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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-12-12 Transcription #3 ITEM 3 Wilburn: Short: Miller: Terrill: Page 1 OUTSTANDING STUDENT CITIZENSHIP AWARDS - Lincoln Elementary Could the students from Lincoln Elementary please come forward. As they come forward, I just want to welcome, who do we have here tonight? Troop 201 from Hoover? Lincoln? Hoover Elementary, and I believe they are under the direction of Joan Cabbage, and I'm sorry, I've forgotten the name of the other person, but welcome.. . for coming down tonight. They're working on their Citizenship badges. Well, good evening, and thanks for coming down tonight. We're really looking forward to hearing the statements that you have. This is a really special time for us on Council, and for the public, because it's a chance for us - the rest of us- to hear what you've been up to at your school or your neighborhood. I think it's important for both people your age, a little older, and for the adults in the community to hear about the good work that you've been up to, so I'm going to hand you the microphone and you can read your statement and we'll go from there. Start with you. Hello, my name is Daniel. I think I was selected to receive this award for my efforts in helping serve lunch, reading to the kindergartners, organizing the kindergartners' mail, and taking pictures for the memory book. I would like to thank Mrs. Colerick and the teachers for choosing me to receive this award, and I hope I can continue to serve and help others in the future. It is a privilege to have such as exceptional principal and teachers who are such great role models to us kids. Thank you. (applause) Hi, my name is Aaron Miller. I really feel honored for being chosen as one ofthe three people to receive this award. I thank the intermediate teachers and Mrs. Colerick for choosing me, myself, for my efforts on helping at Lincoln Elementary. So far this year, I've been able to help out with lunch, be a part of safety patrol, help with the newsletter, and reading to the kindergartners. My favorite out of these activities is being able to read to the kindergartners because it allows me to interact, meet new kids, and help them leam to read. Thank you again. (applause) Hello, my name is Quinn. First I'd like to thank all my teachers and Mrs. Colerick for nominating me for this award. It's very easy to be a good volunteer for such a wonderful school and great teachers. I'd also like to thank my mom, who also got the Citizenship Award when she was at Grant Wood, for setting such a great example for me to follow, and I'd also like to thank my dad for setting me an example not to follow. I love my time at Lincoln and I look forward to being a good citizenship at Northwest Junior High next year. Thanks! (applause) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 12, 2006. #3 Page 2 Wilburn: A parent's worst nightmare (laughter).. . anyway .. .I'm going to, nice job on your statements. I'm really impressed with everything that you've been doing. I'm going to read one of the. . .Dan? Okay, I'm going to read one of the certificates. They all say the same thing, but they have each of your individual names on them. For his outstanding qualities of leadership within Lincoln Elementary as well as the community, and for his sense of responsibility and helpfulness to others, we recognize Daniel Short as an Outstanding Student Citizen. Your community is proud of you. Presented by the Iowa City City Council. (applause) Okay, I'm going to back up one agenda item. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 12, 2006. --_.__._~-_.__.__._--~-_._.. .._---------------~---------_.~--_._--_._._------_.._-.--.----" #2 ITEM 2 Wilburn: Karr: Wilburn: Klein: Wilburn: Elliott: Klein: Page 3 PROCLAMATIONS. a) Bill of Rights Day - December 15,2006 We do have someone here to receive the Bill of Rights Proclamation. (reads proclamation) Here to accept the proclamation is Garry Klein. (applause) Garry. Thanks for coming down. On behalf of the Iowa City Bill of Rights Defense Committee, thank you, Mayor Wilburn, and the Council Members, for this proclamation. I have brought copies of the Bill of Rights with me this evening. They're actually on the back table, and I encourage everyone to take one with them because I know it's really hard to remember them all, and one of the things I'd appreciate everyone doing is to take a moment to reflect on how, and to appreciate, how these 463 words have positively impacted our lives. To humor yourselves, you might want to compare their importance to a recent federal directive to regulate the price of cabbage, which contained 26,911 words. (laughter) Also consider how legal interpretation of these amendments has affected our freedoms. As James Monroe said, "I believe there are more instances of abridgement of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachment ofthose in power than by violent and sudden usurpations," which is a really weird word, usurpations. Finally, because Iunderstand that freedom of expression, freedom of speech also means having the good sense to stop talking and let people go about their business. Do me one favor - take the time to think about how you can become involved in protecting civil liberties, encouraging our elected officials to uphold the principles ofthe Bill of Rights. To learn more - shameless plug - go to the Bill of Rights Defense Committee web site at www.bordc.org. Thank you very much. Thank you. Garry? (applause) Good guest opinion the other day! Good guest opinion in the paper. 