with some of you about a problem that we have
had with our homes, and it has been our intention to speak with all of you.
So, we decided to come this evening and appear in front of you, and I'd
like to distribute this letter to you if possible. What has happened is over
the course of years, Burry Drive, which is over by Wiflow Creek Park,
has, the street has shifted and this letter that is being distributed, the crux
ofthe letter is summarized in one sentence, and this is written by Ron
Knoche, and I apologize ifI'm mispronouncing his name. 'It is my belief
the damage to the homes is caused by the street shifting,' and the homes -
Barbara Muller's and my home. We would just really appreciate it if you
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all would come and look to see exactly what has happened to our homes.
This is not something that's usual. It's very odd. We've been trying to
work with the City over the last year, and have really gotten nowhere. So,
we're here to invite you to come to our home and see the damage that has
been caused. Thank you.
Wilburn: Thank you.
Karr: Motion to accept correspondence.
O'Donnell: So moved.
Wilburn: Moved by O'Donnell.
Correia: Second.
Wilburn: Seconded by Correia to accept correspondence. All those in favor say
"aye." Opposed same sign. Carries 7-0. Anyone else?
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Council meeting of October 17, 2006.
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ITEM 6
PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS.
b) REZONING 37.92 ACRES OF LAND LOCATED ON
NORTHGATE DRIVE FROM COMMERCIAL OFFICE (CO-I)
AND INTERIM DEVELOPMENT - OFFICE RESEARCH
PARK (ID-ORP) ZONE TO RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT
PARK (RDP) ZONE (REZ06-00023)
1) PUBLIC HEARING
Wilburn: (pounds gavel) Public hearing is open. (pounds gavel) Public hearing is
closed.
2) CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE (FIRST
CONSIDERATION)
Champion: Move first consideration.
Wilburn: Moved by Champion.
O'Donnell: Second.
Wilburn: Seconded by O'Donnell. Discussion?
Correia: Just for the public, to reiterate that this is a rezoning back to the original
zoning (unable to hear) area.
Wilburn: Roll call. Item carries 7-0.
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ITEM 6
PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS.
c) REZONING 9.83 ACRES OF PROPERTY LOCATED BOTH
NORTH AND SOUTH OF STEVENS DRIVE BETWEEN S.
GILBERT STREET AND WATERFRONT DRIVE FROM
INTENSIVE COMMERCIAL (CI-l) ZONE TO COMMUNITY
COMMERCIAL (CC-2) ZONE (REZ06-00024)
1) PUBLIC HEARING
Wilburn: (pounds gavel) Public hearing is open.
Rummelhart: Good evening, Council. I'm John Rurnrnelhart and I hope you.. .looks
like you've been able to review my letter that I sent in regard to this
particular matter. I appreciate the consideration of keeping us in our
existing zone. There're a number of different reasons there. I'd like to
apologize for not having possibly, not brought it up sooner at, before P&Z.
It's a lot thrown at a guy to analyze and look at what the repercussions are,
changing from a zone, from one zone to another one. They're good
people requesting the rezoning and there're some good positives with
them, hopefully moving ahead with some additional changes on the south
side of Stevens Drive. So, but our request for our properties, they're on
the north side, would be to continue to stay in the CI -1 and there's a
multitude of reasons - I won't go into it, but that's what we'd appreciate
your consideration with. Thank you.
Wilburn: Thank you, John.
Rurnrnelhart: Are there any questions that anybody had for me? Thanks.
Wilburn:
(pounds gavel) Public hearing is closed.
2) CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE (FIRST
CONSIDERATION)
Karr: Motion to accept correspondence.
Bailey: So moved.
Correia: Second.
Wilburn: Moved by Bailey, seconded by Correia to accept correspondence. All
those in favor say "aye." Opposed same sign. Carries 7-0.
Bailey: Move first consideration.
O'Donnell: Second.
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Wilburn:
Moved by Bailey, seconded by O'Donnell. Discussion?
Dilkes:
You need to specify which ordinance you're moving first consideration of
- with or without the, Mr. Rurnmelhart's property.
Bailey:
Without Mr. Rummelhart's property, as we discussed last night.
