HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977-02-01 Info PacketFe.s, /
City of Iowa CiP
MEMO"--�--1
DATE: January 24, 7977
TO: City Council
FROM: City DIanager
RE: Bicycle Registration
Enclosed are several memoranda concerning bicycle registration. After the
City Coimcil has an opportunity to review the material, you may wish to
schedule it for an informal session,
A37
city of Iowa C*
DATE: January 19, 1977
TO: Meal Berlin, City Manager
FROM: Harvey D. Hiller, Police Chief' '`
RE: Bicycle Registration
Attached here are officer Robert Stika's comments on
bicycle registration and a paper with program sugg-
estions done in some prior year by Mr. Epstein.
Both Bob and Mr. Epstein suggest a "no charge" system
of registration accompanied by the relatively tight
enforcement of regulations governing bicycle operation.
While this approach has some very obvious advantages
that might encourage voluntary compliance with the
registration element, I am concerned as to the amount
of Departmental resources garnered from the community
that would be required at the onset of such a program
as well as the increasing amounts that would be nec-
essary in subsequent years. Tying down even one off-
icer to a single purpose is a commitment I am person-
ally unwilling to make unless City Council absolutely
insists on it.
Again, I believe registration and regulation are two
complimentary and yet quite distinct end products of
the present or any proposed ordinance. An aggressive
program of regulation and enforcement could,on any
given day when bicycles are in operation, capture
almost the full resources of the Department. I am
inclined to believe that aggressive enforcement is a
poor investment of operating time and money.
0 City of Iowa Ci*
DATE: January 11 , 1977
TD: City Council through Neal Berlin, City Manager
FROM: Harvey D. Miller, Police Chief "K
RE: Assessment of Options for Bicycle Licensing
Background:
The present bicycle registration system is cumbersome, in
most instances relatively ineffective, and costly. An
estimated 2,500 bicycle licenses are issued annually with
receipts of $2,500. One police officer spends approximate-
ly three-fourths of his time attempting to maintain license
files; inventory and store abandoned, stolen and recovered
bicycles; and preparing for disposal of the property. In
salary alone the cost to the City is approximately $10,500
exclusive of the costs of benefits.
The filing system of bicycle registration is overburdened
with literally thousands of registrations no longer valid.
Seldom are licenses cancelled upon sale of disposal of a
bike or if the owner moves from the city. Consequently,
because of these factors and the lack of ordinance re-
quiring stated periodic renewal of registration plus the
obvious lack of process and resources to accomplish per-
iodic renewal, the present bicycle registration system is
largely ineffective.
While I possess no philosopher's stone that will offer
immediate solutions to this problem, I respectfully suggest
that the following options be considered by the City
Council. These options are predicated upon the basic
assumption that, unless abandoned altogether, no system of
bicycle registration, unless such registration costs
several dollars per unit annually, will recover any sub-
stantial portion of the City outlay for this purpose. It
is even more difficult to envision a registration system
or "user's tax" that would support establishing and main-
taining bicycle paths, trails, etc., if proposed. Bicycle
registration is very unlike the registration of automobiles
and the enforcement of the traffic code, whether State
or City, upon bicyclists :is very different from the en-
forcement of the same measures upon motorists. for example,
annual registration, transfers, and so on of the 50,000
motor vehicles registered in Johnson County co nrumes the
bulk of working time of seven employees in rhe Office of
the Johnson Count, 'I'reanurer. Approxim,itei•; i 0,000 to
12,000 bicycles are estimated in Iowa City. it annum
renewal was instituted for bicycles, the pr<,ccss properly
handled would require at least two people or .approximately
3,520 work hour, annually. At the approxim.tt.�t r,cate paid
an officer at pronent ($6.00 per hour), anwial renewal would
cost 121,120 in wastes alono, T have no fires figure nn
included conte:; benefits, printing, stor,i)to npace, etc.,
0
buL estimate these and other kiclor, would consume an addit:i.onal.
46,000 to 8,000 annu,Aly.
In addition, enforcing a bicycle rcgi.ntration ordinance fully
would require additional enforcement personnel. Even if this
problem could be satisfactorily resolved, I am personally biased
against citing children for violations of such laws. However, if
Council wishes this course of action taken, I will of course, issue
the order for compliance.
A second factor that should be considered by Council is whether
they desire registration of bicycles or regulation of bicycles.
Regardless of notions to the contrary, regis%ration does not forma
constitute regulation. If regulation is the desire of Council,
either a substantial reordering of public safety priorities will be
necessary or substantial increases in resources assigned to the
Police Department will have to be effected. Registration is, quite
obviously, easier to institute than regulation.
A third factor that should be brought to Council's attention is a
consideration of the level of compliance desired whether regulation,
registration, or some combination of the two is the end product of
Council's deliberations. It seems to me that the best that can be
hoped for is a high level of voluntary compliance with whatever
program is finally adopted. The best ordinances are those that
induce self -compliance without heavy handed pressures toward compl-
iance. However, in fact, internalized policing and self compliance
has not been the salient feature of this or other communities to
register and/or regulate bicycles. I rather doubt this City is
willing or ready to pay for strict compliance of the present or
possible bicycle registration legislation.
Finally comes a fundamental question that Council should respond to.
quite simply it is this: To what extent should Iowa City or any
governmental jurisdiction require the registration of personal
property? Except for the fact that bicycles use City streets, side-
walks, and bike trails , if available, as the surface medium ---and
this is their only unique feature ---I submit that they should be
subject to no more governmental registration than household property,
jewels, silver, appliances, cameras or other valuables. In the later
examples,the property owner is responsible for the safekeeping
and identification of his/her property. Upon loss, whether or not
that loss is by theft, the property owner, is required to identify
the missing items. I submit the same responsibility should be
assumed by the owner of a bicycle.
As to the argument advanced that bicycle-- use streets, bike trails,
sidewalks, and other public ways wlthont assuming a portion of the
costs, 1 can only submit LhaL Lhe usu of bicycles for transporLaLion
and recreation quite likely obviates at least a portion of the need
for additional streets, roads and th1d r• maintenance. Frankly, I
have never heard of a street, sidewalk, bridge or roadway being;
damaged by a bicycle.
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0 9
With these questi.ons, •Z: numptic,n:; .;n(l prol;tems posed nbovc, .-I
number of options in repan] Lo ropistuvin}; or rel;ulnti.Ili' b:i.cyCLOS
appears below.
B. Options:
1. Continue the present system.
2. Continue the present system with increased registration fees.
3. Discontinue any registration.
4. Discontinue registration but permit voluntary recording by
description and serial number.
5. By ordinance mandate annual or biennial registration. Imple-
ment a registration/ safety check system. Charge a (suggested)
$5.00 fee. Increase regulation through greater enforcement.
Increase personnel numbers for enforcement, filing, recovery, etc.
System to be under Police Department.
6. By ordinance mandate annual or biennial registration/ inspection.
Assess a substantial ($5.00) annual or biennial fee. Place
responsibility for the program in Department of Finance,
Parking Division. Employ a couple of women, train them,
and let them handle registration and a portion of the enforce-
ment.
By ordinance mandate a registration/inspection system as in
option 6, above. However, rather than annual or biennial
basis, register on initial purchase, resale or new arrival
in the City. Inspection and registration would be handled
by bicycle dealers and recorded with Police Department. Fee
would be $5.00 for as registration/inspection. $1.00 would
be retained by the issuing dealer and $4.00 would be returned
to the City. Hire and assign one additional person in the
Police Department or Parking Enforcement Division for enforce-
ment, educational programs and basic patrol of present and
subsequently constructed bike trails.
C. Summary
I can envision no registration system or regulation that will
be self-supporting or return substantial revenues to the City
from bicycles. It may be that a substantial "user fee" of $5.00
to $10.00 annually might accomplish this purpose. However, I
postulate that the costs of regulation and enforcement will in
all likelihood exc«-ed even the most optimhAiu projected revenue
estimate three -told.
'J-
My preference is for Y 7, above or some combination thereof
or for abandoning the present system and going toward a volun-
tary system allowing the filing of identifying information with
the Police Department and fixing primary responsibility for
identification upon report of loss or theft with the bicycle
owner.
If you need anything more on this, let me know.
Reasons For Dike Registration
The reasons that bike registration must be maintained, i
(1) To contact the owner If it is stolen and found abandon
(2) To contact the owner if is parked in an illegal or hazardous manner, or to file
a charge against the owner of an illegally parked bike, as has been done in the past.
(3) To check for stolen if someone is stopped for some reason, you can check it in the
file against the person riding it, and if it doesnot match, you can call the owner and
see if he or she should be riding it.
()i) In case of accident you can possibly ID the rider if he or she has no ID on his or her
person. You at least have something to go on , and can call the residence and see if he or
she still has the bike, or if not who does.
(5) As in the past, we have problems with certain bike thieves, and we can check on him
to be sure that he is riding, his own bike, or if someone reports a bike that has just
been stolen, you can possibly stop the possible thief and by having our info in file, and
numbers on the bike that match, you have evidence that can easily be used against him.
Bikes differ from jewelry, silver,appliances etc., as they are used in traffic, parked
at a place other than in the home, and are being considered vehicles by the State and
also nationally, are being considered to be equal to motor vehicles on streets and
highways.
As far as revenue is concerned, you cannot collect large amounts of revenue from
bicyclists, only from fines or from monies collected from the sale of abandon un-
claimed bikes.The use of license fees could not be used, because I'm sure that if the
cost is uped, we will have at least'` compliance that we have now.
The fines now levied against bikers is high enough, that it is a constant threat to
the cyclist to obey the law, or pay for it, rimes are from $5.00 to 425.00 usually,
and I assure you that it works except for a few hard heads, but we have that with
motor vehicle drivers also.
As for age groups to be fined, as always I think that writing summonses on persons
16 years of age and older is still ok, and all smaller children should be stopped and
name address and name of parent written down, to be called and advised of the situation,
or have them come in to go over the laws with them. I have wanted to set up a Juvenile
type court on Saturday mornings that could be handled similar to a real court situation
using top explorers as judges etc. and levy fines of some type of safety posters that they
would have to make, some type of paper they would have to write, or some type of work
that would have to be done around the Civic Center, as punishment. It has been done
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in other cities in the U.S.
The reasons that bikes have to be regulated, in common senne, In the way that it is the
only way that bikes and cars can get along, together on the streets. Otherwise we will
have bikes going up and down streets on the wrong sides, going every direction, going
through atop signs and stop lights, and we will have numerous deaths.
Constant reminders have to be issued to grade school children of the bicycle laws that
have been passed to assist in the safety while mixing x1k with the motor vehicles on
the streets so that both can use the streets with n more secure fooling.
As for bikes on sidewalks, bridges, etc, they have not damngsd same, but they do
park on bridge sidewalks and hook up to railings etc. and need to be regulated on this.