1 liked that! Thank you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 12, 2006. --~-_._----~.__..,,--,._-_."--~-_..__..__._--"-"--- ~ ~4 ITEM 5 COMMUNITY COMMENT (ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA). Wilburn: This is the time for items that do not appear on tonight's agenda. If you wish to address the Council, please come forward, state your name for the record, and please limit your comments to five minutes or less. Persson: Mayor Wilburn and Council Members, my name is Dottie Persson, and I'm President of the Shelter House Board, and before I make my comments, we have friends of Shelter House here tonight from our Board and from the consultation of religious communities, and other individuals, who help and support us on a daily basis. Some of those individuals will come forward to speak and some will not. Will everyone who is here to support Shelter House tonight please stand up so the Council is aware that you are aware to support us, and I want to thank all of you for coming. On December 5th I submitted a letter in support of Shelter House's latest budget request. I sununarized information about the fundraising activities of the Shelter House Board, support from private contributions, religious communities, and the United Way of Johnson County, as well as the value of the volunteer services. I indicated that 95% of all funds go to direct services to clients. In my letter, I also argued that homelessness is a public concern, a public health issue, and is not just a private matter. A partnership between our non-profit agency, other non-profit agencies, and the local government is imperative to solve the issues involved in homelessness. It is important to help those who are homeless regain their stability and dignity, and become full citizens of the community again. Such a partnership recognizes the humanity of all of us. Shelter House is a catalyst for change and I hope that you support that change through your financial commitment. I brought the letter over on December 5th. I also brought some additional copies tonight and gave them to the City Clerk, Marian Karr, for you and for the City staff. Thank you very much. Wilburn: Thank you. Canganelli: Mayor Wilburn and Council Members, my name is Crissy Canganelli and I'm Executive Director of Shelter House. I want to first thank the City Council and City staff for standing side-by-side with Shelter House throughout the legal process regarding the location of the new Shelter House facility. Your support in this has been essential and Shelter House remains committed to the project. Critics will say that we should be looking to other sites. We should not be resting on our laurels. We have, in fact, explored the feasibility of numerous alternative sites and have soberly weighed all possible options. In every feasible situation, we find ourselves facing the same legal contest and I can report to you that no one, no one, has come forward with a proposal for an alternative, workable site and insured that there would be no opposition to this project, should we attempt to move into the neighborhood, thereby landing us back at the This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 12, 2006. #5 Page 5 very beginning of what has already proven to be more than a two-year wait. And so we carry forward with the current site and pending litigation. Weare anxious for the Supreme Court to proceed with the case. Weare hopeful that there will be resolution to this in the coming year and Shelter House is positioned to proceed without further delay. In addition to this update, I'm here tonight to support the letter submitted to you by Dottie Persson, President of the Shelter House Board, and to represent, or to request, full funding of the proposal submitted by Shelter House to the City ofIowa City for Fiscal Year 2008. Shelter House has requested $36,279 from the City ofIowa City and where as this is a significant increase for us, if fully funded, would only represent 4% of our total budget. These funds will be used to advance the work of Shelter House. One of our primary objectives remains to facilitate the transition of our clients from homelessness to stable, affordable housing, and to increase participation in the work force. We have demonstrated that our program