Correia:
It's the 7.61 acres? (unable to hear)
Bailey:
And I think that works. I don't think it affects any of the other properties,
and it seems to have been a good agreement among properties in that area,
so...
Wilburn:
Roll call. Item carries 7-0.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City
Council meeting of October 17, 2006.
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ITEM 7
Wilburn:
Ford:
Page 12
APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN
AGREEMENT FOR PRIVATE REDEVELOPMENT BY AND
BETWEEN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY AND NATIONAL
GENECULAR INSTITUTE INC. FOR PROPERTY LOCATED
WITHIN THE NORTHGATE CORPORATE PARK URBAN
RENEWAL AREA.
a) PUBLIC HEARING
(pounds gavel) Public hearing is open.
Hi, good evening. I'm Wendy Ford, Economic Development Coordinator
for the City ofIowa City. I want to tell you a little bit about this project.
National Genecular Institute, or NGI as I will call it from now on, is a
subsidiary of a California company called Dermacia. Dermacia has an
established market of customers in the anti-aging and post-surgical skin
care market. NGI is the research and development arm of Dermacia and
creates among other products, the skin care products that Dermacia sells.
NGI has been seeking a location for their company for more than a year
and was drawn to the Iowa City area because of the collaboration between
the State, the University of Iowa, the City of Coralville, and the City of
Iowa City and all of us who work hard to bring businesses to the area.
NGI would operate two facilities, temporarily one in the Oakdale
Research Park's TIC Center, Technology and Innovation Center, until new
space is ready and 30,000 square feet of a new building in the Oakdale
Research Park facility in Coralville. They will lease that space. Secondly,
and especially interesting to Iowa City, is a second 20,000 square foot
facility to be located in Iowa City's Northgate Corporate Park. This
would be on land which they would purchase and obviously own after
that. The Iowa City portion of the project would include a $4.5 to a $6
million biologic materials storage facility with related laboratory and
office space, and this has often been referred to as a "bio bank" up to this
point. The agreement that you have before you, instead of calling it a "bio
bank," calls this or refers to this building as the "biologic materials storage
facility." This two-floor, 20,000 square foot facility will be an integral
part of the business and the core of what would be an expansion site for
the business to come, as they develop over the years. Additionally, to
insure physical space to expand in the future, NGI will be securing an
option on a 35-acre piece of property to the north of lot 9 in the Northgate
Corporate Park area in which they plan to begin this project. They have,
NGI has been working with the Iowa City area development group for
over a year on an application to the State ofIowa for community
economic betterment account funds, for which they seek and need a local
match from both Iowa City and Coralville. NGI will be making a $26
million investment over the entire area, between the two parts of the
project. $14 million worth of that investment will actually be located in
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the Iowa City area. From the State, they are seeking both a $655,000 loan
and also approximately $1.2 million in high-quality jobs creation credit, as
well. It is for those two chunks of State money that they seek the local
match. You have before you two resolutions tonight. The first is to
consider accepting an agreement for private redevelopment, including an
Economic Development grant in the form of tax increment financing
rebates. This grant would serve as the local match that they need for the
State funds, and the grant would also be limited in both time and dollar
amount to seven years and $1.2 million. The rebates would be generated
by the taxes collected on the increment, or the improvements, on the
empty lot and by the construction of the bio-bank facility in Northgate
Corporate Park. Remember, TIP rebates are the no-risk form of economic
development assistance, in that they are not paid out unless the facility is
built and unless they meet the requirements set forth in the agreement that
you have. So, in exchange for this building and for bringing what is a
really interesting bio-tech business to the area, they will receive the tax
increment financing rebates and provide the area over 176 new high-
quality jobs, 36 of which will be located in Iowa City and be up and
running in full operation by the end of the third year of operating at the
Northgate Corporate Park. So, the Economic Development Committee
felt that that, in exchange for the TIP rebates, was a good quid pro quo, I
guess you could call it. The second resolution that you have before you is
to consider support of the CEBA application, that is the application to the
State, in which the NGI company requests support and we have indicated
doing so in the, with tax increment financing rebates. Any questions on
the information that I've presented? Okay.
