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2002-08-20 Info Packet of 8/15
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET CiTY OF IOWA. CITY August 15, 2002 www.icgov.org I AUGUST 20 WORK SESSION ITEMS I IPI Memorandum from City Manager: Neighborhood Housing Relations Task Force IP2 Memorandum from Airport Commission: Financial analysis - Memo dated June 20, 2002 IP3 Memorandum from Fire Chief: Fire Department Strategic Plan IP4 Letter from James Berry to City Manager: Fire Department Strategic Plan IP5 Letter from Jude West to City Manager: Fire Department Strategic Plan IP6 Letter from Mike O'Donnell and Dee Vanderhoef to Johnson Co Bd of Supervisors: SEATS Paratransit Agreement I MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS IP7 Memorandum from City Manager: Comprehensive Plan Update IP8 Memorandum from Civil Engineer Spitz to City Manager: Mormon Trek Blvd Extension Project IP9 Memorandum from Brad Neumann to City Manager: Curbside recycling and refuse collection numbers for Iowa City IP10 Minutes: June 19, 2002 - Joint Meeting IPll Minutes: June 14, 2002 - Iowa City Area Development Group IP12 Minutes: July 18, 2002 - Iowa City / U of I Relations Committee Memorandum from City Manager: Liability Insurance Coverage for Senior Center Vendors Memorandum from Urban Planning Planner: Historic and Conservation Districts CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET CITY OF IOWA CITY August 15, 2002 www.icgov.org I AUGUST 20 WORK SESSION ITEMS IP1 Memorandum from City Manager: Neighborhood/Housing Relations Task Force IP2 Memorandum from,,, Airport Commission: Finance,al analysis - Memo dated June 20, 2002 IP3 Memorandum :ire Chief: Fire DepartmTt Strategic Plan IP4 Letter from James to City Manager: Fi~'e Department Strategic Plan IP5 Letter from Jude West to y Manager: F~e Department Strategic Plan IP6 Letter from Mike Dee?anderhoef to Johnson Co Bd of Supervisors: SEATS Paratransit Ag / MISCE IP7 Memorandum from Cil Comp~r~hensive Plan Update IP8 Memorandum from Civil Eno itz to CItV Manager: Mormon Trek Blvd Extension Project IP9 Memorandum from to City Manager: Curbside recycling and refuse collection numbers fo \ IP10 Minutes: June 19, 2(] - Joint Meeting IPll Minutes: June 14 - Iowa City Area Development Group IP12 Minutes: July 11 002 - Iowa City / U of I Relations Committee City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: August 9, 2002 To: City Council From: City Manager Re: Neighborhood Housing Relations Task Force The report issued by the task rome involves some 25 separate items for consideration. Some are of an administrative nature, and I have taken action to implement those items where appropriate. The task force also requested a number of the City Council policy/legislative directives. The following represents a general commentary on Task Force issues. As expected, the recommendations of the Neighborhood Housing Relations Task Force can be accomplished if the resources are provided in terms of staffing and funding. This will be difficult, given the available funds in the City's General Fund. The immediate concern is the adoption of some of these proposals without proper funding will result in their failure. It is important that the City put into place strong enforcement criteria to deal with the "nuisance" properties, demonstrate success in combating those issues in the neighborhoods where they exist, and further open communication with citizens through an advisory committee and attendance at Neighborhood meetings. The Housing Relations Committee (as proposed) would be the ongoing resource to both HIS and Police to provide feedback, generate new ideas, increase access to the decision making process, increase innovation and creativity, and provide input on ordinances and/or procedural matters. COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE POLICY ISSUES 1. Adopt an ordinance increasing fines for municipal infractions involving nuisance violations. Municipal infraction fines for Nuisances as well as Housing Code violations have not been increased in a number of years. Increasing fines should get the "attention" of a person violating the law but should not be expected to generate much revenue for the City. Each municipal infraction issued results in considerable staff time to prosecute and removes an inspector from his/her regular inspection responsibilities. August9,2002 Page 2 By way of background, a municipal infraction is a violation of any City ordinance, with few exceptions. Typical ones include renting without a permit, accumulation of junk, over-occupancy, etc. For nearly every municipal infraction, Iowa City's current fines are $100 for the first offense, $250 for the second offense, and $500 for the third. The amount is set by ordinance. Exceptions are environmental infractions, which state law allows to be set higher, and Iowa City's is $1,000. Animal Control violations begin at $10 for the first offense. State law allows a city to set these fines at a maximum of $500 for the first offense and $750 for the third offense. The Task Force has requested an increase to $250 for first, $500 for second and $750 for third offense. The fine is a request and ultimately set by the judge. It is not automatic. Judges will most often assess the fine if requested. Increases would not be out of line with other Iowa cities. 2. Establish a citizen committee to advise staff An important part of the task force process involved neighborhood representatives. Code enforcement can only improve through communication with individuals receiving service, and also serves as an opportunity to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to enforcement. Two members of the Task Force (Ann Vespa and Larry Svobda) served on the Housing Client Advisory Committee. This committee was utilized several years ago to help improve City relations with the Greater iowa City Area Apartment Owners Association. A new committee is recommended by the Task Force. This "Housing Relations Committee" (my name) could help establish a similar, improved relationship with landlords, tenants, and City government. We would recommend that at least three neighborhood representatives serve on this committee as well as representatives of the apartment owners and tenants. The Police and Housing Inspection would be represented at each meeting. August 9, 2002 Page 3 An additional City committee creates the need to provide staff support which I would intend to assign to the Department of Housing and Inspection Services. While the Task Force recommended the City Manager appoint a citizens committee, my preference is if the Council is interested in this committee, then the Council should be responsible for the makeup and naming of the individuals to serve. Additionally, to improve communication the Police and HIS representatives would be invited at least annually to neighborhood association meetings. 3. Adopt an ordinance amending parking to require cars be parked at least three (3) feet from driveways. Needs more analysis. 4. Adopt a resolution to move all single-family and duplex rental units to a two- year permit review cycle. While the HIS staff supports this recommendation, under our present staffing level we cannot accomplish this goal. HIS has advised me they will request in the upcoming budget cycle an additional staff inspector to meet the demand under the present permit review system. HIS agrees with the Task Force, that some of the most difficult properties we deal with are single-family/duplex rental units. We believe targeting "nuisance" properties will address this particular issue until we can staff to the level required for a two-year permit review cycle. The City's General Fund will be difficult to balance next year as it was this year, and additional monies are not now available. 5. Adopt an ordinance requiring rental permits to be posted on rental properties. It seems more efficient to provide the information on the web page and to not create another circumstance in which rental properties can fail due to the lack of a posted rental permit. This proposal would require at least three years to be implemented. August9,2002 Page 4 6. Adopt an ordinance with mandatory lease addenda specifying occupancy limits and otherterms. There is likely redundancy between this and puffing occupancy limits on the rental permit. A mandatory lease addendum is okay as long as the lease addendum is not required to be on file with the City and reviewed with each inspection. This recommendation would also take three years to fully implement. If the City adopts a rigorous code enforcement program on "nuisance" properties, (see later recommendation) it is debatable as to whether the lease addendum is necessary. 7. Revise the Housing Code notification requirements to allow verbal notification for violations requiring immediate action (e.g., blowing trash). One of the issues mentioned in the committee meetings was the time it took to notify a property owner to bring about correction. The Housing Code presently requires all notification of violations in writing. We would propose amending our Code to allow verbal notification in some circumstances. This matter needs to be reviewed by Legal. OPERA TIONAL ISSUES/POLICIES 8. Direct City Manager to initiate promotional and educational efforts to detail initiatives, emphasizing City Council's support and need for cooperation of the City, County and court officials. A number of initiatives are underway, which seem to fulfill the intent of this proposal: · Web page · Citizens committee · Information sharing among departments · Council policy/ordinance initiatives · Council-Student Government committee · Regularly scheduled attendance at neighborhood meetings August 9, 2002 Page 5 9. Direct City Manager to direct police to issue citations in disorderly house occurrences more frequently, and, where appropriate, on the first call. Direct police to develop program for notifying landlords at the time of violation. Some systematic means to maintain an enforcement history on a property in order to warrant first call action needs to be implemented. This is underway. Landlords need to be asked how to go about establishing a notification policy in order to create a systematic means to make them aware of the circumstances being handled by the police at close to the time the actual violation/incident has occurred. This would be a good topic for the proposed Housing Relations Committee or can be taken to the Apartment Owners' Association for review. 10. Direct City Manager to develop procedures for police and housing inspection to keep complaint records up to date and keep each other apprised of activities related to properties, particularly disorderly house, criminal activity, over-occupancy and other housing-related issues. The Police computer and HIS computer systems cannot now share data. Resolution of this circumstance is underway. Representatives of the Police and HIS will meet on a regular basis to discuss nuisance properties. 11. Direct City Manager to direct police to consider increased patrols of neighborhoods experiencing disorderly house and criminal complaints. For example, foot patrols in near-town neighborhoods between 2-3:00 a.m. This matter is under review. We have limited ability to create additional police presence in neighborhoods. Foot patrols severely limit an officer's ability to respond to emergencies, and we are now considering bicycle patrol as a means to respond. It must be noted that the presence of officers can likely be increased, but without their patrol car, they are denied aid of computers and other support equipment that comes with a marked patrol unit. 12. Direct City Manager to direct police to utilize the municipal infraction process to cite properties in violation of zoning and housing codes. August 9, 2002 Page 6 This matter is under review to determine training needs and overall implications on other duty assignments of officers. The cursory review is that we can accomplish this proposal. 13. Direct City Manager to direct Police, Housing Inspection, and Legal to enforce codes pro-actively, rather than awaiting complaints. 14. Direct City Manager to direct Housing Inspection to develop a process to identify and address properties that are subject to numerous complaints. Amend the City Code to require increased accountability for landlords and tenants of "nuisance" properties. Properties found to be a "nuisance" be required for five years to have annual rental permit inspections, City-approved lease addendum, annual review and approval of the lease, annual meetings with the City, and in cases where the nuisance properties fail to comply that they be subject to revocation of the rental permit. Review of HIS enforcement records indicates that nuisance rental properties make up approximately 1% or less of rental properties. It is a more efficient use of City resources to apply significantly increase enforcement efforts to properties causing problems. This stepped-up enforcement program will burden staff, but we believe can be accommodated without additional staff. 15. Direct City Manager to direct Legal staff to work with County Attorney and U.S. Attorney for future actions in appropriate (drug-related) cases. Under review. 