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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977-02-22 Bd Comm. MinutesMINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES JANUARY 27, 1977 LIBRARY AUDITORIUM MEMBERS PRESENT: Buchan, Bezanson, Farber, Kirkman, Moore, Newsome, Ostedgaard, Richerson MEMBERS ABSENT: Hyman STAFF PRESENT: Westgate, Carter, Eggers, McGuire Summary of Discussion and Action Taken The Iowa City Public Library Board of Trustees met in regular session on January 27, 1977 with President Farber presiding. Minutes of the regular meeting of December 16, 1976 were accepted. Richerson/Moore Disbursements and financial reports were approved as presented. 'Richerson/Kirkman Director's report attached. President Farber reported on the budget hearing with the City Council on Monday, January 24 and the difficulty of adequately portraying all aspects of the library's program to the Council and the public. After discussing the many problems involved in reducing the level . of library services if funds are cut back, it was decided to adopt the following policy on library priorities to guide administrative decisions if the operating budget is reduced: (Kirkman/Newsome-Unanimous), "The Public's benefit from library services is affected more by the variety and quality of services provided than by the length of time they are available. Therefore, offering the fullest service possible while open must take priority over longer hours at lower levels of service." Extension of the contract through June 30, 1977 with East Central Regional Library was approved. Kirkman 10s todgaard. This kind of direct service to areas without locally supporta d libraries will end June 30, 1977 when each jurisdiction must begin levying, at least 6.751 per $1000 assessed valuation for .library service. The Coordinated Public Library Board.,; of Johnson County will he attempting to close this gap by offering, joint -contracting, oppor- tunities in the coming years. 378 0 • The contract with Robert H. Rohlf for consulting services For the selection of an architect and development of plans for a now library building was approved. Newsome/Kirkman. September 1, 1977 was set as the deadline for the selection of an architect. Rohlf will draw up a timetable. The Director was requested to inquire if Zuchelli is continuing to consult with Rohlf abut library site needs as directed by the Coenci1 at their October meeting with Rohlf and the T.Q_,ray Board. The lettav rrom AFSCME, Local 183, notifying the Library Board of their 1977 officers was received and placed on file. The request to purchase a 35mm camera from the Gifts and Bequest fund was tabled pending a more precise proposal to be developed by the A-V coordinator. The status of the heating system and a letter from R.M. Boggs reporting on recent repairs was reviewed. No further action is required if recent improvements succeed in keeping the building adequately heated. An estimated $2300 has been spent in January and replacement of new thermostatic steam trap elements and re- pair of the air -handling unit is not yet completed. Plans were completed for a February 10 party honoring all library staff members to be held at the Jerry Newsome home. Review of the 2nd quarter goals and statistics was postponed until the next meeting. Meeting adjourned at 6:05 P.M. Respectfully submitted, ILt Q� aVn Vivian B�,�ecretary i • 0 Director's Report January 27, 1977 Building6 E� quipment closed all day Monday, January 10, because of Several days of repair work followed. The building was boiler failure. The rehabilitation of the old storage room for previewing films, slides, etc. on the library's A-V equipment is progressing. It should be ready for public use by mid-February. The new telephone equipment installation was completed in Decem- ber except for the PA system which is due early in February. The visual display of extensions in use, the audible paging, two -channel intercom and the ability to switch incoming calls to either check-out desk when necessary are making it much easier and faster to answer and route incoming calls. Services The income tax information service is in its 8th year and still Vowing. We have been receiving 35-50 calls a day requesting information about the availability of forms, etc. In 1976 the library distributed 20,940 tax forms and over 6,700 instructional booklets. The new three week loan period has been received with limited patron dissent. Primarily they've been concerned about the lack of new and recent books on the shelf, but this is correcting itself now that the first 3 -week cycle is over and books are being returned daily again. Hazel Westgate, Children's Librarian, will be a guest of Mary Jane Odell for one of her evening IPBN interviews in late February or early March. IPBN taped one of Miss Westgate's storyhours on Tuesday, January 18. We are planning a 7 -week mystery and detective fiction discussion series starting in March. Steve Grove, a member of the circulation department and a recent library school graduate,,has volunteered his time to plan and conduct the series. From -'6The"The eihave Worldbeen ofaChildren'sthe B Books: afternoon film series, The decision to interfile audio-visual