works. We have exceeded all federal performance standards many times over, with more than 70% of our clients exiting to employment and stable housing. We have demonstrated that we can and do break the cycle of homelessness. We work, and we are asking you to increase your investment in us, and in this program that works. I'm here tonight to advance this request, not only as the Director ofthis organization, but as a member of this community for more than 20 years, a constituent. I come before you tonight as someone who has lived here, worked here, and is raising my family here, here in this community which we call home. I have to admit that it's more than challenging to try to explain to my children, and I have a hard enough time understanding myself, that our city, our home, allocates more money out ofthe General Fund to animal care and deer control than it does to all human services combined. This is not a value that we share. I believe that all citizens should have the opportunity to improve the quality of their lives. The purpose of Shelter House is to insure that this opportunity exists for the poorest among us, the homeless. Full funding of our request will insure seamless continuation of our services. It will help to insure that $450,000 in federal funding for homeless services remains in this community, though which Shelter House will continue to help men and women and their families to get back on their feet, help children stay in school, men and women get back to work, help the disabled and elderly to access benefits and health resources. We cannot do this work alone. We need your support. We rely on it. Thank you. Wilburn: Thank you. For the benefit of the viewing public who may be watching this live or later, tonight is not a.. .this is community comment for items not on tonight's agenda. Tonight is not a public hearing on funding for Shelter House. Council has not received the budget from City staff yet, the proposed budget for next year, and community events and agency funding requests will be scheduled later in January, probably the last week This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 12, 2006. #5 Page 6 in January, and every organization requesting funds will have an opportunity...they'll be notified and have an opportunity also to address the Council while we're going through budget. The tentative dates, probably the 29th or 30th? Okay, of January, and then there'll be a formal public hearing prior to the adoption of the budget on March 6th. Ijust wanted to make sure that there's no confusion for anyone who may be watching this. Go ahead. Jett: Thank you. Mayor Wilburn, Council, I'm here tonight as a member of the Board of Directors of Shelter House, and I'm, I would like to support the letter that Dottie wrote and submitted, and I'd like to read a brief statement of my own, if I may. The people who come into the Shelter House are not looking for a free ride. They're just looking for a little help while they get back on their feet. Some need a hot meal and a place to wash the clothes on their back. Some are looking for a warm bed until they have one of their own. Shelter House provides a place for people to receive mail while they are looking for jobs. This allows them to stay in touch with their family and prospective employers. Where would any of us be without a support network? The rise in homelessness among women and children is alarming. What used to be predominantly men has become a family affair. One need not look too far back to the devastating tornado to realize that anyone of us could be homeless tomorrow. I know because my partner and I lost our home in that tornado. Homelessness is not a discriminating condition. It affects people from all walks oflife. I have fed many women and children with, many women and men with small children at the free lunch program at the Wesley House. These people all have a myriad of stories, but the common thread is, "I never thought I'd find myself here." Many are embarrassed and humiliated to be in a position to take a handout. Most have worked long hours in hard jobs before finding themselves here. Shelter House and the Star Program provide those who are in need with assistance and the opportunity to take back their lives. It helps those who need help to become stable, tax-paying citizens. It keeps families together. The Shelter House gives people back their dignity and gives them hope. 95% of the funds that are allocated to the Shelter House go for direct services to clients. There have been many generous contributions from private citizens in Iowa City that we are very thankful for. However, homelessness is a matter of public concern. We cannot continue to rely solely on private donations. I'm here tonight to speak for those who have lost their voices. I'm here for the women, men, and children who are turned away into the cold of night because there isn't enough room.. .at the Shelter for them to spend the night. I'm here tonight to ask the City to provide full funding of the $36,279, which would represent 4% of the Shelter House budget for Fiscal Year 08. Thank you for your time. Wilburn: Would you please state your name for the record? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 12, 2006. #5 Page 7 Jett: Bobby Jett. Wilburn: Okay. Thank you for your comments. Jett: Thank you. Wilburn: Would anyone else care to address the Council on an item that does not appear on tonight's agenda? Hartwig: Good evening. Randy Hartwig, representing the Airport Commission. I just wanted to make you aware of a few items, the first being with respect to the runway extension project. Last week we did hear from the FAA, basically telling us to go ahead and do the planning, engineering services, get that in place so that when money does become available, that they'll be ready to go. So, I did talk to David Hughes of Earth Tech and the.. .he's confident that we can meet their goals for the continuing project. It's also interesting from my perspective to see, I think this was started before I became, before I came on the Commission, and now it's finally getting to the point where they're going to be putting some concrete down. The grading, which they started this year, they have about 80% done and we'll finish that up as soon as the weather permits in the spring. The other item I wanted to make you aware of, I think it might have been in your packet, was, and recognize Mike Tharp for his work with our newsletter, which we finally got together. I think it's on the Airport's section of the City's web site, and I think he did a really good job. I'm looking forward to expanding that as we go forward, and if you have any comments in that regard, please let us know. And finally, we're just finishing up a year-end report for 06 and should have that for you before budget meetings next month, which.. . (unable to understand) and how they fit into the Strategic Plan. So, that was all I had. Thank you. Wilburn: Thank you. Champion: When do you think that money will arrive for that runway? Hartwig: Well, they're always very careful to say that they don't have the money until Congress gives it to them. I think... Champion: You don't have any idea. Hartwig: Basically by summer time. Yeah. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 12, 2006. #7 Page 8 ITEM 7 CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE TITLE 17, ENTITLED "BUILDING AND HOUSING," TO ESTABLISH LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PLANNING, LAYOUT, SUPERVISION AND INSTALLATION OF HEATING, VENTILATION, AIR CONDITIONING (HV AC), COMMERCIAL KITCHEN HOODS AND FOR DUCTED AIR HEATING AND COOLING INSTALLERS. (pASS AND ADOPT) Champion: Move adoption. Correia: Second. Wilburn: Moved by Champion, seconded by Correia. Discussion? Elliott: Mr. Mayor, I have talked with City staff and they have indicated that as part of this, they will be working with the homebuilders to provide test preparation courses, and also that in addition to fees for renewing license, there will be a requirement for CPU's. So I think that's an important part ofthis project. Wilburn: Roll call. Item carries 6-1, O'Donnell in the negative. This represents only a reasonably accnrate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 12,2006. #9 Page 9 ITEM 9 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST AN IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AGREEMENT FOR TRANSFER OF PUBLIC ROAD JURISDICTION, TJ-1-5(84)-2M- 52. (DEFERRED FROM 11128) Bailey: Move the resolution. Correia: Move the resolution. Wilburn: Moved by Bailey, seconded by Correia. Discussion? What's that? Vanderhoef: (unable to hear) Wilburn: This is, this will transfer jurisdiction of Burlington Street from Dodge Street to Governor Street, and Governor Street from Burlington Street to Dodge Street, to the Iowa Department of Transportation, which is already part of Highway 1 North. Bailey: Which will mean we'll be reimbursed for maintenance of that road for snow plowing and such. O'Donnell: Sounds like a real good deal! Wilburn: Roll call. Item carries 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 12, 2006. #10 Page 10 ITEM 10 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 SHIVE HATTERY, INC. TO PROVIDE ENGINEERING CONSULTANT SERVICES FOR THE EAST SIDE RECYCLING CENTER PROJECT. Champion: Move the resolution. Wilburn: Moved by Champion. Correia: Second. Wilburn: Seconded by Correia. Discussion? Correia: So what's... this is for the Eastside Recycling Center? So with this, planning phase, are we hoping a timeline to have construction started in the next construction season, or what? Atkins: What this will do is they have an 8-week schedule to put the thing together. I was trying to think of a way to describe it after our conversation at work session last evening. What this will do is in effect create a refined layout, master plan, for the whole