16. Direct City Manager to direct Legal staff to work with Housing Inspection staff to urge property owners to make use of the clear and present danger provisions of the State Code. The Housing Relations Committee may want to discuss this matter. However, it does appear to be an issue that individual property owners (landlords) must decide August 9, 2002 Page 7 whether it is in their interest to seek legal help and utilize this component of the State Code. 17. Direct City Manager to direct Housing Inspection to develop a policy to alleviate blowing trash problems, including requiring newspaper deliveries to be made to porches or inside multifamily units, and be bound and bagged. This proposal is difficult if not impossible to enforce, and most certainly would take away from enforcement activities which clearly have greater priority. We will contact each of the three daily newspapers to seek their input into addressing this situation. 18. Direct City Manager to consider a process for reporting unpaid fines to credit agencies. We had trouble understanding how reporting unpaid fines to a credit agency improves enforcement. Under the municipal infractions law, the City can and has garnished wages or put liens against property for unpaid fines. The Court system does not have an effective program for fine collection; therefore, the burden falls back on the City to pursue these fines, which we now do. 19. Direct City Manager to establish an amnesty day for disposal of large appliances and furniture, perhaps twice a year. The City has, for several years, as a result of the Housing Client Advisory Committee discussions, had a trash "suspension" week for rental properties held in the spring and the fall. This "suspension" week has been quite successful, and has created a positive working relationship between the apartment owners and the City. The issues for amnesty day and "suspension week" are different. A proposal for a city-wide program is being prepared for Council consideration. 20. Direct City Manager to direct Planning and Zoning staff to include mandatory participation in Good Neighbor Policy in zoning code revisions. August 9, 2002 Page 8 It would seem the only effective way to require use of the Good Neighbor Policy is to have it legislatively adopted and incorporated in some fashion into our zoning code. It seems difficult to legislate zoning and development "behavior". 21. Direct City Manager to direct staff to develop information packets for landlords/property managers that cover...(variety code enforcement, tenantJlandlord info). As part of the collaborative effort by the Council-University Student Committee, the City is in the process of developing a University-City Issues web page that will contain information of particular interest to students. Tenant issues could easily be added to that existing page. 22. Direct City Manager to direct staff to work with University of Iowa administration to create rental information packet for students/tenants. We will approach the University administration. 23. Direct City Manager to direct Housing Inspection staff to revise rental permits to include occupancy limits, name/contact information, and permit posting requirement. We would agree with this recommendation in terms of revising the rental permit to have more information. A caveat concerning defining occupancy limits on each rental permit: HIS presently considers occupancy on a complaint basis; therefore, we do not have information about the occupancy limits of every rental structure in Iowa City. To determine the occupancy limit of every rental structure in Iowa City would take a minimum of three years, with additional staff hired. 24. Direct Planning and Zoning staff to develop pilot residential permit parking program, of three to five years in length. Issuance of permits should be tied to occupancy limits and payments of outstanding fines to City. Being prepared. August9,2002 Page 9 OTHER ISSUES 25. Develop a code enforcement web page designed specifically for neighborhood and tenant questions/issues. It is important for effective code enforcement and public information that it be easy to use and available to the public 24/7. This can best be done, in our opinion, through a web page. The difficulty is finding the staff time to develop easy-to- understand material for the Web, and designing an easy-to-use web page. A great deal of information has already been created by Housing Inspection, but need to be reformatted for a web page. I believe this can be accomplished in-house, but needs to be a priority, which will be arranged. The web page information should also be designed to be used as a printed information packet, information on a web page reduces the City's cost in terms of having to produce information packets, keeping them printed, and distributing them on a regular basis. The web page would contain links to the Neighborhood Associations and City regulations (such as nuisances, on-street parking and noise). In addition, the page would have direct access to Permit Plan, a computer program maintained by Housing and Inspection Services. Permit Plan houses property records such as building permits, citations, and resulting penalties. Web users will have access to those property records. This accessible information will also become a useful communication tool between Housing and Inspection Services and our Police Department. mgr/mem/mcplviolfees.doc IOWA CITY MUNICIPAL AIRPORT 1801 South Riverside Drive Iowa City, Iowa 52246 Office Phone (319) 365-5045 Memorandum To: City Council From: Airport Commission Date: August 13, 2002 Re: Financial analysis - Memo dated June 20, 2002 The Commission has carefully reviewed the analysis of the Airport reported to the Council in a memo dated June 20, 2002. The report was a general overview of several things the Commission has been addressing over the last several months. It was eacoutaging to note that many of the points Of interest in the analysis are issues the Commission is nearing completion on. As a volunteer board, it is good to know that other City staffhas come to tho same conclusion as the Commission as ~ar as what issues should be addressed. Ciadfic~un is needed on several iesue~. FJther a hck Of knowledge or infom~ion about tho Ahport operati~s may have lead to some assumptions that could be somewhat misleading to the Council. The Airport is like other City departments in many ways~ but because Of the direct relationship with tho Iowa Department Of Transportafiun, the Federal Aviation Administration and a large number of private tenants, some Of the operations are more difficult to understand than with other City departments. That is one of the reasons tho Commission is here to assist you. The Commission would like to address tho issue of reduced income and tho rocommandatiOl~ as stated in the report un pa~e 6 Ofthe June 20 memo to Council. Item 1. Reduced Income. l)iscussion. As can be seen and substantiated in the report from the Finance Department, the expenses Of the Airport have not increased dramatically. In/hct, the opemt/nF_ exoeases have declined through cost cutting and conservation efforts by the Airport Commission and the Airport Manager. The most significant change was the loss of out major tenant, Iowa City Flying Service (ICFS). ICFS had a contract to repaythe Airport for the construction of Building F. Thro.gh their lease, ICF$ guaranteed rent payments for the next twenty (20) years. The rent payments wore stmctmed to pay for the building, including interest costs, bythe ~ad oftha meaty-year lease. The $ 700,000 project required a monflflypayment of approximately $5400 in order to cash flow. The project was submitted to and approved by the City Coancil. After two years, ICFS defaulted on their lease and their Fixed Base Operator (FBO) service agreement, leaving the Airport without aviation services, empty buildings and an income deficit. Airport services were contracted out while a search for a new FBO was conducted. This added to the budget deficit. The events of September 11, 2001, created additional problems for the aviation industry and made f'mding a permanent FBO difficult. Most FBO's struggled to remain in business and many failed. Most of the FBO candidates that had expressed interest in Iowa City prior to September 11 were apprehensive about their current businesses, to say nothing of expanding to a new mark~ in Iowa City. The Commission was able to attract Jet Air, Inc. a high quality FBO, to Iowa City to provide aviation services. Unfortunately, industry and business conditions did not allow for tho new business to assume the loan for Building F. The Commission had to allow them time to build a new market and client base. A graduated rent structure was offered to allow Jet Air to get stasted and hepefolly be successful. Jet Air was to pay less rent than ICFS, but they also leased less space. That additional office and hangar space was leased out to other aviation businesses. The following table is a comparison of the past and current FBO rents. BUILDING LEASE COMPARISON Iowa City Flying Service Area leased Jet Air~ Inc. 5,400 Building F - shop/storage $ 200 - $ 2,200 (graduated) 800 Building D - old shop NA (IOW Aero $ 500) 1,500 Buildings A, B, C -t-hangars NA (individual leases $3000) 800 Building E - Terminal $ 800 826 Building G - Hangar//32 NA (LC.Aircraft Repair $450) 9r~26 -total $ 4~950 - $ 6v050 The rent being collected from Jet Air as compared to ICFS is $ 4376 less. This will be reduced to a shortfall of $ 2376 as the graduated rent scale is implemented. Other factors will also improve to increase the budget over the term of the FBO lease, including incremental CPI increases for Buildings D and F, and increases in the fuel flowage fee. There are two other items from the Finance Department's report that require clarification. 1. The infrastructure loan for Buildings K is being paid for by the rents from those hangars, supplemented by rents generated from Buildings A, B, and C. This was discussed bythe Finance Director and the Airport Manager before the building was built. The repayment schedule for Buildings I and J were generated by the Finance Depamnent at the time the buildings were built, based on the knowledge of what the hangar rents would be and what the construction costs would be. 2. The increased amounts for the General Obhgation Debt fund(table of page 6 ofthe Finance Department report) are a result of the City Council acceptance of Airport infrastructure improvements and are not additional debts that the Airport is servicing. These reflect Capital Improvement investments that the Council has approved as part of the normal maintenance of any part of the City infrastructure. The income shortages, minus the cuts and reductions the Commission has made, ar0 the sum total of the additional support the Airport is receiving from the General Fond. The costs to maintain the quality of serv/ce expected from the Airport will be higher until the Commission is able to ~th~ot mom business to the Ahport and the number of tenants is increased. Item 2. Hangar rents submitted to Accounting. Discussion. As the system works now, the Airport Mnnnooer mails out invoices on a monthly basis. When rent is received, tho Airport ]V/nnn~er documents tho receipt and submits it to Accounting for deposit. The Airport does not have a separate bnnk account. The money is credited to the Airport account through Accounting and is managed by the Finance Department. Conclusion: The Commission believes it is importanI for the Airport Manager to know tbe status of the hangar rents en an ongoing basis. It would save the Manager several hours o£ work per month if Accounting did the b'flling and received the money, but the Commission would not have instant knowledge of who is current on the rent. Accounting could generate a rent report on a monthly basis, but another report would increase their workload. The report information would be a month old. Because many City departments charge back to the Airport for services, this would increase the Airport's budget. This is the opposite oftbe goal we are toying to accomplish. Tho Commission would have to pay additional money for what the Airport Manager now does. The Commission would not object to the Finance Department providing billing services as long as there are not charge backs to increase the Airport's budget. Item 3. Capital improvements in lieu of rent. Discussion. There was only one ex~mp, lo of this happening in the analysis conducted by the Finance Department. The project was to install a new power line for the nmway approach lights for Ronway 25. The line was cut when Ruppert Road was constructed. In that instance, three proposals were received for the project. One of our tenant's businesses had submiiYted the lowest proposal and did not suggest trading rent for labor until at~r being awarded the project. It was not a factor in awarding the project. Cone, l~qinn: The Commi.