I believe there is no way that the Iowa City Police Department emn forget about bikes,
as long as they are on the in, rease and use the same streets as auton do, And since we
do still have bike thefts we need registration and rogulntion. The only thing, it
needs is updating, so as to be more realistic. There aro more blknn in the community than ever
before, and there are at least 10,000 student bikes and probably 30,000 city bikes,
seamy of which are not licanend, because of 2 factors. (1) the license fee in ton high at
$1.00 (2) the stickers are too big, and bawiy.Py using, funda takon in by the bike
auctions, purchasing oupplina for registration , I beldnvn would wo rk.A n for bike work
being time consuming, someone has to do it, and it should be a Police Officer, sim:o It
in stolen property that in heine dealt with. It should be a pernon that in interested
in bikes, and in helping the public. The work I have done in the past 7 years on this
I feel has helped a lot in public relations for the department as well as the City.
Other cities have a public relations officer and if you ever consider this position
I hope you think of me, as I enjoy this type of work. In the past we have had a sex
crime unit complete with office downstairs, that served hardly any purpose, since
sex crimes had not been much different over the ysars. We now have an officer that almost
entirely does nothing but work with drunk drivers, Bicycle drivers can also caus
accidents, heart attacks of motor vehicle drivers that have a bike pull out in front
e
of them from a stop sign. stop light etc. or they can gat killed or �e seriously injured
da due to the vast amount of difference in size between a bike and an auto.
Registration should be continued, however it should be changed to a 4 year basis, now that
the University is going to register bikes for us. When we spoke to the bike shops they did
agree to register them when they were bought new, or when they came in for repair. Using the
free h year system would work well, since SUI students are usually here for L years.
I think what the whole thing amounts to, is that I hate to see all that I have done over
the past is years , 7 I believe, fall by the wayside. I'm sorry I do not agree with you
100% on this, but I think that the public is really going to be upset if we up the cost
of the license or abolish it altogether. I also think that if we do not stop and charge
violators,' we will have numerous d„^.1_ -- serious injuries.
Sttikkaa _ #5
RETAKE OF PRECEDING DOC .;,AiI:
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in bikes, and in helping the public. The work I have done in the past 7 years on this
I feel has helped a lot in public relations for the department as well as the City.
Other cities have a public relations officer and if you ever consider this position
I hope you think of me, as I enjoy this type of work. In the past we have had a sex
crime unit complete with office downstairs, that served hardly any purpose, since
sex crimes had not been much different over the years. tae now have an officer that almost
entirely does nothing but work with drunk drivers Bicycle drivers can also cause
accidents, heart attacks of motor vehicle drivers that have a bike pull out in front
of them from a stop sign. stop light etc. or they can get killed or MMEXX seriously injured
dm due to the vast amount of difference in size between a bike and an auto.
Registration should be continued, however it should be changed to a 4 year basis, now that
the University is going to register bikes for us. When we spoke to the bike shops they did
agree to register them when they were bought new, or when they came in for repair. Using the
free 4 year system would work well, since SUI students are usually here for 4 years.
I think what the whole thing amounts to, is that I hate to see all that I have done over
the past $ years , 7 I believe, fall by the wayside. I'm sorry I do not agree with you
100% on this, but I think that the public is really going to be upset if we up the cost
of the license or abolish it altogether. I also think that if we do not stop and charge
violators,' we will have numerous deaths or serious injuries.
Officer R.J. Stika #5
0 �?� -�� �O%
Problem: 'ro correct current deficiencies of the bicyclu licensing system.
(a) Currency of files
(b) Inadequacy of filing system, i.e., time requirement
(c) Incomplete identification of bicycles
(d) License issuance
(e) Cash control
II. Assumptions:
(a) Files must be current; reflecting present owners and address.
(b) Files must contain sufficient information for proper identification
1. Owner name
2. Address
3. Vehicle Identification information
4. License number
(c) Files must be assessable through several means:
1. Owners name
2. Vehicle serial number
3. License number
(d) System must provide information and reports to allow proper law
enforcement function to be performed related to stolen bicycles.
(e) System must contain adequate cash controls.
III. Discussion: The present bicycle registration system is structured in such a
manner that the Fire Department is responsible for the issuance of all Iowa
City bicycle licenses with the exception of special registration days which
are handled by the Police Department. Current registrations of bicycles is
made under City Code Chapter 6.24 which specifies the authority and responsibility
lies with the Chief of Police, (Attachment #I). For public convenience, the
bicycle licensing function was transfered to the Fire Department to allow for
"extended hour issuance of licenses. This practice however, is not being
currently followed and licenses are available only through the Fire Department
from 8-12 and 1-5 or through the Police Department on special registration days.
The current registration procedure is a perpetual licensing procedure which
makes provision for transfer of ownership. No provision is made for the
elimination of bicycles which are no longer functional or removed from the
Iowa City area. This has resulted in an accumulation of registrations which date
back into the early 196O's and has expended the files to such a degree that
there is a significant problem of upkeep and physical file storage. It is
estimated that the files contain 10-15,000 registrations with each registration
being filed in three sections, (1) alphabetically by owners name, (2) numerically
by license number, and (3) numerically by serial number, (Attachment 02). It
is felt by the Police Department staff that the three file system is necessary
to allow quick reference by the officers involved. File work is completed by
clerical staff on an as available basis, and a stolen bicycle report typed
once a month.
In addition to the problems associated with maintaining three concurrent
filo systems, it is felt by the Police Department staff that the current regis-
tration form is inadequate in that it dor. not provide needed information for
bicycle registration. The present form (Attachment 112) provides for, (1) !•lake,
(2) Color, (3) Size (undefined), (4) Model, and (s) 'fire size. This form
should be revised to Include a more definitive usable description section to
Page 2
•
include (1) Frame size and wheel diameter, (2) Number of gears and (3) Special
features, i.e., toe clips, lights, carriers, etc. Additional information is
currently being typed on the Form where space is available.
Cash handling and license issuing is performed by the Fire Department
secretary. The licenses and monies received are segregated from other funds
and records and are controlled through the use of a locked cash box. Cash
control is based on license number sequence inventory control and receipts for
monies deposited with the Finance Department. 'rhe completed license registration
cards are completed at the time of registration and the cards are left in the
Police Department for filing.
1
IV. Alternatives:
A. Manual System
Several problems can hu Won t: it L, -d in ruv(uw ing tha present sy:;tnm,
several of which could be resolved through procedural ch,unlus to thr.
present bicycle registration procvdur,-s. 'Phe provie;tuu for staff time
has not been addressed since it is riot felt to be the purpose of this
review to determine manpower allocations or assign usage of personnel.
Under a revised manual system I would initiate a two card filing
system in place of the present three card system, (1) file sequence
by alphabetic owners name and (2) file sequence by bicycle serial number.
To provide access through the City license number, a sequential list of
licenses issued would be maintained by the issuing department. This list
would contain a sequence of license numbers with the owners name and
address. As each page of license numbers is completed, the sheet will
be placed in a Master License Book maintained in the Police Department,
note attached sample sheet Attachment 112. The filing of bicycle registration
cards should be made easier since the name and serial numbers have been
moved to the too right and left corners of the card for quick reference.
The combination of eliminating 1/3 0£ the filing requirements, i.e., files
by license sequence, restructuring of the registration card to allow prom-
inent display of the filing cues, and an update on currency of the files
every three years should reduce the problems incurred by the Police
Department.
B. Computer System
The use of a computer system has several advantages over a manual
filing system in (1) providing the single entry of information (2)
multiple display and (3) accuracy of display once entered into the
system. A computer system, especially an off site system such as the
City is using and a low activity level program, has several disadvantages,
(1) the low level of activity, peak registrations at three periods of
the year, does not lend itself to continuous update of the system, (2)
information input requires keypunch activity as opposed to clerical
activity, (3) file maintenance requires expensive updating and programming,
and (4) initial inclusion of past records and registration of all current
bicycles poses a problem of volume and timing.
As originally proposed, the University would initiate a program,
keypunch and maintain the bicycle registration. The input of the current
perpetual registration file by the University and programming was
identified as a $500 expense with maintenance of the system requiring $200-
$300 a year. As discussed with the University, this program would provide
for keypunch of the present files by the University and with annual
maintenance paid for by the University of Iowa. Access to the system
would have been through the University Law Enforcement Division and CRT
display.
In reviewing the present sl1`u.3ti.on with now parameters rentricti.ng the
release of student information, i.t i:; being recommended that dr.+ program
and system he the responsibility of the City of Iowa City with the University
of Iowa utilizing the City files and information in exchange for thr! cost
of annual maintenance to the cumputer system. Structure of the system
would necessitate the utilization of printnd reports, (1) niphn lint.ing
by Owners name, (2) numeric lintinri by bicycle seriaL No., and (3) Numeric
listing by licence No, with t.ha pa::;:ibility of CRT arr.,r.:a by f.h_ UnLversity
of Iowa if they desired. Rnporf.:: would be printed after each UnLvorsity of
Iowa registration and after periods of significant licensing updating,
i.e., 100$ new licenses or more.
The programming of the bicycle registration procedure poses a few problems:
(1) funding of the initial $500-$1,000 set up charges, (2) funding of the annual .
computer operating charges, (3) cost and time allocations of its staff, clerical or
keypunch. The first two problems pose no great difficult since the City could
provide initial funding through its FY 1976 Budget and if the University would agree
to maintain the system annually in exchange for access to the cities records and
bicycle registration information. The problem of clerical or keypunch support would
hinge on whether the University of Iowa would provide keypunch support within their
initial programming and set-up cost and as part of their annual maintenance. If -
they did not, the program would have to be supported by the City through its own
computer service bureau and the cost of programming and set up would raise to
approximately $1,000, and in addition, $380 for keypunch expense would be needed.
It would be estimated that the annual report generation cost would be $500 to $750,
$100-$150 per report X 5, plus $130 of keypunch time based on 3,000 new registrations
each year. /'
V. Recommendations
A. Ceneral
1. The present code of Iowa city, Chapter 6.24, should be revised to
provide for multiyear registration of bicycles rather than the current
perpetual license. A three year period is recommended to allow update
of the files for University of Iowa population turnover. It should be
noted that Nnes, Iowa has a current two year license period and is taking
action to amend their ordinance to three years in order to reduce the
annual maintenance workload.
2. Conversion of the present system would be accomplished through a phase
in period of three years. Current registrations would be exchanged
for a one, two, or three year license in order to spread the current
renewal group into a equalized renewal cycle for the future. Note
the similar program used to phase in Iowa State drivers licenses.
3. The present fee structure, $1.00 for initial registration and $.10 for
replacement of lost stickers, should be reduced to "No Charge" to
encourage total registration of bicycles. Citations for non—registration
would be issued to those who did not license their bicycle.
4. Registration of bicycles would be through the Fire Department only if the
personnel are aware that the hours of registration are to be extended to
other than normal working hours. Provision would be made for special
registrations at the University of Iowa Registration periods prior to
each semester of school and at the public schools during the spring of
each year. Decentralized registration would be an option for the initial
conversion and re -registration at the locak bike shops and by volunteer
organizations.