Wilburn:
Thank you, Wendy.
Fuja:
Mayor and City Council Members, I'm Dr. Tannin Fuja. I'm the Chief
Scientific Officer of National Genecular Institute, and on behalf of both
Dermacia and NGI, we wish to express our gratitude for the reception
which we've received by the City ofIowa City, the City of Coralville, and
the State of Iowa. We look forward to locating here to the area and taking
advantage of what we feel is a very synergistic relationship with both the
University ofIowa, as well as the municipalities of Coralville and Iowa
City.
Wilburn:
Thank you very much. Anyone else care to speak to the public hearing?
(pounds gavel) Public hearing is closed.
b) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION
Bailey:
Move the resolution.
Correia:
Second.
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Wilburn: Moved by Bailey, seconded by Correia. Discussion?
Bailey: As Wendy indicated, the Economic Development Committee was very
excited, particularly about the high, the jobs. These are high-paying jobs
with excellent benefits, and I think we believe this is just the kind of
business that we would like to see in our community, and it's a nice fit at
Northgate Corporate Park.
Vanderhoef: I'd just like to add that this kind ofbio-tech business is what the goal of
the Council has been for a number of years, as diversifying and bringing in
these possibilities. So, it meets our target of our goal to have bio-tech.
The other thing that excites me in the future is this commitment to buy
additional property, which I presume would have to have new employees
also, which could be a growing part of our community, and when you get
a big business like this, it also sends the word out to others who maybe
have not looked at Iowa City for their location and I think probably will
have some synergy off of that in the future.
Correia: I really like the integration of all of this, the University, Coralville, Iowa
City, I mean, it's what we talk about all the time, the integration and
cooperation of all of these organizations, municipalities...with all of these
are good paying jobs that provide benefits, they offer childcare benefits...
Bailey: One of the things I wanted to mention in response to your comment about
letting other businesses know, routinely ICAD, Iowa City Area
Development, will send out notices of businesses that are coming to this
area, and so postcards are ready to go out to other businesses across,
probably the country, hopefully the world, to let people know that this is
the kind of business we're attracting to the area, so it can be the
synergistic relationship to attract other businesses.
Elliott: I think a word needs to be said about the University ofIowa. We are
proud to be the home of the University because the University was here,
outstanding firms such as A.C.T. and NCS Pearson, were located here in
the 50's, and because of the University ofIowa, high-tech firms such as
this new one, will be here, and I think that the combination ofIowa City,
the whole Iowa City-Coralville community, and the University ofIowa,
this is becoming a very attractive place and I'm very pleased about it.
Wilburn: Thank you. We'll look forward to welcoming you to the community and
looking forward to the groundbreaking-ribbon cutting. Roll call. Item
carries 7-0.
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Council meeting of October 17, 2006.
#9
ITEM 9
Wilburn:
Walker:
Wilburn:
Page 15
APPROVING PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF
CONTRACT, AND ESTIMATE OF COST FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF THE GRAND AVENUE ROUNDABOUT
PROJECT, ESTABLISHING AMOUNT OF BID SECURITY TO
ACCOMPANYEACH BID, DIRECTING CITY CLERK TO
PUBLISH ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS, AND FIXING TIME
AND PLACE FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS.
a) PUBLIC HEARING
(pounds gavel) This is a public hearing.
Hi, my name's Jean Walker, and I'm the Melrose Neighborhood
Representative, and concerning the roundabout, I'm not going into the
topic in detail because it appears that this plan has gathered so much
momenturn that it's going to be adopted, in spite of reservations expressed
by the Melrose Neighborhood, both as a group, and through individual
letters to the Council. This momentum even included requesting
proposals for a sculpture on top of the roundabout, even before the
roundabout was approved. We feel that, especially under the pressure of
this momentum, the alternative suggestion for making South Grand one-
way, except for emergency vehicles and busses, has not been adequately
explored. At the least, we think that the decision to approve the
roundabout should be delayed until the effect on traffic of the new ramp
has been determined. Thanks.
Thank you. (pounds gavel) Public hearing is closed.
b) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION
O'Donnell: Move the resolution.
Wilburn: Moved by O'Donnell.