formats on the processing and general bookstacks is being implemented with chane, p extensively procedures. The phonodise collection iainhebeing orpanixtensization el re -arranged with improved signs to explain the collection. • _z_ • . . . . I Personnel Additional work/study funds have been received by University of Iowa office of Student Aid and we have now been able to fill all of our work/study positions. Margaret Carney Ryan has joined the staff as the first assistant in the Children's Room. 6b, -. _ • • MINUTES UNITED ACTION FOR YOUTH FEBRUARY 7, 1977 The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Jeff Schabillion, temporary chairman in the absence of President Tom Mikelson. Members Present: Jeff Schabillion, Mary Larew, Adrien Meyers, Dennis Hedges, Al Bohanon, Al Horowitz Members Absent: Roberta Patrick, Russ Mishak, Diane Dennis, Leis Fearing, Tom Conway, (Tom Mikelson on leave). Staff Present: Jim Swaim, Larry Schmidt Motes on Board A special welcome was given to new board member, Members : Al Bohanon Recommendations to the Board: Schabillion: Budget report Schmidt: IDAA certification Swaim: Secretary, need for Swaim: Six months statistics Larew: Staff evaluation form Swaim: Youth band sponsorship Horowitz: Youth input needs Summary of Discussion and Formal Action Taken: 1. A special welcome was given to Al Bohanon, a local attorney and new board member. The chairman called for a motion to empower him with the Power of Attorney for the Board to represent us in fiscal matters. r Al Horowitz made the motion, which was seconded by Adrien Meyers, and unanimously approved, After much discussion it was suggested to run the fiscal year for UAY from July through June. 2. In view of the fact that the City Council has only allocated $25,880 for the 77-78 fiscal year, a letter has been sent to United Way askinq for $3000.00 in unused funds for the remainder of the 1977 year. Jim reported a potential problem in the accounting of FY 76 funds. Approximately $715.00 worthof expenses incurred prior to June 30, 1976 were not processed through the city financr_ department until mid- July. The city is showing these as FY 77 expenses which would cause a shortage in our FY 77 funds. Jim is to check with Linda Schreiber and he and Al Bohanon will make a report to the Board at the next meeting. A letter was received from F. D. Staab, Mayor of University Heights refusing any monetary aid from their City CCounciil, After discudssion Pta�a�r�e���F�tst0a�18m4Sr�8 ��tR�'Wbf tgerU�fvappc�i.iie,l�mtand 3ef n%, write the letter. 3 79 No reply has been received from the City of Coralville in regards to their intentions of including UAY in their budget for next fiscal ,year. 3. Larry Schmidt has reported the desirability to apply for IDAA certifi- cation. Legislation is due to be passed which will make it mandatory for all drug educators and counselors to be licensed, Since Larry has received training from IDAA it should be a very simple matter to get certification. Jim Swaim has been instructed to send for a pre -application form which will be made available to the board at the next meeting. 4. The search for a secretary has been futile. Jim Swaim was instructed to place an ad in the paper offering the job to any one interested at 32.50 hour. The people at Financial Aids apparently have not been able to get anyone to apply although the salary has been raised to $3.00 per hour. There have been no high school students that are available for the job. It was moved by Al Horowitz and seconded by Adrien Meyers and unanimously approved to purchase a recording device for the telephone at a cost of approximately $60-380. This would alleviate the necessity for the staff to remain in the office when they should be elsewhere. 1 7 91 A compiliation of six months statistics has been prepared and will be sent out with these minutes. Mary Larew presented a Staff Evaluation form for the Board's approval. The Board gave tentative approval pending changes that might be requested by Leisa Fearing. Al Horowitz will present his form for Board evaluation at the next meeting. Jim Swaim will try to work up an idea for getting input from other agencies. Jim on May 22, for awaim Youthnbandced getthe togetherr. CEECip at the Citwill also sponsork1977 the event. Al Horowitz reaffirmed his thoughts that we need to have more youth in attendance at board meetings. The staff seemed to feel that there was little interest among the young people in listening to a discussion of budgets, etc. The next meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. on March 7, 1977. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00. pesipectfullYSubmitted, Mary Uew, Secretary UAY Board of Directors NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING FEBRUARY 10, 1977 -- 7:30 p.m. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEETING PURPOSE: To explain Project GREEN's proposed Washington Street Improvement to the College Hill area INTERESTED CITIZENS PRESENT: Olive Farr, Les Moeller, Nancy Seiberling, Carole McCrone, Adelaide Bauer, Mrs. Walter Chennell, Kay Buford, Laurie Williams, Laura Mathes, Dorothy Moeller CITY STAFF PRESENT: SUMMARY OF ITEMS DISCUSSED: Leighton, Vann, Taylor, Burns 1. Leighton gave a brief explanation of the Housing Rehabilitation program. After explaining that repaired houses are only part of the Neighborhood Redevelopment program, he talked of the need to make parks, rights of way and other public areas more useful and attractive. The citizens were told that $190,000 had been budgeted for these improvements over the next two years. 