B. System Conversion Recommendations (Open)
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• City of Iowa COP
PATE: January 27, 1977
TO: Weal Berlin, City %nager
FROM: Rosemary Vitosh, Director of Finance
RE: Sales Tax Audit
During December, 1976, State auditors audited the City for State
sales tax compliance. Our people were not aware of the items
in violation which the auditors found. The City has, in the
past, collected and turned over to the State Treasurer sales
tax on water sales and parking lot stickers. The auditors
reviewed receipts from January 1, 1972 through September 30, 1976.
Taxable areas found in which the City has not been charging sales
tax include revenue from:
1) Off-street parking
2) Rental .of equipment
3) Sale of miscellaneous equipment, parts, codebooks, etc.
4) Sale of animals
5) Swimming pool admissions
6) Recreation Center admissions, equipment rental,
and sale of craft materials
We have reviewed and discussed with the auditors their computation
of taxable revenue for the period audited, and do concur with
their figures. We are instituting procedure for collecting all
required sales tax in the future. In preparing our fourth quarter
1976 sales tax report, we are including all taxable revenues and
are submitting the proper amount of sales tax, even though we did
not collect sales tax on all of the taxable revenue. The City is
held liable for sales tax on taxable revenues, whether or not
sales tax is actually collected at the time of the transaction.
The audit resulted in a liability for the City as follows:
Sales tax due $21,026.70
Interest 31670.72
Penalty 1,063'04
We have paid the tax and interest portion, and have submitted a
request to the State that the penalty be waived. The auditors
have agreed to recommend a waiver of penalty in their audit report.
The sales tax and interest will be broken down and charged back
to the respective departments and will require a budget amendment.
;?3g
0 City of Iowa Cio
MEMORANDUM
DATE: January 24, 1977
/Neal Berlin, City Manager
TO: Dennis Kraft, Director of Community Development
FROM: Paul Glaves, Redevelopment Program Coordinator
RE: Urban Renewal Activities
1. Following is a report of Urban Renewal activities carried out the week ending
January 21, 1977:
a. Continued the design firm selection process. Steps taken included:
(1) Completed interviewing of applicant firms.
(2) Recommended the selection of Associated Engineers, Inc., to the
City Manager.
b. Received the final set of appraisals from Roy R. Fisher, Inc. Forwarded
these appraisals to the review appraiser for review.
c. Completed the preparation and execution of contract for abstracting
services between the City of Iowa City and Johnson County Abstract Company.
d. Completed processing and made payment of one relocation claim.
e. Notified the office of Facilities Planning and Utilization at the
University of Iowa of the current status of the design work for public
improvements within the street rights-of-way.
f. Continued work on the amendment to the R-14 budget and the change over
from R-14 accounting to CDBG accounting.
PG/ssw
23
City of Iowa CAY
DATE: January 19, 1977 "
TO: Neal Berlin, City 1,fanager
FROM: Dennis Showalter, Director of Parks & Recreation 1
RE: 100' Easement Along the River a1
Dennis Kraft, Dick Plastino and I agree that it is in the best
interests of the City to require owners to grant the City a
100' easement as open space and have the owners maintain the /
easement. This we could do in large scale sub -divisions with
little problem. In regular sub -divisions, it could present a
problem. If we did proceed on this basis, we might well be
challenged in court for requiring open space in absence of a
mandatory park dedication ordinance. Even if we weren't
challenged, it seems rather heavy-handed of the City to require
people to grant us easements for our benefit and make them
maintain same.
Phase II of the River Corridor Study by Stanley Consultants,
page 38, recommends a 100' buffer along the river with a contin-
uous linear bike and pedestrian trail system. Even if we could
get a 100' continuous easement, I doubt that the trail system
would ever be used enough to justify construction and maintenance
of it. If any additional money is spent on the 100' strip such
as maintenance costs or if we would be forced to purchase some
or all of the 100' strip, the proposed trail becomes all the
more impractical.
With the probability of a "hold the line" budget in the forseeable
future, it will be difficult for the Park Division to properly
maintain riverfront property and continue to perform their
regular duties at the level that you and the Council desire.
/ef
cc: Dick Plastino
Dennis Kraft
Bob Bowlin
0-7
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City of loam City
TO: Neal Berlin, City Manager
FROM: Robert P. Keating, Fire Chief ;p'
RE: False Alarms
DATE: January 20 , 1977
1
I've attached a list to this memo regarding false
alarms.
Burge accounted for 15 of the 28 alarms.
Due to the fact that Burge still continued to be
the trouble spot, I requested a meeting with Mr. Mitchell
Livingston and his assistant Carol Epling. The meeting
was set up for December 20th, 1976. At the meeting I
indicated to them that there was some reduction in the
number of false alarms at Burge Hall (Down from 21 last
year for the same period to 15 for this year.).
Apparently some credit could be given to the new delayed
system that had been installed and our educational program.
However, these totals were not acceptable. As a result
of the meeting we identified the most troublesome dorm
and the period in which most false alarms occured. I've
attached a copy of the proposed procedures regarding alarms
at Burge Hall. This procedure has been set up for Burge
Hall only. But I indicated to Carol 1f the false alarm
problem moves to another dorm, within a reasonable length
of time, we should be prepared to implement the same
type of program for that dorm. That is of course with
consideration as to how it works out at Burge.
This procedure may not cut dawn the false alarms that
the dorms experience, but hopefully it will keep the
equipment in the stations where they will be more readily
available to respond to the real fire alarms.
2q/
•
MALICIOUS
FALSE ALARMS
1976
.
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SEPT.
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SEPT.
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SEPT.
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OCT.
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OCT.
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BURGE4
OCT.
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OCT.
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//
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OCT.
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CURRIER`
OCT.
31
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BURGE6
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BURGE9
DEC.
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DEC.
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DEC.
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i
1 1e Unity^r ity Of IOWA •
tta a City. Icxa x2242 ,
011iee of Residence Services I,i�
301 N. Clinton K�(J+,�'lt,�l
(319)353-5210
January 19, 1977
hOMORANMf
To: Robert Keating
laHa City Fire Department
From: Carol Epling e2r,
Residence Services
Re: Burge Hall Proposal
As per our discussion and agreement on 1,ionday, Decanber 20, 1976, the
following proposed changes are acceptable to the Department of Residence
Services and the Iowa City Fire Department regarding response to the
Burge Hall fire alarm:
Between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m. daily, the
R.A. on call will call the Fire Department when an alarm has
been pulled. Then, the R.A. will call to alert the Security
Department. The Fire Department will not immediately respond
to Burge Hall, but will prepare to make the call. The R.A.
on call or a Security officer will call back to the Fire
Department either to report the location of the fire or to
advise that the alarm was false. The Fire Department will
then call back to the R.A. on call or the Security Department
for verification.
Ibis procedure is to be implanonted in Burge Hall only between the
hours of 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m.. At all other times, the Fire
Department will re:;pond irmteciiately to each fire alarm.
If this is not an necurate summary of our agreanent on D.,caliber 20, or
if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contactrne. If
there are no problems with this.agroanent, wo are prepared to .briplanent
this procedure at 12:01 a.m, on Saturday, January 22, 1977. Please
confirm this via memo.
M
cc: Livingston
Drol l
Loslie
leacllen
January 20, 1976
7o: Carol Epling
Re: Hurn: Ball Proposal
I have received your mere regarding Burge Hall Proposal. Basically this is
the procedure we talked about Dec. 20, 1976 and agreed upon. I view the
Proposed changes as acceptable and approve of then as our set procedure for
.:l arms at Burge Hall.
In addition to this I will be expecting from your office a list of the
oar^s of the R.A.'s and their phone numbers. I think it is very important
the Fire Department have this list, as you indicated in our phone conversation.
1
In the future if the false alarm problem moves to another dorm, and this
pro,:edure proves to be successful at Burge, hopefully the same procedure
can br,. used at tht,. trouble spot.
R-,hcrt P. L'eatinq
rire. Chief
TO:
FROM:
RE:
CITY OF IOWA CITY
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: January 27, 1977
Neal Berlin
City Council
Dick Plastino
19
Muscatine Avenue
A Public Hearing was held on Muscatine Avenue on
January 18, 1977. At that time it was decided by
Council to install a sidewalk on the East side of
Southlawn from Muscatine to the Robert Lucas School
This sidewalk, combined with thermoplastic side-
walk markings, a sidewalk on the North side of Musca-
tine, and a bike way -sidewalk on the South side of
Muscatine should provide easy and convenient move-
ment for pedestrians and bicyclists.
It is known that the City Council may be forced to
consider additional measures at the crossing of South -
lawn and Muscatine even though additional measures
will be largely ineffective relative to actual pedes-
trian safety. After reviewing the detrimental char-
acteristics of additional traffic control devices,
Public Works recommends possible consideration of
change of a variable message sign in advance of the
cross walk. This sign would display a pentagon
shaped school sign during school hours and a standard
pedestrian crossing sign during non -school hours and
during the summer months. The variable message sign
would be changed by an electrically operated timing
clock. The approximate cost of 2 signs of this type
would be in the $1500 to $2500 range for both signs.
DP:rf
cc: Muscatine Ave. file
2yz
0
• //y� • CIVIC CEME411O E WASHINGTON ST.
K4
IOWA CITY.IOWA 51210
_„Gf1G 10'M
1•q
January 25, 1977
Rev. Robert L. Welsh
First Christian Church
217 Iowa Avenue
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Rev. Welsh;
The City Council has referred your letter of January 11, 1977 to
Public Works for comment,
1. You have suggested the change of definition of alley and
the prohibition of through traffic on alleys. In your
comment you feel that alleys are not to function as streets,
but to provide access and service to abutting residents or
businesses.
In general, the City's alleys do not function as streets.
They function properly to provide access to the abutting
properties. If localized conditions are such that traffic
has been using alleys as thoroughfares, this usage has
developed because of street network problems: The change
which you have suggested would only work with heavy enforcement.
If local conditions persisted and patrol cars were not present,
vehicular drivers would continue to use the alley as a thorough-
fare. A better app roach would be to deal with the street
network problem, which is inducing drivers to seek alternate
routes. In general, the prohibition of "through traffic"
would present a very difficult enforcement effort.
2. If I understand your suggestion correctly, funeral processions
would have the legal right-of-way at intersections controlled
by traffic signals regardless of the right-of-way assignment
being made by the traffic signals.
State law states that only emergency vehicles may disregard
traffic control -devices and only when emergency vehicles are
performing an emergency service. Further, State Law requires
that emergency vehicles give either audible or visual indication
that they are conducting emergency business so that conflicting
zys
11
Page 2
•
traffic is advised of the emergency condition. The State Code
does not make provision for funeral processions assuming the
right-of-way at traffic signal controlled intersections. The
section as it exists is in conformance with the State Code
and the City is not allowed to be at variance with this section
of the State Code.
3f,4. Section 6.04.36 reflects newly enacted legislation of
the State of Iowa. Because State Law requires a reviewing
period for both the Board of Transportation Regulation and
the various affected railroads, this section of the proposed
revisions will be acted upon independently of the body of the
proposed revisions. The correct interpretation of 6.04.36.4
is that a train in motion may prevent vehicular use of a
highway, street or alley except while engaged in switching
operations. Your suggestion that "and pedestrian" be inserted
after the word"vehicular" in 6,04.36.5 and also in the preamble
is an excellent suggestion and will be incorporated into the
City's ordinance.