~ion agro~ with the ana[ysis that if labor in.lien ofre~ is allowed, it should be based on competitive bidding and should be documented. In order to avoid any misperceptions, the Commission would not exchange labor for rent in the future. Item 4. Utility usage. Discussion. Except for tbe Terminal Building, the tenants paytheir own utilities inthe buddings that are individ~,nlly metered (Bldgs. D, F, G, and lO. In the t-hangars, it would be cost prohibitive to meter 64 individual hangars. The Commission has discussed metering the hangars individually each time a newt-hangar was built, The construction costs and monthly meter fee would not have made this a good business decision. Conclusion: The month to month variances in the larger buildings and hangars are paid for directly by the tenants. It was not deemed practical to meter each t-hangar. That could be revisited if usage and/or costs increase dramatica~y. The Commission has been discussing this for several months and a uniform per month electricity fee for the t-hangars will be included as a prat of the now hangar lease. Item 5. Airport Manager's e-mail, Discussion. At this time, the e-mail service to the airport manager's office is not always dependable. It occasionally takes several days to receive some e-mail, Conclusion: The Airport Manager has discussed this with ITS several times. Them is a glitch in the system somewhere, ITS plans to install new communication lines to connect all City departments. This would likely resolve the problem. The Airport Manager's computer is also scheduled to be replaced, although ITS has checked the computer a couple of times and it does not appear to be a hardware problem. The Airport Manager has informed ITS that if they are going to back charge all enterprise funds for the new line service, the Airport will have to wait until next years budget. Thom is no money budgeted to install now lines to tho Airport. Item 6. Conduct annual inspections. Discussion. The hangars are usually inspected twice a year for maintenance items. The new t-hangar leases will state that there will be at least annnai inspections to ensure lease Conclusion: The Commission agrees there should be at least annual inspections to ensure safety. As long as the tenant is using the hangar for avintien purposes, and the storage of other personal property does not violate any safety standards, the Commission does not object June 20 memo made public and published a list of their personal items. For security reasons, they did not believe it was in their interest or the Airport's interest to publish a list of hangar contents. It was not essential for completing the task of providing the Council with a financial review of the Airport. Item 7. Tenant insurance requirements. Discussion. There were not current insurance certificates on file for several hangars. Until recently, Buildings A, B, end C were leased to Iowa City Flying Service and ICFS did not have leases or an additional insurance requirement. Of the other hangars with leases, only Building K required a copy of the insurance be submitted with the lease. Conclusion: The majority of insurance certificates not readily available were l~om tenants ortho t-hangars. This would be buildings A, B, C, I, I, & K. Until the Commission took over direct control of the hangars from the FBO last year, there were never any leases for the hangars in Buildings A, B, and C. The insurance in question is for the tenants premise liability. The Airport is covered by a separate liability policy, in addition to the City's general policy. The Commission has developed a new lease for ail the t-hangars. It was reviewed at the July Commission moating. There will be time for public comment and staff review in August. Ifthere are no major revisions aRer public comment, the leases will be sent out in late August or early September and will begin on October 1. A certificate ofinsurence will be required to be attached as part of the lease. The Commission realizes there are difficult budget times anticipated for Iowa City over the next several years. In a way, the Airpoffs budget mirrors the overall City budget. As there are changes in funding sources, the budget needs to be adjusted. Unfertuna~ly for the City and the Airpo~ some funding sources have decreased, at least on a temporary basis. The AL, port will likely feel the effects of Iowa City Flying Serv~ce's default on their lease of Building F for several years. Unlike many other City departments, the Aiiport's main focus is providing a facility, not services. The operations budget has remained relatively steady for the last several years. The Commission does not have the flexibility to increase or decrease services to help balance file budget. The budget is designed to provide a safe facility to meet the needs of business and other general aviation travelers. As is obvious, it is not as much the expenditure side of the budget that has caused the recent problems. It is the income side of the budget. The Commission would like to continue to work with the Council to remedy that issue. Summary: The Commission is a group of volunteers that understands the commitment they have agreed to when appointed by the Council. This is not only an advisory board, like many of the other boards and commissions appointed by the Council, but a commission with the responsibility of setting policy and overseeing Airport operations. Although the Commission is scheduled to meet only once a month, many additional hours a month are required to understand and act on the issues needed to provide a safe and useful facility. Commission members understand their responsibilities and take their appo'mhuent seriously. They are not isolated from the rest of City government. The Commission relies un the Airport Manager as a direct link to the other City sta~ He attends weekly City staffmeetings. The City Attorney's office reviews all legal documents and an attorney is present at Commission meetings. Tho City Manager and department directors know they can contact the Airport Manager directly when information is needed or coordination is required with other City departments. Occasional assistance is needed and is requested from other City staff~. An annual review bythe Finance Department could be beneficial. This is already done to some extent when the Finance Director and City Manager review the next year's proposed budget with the Airport Manager in November or December every year. The Commission would be open to suggestions on how to better utilize the expertise of the Finance Department in reviewing and formulating the budget for each upcoming year. The Commission appreciates the time and effort involved in the Finance Depamnent's review and will continue to commit the time and expertise needed to formulate and administer Airport policy. Iowa City Fire Department "Serving with Pride and Professionalism Since 1872" TO: Iowa City City Council ~ ~ FROM: Andrew J. Rocca, Fire Chief RE: Fire Department Strategic Plan The City Council is scheduled to discuss the Fire Department Strategic Plan on August 19th and 20th. The plan was previously distributed to Council in the June 27, 2002, City Council Information Packet (1178 & 1~9). AJR/bdm cc: Stephen J. Atkins, City Manager FIREDEPARTMENT · 410E. WashingtonStreet * lowaCity, IA 52240 Phone'(319) 356-5260 FAX: (319) 356-5263 www. icfdorg Office of the Fire Chief Office of the Fire Marshal Battalion Chiefs Fire Training Haz~Viat Public Education Fire Administration Fire Prevention Bureau Station I Station I Station 2 Station 3 (319) 356-5256 (319) 356-5257 (319) 356-5262 (319) 356-5258 (319) 356-5266 (319) 356-5265 City Manager City of Iowa City Administrative Building Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear Steve: During this past year, I had the opportunity to work with Chief Andy Rocca, his leadership staff and two other non-city employed persons on the development of a long range strategic plan for the Iowa City Fire Department. This assignment was a most enjoyable one in that I did get to know and develop a high degree of respect for members of the Iowa City Fire Department. The Plan that resulted from the many hours of discussion is one that should provide guidance to the ICFD and the city of Iowa City for years to come. The members of this planning committee were provided volumes of resource material that was diligently reviewed by all. Conclusions drawn were based not only on the expertise of the ICFD members but also on the experience brought to the "table" by those of us with totally different backgrounds but in related fields. I am hopeful that Iowa City administrators and the Council will give favorable consideration to the recommendations emanating from this report. Sincerely, mes R. Berry 69 Hickory Trail Iowa City, IA 52245 319/351-4394 Mr. Steve Atkins Iowa City Manager 410 E Washington Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear Mr. Atkins: It is my understanding that the City Council will soon be reviewing the Iowa City Fire Department's Ten-Year Strategic Plan. As facilitator of the discussions leading up to this final report, I wish to comment on this endeavor and its product. The fire department has been working on a strategic direction since 1997. In the various planning steps, efforts were made to include all members of the department in the planning and review of the various reports. This work, beginning in March of 2000, lead up to the final stage of laying out a ten-year plan. The Chief and his key administrative team, plus JeffDavidson, Ann Rhodes, James Ben'y and I met monthly from May of 2001 to January, 2002 to critically analyze the strengths and concerns of the department, the demands which are and will be placed on the department because of the 9/11 event and the wishes of the City Council as reflected in their goal statements. The result of these discussions was a series of goals for the FY03 to FY05, TY06 to FY08 and FY09 to FY13 time periods. Implementation of these goals will position the fire department to adequately protect the Iowa City citizens, the Johnson County citizens and the unique safety need of the University of Iowa and its students. During these meeting, the fire department demonstrated a professional view of their role in the safety of the citizens, their leadership efforts in Johnson County and their desire to improve all aspects of their work. Of particular importance was the goal to be the first Iowa fire department to receive accreditation from the National Fire Service Accreditation Agency. This vision, plus their yearly efforts to continuously improve their operations, demonstrates their enthusiastic effort to make their value statements a reality. I commend this fire department/local citizenry committee for their many hours of hard work. Issues were seriously studied, debated and realistically evaluated. Their efforts resulted in a well thought out strategic plan for the future, based upon the department's values, vision and mission. I endorse this ten-year strategic plan for its thoroughness, logic, rationale and professionalism. I trust that the City Council members will appreciate the effort put into this endeavor, the thoroughness of its content and will positively endorse the recommendations laid out in the document. I will not be able to attend the August 20th meeting because I am giving a presentation in Des Moines. IfI can be of any assistance to you or the Council regarding the plan at a later date, I would be happy to do so. College of Business Administration 108 Pappajohn Bus. Adm. Bldg. Room W294B 319/335-1012 Office of Management and Business Development Iowa City, Iowa 52242 1000 FAX 319/335-1873 My best wishes to you and the City Council as you study this impressive document. S~ncerely, Jfu~i!~Dir~ecto~r,~I~Pro fit Resource Center and Professor Emeritus, Management and Organizational Department Henry B. Tippie College of Business The University of Iowa cc. Chief Andy Rocca, Iowa City Fire Departmem CITY OF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org August 12, 2002 CITY COUNCIL Ms. Carol Thompson, Chair Johnson County Board of Supervisors 930 S. Dubuque Street Ernest W. Lehman Iowa City, IA 52240 Mayor Dear Carol: Dee Vanderhoef Mayor Pro Tern As you know, we have now entered the last year of our five-year SEATS paratransit Connie Champion agreement. We were anxious to discuss future services and appreciated the County's Irvin Pfab response to begin discussions a year in advance. The original proposal as put forth in a Steven Kanner memorandum from the SEATS Director dated June 10 was reviewed in detail and, in our Mike O'Donnell judgment, served as the County's response/proposal for a future contractual agreement. We Ross Wilburn believed that the numbers put forth in our response to this agreement were in line with what we had budgeted in our future fiscal years in accordance with the City's practice of budgeting three years of operating expenses. We had anticipated another multi-year agreement. We prepared our June 24 response to you under those circumstances. At our meeting of Tuesday, July 23, we were informed the information in the June 10 memorandum was to serve as the basis for our discussions. You provided a revised proposal which indicated the cost of paratransit to the City would be substantially more than we were surmising from the original June 10 proposal and was used in our response to you of June 24. In the July 22 information, Johnson County would agree to provide paratransit service for Iowa City at a fee of $856,000 for the first service year of the new contract (FY04). This is an increase of $293,000 over the FY03 contracted amount of $563,000, or a 51% increase. Quite candidly, the City's General Fund budget cannot absorb an increase of this magnitude. Our budgets are balanced, and have been done so with difficulty--not unlike your circumstances. As a result, it is our judgment that we are best served for future cost controls to pursue other