2. In response to a question from the audience, Vann explained the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. She said that one of the thrusts of the act was to keep old neighborhoods thriving and as nice to live in as the newer developments. 3. Other questions to Ms. Vann from the audience concerned the following: a. Is the $190,000 after staff salaries? Yes. b. When can the work be done? In 4 or 5 months, after an Environmental Impact Study has been done. c. How much will each neighborhood get? This has not been decided. It depends on citizens' needs and requests. An explanation of the large central Neighborhood Redevelopment area of the City was given. Ralston Creek Flood Control Project was also mentioned. It was further explained that the City Council would ultimately decide where the money would be spent. 4. Nancy Seiberling spoke about the Project GREEN Washington Street -College Park proposal. Highlights included: a. For 5 years, Project GREEN has been interested in improving plantings on the medians and right of way on Washington Street. i O Neighborhood Meeting February 10, 1977 Page 2 b. A landscape architect, working with their organization and City staff, designed their present plan. Project GREEN, as a service to the City, included im- proved sidewalks and intersections for safer parking and safer pedestrian traffic on Washington Street in the plan. c. Project GREEN will invest $18 to $20 thousand to provide for the plantings. They are asking the City to provide $2S,000 for the median repairs. Another $65,000 would be needed to improve sidewalks and intersections totalling $90,000 for the total City contribution. d. At the Washington -Governor Street intersection, a bench will be placed so people can enjoy the view of Washington Street. e. Recycled brick will be used in the sidewalks and medians, as possible, to recapture some of the old Washington Street look. 5. Questions from the audience to Ms. Seiberling included: a. Will trees on Johnson and Iowa that are obstructing drivers' vision be trimmed? Project GREEN will trim the Iowa Avenue plantings in about a month. b: What can be done about the Dodge/Washington intersection? Could that rise be changed? It was advised that this question be referred to the City engineers for a realistic answer about the project's feasibility. c. The gas company broke up sidewalks in front of two houses on Washington, but declined responsibility and blamed the broken walks on tree roots. Will new trees cause sidewalk problems later on? A landscape architect was hired to help choose the right kind of trees so that this won't be a future problem. d. What about litter, weeds around plantings? Who will take care of the plantings? Project GREEN will water them for 2 years. After that, the trees should be self-sustaining, The City will install a faucet to water downtown trees. Planting will be done to make weeding and watering minimal. e. Can you keep cars off the medians? The raised medians with brick borders should handle that problem. 6. Mrs. Chennell read the following prepared statement: "The citizens of this area are not asking for additional ideas to improve Washington Street and College Hill Park. They want the street and the park to remain as they are. Not to be changed, as the Washington Street area between Clinton and Van Buren." 0 • Neighborhood Meeting February 10, 1977 Page 3 7. Comments were asked from the audience with the following response: a. Concern was voiced by several people over paying for the sidewalks of people who could afford to pay their assessed share. Of particular concern were the businessmen who were letting their sidewalks deteriorate. It was felt that they should pay for the new sidewalks. b. Weeds at Chauncey -Swam Plaza are an eyesore. c. Concern was voiced over spending money on site improvements. One woman felt that money would be better spent feeding people. It was explained that this was a requirement in utilizing the federal monies. 8. Suggestions from the audience on how to spend the "site improvement" funds were: a. Improve sidewalk from Washington Street to Iowa Avenue on the west side of Johnson Street. b. Resurface asphalt surface between street and parking at the corner of Van Buren and Washington Street, near the bridge. c. Control Ralston Creek. d. Fix Iowa City bridges. e. Put more recreation equipment in the College Hill park, such as volleyball court. f. Survey all alleys within the area and prioritize them fixing the worst ones first. 