5. The City attorneys consider the existing wordage to be adequate
however, if Council would choose to insert "mud", clearly they
may do so.
6. The intent of "Play Streets" would be for the creation of play
areas in older developed neighborhoods where the option for the
creation of parks no longer exists. Clearly, any attempt to
establish a play street, would be done in close cooperation
with the Planning Department and with the Department of Parks
and Recreation.
7. Your comment suggesting retention of 6.12.09 dealing with
bicycle parking is certainly appreciated by Council.
g. You have suggested altering Section 6.12.11 to make it illegal
for bicycle riders to ride in any other configuration than
single file. On certain of the City's through streets,
bicyclists riding two or more abreast do greatly restrict
vehicular movement; however, on most residential streets,
bicycles two abreast create very little, if any, vehicular
congestion. If I correctly understand that your intent is to
reduce congestion on principal through streets where bicycle
riders contribute to congestion, I would concur with your
suggestion. However, the enforcement of such an ordinance
would be extremely difficult. In general practice, most
bicyclists do ride in a single file manner when in the presence
of heavy, vehicular traffic.
9. Your suggestion that the last ten words of Section 6,14.1ON
is an excellent one, In point of fact, it has been recommended
that all of 6.14.1ON be eliminated.
e •
Page 3
10. The Assistant City Attorneys have indicated to me that the
wording of Section 6.16.04 is adequate and need not be
strengthened. Additionally, 6.14.10K speaks directly to
the problem of double parking.
11: Your suggestion that it be illegal to discharge passengers
into a lane of traffic is a reasonable one; however, the
design of common carriers makes it extremely impractical to
discharge passengers into a lane of traffic, as the doors
on the City buses are on the curb side, hence, passengers
coul'only disembark either into a parking lane or onto the
curb. Your suggestion would be giving the local enforcement
agencies an enforcement tool which they neither need nor want.
Those individuals who want to disembark from a vehicle into
a lane of traffic are, generally speaking, random.events. To
attempt to regulate this activity with a traffic ordinance
would be providing the enforcement agencies with an unmanageable
tool.
Suggestion A. The Assistant Attorneys advised me that the need
to stipulate the penalty for each violation of the proposed revisions
as a misdemeanor is not needed. This is because the penalties for
violating the provisions of Title Six are covered under Chapter 1.02,
Penalties and Punishment. Perhaps a more fitting solution for 6.04.05
would be the deletion of any reference to the penalty.
Section B. One of the primary intents of the proposed revision is
to streamline the administrative procedures required for the in-
stallation of traffic control devices. Your suggestion that
Council be given one weeks advance notice prior to any action that
would be taken by the 'traffic Engineer, negates this basic intent.
Section C. The proposed revision 6.19.08B is merely a reproduction
of Section 6.34.2 of the existing ordinance. While it is correct
to say that this section does limit the use of the parking meter
fund to some degree, it does not exclude the use of parking fund
b for the construction of a parking ramp. It is the Assistant City
Attorney's opinion that the construction of a parking ramp, would
be interpreted as to "provide for the proper regulation and control
of traffic upon the public streets".
Section D, E, and F. These three sections deal with the question
of U-turns. In general, the intent of the proposed revision is
to prohibit all U—turns. The U-turns maneuver, when made in the
vicinity of other vehicular or pedestrian traffic typically comes
as an unexpected maneuver. There are no signals that a driver
may use to warn other drivers or pedestrians in the area of the
maneuver he is about to make. Typically the U-turn comes as a
surprise to other vehicular drivers. W �le there are traffic
problems associated in the Post Office location, the use of U-turns
in this area, does not reduce the existing traffic congestion. Your
0 0
Page 4
concern about increasing traffic on Harrison, between Dubuque
and Clinton, is a possibility. However, I do not believe that
traffic would increase to such a degree that it would be beyond
the capacity of Harrison Street. Your second concern about the
increased demand for left turns at the intersection of Burlington
and Dubuque is a very possible situation. However, the possibility
of increased left turners at Burlington and Dubuque would be mirrored
by a reduction of left turners at Clinton and Burlington, It seems
reasonable to assume that if an undesirable situation as a result
of a U-turn prohibition would develop at Dubuque and Burlington,
the same problem would occur at Clinton and Burlington if U-turns
were allowed.
You make reference to the need for a U-turn at the intersection
of Iowa Avenue and Clinton, indicating that this need developed
because both Washington and Jefferson are east bound one-way streets.
It seems to me the only movement that a U-turn at the intersection
of Iowa Avenue and Clinton promotes is east bound traffic. I would
suggest that if both Jefferson and Washington are east bound, they
should have ample capacity to carry the west bound traffic at Iowa
and Clinton, which desires to move east. I think it is a reason-
able assumption that those individuals who presently U-turn at
Iowa and Clinton, are doing so to seek on -street parking places
on Iowa Avenue. The desire to circulate in the downtown area,
searching for on -street parking can be remedied by locating
facilities, with proper capacity to provide off-street parking.
Your suggestion that the police force be informed of the differences
between the proposed revised Title Six and the present Title Six
is an excellent suggestion and will be given action should Council
choose to adopt the proposed revisions.
Your last suggestion that the Public be informed of the changes
that would affect their driving task is a good one and I would
think that if Council chooses to pass the proposed revisions, the
local media will list those differences betweenthe existing and
the proposed Title Six which would affect the driving tasks.
I would like to thank you for the time you have spent reviewing
the rather lengthy ordinance and have appreciated your comments.
Should you wish to discuss this letter, or make comments on any
other sections of the proposed revisions, please do not hesitate
to contact me.
Respectfully yours,
James N. Brachtel
Traffic Engineer
JNB;vei
cc: City Manager/City Council
- � • I;.• . � - ,;13'7
,
�e�Y1a1
D EPA R'fME NT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
* # n INSURING OFFICE
"s
10,14"
I p�4� as FEDERAL eU1LDING,]10 WALNUT STREET
e�+p DES MOINES, IOWA 50709
O'b"
REGION V,I
Federal onme emlmvy January 25, 1977
911 Walnut street
Kanua
City, Mbapud 64106 IN REPLY RfiR[R TOO
7.4FH
(McMullin
515-284-4687)
Mr. Neal G. Berlin
City Manager
Civic Center
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Mr. Berlin:
Subject: Sites for Low Rent Housing
We regret that it has not been possible for us to respond earlier to your
request for "preapproval" of four sites in downtown Iowa City for low income
housing. Previous commitments of staff time to our large current Section 8
- workload precluded action immediately on your request.
Paragraph 880.203 of the Section 8 New Construction Regulations does permit
(but does not require) field offices to preapprove sites for Section 8 use.
Where preapproval is granted the Regulations require HUD to issue a NOFA
requesting preliminary proposals for the preapproved sites.
It is currently our office policy to "not" preapprove sites. This has been
made necessary because of the extreme limitations on our funding. The fair
share allocations of our limited funding will not permit set asides of money
for preapproved sites in specific localities.
Although we cannot "preapprove" the four subject sites, we do feel obligated
to advise you relative to each of the site's compliance with HUD's Si,te and
Neighborhood Standards for the Section 8 program. The following comments are
ased on a site review by one of our staff appraisers:
Site N1 Post Office -- This site meets our location requirements for
Section 8 e d er y housing. It is doubtful, however, if our mortgage
insurance program would work on a project proposed for this site if
the building contained substantial amounts of commercial office and
parking space. The site is not suitable for family housing.
Site /2 -- This site is not suitable for elderly or family housing.
Site 03 -- This site meets our location requirements for Section 8
e er y housing, It is not suitable for family housing.
z `1 y
5
0
2
Site N4 -- This site is not suitable for Section 8 elderly housing
because of heavy traffic and steep terrain. It is also unsuitable
for family housing.
All the proposed sites were not considered suitable for family housing
because of the lack of residential character in the busy downtown area
and the lack of schools.
Sincerely,
Natk Ruben
Director
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GROW TO
REACH
ENVIRONMENTAL
LXCELLENCE
NOW
Civic Center, Iowa City. Iowa 57740
d
PFFIUJEC T GREEN
Tor Neal Berlin, City manager
Civic Center
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
In Res Scott Blvd.
Dear Neals
January 25, 1977
With overall planning for transportation and
the development of Scott Boulevard under way, Project
GREEN respectfully reminds the city staff of our
recommendations made in July, 1973. N copy of our
letter to the City Manager at that time is enclosed.
We hope that new attention can be given to
these points which our Steering Committee has con-
sistently supported.
Respectfully,
� I
•i
r I •
Nancy Seiberling,
Chairman, Project GREEN
NSISK
ENC t I
11 i1( 1 it "Ill it.
(t u IU'•1I` 1, l� 1t I
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1
GROW TO s
REACH
•
ENVIRONM1 N r Al_ Avg
(:X(.1 LIANA
NOW PROJECT GREEN
July 23, 1973
C,vic Center, Iowa City, Iowa 57240
Mr. Ray S. Wells
City Manager
Civic Center
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Mr. Wellss
RE s Planning for Scott Boulevard development
and adjoining future residential areas -
Project GREEN strongly urges that plans for this
newly developing area includes
1. The planting of street trees and other land-
scape improvements not only for beautification but also
as a barrier to noise and pollution caused by heavy
traffic.
2. Provision for a bikeway separate from the
traffic way.
3. Requirement that development plans respect
the natural terrain, retaining and/or protecting existino
trees.
4. The replacement of any trees that must be
removed with trees of equal value.
5. Permits to build must include an ailreement
to plant quality trees appropriate to size and nature of
property. .
Respectfully,
N((NCY SLI iLHLING,
NSsBK Co -Chairman, project GHLEN
CCs Community Development,
Attns Dennis Kraft
Planning and Zoning Commission,
Attn: Donald Madsen, Chairman
IIYIINAX {'. T/.LMAWir GA.r f.11A1rrMl.11 •
1/.MI'll rl. l'AFIIAIIN. NII.II. .........I.
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InNYN IINnIl
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IATMICN I. WA.,ANV. Yf.
MIGM[LM MC
G WCML CYWI{[L 41C {TAIFAII OINfGfYfl
COMM ITTZU ON
AGRICULYUNI: AND FORCSTRY
WASHINGTON. D.C. Y0510
January 10, 1977
Adrian Anderson, Director
Division of Ilistoric Preservation
State Ilistorical Department of Iowa
B-13 Mac Lean Hall
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Adrian:
I have just received a reply from Ernest Allen Connally,
Associate Director of the National Park Service, with respect
to the inquiry I made in your behalf regarding the Old Post
Office in Iowa City.. A copy of his letter is enclosed.
,lust as soon as I receive any further information, I will
be back in touch.
With best wishes,
Sincerely,
Dick Clark
DG: cb
enclosure V
cc: Thu Ilonorablo Mary Cr Neuhauser
Mayor of Iowa City
M
2-y!6
Rorornble Dielc Clark
U::itcd States Senator
Cd
cral Building
101 First Street, S.E.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Dear Senator Clark:
Thank you for your letter on behalf of Mr. Adrian Anderson concerning
the Old Pont Office in Iowa City, Iowa.