paratransit options, up to and including the provision of paratransit services as a direct City service. To fulfill this substantial expense increase could serve to jeopardize our fixed route system, which we believe to be the backbone of our public transit service in our community. The increase proposed would have profound effect on our ability to finance these services. We will recommend to the full City Council by copy of this memo that staff be directed to initiate a program planning and policy process whereby paratransit service be incorporated into our City's Department of Parking and Transit. We would hope to work together with the County for the remainder of the current contract (through June 30, 2003) in order to assure a smooth transition without service interruptions. The substantial increase of 51% in cost assigned to the City is such that we believe we must pursue the design and development of our own paratransit system. Sincerely, Mike O'Donnell Dee Vanderhoef 410 E. Washington Street Iowa Ciiy, IA 52240 mgr~ltrkthomcsonT-24-02.doc Phone: (319) 356-5010 Fax: (319) 356-5009 City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: August 6, 2002 To: City Council From: City Manager Re: Comprehensive Plan Update At the May 6, 2002 work session the Council discussed revisiting the Comprehensive Plan and outlined a number of issues, most of which focused on the provision of opportunities for large-scale multi-family apartment complexes. Direction to staff was to condense the issues expressed, review the sections of the current Comprehensive Plan which would need amendment to address the issues, and come back to the Council for a consensus on whether and how to proceed. This item has not been rescheduled for Council discussion due to the heavy agendas of subsequent Council meetings and the Council's schedule. As soon as there is a reasonable time slot on your agenda, this item will be brought forward. CC Director of Planning City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: August 13th, 2002 To: Steve Atkins, City Manager From: Ross Spitz, Civil Engineer Re: Mormon Trek Boulevard Extension Project Attached are the comments and transcription from the public hearing for the Mormon Trek Boulevard extension project. The public heating was held at the Iowa City Airport on July 17th, 2002 at 7:00pm. The hearing is part of the environmental assessment process required by the Iowa Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration for this project. 08/13/2002 TL~ 08:02 PAX ~002/026 MORMON TREK BOULEVARD EXTENSION IOWA HIGHVVAY 1 TO IOWA HIGHWAY 921 LOCATION/DESIGN PUBLIC HEARING July 17. 2002. Ross Spitz, Engineering: Okay, we're ready to start the meeting hero tonight. For those of you who donl know me, my name's Ross Spitz, I'm the City representative here tonigl~t. I'Jl be the project manager. Well, from the City's point of view anyway, from the design phase all the way through the constnJction phase. If there's any questions or any concerns you want the City to hear, I'm a Very good contact. I just wanted to let you guys know that I have business cards if anybody to grab one after the meeting. Other than that, I'd like to introduce Craig Chumbley from Earth Tech. We've hired Earth Tach to do the design for the City on this project. So we're just overseeing it. Craig Chumbley, Eerbh Tach: Thanks, Ross. Well, I'm here to basically sort of introduce what we've done for this project, and introduce some of the environmental pm(ess. So, the purpose of the public headng essentially is to roview the environmental assessment process. We'll get into that a little bit further along. Review the purpose of and need for the project, in other words, why the project is built, is going to be built. Discuss the ways that we looked at to address the project's purpose and need by means of d~erent alternatives. Discuss design and right-of-way needs and basically, we'll go through a bit of a presentation there. But the primary purpose is the bottom line there, receive public comments and questions. And we'll be providing several different ways for you to do that. Project manager Mike Beardon will be explaining that a little bit later on. First of all, project iocafion is, I think everybody knows. Basically it begins over hera at Mormon Trek, the Intersection of Mormon Trek and Highway 1. Extends over to Highway 921. I believe some people probably still think of that as Riverside Drive, but it's ectually Highway 921 now. And the first thing that I wanted to talk about then is the environmental process. The idea here is that this is a ... it's a project that is going to do roceive some federal funding. And as a result of that federal furlding, it needs to meet the requirements of the National Environment Policy Act of 1969. Okay, so in order to comply with NEPA, an environmental assessment was prepared for the project, which we basically looked at, looked at the various purpose and need requirements, the altamatlves, the impacts. And we completed the EA on June 28~h of this year. Then after that, there is a public hearing and at the public hearing, we have a comment period. Obviously, the EA was released a little over two weeks now. The comment period for the public headng ends on July 29~' and then there will be a couple of additional things after that, for receiving comments on the environmental assessment. Then, the next step after that, after we've had a chance to digest ali the information obtained from the public hearing and from any additional comments on the environmental assessment, then we look, finish and get a final environmental document sometime in about, I believe, mid-September. So the environmental assessment basically looks at the possible environmental impacts. These are just a few of the major ones: archaeological, historic sites, wetlands, endangered species, noise and air quality. There are a lot of others. Things like, you know, flood plains and displacements, so on. Really not anything significant in the way of impacts that were found as a result of the EA process. And that brings us to the purpose and need for the project, and this is where I will step down and I'd like to introduce Mike Beardon. our project manager. 08/13/2002 '["d~ 08:02 YA[ ~003/026 Mike Beardon, EarthTech: Thanks, Craig. It's good to see a bunch of you again. I've had a chance to meet with almost everyone prior to this meeting, which you've been helpful as we've put together the project. When the City was looking at the Comprehensive Plan that was adopted by the Council, they were interested in development out by the airport, particularly industrial and COmmercial development, and as they looked at that they realized that the increased traffic volumes on Highway 1 were becoming a problem. There mall), was no additional alternative routes available to be able to siphon off some of that traffic. There really wasn't any access for local development. And along with all the traffic, traffic safety was becoming a problem. Quite a significant number of accidents on that, I've got some information on that. The traffic volume on 1 Itself has increased from 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles per day in 1990 to between 20,000 and 25,000 vehicles per day in 2000. Highway I is just about to its capacity. If you drive that, you probably realize the congestion, and that's also what's causing part of the accidents, more people out there generating potential traffic problems out there. When you look at the project area, there really is ... there really isn't any additional east- west routes available. Here's Mormon Trek and Highway 1, here's 921, there really isn't any way to relieve that. Particularly if you're gonna develop this area out here. I mean, look at the land use map. You can see in there the plan is, this is for.., this is for, the orange is industrial commercial, with additional commercial and then obviously the rest of the airport property. You go back to the existing road system, there just isn't any way to serve that. That's really the biggest need for the project is to be able to serve this area, to continue development of that part of Iowa City. I talked about traffic and accidents. On Highway 1, since 1995 to 1999 there's been over 300 crashes on that segment, resulting in over 120 injuries. That's above the state average. Five percent above the state average, which is pretty significant. That's a let of accidents within that segment on there, so we're to the ... about to the capacity of Highway 1. So, as we talk about the project need, and Craig talked about some of the environmental issues, we think there needs to be a coffidor, or some infrastructure improvements to be able to relieve some of the traffic volumes. If you add the additional growth out there, you're just going to compound that traffic problem, but there really isn't the altemafive routes you need to be able to get to the local development, and obviously we~,e got to be able to relieve that traffic So we don't make it more of a congested area. The alternatives that Were considered: there really was a north alternative, a south alternative and a no-action alternative. In addition to that, as part of the location study completed in 1999 with Bob . and Craig Chumbley doing that, there really was a much larger group of atiemafives reviewed. You can see there's, everything started essentially from Mormon Trek on 1 and you got over here to 921 one way or another, and then continued on east. But all of these were evaluated as part of the location study and then came back to the final alternatives that were reviewed in quite detail as part of the environmental document. Again, it was the north alternative which ended up being the preferred alternative, and a southerly alternative. The other alternative would be the no-action alternative, which would be obviously the cheapest alternative and no impacts, but it doesn't solve any of the problems that the Comprehensive Plan for the City needs to address, end just the continued development of that part of Iowa City. Summary of the impacts: Project length is about 1.3 miles. There's about six properties affected requiring about 20 acres of right-of-way. There is one displacement. Woodland and wetland impacts are none, and the estimated cost is about $3,9 million, Project schedule: We're at the public hearing tonight. Final environmental document will be completed In September, and we anticipate the Federal Highway to give approval of the project in mid-September. And when that happens we can proceed with the final design. We're in the preliminary design stage 08/13/2002 TUE 08:03 FAX ~004/026 at this point. We go into final design and then initiate the property acquisition phase. Now, ti~at should take place in late 2002 and early 2003, and if we stay on track with all of that, we anticipate construction in 2003. Craig indicated there are several wa~s for you to participate. I mean that's what this is really all about. Obviously, we're here to be able to answer questions. We've been able to talk with many of you before the meeting and well be hem as long as there's people. The handouts you got, if you did not get one of these, pick one of these up, On the back (~f that there is a comment form that you can fill out you can either leave with us, or you [:an send them in. Or we can tape record if you want to do an oral comment, we can do that as well. If you are going to mail. we would like them back by the 29m so we can include them in the rest of the document~ that go on to Federal Highway. With that, that's kind of our short presentation, At this point, we kind of anticipate breaking back up and meeting with you individually to talk about specifics of your property or how it affects you. and we can fill out.., we'll help you fill out the comments or you can fill them out, I~ut it is important that we get your comments. We do need everybody to fill out the affendance thing, that's important to have that for the record. 08/13/2002 TUE 08:03 FA~ ~005/026 MORMON TREK EXTENSION LOCATION AND DESIGN PRUBLIC HEARING JULY 17, 2002 SIGN-IN S]]EET 08/13/2002 ~ 08:03 FA~ ~005/026 MORMON TREK BOULEVARD EXTENSION [OWA HIGHWAY 1 TO IOWA HIGHWAY 921 IOWA CITY, IOWA LOCATION/DF. SIGN PUBLIC H~.ARING JULY 17, 2002 This memorandum summalizes thc significant comments wh/ch were ;retired during the "open fonun" portion of the Location/Design Public Hearing. Thaze commentz w~m r~;cived by staff members of Earth Tech, Inc., who were prcc~nt at the hearing (Robert Lentz, Michael Bearden and Craig Churnbley). Responses to thc public cenunents arc indicated in parenthesis. 1. Prop~'y owner Tom Williams statod that he did not lik~ thc alignment of the roadway through his property. He would prefer an aligoment which cut through the center of his property so that the roadway could provide access on both sides of thc road. 2. Property owner Bob Wolf expressed a concern that the storm sewer outlets into thc cast-west dilch would cause erosiom He was also co~lccrncd that nmoff from the projeet may eontaminate his lake. 3. Property owner John Dane sngg~stad that Willow Creek he relocated from its present location to the north side of Merman Trek Boulevard. 