site. They can then take each of the elements, whether it be the furniture project building or the drop-off site, and do cost estimates and that allows us... we knew that we could not afford to do this project all at once. The importance to us as a staff, when you as a Council adopt these master plans, it allows us, next Council to take in 'here's where we are,' 'here's how we're moving this thing along.' So I think calling it a master plan is probably the most descriptive way to go. Okay? Correia: So then after we receive the master plan, we'll have the cost estimates and... Atkins: Yeah, we'll have rough estimates, and... Correia: .. . and then we'll be able to decide... Atkins: ... what piece you want to build this year. Bailey: And what do we anticipate for phase and timeline for this project? Atkins: I would hope it's not more than three years to complete the thing. I think it's a project, I think, most of us are approaching with some excitement, and are anxious to get together elements. The Restore element of it came together very quickly, and I don't doubt the rest of it should. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 12, 2006. #10 Page 11 Vanderhoef: Isn't there still some question whether we can actually handle all these projects on that site? Atkins: There is a little shoe-homing that goes on, and the master plan will help correct if there's anything, if we've oversized something during our initial estimates of the thing, but the site is tight and the services we intend to offer in the long pull are going to be numerous. Champion: I think it's really important that we get this project done as fast as possible, because half-done things aren't used very well, and so I think we should really just plunge ahead and do it, or wait a year and do it all at once, or wait two years and do it all at once, because I think when things are half-done, they don't get used well. Bailey:. Well, and I really liked the concept that we saw, and strangely enough, I'm particularly interested in that truck wash. I mean, it didn't occur to me that we're creating some storrnwater issues potentially in the community without those kinds of facilities. So, yeah, I agree. Atkins: With the master plan, you have your choice to move the elements along as quickly as.... Correia: .. . elements in the plan, like if one thing's there, that whole thing will happen. If not, the furniture project would be... Atkins: Truck wash out, for example, we would intend to say to you if we're going to build that, we would build the whole thing. Then the drop-off locations, we would build that. The furniture building, we would build that. Correia: The whole concept is very, I think it works together very well. And I just wanted to point out that the funds we're using for this, comes from the Landfill. Atkins: Landfill fees, yes, intended to be regional service, folks throughout Johnson County pay fees at the Landfill to support this. Correia: It's not a General Fund... Atkins: Not a General Fund. Elliott: Connie, I agree that it would be good to have this completed as soon as possible, but my understanding is that we're talking about millions of dollars, three perhaps? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription ofthe Iowa City City Council meeting of December 12, 2006. #10 Page 12 Atkins: Three sonnds high, but you're certainly...it will be in the millions ultimately. Elliott: I think financial reality indicates that it's going to be years. Champion: I don't know. (several talking at once) We'll find out how much money is in that Landfill acconnt. Atkins: We have very healthy reserves in our Landfill. It's also led us to recommend a second location, because it is nnusual for a city our size, when you think about it, to have in effect two recycling centers - one at the Landfill and one at an off-site location. Correia: The nice thing about this is it's more accessible to the public. I mean, the Landfill isn't inaccessible, but in terms of being so close to tOWil. (several talking at once) At least for Iowa City, I guess. Wilburn: Roll call. Item carries 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription ofthe Iowa City City Council meeting of December 12, 2006. #12 Page 13 ITEM 12 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST A CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL INTERCONNECT (STP-A-3715(631)-86-52) PROJECT. Wilburn: Engineer's estimate was #460,000. Public Works and Engineering recommend award of the contract to KWS, Inc. of Cedar Falls, Iowa, for $393,911.50. O'Donnell: Move the resolution. Champion: Second. Wilburn: Moved by O'Donnell, seconded by Champion. Discussion? Champion: Wide range of bids. Bailey: And just for the public, I just wanted to point out that we have Clean Air Attainment Program dollars for this and Road Use taxes to fund it. Correia: So tell us what a traffic signal interconnect is. Atkins: Throughout town, we have traffic