Mr. Reese of the U,S. Postal Service has informed us that the Pootal
Serviceua original assecsmant of the Iowa City Post Office concluded
the building did not meet the 'National Registar "Criteria for
Evaluation," He assured us, however, that because of tar. Anderson's
letter advising that the building did have merit, the Postal Servicc
would reasoess the property and take appropriate action. Tiuis action
might include a nomination of the property to the National Pogictcr 01-
a
ra request for a "determination of eligibility" pursuant to Executive
Order 11593.
we also inquired about the possibility of a surplus property transfer
of the building at no - ,netary corsideratio-a under the provisions of
the Federal Property and Adminictrativa Servicea Act of 1949, a
ca.:andad, were it to be listed in, or dctcrrainad eligible for listir.0
in, the National Register. Such a trana:or is not possiSle becausa
real ,)ro*,urty oua;ed by the Postal Service v. -..:at be dispo::cd o2 at fai:
markot value under the provioiono oZ Linc Postal Rcor;;ani:.a oa '.at c
Auguot 121 1970. Mr, Reese also confirmed that to hia knowledge the
Postal Service han never made a surplus property transfer at no
cor.sia,eraL•ion for histo:. .:;r...._.. m 0... u:....._ 0,0.
:'uds.r.l Pro;10rty and oc
l!a w'ill for::ally advise t :e O''ficial ; of t', -.c postal Scrvica that 1C
appears that there is a question corcarnin;; the eligibility of the
property for the National Regintor and that they may wish to request
I ,,
,
V '111 CCI S�iiLS
;•'nal -l -c ;
c
N) i1Cii :). ulV,7
illiCi lUi
I
NAT10NAL PAR!
IN NIJ'LY MILLI' LIC
H34-880
Rorornble Dielc Clark
U::itcd States Senator
Cd
cral Building
101 First Street, S.E.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Dear Senator Clark:
Thank you for your letter on behalf of Mr. Adrian Anderson concerning
the Old Pont Office in Iowa City, Iowa.
Mr. Reese of the U,S. Postal Service has informed us that the Pootal
Serviceua original assecsmant of the Iowa City Post Office concluded
the building did not meet the 'National Registar "Criteria for
Evaluation," He assured us, however, that because of tar. Anderson's
letter advising that the building did have merit, the Postal Servicc
would reasoess the property and take appropriate action. Tiuis action
might include a nomination of the property to the National Pogictcr 01-
a
ra request for a "determination of eligibility" pursuant to Executive
Order 11593.
we also inquired about the possibility of a surplus property transfer
of the building at no - ,netary corsideratio-a under the provisions of
the Federal Property and Adminictrativa Servicea Act of 1949, a
ca.:andad, were it to be listed in, or dctcrrainad eligible for listir.0
in, the National Register. Such a trana:or is not possiSle becausa
real ,)ro*,urty oua;ed by the Postal Service v. -..:at be dispo::cd o2 at fai:
markot value under the provioiono oZ Linc Postal Rcor;;ani:.a oa '.at c
Auguot 121 1970. Mr, Reese also confirmed that to hia knowledge the
Postal Service han never made a surplus property transfer at no
cor.sia,eraL•ion for histo:. .:;r...._.. m 0... u:....._ 0,0.
:'uds.r.l Pro;10rty and oc
l!a w'ill for::ally advise t :e O''ficial ; of t', -.c postal Scrvica that 1C
appears that there is a question corcarnin;; the eligibility of the
property for the National Regintor and that they may wish to request
I ,,
0
a "deterraination of eli;,i'bility." As soon as we receive the
appropriate material on the property, we will c<pcdite our review to
facilitate an early resolution of the situation. We appreciate your
interest.
Sincerely yours,
1"""1'^''• DlYCc for
0 0
January 24, 1977
I•'r. I!erli,n A. Ludwig
"• i ,cr ni.mxlent
Taxa City CorrauZity School District
1040 K-Uli.am Stroat
Io,,ra City, Iowa 52240
ikar : r. U.;dwig:
'fhank you for your letter of January 20, 1977, crnrcerning the tornado warning
sirens. Macently we received from Dr. I ogben infoniation concerning the
warning siren system whidr is being evaluated. 'Ric City Attorney is pursuing
all In'
ormatioa (even bits of infosraation) to be absolutely sure that no
nioblem will arise. If you or any of tba r(:,rd members have any factual
infonratiea u1iich will be beneficial to us, ti:e certainly would appreciate
receiving it. Tho City docs not intend to eliminate the use of the tornado
warning system.
Sincerely yours ,
Neal O. Iiorlin
City MUnager
cc: Mrs. Pzrbara Tiinccrran
Vr. Wn rrirel4'irt
Mr. Torry Y•ushnirr
City Colmcill/
Zy�
See attached distribution list;
0
�•
January 18, 1977
CIVIC CEN I[II.uO FWASNINGION Si.
IOWA CILV,IfIWAti:;VU
3193S11"
By May 2, 1977, all banks, savings and loan associations, and any
other financial institutiors that are Federally insured, must stop
making construction loans in the flood plain of Ralston Creek, the
Iowa River or Willow Creek.
The only action Iowa City can take to prevent this is to pass a
Flood Plain Ordinance that complies with minimum regulations
set up by the Federal Insurance Administration.
Public Works has prepared such an ordinance, but we did make the
ordinance tougher than the Federal requirements in two places.
You should be concerned about these two sections since they directly
affect you if you are building on land any place in the flood plain.
They are as follows:
1. The Federal Government prohibits basements in residential
houses in the flood plain unless Iowa City is granted an
exception by the Federal Government. In order to obtain
an exception from the Federal Government, the City must
explain in writing the reasons for the exception request,
and submit design standards and specifications for flood
proofing of basement walls and floors. The design standards
must insure that the walls are impermeable to the passage
of water and structurally strong enough to resist
hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and uplift pressures.
I believe that it is virtually impossible to flood -proof
a residential basement to the standards that will be re-
quired by the Federal Government and still construct a
house that costs a reasonable amount of money; therefore,
our ordinance does prohibit basements under residential
houses in the flood plain. If you believe we are headed
in the wrong direction on this matter of basements in the
W
page 2. • •
flood plain under residential houses, Please let me know,
preferably in the next week or two.
2. The Federal rcgulntions allow individual lots of less
than one -hal f (',) acre to get an almost automatic
variance from the flood plain management regulations.
The intent is to prevent a situation in which a vacant
lot between two existing houses is filled by a house
that stands higher than the surrounding houses.
It is our feeling that aesthetics are important in
existing neighborhoods, but it makes more sense to get
the house out of the flood waters than to worry about the
aesthetics; therefore, we have not included the automatic
variance provision that is allowed by the Federal regulations.
Other than the two exceptions mentioned above, the ordinance is a
"minimum" document. It places no restrictions or regulations upon
developers in the community other than those absolutely required by
the Federal Insurance Administration in order for Iowa City to stay
in the Federal Flood Insurance Program. As mentioned earlier, if we
do not stay in the Federal Flood Insurance Program, the Government
will prohibit all lending institutions from making loans on con-
struction in the flood plain.
Unfortunately, the Federal regulations and the Flood Plain Ordinance
i,re extremely complex, difficult to read, difficult to understand,
and they are going to be difficult to administer. If you want to
get into this in more detail, let's get together for a personal
meeting at your convenience.
Sincerely,
Richard J. Plastino
Director of Public Works
RJP:bz
cc: City Manager
City Council✓
Mr. Kenneth Albrecht
Mr. Earl Yoder
Mr, Frank Boyd
Mr. George Nagle
Mr. Richard McCreedy
Mr. Tom Alberhasky
Mr. Ed Thomas
Mr. Bruce Glasgow
U
i 0
Finding .vandalism
By ZAY N. SMITH
e r)/ Ouse S -Ta
CHICAGO, ILL. — Jimmy Luster,
police chief of Rogers, Ark., says it's a
fine Idea. They're studying it In Naples,
Fla., and Fort Collins, Colo. The Virgin
Islands are Interested. So is Australia.
North suburban Deerfield didn't
expect an International response when
It devised an experimental anti -vandal -
Ism ordinmce'a year ago. But so far,
the village has received more than 100
official Inquiries, with more coming in
each week. The news has leaked that
Deerfield's ordinance works.
The ordinance was adopted in
December, 1975, when Deerfield, one
of the more affluent suburbs, decided it
wasn't affluent enough to keep up with
more than $100,000 a year In property
damage by juveniles.
Deerfield officials, noting that
parental indifference played a major
part In the vandalism problem, aimed
the ordinance squarely at mothers and
fathers. Under the ordinance, parents
are brought into the case when a first
offense is committed- They are warned
that they will be held legally responsi-
ble — with a possible fine of up to =500
— if Johnny drives across the
neighbor's lawn again_
The effect was dramatic. During the
ordinance's first year Incidents of
vandalism dropped 35 per cent to 363.
Police Chief Richard Branot said
second offenses, formerly common,
dropped to zero.
"The ordinance has proved to be
excellent as a preventive," Brandt said.
"It has also contributed to an Increased
awareness of the vandalism problem in
the community. We're getting much'
better reporting by citizens now."
It did not take long for officials
elsewhere to pick up on the Idea. The,
Cook County Board adopted a similar
ordinance In November for unincor-
porated areas. Suburbs throughout the
Chicago area have adopted or are
plaoaing drafter ordinances. And Nen
there Is the police chief of Alma,
Quebec, who wonders how the
ordinance would read In French.
But Brandt, while gratified at the
response, adds a few cautionary words.
"The ordinance has attradd the
most attention, and that's understand-
able," be said. "But an ordlnance alone
won't solve the whole problem. It has
to be part of a well-rounded program
to be really effective."
Deerfield U trying to practice what
Brandt preaches. The village has hind
■ full-time youth director. Its police
force bas two youth officers. Juvenile
offenders, more dra s being punished,
are directed toward constructive ac-
tivltles wMnever possible.
Chief among these Is Deerfield'a
Youthbound Program. Juvenile
offenders arc taken on outdoor expedi.
tions for recreation and counseling.
Police officers participate so the
juveniles can know them and they can
know the juveniles.
Another program Involves peer
juries. With parental consent, a,
juvenile who has Upped mailboxes a
splashed paint can have his case heard
by a jury of 8 to 10 local high school
students. The juveniles settle the
matter among themselves. The jury I
allowed to sentence the offender to a
number of hours of unpaid work for the
-
village.
"The Idea is to create constructive
diversions in a variety of ways;,
Brandt said. "We're not sure we have
the ultimate answer, but we think it's a
good one."
zy9
•ity of 10VVa Cit•
DATE: January 27, 1977
TO: City Council
FROM: City Manager
RE: Design Firm Selection
The City staff, after consultation with Don Zuchelli, has established a program
to carry out the design of the public improvements to be constructed within the
street rights-of-way in the urban renewal project area. It is imperative that
the City retain a firm with the capability of not only preparing the designs,
specifications, and bidding documents, but which is also capable of carrying
out resident inspection and the construction management phase of the project.