9. Written comments were requested from those attending. A sheet was passed around to everyone. Four people voted for the site improvement. Two voted against it. The others did not vote or comment. Submitted by Maureen Taylor u MINUTES IOWA CITY HOUSING BOARD OF APPEALS FEBRUARY 3, 1977 - - 7:30 P. M. ENGINEERING CONFERENCE ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: Atkins, Burger, Frantz, Louis, Pattschull MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Bowers, Bowlin, Burke, Kushnir, Siders SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION AND ACTION TAKEN: Chairman Pattschull called the meeting to order and asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes of the meeting held on November 17, 1976. A motion was made by Burger, seconded by Louis, to approve the minutes as written. The motion carried unanimously. Chairman Pattschull called for discussion on the proposed By-laws. Board member Burger asked the legal staff just when the Board could meet in ekecutive session. Staff member Kushnir replied by saying that all meetings must be public meetings except such meetings as police litigation, termination of Board members, etc. Discussion was closed. A motion by Louis, seconded by Burger was made to adopt the By-laws as written, and to be sent to the City Council with the recommendation for approval. The motion carried unanimously. PLAZA CENTER ONE Board to consider appealing Section 3304(h) of the'.1973 Uniform Building Code, by eliminating automatic door closing devices and using an automatic fire sprinkling system as an alternate method of construction. Appeal was requested by Plaza Center Associates. Wayne Whitmer, representing Hanson - Lind- Meyer, presented a set of blue prints to the Board, of the second floor offices for Attorneys Oehler, Rading $ Hoy. He explained the layout of the offices exiting, etc., and pointed out that the interior corridor of these offices was what they were appealing. Mr. Whitmer also pointed out the fact that some other major cities in Iowa have made amendments to the code and individually considered each case favorably. Board member Atkins asked if the corridor would have to be of 1 hour construction and if so would the elimination of the door closing device waive the 1 hour requirement, Mr. Whitmer responded to this question by stating the builder 381 would prefer maintaining the steel stud and drywall construction. Carl Meyer, also of Hansen -Lind -Meyer, brought to the Board's attention the owners' of the offices wish to have the doors remain open. This would require a fusable link type closing device and this link would have the sametemperature setting as the sprinkling systema He also stated thj,•t according to the U.B.C. the setting would have to be 165'•F. Mr. Meyer also pointed out that the National Fire Protection Agency, NFPA, which has Life Safety Code, does not require door closing devices when a sprinkler is installed. Mr. Whitmer made reference to the insurance document submitted with the appellant's letter, and pointed out the fact that there would ba a sprinkler head every 150 sq. ft. Jack Klaus, representative of Plaza Center Associates, remarked that the door closures would mainly be for fire containment and felt that the sprinklers would achieve the same purpose. Mr. Klaus also pointed out the fact that the occupant load, according to the U.B.C., was about 30 people, but the actual load would only be 12 people excluding the public. Board member Louis asked exactly why closures were being used, and if the cost of these closures were a contributing factor. Mr. Meyer replied by saying the cost was a factor but only minor in scope. The main objection to the closure was, in his opinion, it would act as double. protection with the sprinklers. He also mentioned that the doors would probably be blocked open anyway. Mr. Meyer also felt the closures would act as a barrier to the physically handicapped. Board member Burger posed the question of whether or not the Board had the power to act upon such an appeal as this. Staff member Kushnir indicated the Board could only grant such an appeal if in fact they felt the sprinklers would be an alternate method of construction to the door closing devices. Chairman Pattschull referred to the staff report and pointed out that the staff does not feel the sprinklers would be an alternate. The staff was asked to explain their position. Staff member Siders pointed out that since this structure is a five stury structure, under an Iowa statute it is required to be sprinkled. He also pointed out the fact that the occupant load would be, according to the U.S.C., closer to 80 people as opposed to 30. Also other methods of construction could be followed to reduce the occupant load and eliminate the 1 hour requirement. Mr. Siders also pointed out the fact that when 1 hour construction is required, even if sprinklers do exist the Code does not allow for 2 • 0 waiver or reducement of closures for corridors or exit passageways according to Section 508 of the Code. Staff member Bowers then brought attention to the fact that this particular situation was discussed with the Regional Office in Kansas City:• It was their feeling they would have to concur with our opinion. Chairman Pattschull pointed out the fact that if the sprinklers would be an alternate method of construction in this case, it would set a precedent throughout the entire building, and possibly other buildings in the future. A motion was made by Burger that the sprinkler system would be an alternate method of construction. The motion died for lack of a second. Further discussion was presented by both the Board members and the appellants covering the same items as previously mentioned. Chairman Pattschull closed discussion and called for a motion. A motion was made by Atkins, seconded by Burger, that if the entire area was sprinkled, this would be an accepted alternate method of construction. This motion failed by a vote of two Ayes, and 3'Nayes. The appeal was denied.