Vanderhoef: Second.
Wilburn: Seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion?
Vanderhoef: I too have some reservations about this, but I'm looking at it in the large
scheme of a transportation system that serves the City of Iowa City, all
residents, not just the University activities that are concentrated in that
area, but because we have so few arterials and in particular, arterials that
cross the river directly, I feel that we have not done this in a cohesive way.
We had one plan that came to us. It was adopted and then when they see
problems with it, now there's another $370,000 fix put in to this plan, and
yet we still don't have the entire look of how the transportation system is
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going to be working in connecting the east and the west side ofthe river,
and how Melrose will help carry the traffic that's being generated there
by, both on the west side ofIowa City and growth in the University,
University Hospitals. We know the traffic is going to be more, and I
cannot support another $370,000 for a fix at this point, until I know the
whole plan.
O'Donnell: I think this is a good project. Our traffic engineers have said this will
move 70% more cars in a safe manner. It's safe for the pedestrians. It
eliminate a hazardous drop-off point. So I'm very happy to support this,
and I welcome also the University is going to contribute $130,000 to this,
and this is a good project for the City, and I think this looks down the road
very well.
Champion: I had a question. $130,000 - is that actually for the roundabout or is that
landscaping and that kind of stuff?
Atkins: I understood it to be a cash contribution to the (unable to hear).
Champion: Great, and they're still going to do some landscaping and things around
the...
Atkins: Yes, that's the City as well.
Correia: Because this project includes that piece of it, the Fieldhouse, moving the
steps and...that's part of the whole thing?
Atkins: That's what I understand.
Correia: It's not going to be a roundabout without that happening. That's all part
of the package. So...
Champion: (unable to hear)
Bailey: My initial concern with this roundabout was bicycle and pedestrian safety,
and concerns that were brought forward by a lot of citizens and in
conversations and some ongoing looking at this, my concerns have been
addressed regarding that, and with moving the steps of the Fieldhouse and
changing that entrance, I think that some of the pedestrian concerns will
also be addressed. So, I'm ready to move ahead on this. I think it will
move traffic. I think roundabouts are effective ways of moving traffic
successfully for all modes of transportation. So, I'm supportive of this.
Elliott: I waffled, and I continue to waffle, but I think sometimes you have to
make a decision, not enthusiastically, but I will support it.
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#9
Page 17
Wilburn:
Rollcall.
Elliott:
Wbatever that means!
Wilburn:
Roll call. Items carries 6-1; Vanderhoef in the negative.
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#10 Page 18
ITEM 10 CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 3, ENTITLED
"FINANCES, TAXATION AND FEES," CHAPTER 4, ENTITLED
"SCHEDULE OF FEES, RATES, CHARGES, BONDS, FINES AND
PENALTIES," SECTION 8, ENTITLED "PARKING
VIOLATIONS"; AMENDING TITLE 9, ENTITLED "MOTOR
VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC," CHAPTER 1, ENTITLED
"DEFINITIONS, ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF
TRAFFIC PROVISIONS," SECTION 1, ENTITLED
"DEFINITIONS"; AMENDING TITLE 9, CHAPTER 4, ENTITLED
"PARKING REGULATIONS," SECTION 3, ENTITLED
"PARKING NOT TO OBSTRUCT TRAFFIC"; AND AMENDING
TITLE 9, CHAPTER 4, SECTION 10, ENTITLED "PARKING FOR
LOADING AND UNLOADING" TO DEFINE AND ESTABLISH
PASSENGER LOADING ZONES AND PENAL TIES FOR
VIOLATION OF SAID ZONES (FIRST CONSIDERATION)
Champion: Move first consideration.
Wilburn: Moved by Champion.
Vanderhoef: Second.
Wilburn: Seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion?
Bailey: Well, as I'm sure it was very apparent to the public, this is valet parking
(laughter) for a downtown business, and I'm glad to see valet parking
coming to downtown Iowa City, because parking is an oft complained
problem and this may address some of the people's challenges with it.
Wilburn: Roll call. Item carries 6-1; Vanderhoef in the negative.