It is also important that the City retain a firm with experience in the design
of malls and preferably a firm with a nationwide reputation.
The staff has carried out a selection process for the local or area firm.• This
selection process was carried out in two steps. Criteria were established for
the initial screening of applicant qualifications and more detailed criteria
were established for use during the interview process. The qualifications of
21 applicant firms were screened by the staff and the five firms which most
closely met the criteria established were selected for interview.
The staff has selected the firm Associated Engineers, Inc., of Fort Dodge,
Mason City, and Cedar Rapids. The overall management of the project will be
carried out by personnel from the Mason City office, which is the division
responsible for the firm's landscape architecture skills. Resident inspection
during the construction phase will be carried out through the Cedar Rapids
office. The project will be coordinated by Mr. Jack Leaman, a former resident
of Iowa City. ,
The firm of Lawrence Halprin and Associates was initially considered as the
firm which should provide design services in addition to Associated Engineers.
Because of time limitations and other considerations, Lawrence ifalprin and
Associates will not be used. Don Zuchelli and members of the City staff concur
in this decision. Instead, Sasaki Associates of Watertown, Massachusetts, will
provide the design services.
The contract for services with Associated Engineers, Inc., will require that
the project be designed within a budget to be determined by the City Council.
Associated Engineers, in consultation with Sasaki Associates,will prepare
initial illustrations showing different cost levels from which the City Council
will establish a project budget. Associated Engineers will thereafter be
required to design the project so as to stay within the project budget.
In order to proceed with this design project expeditiously, the City Manager will
provide Associated Engineers with an interim authorization in an amount not to
exceed $10,000 to Incur expenses so that the project budget can be established
as soon as possible. The detailed contract language will be prepared by the
City staff and the expenses incurred during, the initial design work used to
ostablish the project budget will be included as part of the overall payment
for dosign of the project.
.5"0
�� i � •'y� t �� '..� i � 10- ?:. E.'� �Y r � i � , i
To: Neal Berlin, City Manoger
DATE: January 26, 1977
FROM: Dennis Kraft, Director of Community Development
RE: Monthly Report -- December 1976
HOUSING DIVISION
I. 237 UNITS SECTION 8, EXISTING UNITS, 72 SECTII 23 UNITS,
Convert 88 additional units of Section 23 to Section 8 units.
Continue to provide assistance to families under Section 23
reducing the numbex of units to 72 by June 30, 1978,
II. 64 UNITS NEW CONSTRUCTION UNDER SECTION 8. Tb assist in
providing additional housing units for low income, elderly
and handicapped persons,
III. HOUSING ASSISTANCE PLAN. Provide input to the (lousing Assistance
Plan for the second year HCDA application,
IV. HOUSING COhMISSION. Provide administrative support to the Iowa
City Housing Ccxmi.ssion.
V. fT]FORCE MINIMUM HOUSING CODE. In the interest of public health
and safety, increase efforts and revise plan for enforcing the
City's Minimum Housing Code.
DHCEMBER ACTIVITY:
I. During December, 11 units were brought into the Section 8 Program.
Five of these units were Section 23 conversions. Three Section 23
units were terminated and one Section 8 unit was terminated.
Total units under lease in the Section 8 Program, .130 units. Total
units under lease, Section 23, 81 units. Total both programs, 211
units.
Thirty annual, initial or final inspections were performed. Five
applications for Section 8 were approved.
II. 64 Units New Construction. Under construction.
III. Carpleted.
IV. Housing Carmission. One Housing Carmisnion ny-etiryl was held on
December 1, 1976. A quoram was not present for the scheduled
meeting of. December 15th.
V. Minirmm Housing. See attached.
2 57
PIVECITM ACTIVITY:
I. During January, three units will. Le converted frcm Section 23 to
Section 8. It is nrojcctcd that six new units will be brought
into the program.
II. 64 Units New Construction. Under construction.
III. Canpleted.
IV. The Housing Commission is scheduled to meet January 19, 1977.
V. Minirmnn Housing.
Inspectors Burke, Calef and rkirnes will attend the University of
Wisconsin Housing Inspection course in Madison, January 10 thru
January 12. Reinspections will be continued and the office will
resume initial inspections in Area 8. Some inspectors also plan
to attend the Kirkcood Evening Course in Tow Pressure Boiler
operation at their own expense.
DECEMBER 1976
1. Nuud)er of structures inspected
single f-ainily owner -occupied
11
Single family Rental
26
Duplex structures
44
Multiple Family
68
2. Number of Dnwelling Units
Single family owner -occupied
11
Single family Rental
26
Duplex
88
Multiple Family
517
3. Number of Rooming Units
Single family owner -occupied
3
Single family rental
Duplex_
Multiple Family
IIn
4. of the 149 structures inspected.
6g r were found to be in compliance and
Certificates xrere issued. The break down by
bf t oe units
nun er o y_
149
642
134
Dwelling Units Rooming Units
Single family owner -occupied 5
Single family rental 10 —? _
Duplex 54 —
Multiple 201 _36____
i
of the 149 structures inspected 80 'were found to be
deficient for one or more reasons and corrective letters were
issued and reinspection scheduled. The breakdown by number and
type of unit.
0. Daelli.nq Units Roomi 3 Units
Single family owner -occupied ---6
Single family rental 34 _9
Duplex
Multiple family 316
6. Inspections performed as a result of complaint calls 11___
a. Handled by Minimum Housing nection9
b. Referred to another department _2
7. Inspectiona performed by request of buyer, realtor, or othe('
party prior to sale or transfer
Number found in compliance. 1
ilumbor found to have deficlenc:i es -5—
n
5
n
B. Units noted that did not appear in prior records. --
Dwelling units
Rooming Units
9. Compliance Certificates issued for newly constructed structures/
units
Single Family 2
Duplex 5
Multiple —
10. Recapitulation: 149 structures were inspected containing
642 dwelling units and 139 rooming units. _6_ structures
containing 270 dwelling and 38 rooming units were found to be
in compliance with the Code. B0 structures containing 37
dwelling units and 96 rooming units were found to be deficient.
A break down of thedeficiencies noted is attached.
7 12
s •
MINIMUM HOUSING STANDARDS
Deficiencies noted during the Month of December 1976 by
Paragraph Referral
- 7.06 Nuisances
5 9.30.4.E Bathroom
15 9.30.4.1 Plumbing
- 9.30.4.L Hot Water
1 9.30.4.R Egress
lg 9.30.4.0 Handrails
1 9.30.5.A 108 Window
j--9 .30 . 5. C Bath Vent
3 9.30.5.D Hall Lights
5 9.30.5.E Outlets
12 9.30.5.E Electric
9.30.5.E Main Service
3 9.30.5.F Heat
1 9.30.5.G Vents & Air
1 9.30.5.I P&T Extension
- 9.30.5.I P&T Valve
- 9.30.5.J Screens
35 9.30.6.A Walls, Floors,
- 9 .30 .6. D Doors Fit
1 9.30.6.E Bath Floors
9.30.6.H Outside
4 9.30.6.X Outside 133dg.
- 9.30.7.A Floor Space
4 9.30.7.A Bedroom Size
9 .30.7. C Path of Bath
17-9 .30 .7. D Ceiling
9.30.7.E Cellai
Windows
and haves
- 9.30.7.F.1 Basement Dampness
9.30.7.F.5A Basement Height
-=9 .30. 8. A Shared Area
1_9.30.8.E Insects
.30. 9. H Cubic Feet
J_A_9.30.9.J Fire Ext.
-2 9.30.9.L Furnace Isolation
5.B02(3) of the Iowa Administrative Code
- One Hour Fire Door
_ 413.46 State Code of Iowa -3rd Floor Dwellings
_Uniform Fire Code Section 15.112 -Sources of Ignition
Uniform Fire Code Section 27.201 -Accumulation of Waste Material
•
CDBG DIVISION
December 1976
0
GOALS:
I. Program Administration: To continue the establishment of CDBG project
administration procedures -- environmental review processing, financial
monitoring, compliance procedures, and sound record keeping.
II. Project Development: To monitor the development of CDBG funded projects
to better insure CCN, City Council, and HUD satisfaction with program goals,
objectives and progress.
III. Program Coordination: To coordinate all CDBG projects to accentuate their
success and effectiveness and to minimize duplicated research.
DECEMBER ACTIVITIES:
I. A preliminary third year CDBG budget was finalized by CCN for presentation
to the citizenry at a public meeting and to the City Council at an informal
Council meeting. A one page newspaper display ad was prepared to announce
the proposed activities to the general public.
II. The Housing Rehabilitation program was implemented. A public meeting in the
Longfellow School area initiated neighborhood publicity.
III. Budgets for FY 178 administrative functions were finalized.
IV. The site improvement project for Washington Street was evaluated and future
activities were defined -- Council discussion, CCN review, and neighborhood
resident review.
V. A chart of project activities proposed for January through June was developed
and distributed.
VI. A temporary technical assistant was employed to help with application
activities .
PROPOSED JANIZARY ACTIVITIES:
I. An environmental review record for FY 177 Code Enforcement activities will he
completed.
II. The FY 178 CDBG Budget and Community Development Plan will be finalized by
Council and application preparations will begin.
III. Land acquisition activities will be organized and thereafter appraisers and
property owners will be contacted.
IV. Staffing plans for FY 177 and PY '78 will be reviewed as new program activities
are defined.
0
-2-
V. Architects for the architectural barrier program will be interviewed and a
contract awarded.
VI. ofeIo a"Neighborhood
be preparedRedevelopment
presentedrequired
& ZbandChapter
Council. of the Code
CDBG PROJECT
1. Comprehensive
Plan
2. Neighborhood
Improvement
Program
1 3
MONTHLY SMEARY OF CDBG PROJECT ACTIVITIES
DECEMBER ACTIVITIES
*Work continued on Citizen Participation, Housing,
Land Use, and Utilities topical reports.
*Timetables were established for individual pro-
jects' completion.
*A neighborhood meeting was held to start program
implementation.
*Interviews and structure inspections began pro-
cessing of 7 applicants.
*Finance department procedures were discussed.
*Goals for future program years were re-evaluated
and expanded service areas defined.
*Area 8 inspections continued as well as
reinspections to other areas.
*Environmental Review for new area began develop-
ment.
PROJECTED JANUARY ACTIVITIES
*Staff positions previously identified will be
filled.
*Topical reports on Land Use, Vegetation, and
Community Facilities are to be prepared for
presentation to Department heads.
*A one day workshop will review citizen
participation activities and program objectives:
*Supervisor will attend conference for backs
ground training.
*Four more cases will begin.
*Office procedures will be refined as the first`'=
cases are written up and contractors identified..)
*"Neighborhood Redevelopment Plan" will be
approved by P 5 Z and presented at a public
hearing.
I
*Procedure manual will continue development.
*Area 8 will be completed and reinspections to
other areas will continue as required.
*Environmental Review will be completed.
4. Architectural *A draft contract was drawn -up for an architect *Two architects are to be interviewed to con -
Barrier Removal to do design and spoclf ication of chairlifts, sider major improvements.
Program elevators, and other major improvements. *Contract is to be awarded.