signals, and you may be sitting at one at Dubuque Street, and I may be at one over on Market, many blocks away. Traffic signals are electronic devices. By in effect programming these various locations throughout the community, as it trips where you are, it can have an influence upon where I am and the attempt is to move traffic, that's why the Clean Air Attainment - to move them through. So there will be, this project represents locations all throughout town. Okay? Correia: I know I've got people asking if we can coordinate the lights. Bailey: Keep in mind that after the storm, Burlington wasn't coordinated, and now it's back on it... .at Gilbert. I mean, it makes such a huge difference. Correia: It really does! Champion: Sometimes I can drive all the way through town about a mile and a half without stopping. Elliott: As a person whose patience is not a forte, I appreciate this! (laughter) Wilburn: Roll call. Item carries 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 12, 2006. #16 ITEM 16 Wilburn: Elliott: Wilburn: Bailey: Wilburn: Page 14 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION. Bob? Couple items - this afternoon, sadly - not sadly that the Faculty Senate voted the way they did, but sadly the fact that the situation is such that it came to pass. The Faculty Senate voted 62-1 with "No Confidence" in the Board of Regents, and I hope that the State government at the highest level recognizes the seriousness of what's going on between the University and Regents, and moves expeditiously to smooth that out. The University is so vitally important to Iowa City, Johnson County, the State ofIowa and all of the Midwest, so I hope that things get worked out. On a lighter note, I noticed that Joe's Place lights have been found. They're up along Iowa Avenue. They look great, and to Brian Flynn, I say "thanks." I've been critical of some merchants downtown who I think have not taken great pride in the appearance of say their sidewalks and that sort of thing. To Brian Flynn and his crew to putting up the lights on Iowa A venue, thanks a lot! Regenia? Nothing. Dee? Vanderhoef: I'm going to pass tonight. Wilburn: Okay. Mike? O'Donnell: Nothing tonight. Wilburn: Connie? Champion: Well, I hope everyone has a happy holiday, and I would encourage people as you're buying gifts for everybody and spending all your money on holiday presents that you do consider sending money to organizations in town that give direct help to people, such as the Crisis Center and Shelter House, who never have enough money. So get out your pocketbooks and send a check! Wilburn: Amy? Correia: I want to take this opportunity to thank two members of the Iowa City Youth Advisory Commission who just finished their terms. They were part of the inaugural members ofthe Commission. Subha Subramanian and Elyse Kamps. They are going off the Commission. Both ofthem are This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription ofthe Iowa City City Council meeting of December 12, 2006. #16 Page 15 seniors at West High and have future plans that are undetermined as of yet, but they, we are still going to have them involved in some of the activities at the Youth Advisory Commission, specifically the Global Village (unable to hear) for Summer of the Arts, and so they are committed to being involved in that effort. And then Ijust wanted to let you all know I did speak with homeless overflow project, you know, as it got colder last week, I just wanted to check in with them to see if everything is going okay, worried about making sure there's enough space in the overflow, and talked with one of the organizers and in part due to changing, making modifications last year to the occupancy. They've been fine so far. They have set up an overflow to the overflow between December 15th and February 15th, during the coldest times there are. There are times when there are more folks that need shelter than the overflow, main location, and that would have happened 12 times last year because of the new occupancy, but they're all set up for that. So... Wilburn: Earlier this evening, we had some guests from 4th grade Weeblos, from Pack 201 at Hoover Elementary, and I had forgotten one of the troop leaders, den leaders names. It was Joan Cabbage and Jennifer McDonald. So I apologize for forgetting that, and thank them for coming down, working on their Citizenship badges. And otherwise, ljust want to say happy holidays to everyone. Have a safe holiday and enjoy your family time together, and Happy New Year. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 12,2006. #17 Page 16 ITEM 17 REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF. Wilburn: City Manager? Atkins: Nothing, sir. Wilburn: City Attorney? City Clerk? Karr: Just a note that the January 8th work session has been rescheduled to 4:30, and that will appear in your next schedule. Happy holidays! This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 12, 2006.