4. Property owner George Dane disapproved of the proposed alignment for the Danv Road connection west of existing Dane Road. He stated that the proposed connection would not provide good aeeess to his property and may be difficult to negotiate in the wimer duc to thc proposed intersection location near thc top of thc hill on Dane Road. He prefeix a diagonal cennegtion to Dane Road, located on thc neighboring properly which is owned by Jim Day/s_ $. Property owner Jim Davis stated that he would not like the diagonal Dane Road connection as suggested by G~a-g¢ Dane. He prvfers tho cml~;,t alignment, which was shown at this hearing_ 6. One person asked whether people would want to build houses near this project due to the highway noise. (It was noted that tke Mormon Trek Boul~mrd Exteusioa woold 1~ a city arterial street, wRk n $-i~e roadway at~d pra~isiott~ for ~id~lk$ on both side& The j~ture land-me t~n s~Ow$ that most of tko land nartk of Mormon Trel~ Boulevard would be industrial or commercial, w~lte land to the soutk would be residan~al in tk¢ futur~) 7. One pcr~n eoaatmnte, d that Dane Road will need to be upgraded in the futur~ if development occurs in fids area. g. One person asked if the city had already made a final decision on the project. (It wus note~ tkat tke city identified a ul~ref~rred alt~rnatlve' pdar to comldetlng the £nvlronmantal dlsdedsmen£ Itot~ver~ a final dedslan on the pruject ~il not be made by the City Council until after the comme#tts from tile Pltblie Hearing ~nd the Finat £nvi~onme$tat Assessment comments are available) S 17~ l/Ad~VPblcHr~uff~ql~i~.d~ 08/13/2002 TUE 08:04 FAX ~007/026 J.E.B.B., LLC. Robert & Erma Wolf, Partners 110 Hummingbird Lane Iowa City, IA ~2245 17, 20o2 Civil Engln~r City of IoWa City 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240-1826 lV~r. Spitz: This is our 5a me~ting we have attended about th~ taking of our lsnd for a sewer We signzd a Purchas~ Agr~m~m in tl~ fall of 1998 for the "Maxey" farm located on Dv~e mad and have been making improvements ever since. I have included a breakout for the 25 acres the City of Iowa City will mia v, qth the installation of this new 30 inch scw~r line. We ar~ continuing to seek a location for this pipe in a less centrally,ed mca (along the W~t fence). Wv also have off~vvd to level the path for th~ construction ofth~ piping along the West fence line at no cost to the City. The re,on we were given for not moving it is thc additional footage of pipe, about 300 ~et at $60 per foot installed, totalln about $20,000. Th~ impact of this diagonal rome with '~Aght of Ways' will impact 25 acres of tim 40 acm tract w~ am working on. We need this distance tlm pilse will aut off to r~ucv tlm slope of thc land to a more usabk: grade. Please find a way to relocate this pipe .line in a less dcsiructive place. Thank you, Partn~ Cc: Mr, Miclmcl C, Bemxlon, P.E. Mr. Craig Chumbley F~gth Tcch Traml~rt~.ion Services Earth Tech 501 Sycamore Stre~ - Suite 222 501 Sycamore Street- Suite 222 P. O. Box 1497 P.O. Box 1497 Wat~loo, IA 50704-1497 Wat~loo, IA 50704-1497 J.E.B.B., LLC. Robert & Errna Wolf, Partners I10 Hummingbird Lane Iowa City, IA $2245 COST TO DATE: July 17, 2002 Cosx of Land: 25 acres $37:2,637.00 Includes Intcrczt Engineering: $ 52,403.00 Grading: $131 ,.395.00 Includes Wetlands Mitigation Professional F¢~s: $ 10,900.00 R~tention Basin & Piping: $ 17,864.00 Atcheological Survey: $ 7,545.60 Phase I SUB TOTAL $592,744.60 08/13/2002 TUE 08:04 FA~ ~009/025 CITIZENS COMMENT FORM TO: Mr. Craig Chumbley Earth Tcch 501 Sycamore Street, Suite 222 P.O. Box 1497 W~Ierloo, Iown 50704-1497 RE: Mormon Tr~k Boulevard Extemion Location and Design Public Hear/ng July 17, 200'2 Comments: This is tI~ 5~ meeting we have ~atanded to relocate the sewer line that will ruin 25 aca-es of our pmpea'ty. In the best interest of the City and protect our investment in our land, plea.~ move th~ sewer line to the West feme llne. We will do our part by moving tho dirt for a mnooth Dates of prior meetings: 01-16-02 At MMS Comultams with Chuck Schmadeke and Kira Sh~ra ( to ~how our plan). 04-16-02 Bngineering oonferenee room with Chue& $chma~cko & Michael Bet~len (to view concept drawing). 07-02-02 City Council meeting - Public Hm~ing. 07-15-02 Engineering Department with Chuck ~hmadeke and Ron Amelon of MMS (regarding rerou~ng pipe). 07-17-02 Iow~ City AirpOrt with Michael Bearden, Ross Spitz and a room full oft~ighbors. Please Print: Name: Robe~ H. Wol~ Partner I(do~ do not/_0 desir~ a rcslxmse. Will bc included in the public hearing a-ans~ipt. Addr~s: 110 Hummin~l~Lrd L~ Iowa City IA 52245 Phone: (319) 351-6794 08:04 FAX ~0107028 July17, 201)~ Remarks Prepared for the Earl~ ?ech Pubis: Hearing at the Iowa City Municipal Akport: 11sank yon for the Opl~ftllnit~ to express i11y viow~ at this Public HeathsB. As ~1 property owner direGtly affected by tile proposed Monnan T~ek Emdmmskmm thru are some Issues that need to be addressed. Ever sin~e the Iowa C~ty Airport ~dopted Its Maurer Plan, some aspects of it seem ta be unwise. For exan~le~ Rlanw~ey GG4 b ~lated to be nar~0wed from 150 feet to t00 feet. Then a taxlwny lB *lllted tO be built the full ienoth of the runwlty. In ,n era of declining general aviation, the amount of air train: does n~t SUliPo~t a taxlw~. L]KeWSBe Runway 12-30 is ~lated to bo narrowed from 1BO f~et to 75 feet. A~o, t~e eaat encl of Runway 6-24 Sas within 50 feet of fl,e rlg#t~f.way of Riveeside Drive which will ~m~hs open. If G-24 is extended the proposed Ge0 feet, Ira west end will 8tie be over S00 ~et fr-~4n Dlll~ Ro,d wlllcll lB 81Bred to be closed, Earth Tach stated ]n its Loeotlop I~tudy Report: -While streeto il~ not expre~Jy lafohibited in Runway I~ote~tlon Zones, it is desirable b clear GtE ol~Jacts IVom the RP~' S~ closbg hno ~ b an option that the Akl~rt commission adopted ud~ir.h pr~lpltated the ®arty con~letlon o~ Monmm TMk Bxtended. Had Ding P-Gad slated to remain open. Mormoa Trek E~tendvd mid be bu0t sore 5 t~ 1o years in the btm. If the Airlift Commission would revise the Master Plan to keep tl~e Akpor~ In il~ pre.at coflrqlmtion~ and not extend Runway ~ it Is poss~l~ to Imild Mormon Trek ~xtended at a much Intoner co~t than the current ps~posaL If Altenn4~ NIA w~qo a4folated, t~e new street could be coeIsttucl~d on mostly city owned property and some ~armhmd. It would not pigs through the W~iams' ImmeMead, IMIIoW Gireek could be straightened to It o~glmll path and a milGon dollar ~ulv~rt to ~oaa Willow Creek would not need to bo bull ~litloll of ail airport will be nsolv and more Go~ly ill the futlaflt. 81aGe g-41 w~ have already seen the oamstnaoi~on of ~ecllrlty Bates. 8oon the continuation Gf the chain link fence around ~ entir~ pe~meter d the aklac~ v~l be proposed. We have alrvady ~,e~n one Fixed h~e Operator default on its c4PntraGh Gad rite new one is not Imylng enough rent to retire the debt on the hangars. PrivatG fl~fing b becoming more prohbltlva every da~. It le tJme t~, Im City Airl~ort should plan to downsi~ IIIst4~(I of plannin9 to expancL The cbns of ~W~ C~ty de*4rve no Tel 3t e~3Sd~3630 08/13/2002 T-I_~ 08:05 FA,I ~011/026 08/13/2002 ~ 08:05 ¥,~X ~012/026 BB/B1/20B2 11:12 319~872984 P,C~E~ SERVIC~--~ P~GE B2 4120 Dane Rd. SE Iow~ City, lA 52240 July 28, 2OO2 Crnig Cltumbley P_,m-th Tcc~ PO Box 1497 Wetcrl~o, IA 50704-;1497 1~: Mormon Trek Boulevard Ext~ion D~tr Mr. Cf~nbl~, We at~euded the Location/de, gu Public Hearing on July 17 trust was held to s~fisfy the publlv involvement process required by f~lcml and sta~ resul~ons for t~s project Howev~, dm-lng the conve~ien w~ w~re informed t~-~ the proj~'t was nlrcady half through thc 30-day review proems and R would be unlik~.ly that nny c~ would be made. If ~o, why were we asked for comment~? Will these ~ on deaf ears? Th~ Ixin~try purposes of the proposed project, ~s explained by Earth Te~h, wz to provide to ~ljse~mt properties nnd ncighborhoods, sai~ely ,_~ommo~-,~ ~uture tra~o volumes n.nd reduce Uuifi~ volume ~ Iow~ Hillhway 1. If the ~mees{on is built ss planeed, i~ will end somewhere east of thc present Tom WilUnm~ homestead. This area is phumcd to be developed ~ industrl~ comm~in/aud residential the only accgss mvill be Iowa Highway i_ The traffic will Th~ Ea.,th Tech report indicates the umah r~e oli Iowa Highway ! is already appmxlmately 5 percent higber thn~t tim st'atcwide ~r.~ge i'~ simihr roadways. Why build a road that has thc poicntla{ to add mm'c vehicles? At~x~li~ to thc City, right-of-way wou{d be aoquired for a four. lsue road, however F. arth Teeh said a thx~e-laue road would be built. It s~ems {t wuuld be mo~ cost ~vc to btd]d ~bo fot~ Pri~ to ~e Iowa City City Council meeti~ of;luly 2, 2002, au Al~e~r, ate Route 'B" was propo~xi to conneot NotCh Daan road with the I~gtens{ou. Tlmis was afle~ Earth Tech had completed ~ ]~n~fonmualt~ ASS08S~glmI. T]m~ ~ safety ~ t~.o {]ow uot been addres~d. The connecting route will uot oul,y connect the two homcsteads and farm cummtly present, but will also connect tim ~utore rcsidm,6al, co~e. reial ami indusuial development This conuector is said to be a chip seal sur~ce, wiihtwo hills o~ a riorth slope and 90 degree tums. The mmnneetor would only ueed to be built when runway 6-24 is ex~ended and Not'th Dane Rond is closed. Wh~ exte..,~__ the nmw~y will still be 500 ~'eet East Rd. Why ciose Dane Rd. if this/s not an FAA requin~men~ 08/13/2002 TUg 08:06 FA[ ~013/028 ' 08/81/2082 11:17 3199B72984 ACCESS SEI~[~S P~,E 83 AIth= p~ant t/me fl~ County mah~g~s Dane Road ~ d~ ~ ~H~ j~. ~ Tmh ~d th~ ~ ~d ~ly ~ ~ a~ ~ ~10 ~ ~e C~ ~ it ~ ~ ~. ~ ~e no~ ~ ofD~ R~ is c~ ~e ~g ~on ~ i~ ~w ~on to ~e m~vcly low ~ffic volme ~ ~ ~ ~ not be a ~ ~W ~c ~ ~c lig of Ci~ Wo ~ wt ~ a ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ m~. ~I ~t ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ a m~b~ of ~ S~, ~e ~ly ~ 'h ~ ~ yo~ ~Mp ~ ~ Ci~ S~ ~'. U~ of ~s ~ mine ~o~d ~ ~ ~ ~ 319-338-~915 08/13/2002 TUB 08:06 FAX {~014/026 Jul :~ 02 (]'7=45a HHt~ Inc, Cortsul~,in[ F'n{;o 319 3~1-O~5,~ io.E. July 28,2002 Re: Ci~zcnComme~tp~iod MormonTrekBoulevardF. xtansion project Dear Mr. Chumblcy: A~ ~c July 17, 2002 Location/D~igu Public Hearing, your tlrm request~l public input on the Mormon 'rmk Boulevant B.,,~ension project. On the Citizen Comment Form, provided at this mcetill§, it is stated that written comments rex:cived by July 9_9. 2002, will bo included in tho public hcarint~ transcript. On behalf of the Dane f, mily. I are formally ruquesthtg all extension of the Monday, July 29, 2002 deadHnc for rccclving comments to be i~lcludcd in the public hearing transctipL Wc requc.st this extension becauSe of new information provided ill a conversation with tho City of Iowa City on Friday. luly 26, 2002. This information is r~lated to the scope of thc Environmental Assessment and thc airccmetR between th© FAA and the Airport Commission. We would like our commcots to bc included in thc public hearing transcript. We anticipat~ the complctioll of our comments by th~ middle of this week and will forward them to you as sOOn as possible. Please respond to this ,cqueat by phone as quickly ns possible. You may reach r/lc at my office; 319-351-2166 or by cell phone: 319-330-2836. Thank you, c: Rick Fosse. City Engineer. City of Iowa City Ross spitz, Project En~ine~. City of Iowa City Bob Lan~z, P.E., Earth Tcch Mike Boardcn, P.E., Em~h Tech 08/13/2002 ~ 08:06 FAX ~015/026 Bearden, Mike ,,, From: B~a~en, Mike Sent: Monday, July 29, 2002 10:21 ~ To: 'Jane Driscoll' Cc: 'Ross Spitz'; Chumbley, Craig; Lentz, Bob Subject: Mormon Trek EA Public Hearing Comments Jane, We re=eived your request to extend the comment pedod on the above referenced project. If you can get the comments to us by mid week. that will not be a problem to have them included in the official public hearing transcript. It would be helpful if you could let me know whom we can expect comments from so we I(now when we have receivecl all of the Dane family comments. Thank you for your participation in the public hearing process. Mike Bear'den Earth Tach 319-232-6531 Tracking: Recipient D~llwry Read 'Jane DfiscoJl' 'Ro~s Spi~ Churnbley, Craig Delivered; 7/29/2002 t0:21 AM Re~d: 7/29~002 10;22 AM Lentz, Bob Delivered: ?