*City Park restrooms are to be completed.
MONTHLY SWtARY OF CDBG PROJECT ACTIVITIES
CDBG PROJECT
DECEMBER ACTIVITIES
PROJECTED JANUARY ACTIVITIES
S. Park Improve-
*Appraisers will be selected for Hickory Hill
ments and
and Happy Hollow park expansion.
Additions
*Environmental reviews for two shelters will
be completed. Land acquisition reports will
begin.
6. Urban Renewal
*Preliminary activities were completed. See
*Budget will be finalized for next six months. `
- Land Acquisition
redevelopment report for specific progress
*A list of developers will be drawn up.
•
report.
7. Committee on
*Third year budget was presented at a public
*Third year CDBG application will be discussed. -'
Community
meeting and to the City Council.
*Four new members will be added to the
Needs
committee.
8. Ralston Creek
*Work continued as the total plan for watershed
*Work will continue as designs and specifications
Flood Control
continues development.
are developed for the Interim Projects.
*A detailed presentation of Happy Hollow water
*Appraisers will be selected for all property
detention plans and specifications was developed.
acquisitions and easement rights.
*Owner of Johnson Street dwelling to be acquired
*All property owners will be notified of City
was contacted.
intentions.
•
REHABILITATION DIVISION
DECEMBEIt 1976
COALS:
0
1. Ongoing staff orientation.
2. Begin indoor construction January -February 177.
3. Develop approximately 30 contracts by play -June 177.
4. Develop a complete financing package including grants, forgiveable loans,
low interest loans by March -April.
S. Study acceptable site improvement projects as well as other division support
programs (sewer improvements, flood insurance).
U]xtl�dll�t�iC�Jtlii�I ittl ��
1. Training period: November 30 -December 3
2. Made presentation at the Longfellow School Library December 6, 1976 (with
approximately 35 in attendance).
3. Conducted the following program activities:
A. 7 technical assistance inspections
B. 11 financial verification surveys
JANUARY ACTIVITIES:
1. 403 statement of intent preparation
2. NAHRO conference Milwaukee
3. Work with religious organizations to develop cases
4. Take bids on initial contracts
S. Training session January 4-7
DECIABER 10:11ORT
ADVANCE PI.ANN1% DIVISION
GOALS:
1. CONPRIiIIIiNSTVI: PLAN -- to Proceed with planning work so that the three
main nreas can he developed by March: I) a City Plan, 2) a Zoning
Ordinance, and 3) Citizen Participation.
11. RIVFRFRONT COMMISSION -- to continue staff assistance.
III. URBAN RFNEWAL -- to provide assistance as needed.
IV. CDBG ADMINISTRATION -- to provide assistance as needed.
V. PHSONNEI. -- to fill the vacant planner positions.
DECEMBER ACTTVITY:
I. Work in Comprehensive Planning continued as follows: City Plan --
preparation of the topical reports for land use, community facilities
and trafficways continued; Zoning Ordinance -- research of other cities'
ordinances continued, legal opinions were received; Citizen Partici-
pation -- Sasaki Associates and Attic $ Cellar continued the Citizen
Participation work with development of the sample survey questionnaire;
and Other --
Rewriting of the Floodplain
Ordinance was done with Engineering to meet the new I1UD requirements.
IL Staff assistance to the Riverfront Commission continued.
III. Staff assistance to urban renewal included attendance at meetings and
graphics assistance.
IV. Staff assistance to CDBG administration consisted in the development of
budget material for FY 78.
V. An assistant planner was hired and started the last week of the month.
Current employee applicants for the associate planner position were
Identified.
PROJECTED ACI I V 1'CY :
I. The essential planning activities necessary for the development of a
City Plan and a Zoning Ordinance will continue on schedule with the
Population. Summary, Land Use Summary, Community Pucilities (Parks and
Schools) Report, Environmental Report (Vegetation Guide) and Sample
Survey of Citizen Participation expected to be completed first.
11. staff assistance to the Riverfront Commission will continue.
III. Staff assistance to Urban Renewal will continue.
-2 -
IV. CDBG assistance will continue.
V. Associate planner applicants will be tested in January and hopefully
start in February.
DETAILED REPORT OF COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING ACTIVITIES:
Planning Technicians -- During December the planning technicians provided
graphics for the Planning and Zoning Commission, Urban Renewal, and planning
projects. Additionally, they continued land use analysis, provided updating
of base maps, and assisted in coordination of Citizen Participation and
completed the density analysis.
Assistant Planners -- During December the assistant planners assisted the
Riverfront Commission in the development of zoning provisions related to
the River Corridor. The planners worked on the Floodplain Ordinance, land
use report, Citizen Participation, soils analysis, utilities analysis,
community facilities analysis, urban renewal review and started work on the
housing and economic reports.
Associate Planner -- Vacant until January.
Senior Planner -- The senior planner directed planning activities and
assisted in the citizen participation process. Additionally, the senior
planner continued research of the new Zoning Ordinance, writing of the
Trafficways Report, and participated in Urban Renewal staff meetings.
IUiDIfVRLOPMENP DIVISION
Monthly Report
0
GOALS
I. Carry out project management procedures and prepare management documents
and records consistent with City Council policies and IND requirements.
II. Carry out a program of land marketing consistent with City Council
decisions and [IUD requirements.
DECEMBER ACTIVITIES
I. Planning:
a, Began solicitation of qualifications for selection of a design firm
for public improvements within malled areas on restricted streets.
b, Contacted the University of Iowa and Old Capitol Associates regarding
the filing of a plan change proclaimer.
c, Presented the staff report and draft resolution setting forth the
circulation system and street restrictions within the project area to
the City Council. Council approved the circulation restrictions as
set forth in Resolution No. 76-442.
II. Marketing:
a. Received all appraisals from Iowa Research and Appraisal Corporation.
Received the appraisals for land
Burlington from Roy ayne Guernsey R.
Fisher,
Inc. Transmitted all appraisals received to
review. Review work is progressing.
b. Transferred $800,000 in CDBG funds to the R-14 temporary loan repayment
fund as initial payment for land transfer from the LPA to the
municipality.
c. Received Council approval and execution of contracts for two tracts of
land in the east half of Block 101 to Johnson County Realty Co. (ISBT)
and Perpetual Savings and Loan.
d. Sent letters of inquiry regarding permanent relocation space needs of
all the businesses located in the Clinton Street Ma11,
III. Program Management:
a. Completed research into 1RJD requirements relating to insurance coverage
for the LPA.
b. Completed compiling the list of properties for which new abstracts are
needed. Prepared a contract for execution between Johnson County
Abstract Company and the City for abstracting of these prtrcels.
-2-
c. Began preparing a property management handbook for the management of
the Clinton Street Mall.
d. Sent letters to all businesses located in the Clinton Street Mall
regarding the maintenance of the Mall.
IV. Administration:
a. Sent a letter of determination regarding one relocation grievance.
b. Processed one relocation claim.
c. Prepared Relocation/Acquisition reports for the transition quarter
(July -September) for the Iowa R-14 Project and the CDBG program.
PROJECTED ACTIVITIES
I. a. Continue work on disposition program.
1. Complete financial/funding program.
2. Compile information for solicitation documents.
b. Complete LPA to City land transfer.
DECEMBr:R MONTHLY REPORT
CURREN'r PLANNING
DECEMBER ACTIVITY:
staff reports were prepared for three preliminary plats, a preliminary
plat in the county, and a Large Scale Non -Residential Development
plan. Work on procedures for the submittal, review and approval
of Large Scale Residential Developments and Large Scale Non -Residential
Developments continued. The outline and checklist for subdivisions
was completed.
PROJECTED ACTIVITY:
No specific numeric objectives for subdivision plat reviews, rezoning
application review, etc. are established due to the impossibility of
predicting the number of submissions which will be filed. 1'hc Associate
Planner and Planning Technician of the Current Planning Division
resigned in January. Although the Current Planning Division does not
have any staff assistance, it is expected that the procedural outlines
for Large Scale Residential Developments and Large
.Scale Non -Residential o
rea
Developments will be y, completed
articularly asJanuary.
the area relates to the need
in southwest Iowa City, particularly
for an elementary school, has been completed in draft form. It is
not known, however, whether this report can be completed in January
or in February.
2
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3
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
MEMORANDUM
DATE; January 27, 1977
TO: Mr. Emil Brandt
FROM: Richard J. Plastino, Public Works Director
RE: Comments on the Draft Report Number 3 of the Area
Transportation Plan
Page 3 - The forcasted deficiencies do not match the
deficiencies shown in figure 2 - 4 of report number 2.
Why? In particular, I noticed discrepancies on Benton
Street east of Greenwood, Muscatine Ave. and Lower
Muscatine Avenue.
Page 7 - Point number 4 refers to the use of Gilbert and
Clinton as a North-South one way pair. This is a mistake
and I assume Dubuque and Clinton were meant instead. Is
this correct?
Page 9 - Completion of Scott Blvd. is mentioned. There
is some support for completion of Scott Blvd., however
it would not seem to fit into any solid line of thinking
relative to the area transportation study. There are no
capacity or transportation restraints on the existing
Scott Blvd. and listing of Scott Blvd. seems to be out
of context "with the rest of the report.
Page 12 - The last line refers to Iowa City's'standard
width of 31 feet wide. This is not a City standard.
City standards are 28 feet wide for a residential street,
36 feet wide for a collector and 45 feet wide for an
arterial street.
Page 14 - I have real difficulty with the use of Green-
wood Drive as a connector between Benton and the I -lest
Campus bypass. Would it not be possible to improve the
intersection of Benton and Riverside •ind eliminate this
cross connection?
Page 15 - There is discussion as to a question of whether
growth will occur in the southeast arr+• Why is there a
question?
Page iB - Second Paragraph - I disagt O with the concept
of Scott Blvd. as related to the are., transportation study.
Page 22 - I can't get the total of wo' k and school trips
and all internal trips to add up to t' total person trips.
2 -X
mo to Emil Brandt.from R. J. Plastino
Should th• numbers add up and equ Peach other?
page
Page 23 - The first paragraph should be reworded to be
more easily readable.
Page 23 - Second Paragraph - No meaning was transmitted to
me by this paragraph. Can it be reworded to make sense?
Page 33 - First Paragraph - What significance is it that
the discount factor would equal the rate of inflation?
If we use present worth to compare, we are still compar-
ing 1976 figures regardless of the rate of inflation.
Page 33 - Discussion is made of the existing fleet of 25
busses. Who has 25 busses?
Page 33 - Discussion is made that the existing bus garages
would serve to 1985 with minor improvements. How can this
be done if Iowa City's garage is completely full with 19
busses in it?
Page 34 - In the year 1983 there is discussion of replac-
ing busses 6 years old. Why would anyone replace busses
6 years old?
Page 37 - Third Paragraph - Can this be reworded? I don't
get much meaning out of that paragraph.
Page 38 - The phrase, "reduction in auto ownership" is used
as an additional cost for the Auto Dominant Plan. I don.'t
understand this. I also don't understand the new facility
maintenance costs at $2,200,000. It was listed at $2,500,000
back on page 34.