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#11 Page 19
ITEM 11 CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1-9-3B OF
THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF IOWA CITY TO CORRECT
MINOR ERRORS IN THE LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE
BOUNDARIES OF CERTAIN VOTING PRECINCTS IN IOWA
CITY. (FIRST CONSIDERATION)
Correia: Move first consideration.
Wilburn: Moved by Correia.
Bailey: Second.
Wilburn: Seconded by Bailey. Discussion?
Champion: Does this need to have its third reading by the time the election takes
place?
Karr: No, but I will be asking to collapse for the next time. There's no change
to the precincts or to the map.
Champion: Okay.
Wilburn: So we're not moving any of the districts or (laughter).
Karr: Surprise! No.
Wilburn: Roll call. Item carries 7-0.
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Council meeting of October 17, 2006.
# 12 Page 20
ITEM 12 CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 5, ENTITLED
"BUSINESS AND LICENSE REGULATIONS," CHAPTER 2,
ENTITLED "VEHICLES FOR HIRE" BY REPEALING SAID
CHAPTER IN ITS ENTIRETY AND REPLACING IT WITH A
NEW CHAPTER 2, ENTITLED "TAXICABS". (SECOND
CONSIDERATION)
Bailey: Move second consideration.
O'Donnell: Second.
Wilburn: Moved by Bailey, seconded by O'Donnell. This revised, there's a
comment here that incorporates staff recommended non-substantive
changes requiring the lighted dome having lettering that identifies the
vehicles, taxicabs, visible from the front and the back ofthe vehicle, and
requiring the City Equipment Superintendent or designee to perform a
semi-annual inspection of vehicles. Discussion?
Bailey: Marian, I understand that you mailed notices to cab company owners and
you've received...
Karr: Received the letter.. ..but that's it.
Bailey: Okay.
Elliott: We did have a letter, not this particular....regarding reciprocity of...
Karr: That was the one you received yesterday.
Elliott: .. . and I would like for us to discuss that at a future meeting.
Wilburn: Roll call. Oh, go ahead.
Correia: And this goes into effect the next legislature, March I.
Wilburn: Roll call. Item carries 7-0.
Karr: Motion to accept correspondence.
O'Donnell: So moved.
Wilburn: Moved by O'Donnell.
Karr: To accept correspondence.
Bailey: Second.
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#12
Page 21
Wilburn:
Seconded by Bailey to accept correspondence. All those in favor say
"aye." Opposed same sign. Carries 7-0.
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#13 Page 22
ITEM 13 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING, AUTHORIZING AND
DIRECTING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AND THE CITY
CLERK TO ATTEST AN AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE
CITY OF IOWA CITY AND ROHRBACH ASSOCIATES PC TO
PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANT SERVICES FOR THE
FIRE STATION #2 DEMOLITION AND CONSTRUCTION
PROJECT.
Champion: Move the resolution.
Vanderhoef: Move the resolution.
Wilburn: Moved by Champion, seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion?
Champion: Doesn't this also include design of the...
Atkins: This is the design, this is an architectural design, Connie, and it does
include the LEEDS process.
Champion: Great.
Atkins: It does include the LEEDS process.
Wilburn: Roll call. Item carries 7-0.
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Council meeting of October 17, 2006.
#14 Page 23
ITEM 14 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE PLEDGE,
SERVICING AND PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT AND THE
LOAN AGREEMENT RELATING TO THE SENIOR HOUSING
FACILITIES REVENUE BOND (OAKNOLL PROJECT) SERIES
2004A.
Vanderhoef: Move the resolution.
O'Donnell: Second.
Wilburn: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by O'Donnell. Discussion?
Champion: Could we have a little explanation ofthis?
Atkins: Okay.
Downer: I would be happy to give a little explanation. All this is is extending some
dates for a four-month period because the project is not quite as far along
as had been hoped at the time of... the bonds were issued in late 2004, and
there is going to be a considerable amount of cash that comes in from the
new residents coming in to Oaknoll. That in turn will be used to pay down
the bonds. The occupancy will not be assumed by those persons as
quickly as had been contemplated at the time the documents were done.