* 522 EAST BURLINGTON STREET Board to consider appealing decision made by Senior Housing Inspector, Bruce B. Burke in a letter dated November 5, 1976, and directed to Mr. Dean G. -Oakes as the owner of rental property lo- cated at 522 E. Burlington Street. Marion Neely, Attorney for Mr. Oakes, brought to the attention of the Board a copy of a motion to rescind order of Housing Inspector, filed in the City Clerk's office on February 3, 1977 for Board's failure to act within 30 days of appeal, Sec. 9.30.3 Code of Iowa City. Mr. Neely asked the Board to rule on this motion before any discussion of the appeal. Chairman Pattschull asked legal staff to reply on this request. i Staff member Kushnir stated the way the language is written it does not constitute a statute of limitations which directs the Board to act within any certain amount of time. Chairman Pattschull called for a motion. A motion was made by Louis, seconded by Atkins, to reject the motion to rescind and proceed with the appenls hearing. The motion carried unanimously. 3 0 0 Mr. Neely made a statement for the record that he takes exception to the Board's ruling under the 14th Amendment to the Constitution and Article 1, Section of the Iowa Constitution right to due process. Mr. Neely further explained that Mr. Oakes' intentions are to demolish this structure at the end of the present school year. They merely wish to provide housing for their already present tenants until that time. He also remarked that Mr. Oakes would be willing to enter into a written agreement which would state this. He also pointed out that the violations stated in the letter existed when Mr. Oakes purchased this property about 3 years ago. Board member Louis asked legal council if such an agreement would be legal. Staff member Bowlin stated that according to the code, the board had the right to modify time limits. His opinion was that such an agreement would be ok. Chairman Pattschull gathered the Board's opinion on whether or not they wished to proceed along this line. He asked the staff to re- spond. Staff member Burke commented by saying their primary objective was for the tenants personal safety and welfare. He also said that due to the number of continuations that have been given to Mr. Oakes, he would like the Board to set a specific - date upon which the structure will become in compliance or vacated. Mr. Burke also stated that he•wbuld be satisfied with a compromise if the immediate hazards were repaired. He also recommended that possibly smoke detectors and fire extinguishers could be installed. Mr. Burke also pointed out the fact that the latter two items are movable and could be reused in the event this structure was demolished. Chairman Pattschull closed the discussion and called for a motion. A notion was made by Frantz, seconded by Atkins, that all glass is to be repaired, smoke detectors be installed, one on each floor level, and fire extinguishers be installed by no later than February 10, 1977, and further, the entire structure will comply with the November 5, 1976 letter or vacated by May 31., 1977. The motion carried unanimously. Chairman Pattschull directed the legal staff to issue this order in writing and notify the owner. The Boafd directed the staff to inform them of the. results of the McDonald hearing when action was taken. The meeting was adjourned. Complete proceedings of this meeting are recorded on tape #2, side 1 #000-1600, and kept in the general file. Prepared by: enn i rs Secretary, Board of Appeals Approved b �E )4t� D i c ktiPa dill Chairman,.Board of Appeals 5 • 0 C [tyyC.��[v� /^/• CIVIC CENTER. 410 E. WASHINGTON ST.. ~ e#/ IOWA 19.35OWA'u22A0 119�35CIM A ppi NOTICE THE CITY COUNCIL OF IOWA CITY IS CONSIDERING AN APPOINTMENT TO THE FOLLOWING COMMISSION: HOUSING CONVISSION One vacancy Unexpired Term February 22, 1977 May 1, 1979 Duties of the Housing Commission members include investigating, studying, reviewing and analyzing the housing needs and the meeting of such needs within the City of Iowa City, Iowa, and investigating and determining if slum areas exist or other areas where there are unsafe, unsanitary or overcrowded housing conditions, and studying and investigating and making recommendations relating to the clear- ing, replanning and construction of slum areas and providing dwelling places for elderly persons and persons of low or medium income. Iowa City appointed members of Boards and Commissions must be quali- fied voters of the City of Iowa City. This appointment will be made at the February 22, 1977, Council meeting at 7:30 P.M., in the Council Chambers. Persons interested in being considered for this position should contact the City Clerk, Civic Center, 410 East Washington. Application forms are available from the Clerk's office upon request. JW1Ngad G/Az;&6boo1C, iy CleadWe eooAt