Page 38 - I.believe that too high a value has been placed
on travel time costs, however, I am willing to accept the
figures if a little better reasoning can be given.
Page 43 - I completely agree with the first line of the
second paragraph.
In general I agree substantially with the presentation and
conclusions of report Number 3. My expertise on mass tran-
sit and non -private auto is extremely limited and I was
somewhat lost in the economic analysis and discussion of
the non -private auto alternatives. If it is possible to
write this section a little more clearly for the "layman"
this would be helpful.
UP:rf
cc: Neal Berlin
(6 0 q
INFORML COU\CIL DISCUSSION
JANUARY 27, 1977
7:00 11.1M.
IN1T)RMAL COUNCIL DISCUSSICN: January 27, 1977, at 7:00 P.M. in the
Conference ilocm at the Civic Center.
J2,01BERS PRESM17: Neuhauser, Balmer, Foster, Vevera, deProsse,
Perret, Selzer (7:25 P.M.)
STAM101BERS PRESENT: Berlin, Stolfus, Vitosh, Jones. Others were
present as their budgets were discussed.
City Manager Neal Berlin called attention to the 8:30 A.1.1., February 4th
meeting at the Recreation Center with the Factfinder concerning the Fire
Department contract. He suggested that one Councilmember be present.
He also advised that he would be sending out a mean from the legal staff
which makes some recormendations relating to the zoning on N. Dodge
Street by the first of next week. These will have been prepared without
any assistance from Attorney Hayek.
Finance Director Vitosh explained the difference between the expenditures
in Refuse Collection between FY77 and FY78. To set up as an enterprise
fund, a charge for the landfill fee was included plus an administration
charge,. and an equipnent replacement reserve. If there is no refuse
collection fee, and it is supported in the General Fund, it would cost
$281,253. These are the direct costs and include the landfill charge.
If there is no landfill charge, it would be $235,053.
i
Finance has set up two Enterprise Funds: the Refuse Collection and the
Landfill. Additional landfill. costs include $40,000 for land and $68,000
for equipment.
BUDGET DISCUSSION
Parks and Recreation — Showalter, Hauber, Lee, Howell and Parks and
Recreation Commission members Boutelle, Wischer, McLaughlin and Stockman
were present for discussion of the divisions.
Recreation — As Council had previously discussed the Capital Improvements
without the Caffnission members present, they reviewed each project, the
results being the same as arrived at the January 25th meeting. The
inadequacy of restroans at piercer Park was explained. Showalter noted
the offer from the JayCees for $10,000 for Willow Creek Park improvcfmnts.
Council discussed matching the funding. It was pointed out that the
City han about one quarter of the tonnis courts that we should have, not
counting the University courts.
The Mayor questioned advertising to bring more people to the programi at
the Recreation Center and Library when the City is on a tight budget and
offering the present level of services. The observation was meido that
._ =�'�. i=--- fie'- __... .z\ � -'� ... N:�2S' ..� '4\.. a,�>•::\\:
r. '1 _ti. �w ��� �__ �.� ���V���� ���_:�'C Wil. ��`�\ �•�.i:'
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COM24"a M -Ma ryll
slim \ww
Cu=- ,ent Pipanni:Z - Kraft and V\.`mn =`.a`.<`CI fov Atiov 1,\will\t
at funding and expenditt ie tar curt\tit l\l:ttmitt , it w»:1 ltII\l
the infonmr tion would tIr-- iYcht k\\l :ut.l :au tc\t uut ;wwl oo
Itionday.
PUBLIC ISCRKS - Plastino, llrachtol, Kt\w1, lt,t\m and Note, wvw tn3,n4,10 III
discuss the divisions.
Engineering - Vitnrh explained thr nlMilni,ar:It I\" n,111VAun1111 1,11 t,.y:,, I I
of receipts as an ndjustmnit newly when plvttnty lin wn" nd,lu,elyd III rlu.I
up with the ending balances timd d. Shu ml,,Iv,t I Imllgl pliI,loot
was explained. Plnvtino wade it Iwo.-wntnt ienl In b,,hnl1 III' I Ivlv„1 nn,l
education. the soninars pmp)m,(I I'rn• 1hLl dulmrun„ul we,rrl Iml I IIIISI,
4he City Wmager stau-il thin. nn thu Clly LI 11111 111111111h 1"+rn,mm�l, null nn
the dEmnds inerensr, wr, will go it kit rlleavot, and n„l d�, Illinp,n, ,r w.•
RETAKE
r
k
PRECEDING DOGU-I='•'
JORM MICROLAB
TARGET SERIES
0
• . Informal Discussion
.fan_ 77 1977
Page 2
the City owes it to thu ciLi•raory to itdvlti(: of what is available to
Lhtm. There is no possibility of 'I'Mo20 20 funds mod tho Lav applications
for DOR grants were explained. Council discussed a higher 1'ee I'or
reservations for tennis. It was noted that most adult activities pay
for thtcoelves. ASL'RP had 34 activities, 13 sites and served 472 youngsters.
The reasoning behind dropping the subsidy for Little League and Babe
Ruth programs was explained. Council discussed whether or not to fund
this with property tax instead of other money in the coamunity, and a
general consensus was to not subsidize these groups.
The options to decrease the Recreation budget, page 84, were discussed.
Council agreed with the first 4 reductions of service, but did not
reduce the last two. Rationale for the closings recommended by the
Commission were explained.
Parks - Council discussed the arboretum. The position of horticulturist
Ts—being replaced by a Senior Maintenance Worker. After the plans for
accessibility for Mercer Park were outlined, Council suggested that
funds could come out of HMA contingency funds. It was agreed that Goal
Y5 was a very good idea. The proposed uses for the equipment to be
purchased were outlined. Council will discuss the policy for sweeping
sidewalks at another meeting. No decreases were proposed because the
cuts proposed had already been deleted, and there was only a nominal
increase in the budget.
Forestry - It was explained that the tree nursery would raise trees not
available on the open market, and would allow larger size trees to be
grown for replanting. It would not compete with the private markets.
The majority of the Council agreed to fund the tree nursery. After the
tree ordinance has been in effect for a year, the forester will be asked
for her opinion on how it is working. The notification of area Forestry
projects was discussed and approved.
Cemetery - Use of overtime was discussed and the procedure during a
funeral was outlined. Needed improvements to the 1928 building were
pointed out.
CCM51011Y Dfs'VELOP&SW
Current Planning - Kraft and Vann present for discussion. After looking
at funding and expenditures for current planning, it was decided that
the information would be rechecked and sorted out and discussed on
Monday.
PUBLIC MM - Plastino, Brachtel, Kron, Boren and Dietz were present to
discuss the divisions.
Nin..ring - Vitosh explained the administrative adjustment on page 11
of receipts as an adJttstment made when property tar was ncliusted to cane
up with the ending balances needed. The proposed microfilming project
was explained. Plasttno made a presentation in behalf of travel and
education. 'the seminars proposed for this department were outlined.
The City Winager stated that as the City is not adding personnel, and as
the dcmuicLv increase we will go a lot plower and not do things, or wt
Informal Discussion
Jan. 27, 1977
Rage :3
Should increase proxductivlty by increasing the prorici.ency of personnel.
And education is onR or the few ways to do this. The majority of the
Council favored keeping funding for 8:31.0 in the budget. The addition
for mileage charges was explained, as was the function of the nuclear
density meter. After discussion or buying a vnaller Blue Line Machine
for $2,500 or repairing the present machine (nay would cost $15,000),
the amount was cut from the budget. The bigger machine will be added to
next year's budget. Councilmenbers commented that the goal to maintain
a communication program with local developers and contractors was an
important one.
Government Buildings - Repairs to the building are costing more than was
budgeted for 1977. The new system for heating and air conditioning will
be a General Obligation Bond Issue for $85,000. In 8940, costs have
raised because more offices were moved into the Davis Building. It was
noted that this is a good reason to push the joint law enforcement
building bond issue.
Code Enforcement- Council discussed the new position proposed for a
plan checker. It was pointed out that the department can now make only
75% of the inspections. The need for multipurpose inspectors was explained.
The City Manager noted that the reorganization is not in this budget.
Councilman Selzer was opposed to addition of a plan -checker and a fee.
Council decided to leave the position in the budget. The position will
have to be advertised internally, at first.
Pollution Control - It has been assumed that the City will have a new
plant.
Water -'hue hlayor questioned why the outside -read meter program was not
accelerated. The present procedure of using personnel at off-peak times
was explained. A large percentage of installations have been made where
the readings had been difficult to get. The need for large ending
balances was explained. Sizes of meters used were discussed.
i
Street Department - It was pointed out that the City had given up on
trying to make the railroad repair the crossing, so usually the City
does the maintenance. Alternative solutions were discussed. One location
where a test section of fibrous concrete street could be placed and
evaluated would be on East Court by First Avenue. The Street Excavation
Ordinance is for the benefit of our own water department, the utility
companies, and for plumbers in the community. Our ordinance approximates
the model ordinance put out by the American Public Works Association.
Plastino did not have the final list on the bridges. There was a short
discussion on mud -Jacking. In Capital Outlay, it was pointed out that
the Double Hotton Asphalt Kettle heats up liquid nsphalt so cracks can
be filled in. These expenditures are all fran revenue sharing cronies.
Equipment Division - There were no questions.
Niass Transit - Balmer disagreed with the proportion of property tax used
for mass transit as opposed to refuse collection, and suggested replacing
in mass transit, $100,000 of property tae with $100,000 revenue sharing,
out of the funds for the maintenance building. The $100,000 property
` • Infernal Discussion
Jan. 27, 1977
Page 4
tax could go to refuse. If operating assistance is received from the
State for FY78, the money could be returned to the revenue sharing fund
for the maintenance facility, deProsse agreed with Balmer. Maintenance
of the present level of service in transit was discussed. The City
Tfanager advised that the Council could go for G.O. Bonds for the hfaintenance
Building, for more flexibility in use of revenue sharing. Plastino
suggested putting aside some money for an informational campaign on the
maintenance building and let the people know what they are voting on,
and go for a G.O. Bond. The Mayor called attention to the Joint law
Enforcement Building bond issue in 1977 and the Library the next year.
It was pointed out that the maintenance building would hold only 19
buses, so if there were plans to add more buses, the building would
physically not hold then. The Mayor wanted to try the INIA route, to
see what we could get.
landfill -Refuse Collection - The cost of landfill would be 39¢ a month
and the refuse collection would be $2.29. Ibis budget reflects a charge
so that everyone is supporting the landfill, based on 10,000 residences.
If refuse is not set up as an Enterprise Fund, $235,000 will be needed
from the General Fund. This would not include equipment reserve and
transfers. An extra 2", property tax would bring $63,000. Four Council -
members preferred to not charge a fee for refuse. The City Manager
advised that to cone up with the $315,000 he could levy taxes with 9%
ra1se,•($63,000) and take the difference out of the revenue. sharing
alloted for the maintenance building ($259,000). There was discussion
of making mass transit an enterprise fund.
The meeting adjourned 11:25 P.M.
The minutes for this meeting are on Reel R77-3.