All of the apartments are committed. There's no question about any
inability to make these payments or anything ofthat nature. It's strictly
timing (TAPE ENDS)
Champion: How many new units are there?
Downer: 51.. . and I think I've made this comment before, but I'll say it again, that
this point. . .I thought that this was an excellent example of staff and the
developer working together in their mutual interests. When those plans
were submitted, we had a number of meetings with City staff. They made
recommendations, which cost a little bit more money, but I think also
improved the project, and it was a very constructive experience as far as I
was concerned, and I know you get a lot of brickbats thrown at you on
things of this sort, and Ijust wanted to say that this was one where I
thought the process worked well for all concerned.
Vanderhoef: Thank you (several talking at once).
Wilburn: We appreciate not having bricks thrown at us! (laughter)
Downer: (unable to hear in audience)
Wilburn: Discussion? Roll call. Item carries 7-0.
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Council meeting of October 17, 2006.
#17
ITEM 17
Wilburn:
Elliott:
Champion:
Wilburn:
Bailey:
Dilkes:
Wilburn:
Elliott:
Bailey:
Dilkes:
Wilburn:
Vanderhoef:
Wilburn:
Page 24
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION.
Bob?
Thank you, no.
Oh, you want to get home to watch the game? (laughter)
Regenia?
I would just like to remind people that October 28th is the last day to
register to vote and November 7th is general election and this is a big deal
election, so if you're not currently registered to vote or not registered in
Iowa City, I would encourage you to do so. There are voter registration
cards in lots of different places throughout the community, including I
believe at City Hall. I think we have them, so I encourage people to
register to vote and to vote, and then I was wondering what we could do
about the Burry Drive question that was brought forward tonight in public
comment.
Well, that's certainly up to you. We are, a claim has been made against
the City. That claim has been pending for some time. There are similar
claims that have been made against the City. We are in the process of
negotiating with, or communicating I should say, with the lady's attorney,
and so. .. you know, it's up to you. You can talk about it in public. You
can talk about it in Executive Session, assuming you want to talk about the
strategy in connection with that likely imminent litigation.
What's Council's pleasure?
I think it needs to be discussed at a work session or in Executive Session,
whichever is most (several talking at once).
If we can go to Executive Session to discuss this matter, 1'd be interested
in doing that.
You can go into an Executive Session to discuss strategy in connection
with the litigation of the claim. That understanding.. .yes, you can.
(several talking at once)
So, Executive Session?
Yes, please.
Dee?
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#17 Page 25
Vanderhoef: I just came back Sunday from our National Transportation and
Infrastructure Steering Committee meeting and we were presented a
review ofthe Alameda Corridor and the proposed Alameda East Corridor,
which sounds like it might be kind of far away from Iowa, but this is a
very important corridor for shipment of freight. The west coast port cities
are totally locked up because they can't get the ships unloaded and get the
merchandise out. All of us here in the Midwest are affected by all of the
imports that come into the United States, and it doesn't matter whether it's
the east coast, Newport Beach area, or Hampton Roads, or whether it's
west coast. These ports have got to have more transportation dollars. So,
when we look at earmarks for special freight corridors, it is apparent that
we all have to share in that cost. When we look at the dollars that come
into our own community for transportation, sometimes these are affected
by creating these large and important corridors. So, when you think about
how much money we have locally to build our roads, how much has to
come out of our own bonding versus money from taxation on gases and
road use, just remember that we're all part of a much larger transportation
system.
Wilburn: Thank you. Mike?
O'Donnell: I will forego my comments tonight in consideration of Bob Elliott, who I
know has to get home and watch this ball game.
Elliott: You are a (unable to hear).
Champion: I'm going to be nice too and not say anything.
Wilburn: I attended the University ofIowa's United Way campaign kick-off. I want
to say good luck to the University ofIowa student, staff, and faculty.
Apparently, there's a challenge between the students and the faculty and
staff. I already made a prediction at that event that the students will have
the greater participation rate than the faculty, so Austin, don't let me
down! (laughter) I also wanted to thank the University ofIowa for
designating Iowa House, their hotel down there, to be non-smoking, so
thank you.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription ofthe Iowa City City
Council meeting of October 17, 2006.
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