/~012002 10:21 AM Read: 7/29/2002 10:36 AM 08/13/2002 TUE 08:06 FAX ~016/025 Bearden, Mike From: Jane Driscoll [jane~nnw-inc.com] Sent: Monday, July 29, 2002 1:11 PM To: Bearden, Mike Subject: Read: Mormon Trak EA Public Hearing Comments ATT01138.txt Mike, Thank you for allowing our delayed ~ubmitta~. There is a meeting on Wed. that we will be ob=ainin~ feedback and information from so our co~%~en%e will likely be forwarded to you ua Thursday. You will be receiving comments from: George Dane Francis and Janet Dri$coll I believe that John Dane has already provided you with his comments, however he may elect to send additional thoughts too. Thank you again for this extension. Jane Driscoll This is a receipt for the mail you senL Lo "'Jane D=iscoll'" <janeSnnw-inc.com> at 7/29/2002 10:21 AM This receipt verifies that the message has been displayed on the recipient'$ computer at 7/29/2002 1:04 PM 08/13/2002 TUE 08:07 FA][ ~017/026 Be;~rd®n~ Mike From: JohnDanelA~aol.com Sent; Tuesday, Ju~y 30, 2002 3:10 PM To; MIKE_BEARDEN~earthtech.com Cc: jane~nnw-inc, com; GEORGEandMARJ ~ebtv. net Subject: Summary of Public Hearing Comments TO: Someone With The Authority To Make Changes From: John Dane, 4082 Dane Road SE, Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Subject: Mozll~on Trek Extension Date: July 30, 2002 We have been through the Public Hearing process for the Extension of Mormon Trek Blvd South of Eighway 1. Facts have become clear that without some changes, a major boondoogle will exist with the Extension as it is now planned. Fact 1: THEFTS IS NO REQUIBFi~-ENT TO CLOSE DANE ROAD! The Earth Tach Location Study Report dated May 1999 states on p14: "- .... Streets are not expressly prohibited within the Runway Protection Zone, the Federal Aviation AdmlnisLratiun regulations state ..... ". This is verified by the fact that Riverside Drive, at the east end of Runway 6-24 is not slated to be closed. Since Dane Road will be over 500 feet west of the end of the e~tend~d Runway 6-24, it is the Iowa City Airport Commission that ha~ dictated that Dane Read be closed without any justifiable reason. Fact 2: Dane Road has been an integral part of the Cou~lty Road system throughout its entire existance. It lays true north-south and lines up directly with Sunset Avenue in Iowa City. It is heavily traveled by th~ many residents it servss. With the completion of Mormon Trek extended, Dane Road will serve as an important part of the infrastructure. Fact 3: Assuming Dena Road will be left open, Mormon Trek extended must be re-desig~ed so that it crosses Dane Road at 90 degrees, eliminating the two off-set approaches in the present design, initially this intersection should be a 4-way stop, and when the traffic count warrant~, e traffic light should be installed. Fact ¢: The adoption of the above suggestions eliminates all controversy re~arding Options A, B o~ C for access to the Dan~ properties, and the necessity of building one. It is my earnest desire that someone will listen to these suggestions and act upon them. Please check out my facts and do not continue with an unwise plan just because it has been voted upon. Time is running out and there is nowhere else to appeal! Respectfully submitted, John Dane 4082 Dane Road SE Iowa City, IA 52240 Tel: 319-354-3630 08/13/2002 ~ 08:07 ABSTRACT 08-02-02 George R. Dane Comments Map attached. 1. Dane Road does not have to be closed. Quote from page 14, Earth Tach report dated May 1999, item 2: "While streets am not expressly prohibited within the RPZ (Runway Protection Zones), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations state that it is desirable to clear all objects from the RPZ." Riverside Drive is an example of a street permitted in the RPZ. For years, streets and buildings around the Iowa City Airport have been allowed in the RPZ. When runway 6-24 is extended, the paving will end approximately 500 feet east of Dane Road. It is not the paving that is creating the discussion or the impression that Dane Road has to be closed. In this instance, it is the desire of the Airport Commission. If Dane Road remains open, a simple intersection with a 4-way stop can be constructed where Nr, rth Dane Road and the Mormcm Trek Extension intersect south of the hill on Dane Road. The County Board of Supervisors has imposed a limit of 800 vehicles per day on Dane Road. A 4-way stop, or even a 2-way stop, initially wilJ easily accommodate that volume. The new Extension will Generate little through traffic nor lessen the load on Hwy 6 I Hwy I until it is continued east to Riverside Dr.. Thus the purpose for this Extension, to reduce ~-a~c on existing roads, will not'be seen for some time. 2. If Dane Road is closed, and part of it is used for a connection to Highway 1, there are major safety problems. There are no shoulders on Dane Road. Any vehicles stopped, parked or stalled, effectively block their portion of the roaclway. As development occurs, before or after annexation, this road will see a significant increase in traffic of both cars and commercial vehicles. A junction of Dane Road at Stub-Street B will create a "'r' intersection, on a side hill, which has a north slope, and creates 90-degree comers that are difficult to navigate. At this T-intersection, vehicles traveling on Stub-Street B that cannot stop will slide through the intersection. There is no escape route. They will end up in the opposite ditch or embankment. The Dane Road legs of this intersection will have to be flattened to prevent vehicles from sliding off the downhill slopes during times of packed snow or ice. The north slope of Dane Hill gets little help from the sun in the wintertime to melt off accumulated packed snow and ice making driving conditions hazardous. 08/~$/2002 TUE 08:07 FAX ~019/026 DANE ROAD/HWY 1 CONNECTION 7-2g-02 This is in response to the invitation for comments at the Location and Design Public Hearing on July 17. 2002 for additional information regarding the Mormon Trek Boulevard Extension, The map of the proposed route for the Extension shows a short stub-street connecting the northeast part of the existing Dane Road, The purpose of the stub-street is to be part of a new connection from North Dane Road to Highway 1. The new connection is needed because the north end of Dane Road will be closed where it connects with Hwy 1, when runway 6-24 is lengthened, and is in lieu of the connection planned by the Airport Commission. However, City staff has been unable to obtain a copy of correspondence between the Airport Commission and the FAA for funding of a runway extension or a new access for Dane Rd. This is not in concurrence with The Council, City Staff and the Consultant's statements at previous meetings. Any evaluation of the stub-street, or any interior street, has to take into account how well it fulfills its role as part of the new replacement route. My remarks are focused on the aroa surrounding the stub-street and North Dane Road. For continuity and ease of identification, I will call the stub- street ~Stub-Street B", The alternate to Stub-Street B, I will call ~Dia.qonal To date, all the published reports, evaluations and recommendations for Stub-Street B and Diagonal C, were limited mostly to the engineering factors of cost, length, and slope. Other factors expected to be found in a total environmental assessment are not addressed. Such as: the route as a replacement for what the Airport Commission proposed, the human factors of safety, ease of traffic flow, and the effect on present and future users of the route need to be discussed in detail. 08/~3/2002 TUE 08:08 FA~ ~020/026 SAFETY Stub-Street B connects to North Dane Road at a "T" intersection, and at a point where the slope on Dane Road is approximately 7%. Pdor to reaching Dane Road, Stub-Street B crosses a side hill. Thus, the roadway will be ~benched" by cuts and fills in order to obtain a fiat surface. When Stub-Street B reaches its "T" intersection with Dane Road, and if the cuts and fills are extended into Dane Road to make a level intersection, this will materially increase the slope of Dane Road as it continues up hill from the north. If the Dane Road intersection is not "benched" and left at its 7% slope, the 90-degree corner will have to transition from a sloping road to the new flat roadway. This will result in a lot of vehicles sliding into the ditch during times of snow or ice. There is no ~escape route" from the 90-degree corner where Stub-Street B "T's" into Dane Road. Vehicles traveling at times of limited visibility, slippery road conditions, or excess speed, will end up head first into the opposite ditch or the embankment. Present and future users of North Dane Road will enter Dane Road at a 90- degree turn, move south uphill on a 7% slope, then exit onto Stub-Street B at another 90-degree turn. These two corners, in close proximity and on a hill, are hazards and will impede the smooth flow of traffic. At the 90-degree turns, traffic will need to come to almost a complete stop in order to negotiate the tums. Once stopped, during times of ice and packed snow, it will be difficult for vehicles to regain momentum and traction. At this location, the hill on Dane Road is a north slope and gets little help from the sun in the wintertime to melt off the roadway. There are no shoulders on Dane Road. Vehicles stopped, parked, or stalled because of visibility, weather, road conditions, or mechanical problems; effectively block their portion of the roadway. This increases the potential for collisions. 08/~$72002 TUE 08:08 Any money that might be spent Improving Dane Hill and an intereection with Stub-Street B would be better spent on the construction costs of Diagonal C. Diagonal C is a much safer route to Highway 1. It eliminates the necessity of using the part of Dane Road that has the 7°/. hill and the additional problems of two 90-degree corners. TRAFFIC The John Dane residence is not an ordinary residence. It is their home, and also is the location of the offices for the farm and the dairy store. Both are active businesses. The Dane Farm Petting Zoo is also located here, and is a great favorite of grade school children. They come as individuals and many times on class tours ardving by the school bus load. The 7% hill on Dane Road and the two 90-degree corners impede large vehicles, such as: school buses, moving vans, farm and construction equipment, and delivery trucks. As development occurs, before or after annexation, this road will see a significant increase in traffic of both cars and commercial vehicles. TERRAIN The Davis hill property north of the new MorTnon ~[rek extension has two slopes. One faces nodh toward University Heights, the other east toward the airport and Iowa City. Them is a natural ravine at the confluence of these slopes, This is the location of Diagonal C. Large buildings, built on sloping ground, tend to be oriented with the long side backed into the slope so the occupants have the maximum view of the countryside. Traffic from these buildings could be routed parallel to the slopes and to the center where the two hills converge at Diagonal C. Then go up a modest incline to the Extension and on to Highway 1. Either Stub-Street B or Diagonal C will end up as a major intedor street, built at City expense, for a yet to be developed sub-division. This is the "windfall" result of the need for a new connection from North Dane Road to Hwy 1. Concern for the exact location within the future subdivision must not obscure the underlying purpose of the new connection. "To provide a safe and efficient connection for Dane Road to Hwy 1, to provide access to nearby properties, to facilitate future development, and to serve the present and future residents of the North Dane Road area." The route selected will be used by the people living and working in the area for many years to come Diagonal C will be an easy, safe, direct and efficient route for both the present and future users of the North Dane Road area. POSSIBLE DELAY TO THE PROJECT There have been several statements to the effect that any study of new areas outside the boundaries of the already competed studies will delay the project by 6 to10 weeks, This was of concern to the City Council at its July 2"d public hearing, and the same opinion was stated at the headng of July 17th. The City Staff has recently indicated that the Consultant was directed to include all of the Davis property in the Environment Assessment studies, This would include all of the route for Diagonal C. Thus, there should be no delay due to an environmental or archeological study. A solution for any other related delay exists. Delete any property acquisition and construction for the North Dane Road connection until its dosing is imminent, or until the bidding for the next construction phase. An earlier time schedule sllowed dirt work and grading for extending runway 6-24 being done in 2004 and paving done in 2005. The airport manager's recent opinion on the extension of the runway is that the closing of Dane Road is at least three years away. The runway itself will not impinge on Dane Road. The runway extension will stop approximately 500 feet east of Dane Road. It is the air space above 08/13/2002 TUE 08:08 FA~ ~023/025 the and of the runway that is causing the concern. Many major airports around the country have access roads in close proximity to the end of runways. It is not necessary or required to close Dane Road. It is only the desire of the Airport Commission. Therefore, there is ample time to complete property acquisition and any other requirements necessary. In addition, until this area becomes part of the City, Dane Road is a County road and can only be closed by the County. If it is decided that Dane Road is to be closed, any alternate route from Dane Road to Highway 1 will have no traffic and serve no purpose prior to the actual closure. Present and future Councils might wish to avoid the political headache that could come from building a road before it was needed or used. if ever. This can be avoided by not purchasing any R.O.W. and not doing any construction until the need is certain. Once R.O.W. is pumhased, the route will be fixed and all flexibility lost. ANOTHER THOUGHT If Dane Road remains open to Highway 1 in its current configuration, a slight adjustment in the proposed Mormon Trek Extension at its intersection with Dane Road south of the Dane Hill would make this a safe, nearly right-angle intersection. Dane Road would then be a through street to the north. A four-way intersection with the Extension south of the Dane Hill would serve two purposes. It would provide a simple connection for Dane Road onto the Extension, and would provide motorists an alternate route into Iowa City to the north on Dane Road. A two-way stop at this intersection would still accommodate the 800 vehicle per day limit on Dane Road. At a later date, perhaps a stop-light would be necessary. 08/13/2002 TUB 08:09 FAT ~024/026 With a slight modification of the curves on the proposed Extension mute, and keeping North Dane Road open, construction of a new connection for North Dane Road would not be necessary. An alternate connection for Dane Road to Highway 1 is not essential at this time. The connection will not be needed, nor used, until when and if the north end of Dane Road is closed and planes start using the extended runway 6-24. The exact time for that is not known. The moat recent estimate by the airport manager was that the runway extension and Dane Road closure depends upon the release of federal funds, and that would not happen for at least three years. To date, there is no evidence of correspondence regarding construction funding between the FAA and the Airport Commission. Any new Dane Road-Hwy I connection could be eliminated with a slight adjustment of the proposed Mormon Trek Extension route at its intersection with Dane Road to make it a safe 4-way intersection. Consideration of whether to construct Stub-Street B or Diagonal C, and any acquisition of right-of way is premature. It could be removed from present consideration and included in the next construction phase. This would accomplish several things: 1. Remove the concern for any project delays. 2. Remove the political comment and criticism stemming from spending money for land acquisition and construction before the need is certain. 3. There is the possibility the present, or future City Council, could make decisions that would remove the need for Dane Road being closed. 4. If that were to happen, a new connection from Dane Road to Highway I would be a road to nowhere, and an unneeded 08/13/2002 TUE 08:00 FA~ ~025/025 expenditure of money that would only serve a private development. 5. It would allow the City Council, City Staff and the Consultant to clear up any conflicts in their statements and information. 6. It would provide the opportunity to do a more in depth analysis of other Dane Road-Hwy I connection options. This could include an adjustment of the proposed Mormon Trek Extension route at its intersection with Dane Road to facilitate a safe 4-way intersection south of the Dane Hill. 7. By postponing all consideration of a new connection to a later time, the City Council will keep its options open. ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS If commercial development occurs anywhere along the Extension between now and its completion, it will only serve to add traffic to Hwy 1, which is already at its maximum capacity. If Phase 1 of the Extension stopped at Dane Road, commercial development would be limited in the short-term, which would minimize additional traffic burden on an already over-stressed arterial. Consideration should also be given to the usage of the Iowa City Airport by the public before the financial burden of maintaining it is put on tax-payers. This is the interpretation of what I have been told by the City Council, City Staff and the Consultant. Unfortunately, due to a medical concern, I was unable to get all questions answered prior to this submittal. Please feel free to contact me with any concerns or questions. Respectfully Subm!tted, George R. Dane 715 Benton Ct. Iowa City, Iowa (319) 354-3901 City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM TO: Steve Atkins ~ / FROM: Brad Neumann't' "-" RE: Curbside recycling and refuse collection numbers for Iowa City Attached, you will find a table showing the amount of recycled materials and refuse collected at the curb in Iowa City since 1998. You can see that the amount of recycling and refuse collected has remained stable during the past few years even with the changes to the curbside recycling collection program in 2000. Magazines and mixed paper were added to the program and glass was removed. Chipboard (cereal boxes) was removed from cardboard collection and placed in with mixed paper which is why there was such a big drop-off in cardboard between FY00 and FY01. The curbside recycling program seems to be working very well and no changes are planned. We are not aware of any new markets for recycled materials which would justify expansion of our program at this time. Let me know if you have any questions. cc: Jeff Davidson Rodney Walls Chuck Schmadeke Dave Elias Iowa City Solid Waste Advisory Committee jccogsw/mem/cu rbside.doc FY98-02 IOWA CITY CURBSIDE RECYCLING AND REFUSE COLLECTION - VOLUME IN TONS - FY98 1,085 Not 93 ~ 80 137 3084 Not 1,703 7,755 collected collected FY99 1,092 Not 91 77 125 3194 Not 1,704 7,873 collected collected FY00 1,200 66 95 73 81 3134 63 1,891 7,869 (3 months) (9 months) (3 months) FY01 1,027 223 91 55 Not 89 3692 1,855 7,895 collected F¥02 946 189 95 63 Not 60 4212 1,774 8,138 collected 4 chipboard included with cardboard 2 chipboard included with mixed paper \~irving\data\jccogsw~cu rbtons.doc IPIO Joint Meeting Johnson County Board of Supervisors, City of Iowa City, City of Coralville Iowa City Community School Board, City of North Liberty North Liberty Community Center June 19, 2002 Mayor Mekota called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. Members present: Johnson County Supervisors: Thompson, Lehman, Neuzil, Stutzman, Hamey Iowa City School Board: Reece, Leff, Jackson, Wallace, Franker, Goodlaxon City of Iowa City: Lehman, O'Donnell, Kanner, Venderhoef City of Coralville: Fausett, Gill, Jacoby, Herwig, Weihe City of North Liberty: Mekota, Dorst, Soukup, Bahl Senior High Alternative Center. Members discussed several potential sites for the Alternative Senior High School Center relative to the demographic center of the district, accessibility to public transportation and available space. Final location decision has not been made by the School Board. Iowa City Community School Proposed Bond Issue. Chairman Reece reported that the School Board plans to hold the $38,000,000 bond referendum on December 8. Projects included in the referendum are a new elementary and junior high school in a campus setting, improvements to City High and West High as well as equipment and building additions to various elementary buildings. Count,/Budget. Chairman Thompson reported that the County is currently levying at the maximum limit. Growth in valuation is taken up with salary increases. Some major cuts will be necessary in non-essential services. Funds are not available for new items such as Vision Iowa's requirement for County contribution for CAT grants. Senior Center Funding. Options for future funding of the Senior Center were discussed if further reduction in County funding is necessary. Shifting of funding to the "rural" budget, charges for use of the facility and contributions from all cities within the county were discussed as possibilities. Jail Update. A task force is being set up to gather information on what residents of the County want and what jail improvements are necessary. Meeting was adjourned at 4:40 p.m. Iowa City Area Development Croup Board of Directors June 14, 2002 Minutes MEMBERS PRESENT: Tom Gelman, Tim Gholson; Kelly Hayworth; Henry Herwig; Pat Guard; Mike Huber; Brian James; Mike Lehman; Norm Nielsen; Ronald Reed; Rose Rermekamp; Dick Rex; Robert Sierk; David Skorton Tom Summy; John Wetzel; Bruce Wheaton and Harry Wolf. Incoming board members present: Scott Miller, Larry Morgan and Glenn Siders. ABSENT: Steve Atldns; Bill Bywater; Jeff Disterhoft; Richard Ferguson; Charle~,F~mk; Jim Griffin and Mike O~onnell. GUESTS: Brad Langguth, Hills Bank and an ICAD Group Advisory Council member, and ICAD intern Ryan Murphy.' STAFF PRESENT: Joe Raso and Linda Schreiber CALl, TO ORDER: Treasurer and incoming Chair-Elect Harry Wolf called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. MINUTES: Motion by Sierk; second by Guard to approve the May 10, 2002, ICAD Board of Directors minutes. FINANCIAL REPORT: Raso reviewed and highlighted financial reports for May noting expenses for the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Technology Corridor, labor survey and fund raising. The cash on hand is $201,817; outstanding investment pledges to date~$8,600. Motion by Skorton; second by Summy to approve the financial statements. Unanimous approval. BOARD NOMINATION: The Nominating and Executive Committees recommended the following individuals to complete the final year of a two-year, unexpired term ending June 2003: Glenn Siders, representing Southgate Development, and Tom Goedken, representing ACT, Inc. They replace Harry Wolf, who is now representing his own frrm, Buyers Realty, and Dick Ferguson, respectively. Motion by Sierk, who noted the strong qualifications of the individuals nominated; second by Wetzel. Unanimous approval. Wolf noted the June meeting was the last official board meeting for Sierk, Summy, Bywater, Ferguson and Herwig. He thanked them for their longtime service to the community through the ICAD Group. FYi003 BUDGET APPROVAL: Raso reviewed proposed budget for FY2003 and FY2004, estimating expenses at $393,000 and income at $320,000 for a loss of $73,000 the first year. In FY2004, estimated expenses are $357,000 and income $301,000 for a loss of $56,000. Next year's proposed budget includes funding to hire a third staff person dedicated to workforce development and existing industry services; but does not include figures for rent to the Area Chamber, any proposed new programming by investors, or increases in income due to heightened community perception. Expenses for FY 2003 also include increased marketing material expenses. Raso noted the need to raise at least $25,000 per year to maintain a healthy reserve, He highlighted previous discussions concerning maintaining a cash reserve of at least 20 percent: A budget of $360,000 would require $72,000 in reserves. Raso also noted an increase in the number of investors due to campaign efforts and the need for on-going fund-raising. No discussion. Motion by Wetzel; second by Skorton to approve the proposed budget as presented. Unanimous approval. Skorton reported the University of Iowa is not planning systematic layoffs to absorb the Iowa Legislative budget cuts that total nearly $$0 millio~r. Instead, the University will use retirements and athifion. He reported, the CEBA program may be eliminated entirely, and that UNI is likely to lose most of its staff at IDM (Inst/tute for Decision Making). Because of a one-time monetary account, UI TIC will receive the same level of support next year (as this year), He urged board members to talk with Legislative candidates about the effects the cuts will have on education and economic development in our region and the state. Nielson emphasized that new funding for economic development programs is not available. For now, the job training program is in tack, Although Kirkwood Community College will lose $3 million, college applications are up, he said. Neither, Raso or Nielson knew if the new jobs mx credit was affected by proposed Legislative cuts. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Gelman reported the ICAD Group Branding Subcommittee developed the following statement: To our target audiences, the Iowa City area provides extraordinary opportunities that stimulate innovation and drive creativity having a profound impact on the quality of business and personal life. Another small group, composed of 10 to 12 representatives, will be formed to develop a marketing plan for the ICAD Group. They will meet this fall and involve the Institute for Decision Making at the UNL The cost for the project is approximately $2,000. Raso noted $50,000-$55,000 has been budgeted and will include updating the website and creating a new identity in print materials. Wetzel reported on MidAmerica's Building and Site Database, purchased from Aquila. The system offers 25 tables, and 2,500 data points, covering a variety of information about the community and government. The ICAD Group is in the early stages of collecting information from property owners and the Realtors advisory board. Raso emphasized with a small staff it's critically important to partner with and allow property owners to update their own information. This information, in turn, Raso said can be available on the website where it is easily accessible. 2 The T~ch~o/ogy Corr/dor' Committee is working with partners to develop lists of contacts. Rase will travel to Chicago for corporate headquarter visits in July; and in September to Ohio and Michigan. He noted great cooperation from Rockwell Collins in providing 1/st of suppliers that may be interested in locating to our region. ~ynchrontst, Murphy and Schreiber, are working w/th MidAmer/ca Energy to gather information on existing industry. Although the entire region will be surveyed, one commun/ty may be targeted for early completion. Raso reported they are also working to update the Ar~a ~rq~loyer Directory. Raso showed a cover mock up of information for a new multtcultura! piece that will describe our area's cultural assets including Hancher and the UI Art Museum. The multicultural piece is another method to market the Technology Corridor. Numerous businesses have indicated interest and will financially support this project. Raso reported CorridorCareer statistics since the site was launched in 1997: · A database containing 10,000 resumes · 400 companies in the region use this resource · A reported 1.4 million visits and 4,200 e-mail addresses · 30~40,000 user session in a four to five month period a user session is described as five screens) He noted future plans including marketing this site to alumni. The discussion that followed included measurement tools to access success. Rennenkamp noted ACT's Human Relations department doesn't use this site heavily. She noted, however community representatives enthusiastically endorse it, and said the use is dependent on people's comfort with technology. Raso reported the Technology Corridor is considering updating the following projects: Sk/11s 2000; Regional Laborshed Analysis; Regional Productivity Study. P~E~IDENTS REPORT: Raso reported he had just returned from trips to Minneapolis, Toronto and the BIO Conference, meeting with representatives from three exisi~ng industries, four new companies and consultants in real estate and the Canadian consulting office. The following are just some of the highlights of the trip: · Travel--Minneapolis ,z General M/lls · L'hkes the area's (Iowa City) work team systems · Need to address: plant savings, plant closings · The company has promised investors savings and has recently closed a plant ha I11/nois. The advantages of our area axe distribution, workforce and community support, but we are not near population centers on the coasts. ,~ Genesis (services for start-up businesses) 3 · Many states are looking at availability of cigarette money for boosting research capabilities ·Suggested we look at Tom Ridge's report--Technology XXI-- about investing in technology · Biotech/Biomedical very strong in Minneapolis--important site considerations are: workforce, buildings or pre- approved sites with site work completed v' Telux Communications--manufacturer of professional speakers and amplifiers · Arkansas plant opened in 2000 (Iowa was considered, but lacked a facility of 200,000sq.ft). ~' C.B. Richard Ellis--A national realty from. · Key message was working in partnership with r~al estate community and getting as much quality data on the web, because information is becoming a commodity and ff you don't have it you are way behind. · Tr~vel--Toronto ~z Seven visits, four phone contacts and Bio conference · MidAmerican Energy, IDT and the University of Iowa also attended the Bio conference Wetzel reported the BIO Conference continues to grow, The registration, which was more than 14,000 people versus 10,000 last year, is up dramatically for the three-day conference. Six hundred people left resumes, at the job fair the day before the conference, indicating a willingness to come to Iowa. IDT received six "qualified" applications. Wetzel also noted that Governor Vilsak hosted session highlighting products engineered from Iowa corn to a capacity-filled room. Raso stated private label products showed the greatest growth potential during his visit with companies in the Toronto area (pre-printed folded cartons, bakery products and prime labels). He added many were impressed with the Midwest and Iowa's diverse line of products. Raso suggested funds used for the state's wrap-up party could better be utilized on the floor of the tradeshow. He will provide feedback to state officials. · Project Announcements ~ Alpla announced and has broken ground on a 58,000-square-foot facility. They plan to hire 30 employees. ~' GEICO is adding 100 jobs to its Coralville location. ,z Lear plans to move some production to Iowa. ICAD is working with Kirkwood Community College for training programs for the new employees. · / Space is available in the former Albany Molecular Laboratory (10,000 square feet). 4 · Current Existing Industry Projects · / Number 8 - Scientific Labs. Looking for outside funding. U of I is not interested ~ Number 14 - Distribution Center. Iowa City and West Branch under consideration · / Number 15 - Discussions continue concerning new products at current facility, which could mean a facility expansion · Current Domestic Projects · / Number 20, 21 and 23 - IDED projects on hold v' Number 29 - (Accounts Receivable for hospital and healthcare) Eliminated because other call centers are located in the region ~ New project--IDED technology call center employing more than 250 employees; needing close ties to UI for internships and jobs · Annual Meetiug July 10 ~ Meeting set for July 10 at noon at Sheraton Hotel--this meeting will replace the regular monthly meeting v~ Announcements and invitations will be mailed next week. ~ Federal Reserve Bank economist Rick Kaglie is guest speaker ~ Retiring board members will be recognized, along with new chair ~ 2002 Activity Report will include the following: Letters from Chair and Chair-elect; Technology Corridor; Brand/Marketing; Area Projects; Investment Campaign; Workforce Development; and Recognition for investors, Board of Directors and Advisory Board; Rennenkamp urged all board members to bring guests to the annual meeting and suggested mailing an invitation to prospective investors. Sierk tha~nked the board for the opportunity to be involved with economic development in the area for so many years, indicating he was gratified to see the remarkable progress. He encouraged the board to continue its work to attract new investors, particularly from the private sector. Lehman reported thc Johnson County Board of Supervisors signed a contract with an independent, state public policy board to review overcrowding at the jail. He asked persons interested in serv/ng on the t ask force to contact the board office. Rennenkamp said the jail issue might be an economic development opportunity. She said the area's highly regarded educational institutions might attract federal funding to create a model to retrain prisoners. Nielson reported Kirkwood is negotiating to purchase the Hardee's property adjacent to its Iowa City location. The immediate use would be for parking after the Hardee building is razed. Nielson noted Kirkwood's Iowa City enrollment is 2,700 with 600-700 dual enrolled at the UI. More than 1,000 students will ultimately transfer to the UI after KCC. He noted former UI President Hunter Rawlings saw the community colleges as a complement to the state's university system and assisted the development of KCC in this area. 5 Skorton reported UI student enrollment is up in spite of a tuition increase. He said more than 82.5 Percent of the University's budget comes from sources - outside state funding (research, federal grants and tuition). Motion by Wetzel; second by Rennenkamp to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 a.m. Unanimous approval. Iowa City-University of Iowa Relations Committee July 18, 2002 Minutes are subject to change as finalized by the ICUI Relations Committee. Members Present: Steven Karmer, Dee Vanderhoef, and Nick Herbold Members Absent: Matt BIizek ICUI Relationship To add to Apartment Tenants Handbook- Midamerican Emergency Outages (all persons should report, system can handle high volume calls). Students should not assume someone else has already called in. Their system can take 1,500 calls a minute. Lisa Molenhauer~-City Managers Office She put out a notice to all University Directors and wants them to email her suggestions about the Iowa City website. She asked ifUISG would like to see a student page on the city website and maybe they could have a newspaper advertisement in the Daily Iowan to inform students that it exists. Kanner talked about Boulder, CO where you can click on a neighborhood and find out how many disorderly house/noise calls there have been. Herbold asked if there could be a shortcut for students to visit the website. He wants to have a "know your fights" card as well. Molenhauer discussed East Lansing's booklet for students at the beginning of each year. Kanner asked about having a separate downtown issues section such as rights and responsibilities and a map of downtown. He would also like to see a map of where you can and cannot ride a bike downtown. Community Ambassadors Herbold discussed the possibility of having students serve as ambassadors to the community where they would receive a $100 rent credit for working with the neighborhood association. He will send a copy of this proposal to Kanner and Vanderhoef. Kanner asked where the money would come from. Police Disorderly House Calls Vanderhoef said there were over 5 calls per night. Herbold asked how this could save students money in the long run if they didn't have these calls. Future of Housing Morman Trek Area- what is the future of this housing? Vanderhoef stated that the mayor was working with Doug True on the University Housing and Affordable Housing issue. Herbold asked if they were run down apartements and who owns those apartments. Karmer and Vanderhoef said that inspectors have less standards in these areas because they are owned by the university. Vanderhoef encouraged reporting affordable housing issues to the Board of Regents. Kanner also agreed on this. Internet Voting Last meeting, Blizek said he would send a letter to Kanner and Vanderhoef discussing his plan for Internet voting in Iowa City City Council Elections. Kanner gave information on Internet voting. Daily Iowan Article--Increase in targeting students Vanderhoef said that a lot of these people are young but not students. She suggested working with the police chief. Report at Council Meetings Vanderhoef said that UISG should come with issues we are working on and be responsible adults when presenting ourselves at meetings. She also recommened that UISG comes and thanks the city for the good things they do. Kanner suggested that UISG come to every meeting or once a month. Human Rights Award They are now taking nominations. Next meeting is set for August 15, 2002 at 4:00 p.m. City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: August 20, 2002 To: City Council From: City Manager Re: Liability Insurance Coverage for Senior Center Vendors At the Monday work session, I was asked the status of insurance coverage for those individuals providing instructional services and classes at the Senior Center. We reviewed this matter in order to determine how best to provide for the liability coverage to these vendors (service providers). In exploring the matter we have found that prospective insurance carriers are not willing to underwrite this exposure. There are two main reasons for their lack of interest, 1) each vendor is a separate entity and the only common item they have is the fact they render services at the Senior Center, and 2) each vendor has a different degree of risk. Rather than lose the valuable services provided by these vendors and given the minimal exposure we have as it relates to the services they provide, we are allowing them to proceed in providing services at the Senior Center without this liability coverage. The only other choice would be to remove them and their services from the Senior Center which we do not believe is practical or appropriate for the overall mission of the Center. cc: Linda Kopping Kevin O'Malley mgr~memo\srct rlia b~doc ~ City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM TO: City Council FROM: Shelley McCafferty DATE: August 20, 2002 RE: Historic and Conservation Districts The Iowa City Historic Preservation Ordinance provides for the designation of two types of districts; historic districts and conservation districts. The Historic Preservation Commission also recommends the designation of historic districts to the State Historic Society for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. A district is defined as multiple properties that are contiguous and under diverse ownership. When evaluating properties for potential designation as a local historic district, the Historic Preservation Commission refers to the standards established by the Secretary of Interior for designation of multiple properties to the National Register of Historic Places (NHRP). Using these standards, a historic context must be established for a historic district, which defines the significance of a district. At least 60% of the properties within a historic district must have sufficient historic integrity that they contribute to the historic context. They must also have been constructed during the time period defined by the context. Because the same standards are used for local historic districts and NHRP districts, within Iowa, districts are typically nominated to the National Register and then adopted by municipalities as local historic districts. Owners of properties within an NHRP historic district are eligible for tax credits for substantial rehabilitation of a property or structure. However, unless Federal funding is used, these properties are not subject to any design guidelines. Therefore, the Historic Preservation Commission also designates the NHRP district as a ~ocal historic district. Iowa State Code allows municipalities to designate local historic districts and require design review for changes to the exterior of a structure. The conservation district is the second type of local preservation district. A conservation district does not have sufficient integrity to meet the Secretary of Interior's standards for an NHRP historic district. The intent of designating a conservation district is to retain the historic character of the neighborhood. Conservation districts are frequently used to create a buffer around historic districts and are subject to less stringent design guidelines.