HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-10-11 Info Packet
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
October 11 , 2007
OCTOBER 15 WORK S~SSION ITEMS
IP1 Council Meetings and Work Session Agenda
IP2 Memorandum from the Management Analyst: General Fund Cash Balance
IP3 Memorandum from the Senior Planner: Portable ($andwich Board) Signs
MISCELLANE?US
IP4 E-mail from Rebecca Neades: Chamber's 2008 F~derallssues Trip
IP5 Memorandum from the City Clerk: Human Rights J3reakfast
IP6 Memorandum from the City Clerk: Accepting and archiving of digital media
IP7 National League of Cities Federal Relations Up~ate - period ending September 28, 2007
[submitted by Council Member Vanderhoef]
IP8 Invitation: Sustainable Ecological Economic Development (S.E.E.D.) Conference -
October 26-28, 2007
IP9 Invitation: National League of Cities recognizing Iowa City as an Inclusive Community -
Chauncey Swan Park October 17, 2007
IP10 Agenda Packet: Economic Development Committee October 9, 2007
IP11 Approved Minutes: Economic Development Committee: September 13, 2007
DRAFT MINUtES
IP12 Airport Commission: September 24,2007
IP13 Airport Commission: September 13,2007
IP14 Historic Preservation Commission: September 17, 2007
IP15 Human Rights Commission: September 25,2007
IP16 Economic Development Committee: October 1,2007
COUNCIL CANDIDATE REQUESTED MATERIALS
Memorandum from Mayor Wilburn: Cash Balance Policies Discussion
E-mail from Parking & Transit Director: Permit Parking spaces/University of Iowa
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
City Council Meeting Schedule and
Work Session Agendas
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October 11, 2007
www.icgov.org
. MONDAY, OCTOBER 15
Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00p
Special Council Work Session [to be continued later in the evening if necessary]
· PAR Executive Search Update
· Council Appointments
· Airport Hangar Expansion Proposal
· Cash Balance Policies
. TIF Application of Iowa City Ambulatory Surgical Center [agenda 5f1]
. Sidewalk Advertising - Sandwich Board Signs
· Agenda Items
· Council Time
. Schedule of Pending Discussion Items
No Dinner
6:30p
Executive Session
· Separate Agenda Posted
Continuation of Work Session
. TUESDAY,OCTOBER16
7:00p Formal Council Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
TENTATIVE FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS I
. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5 Emma J. Harvat Hall
TBA Council Work Session
7:00p Special Formal Council Meeting
. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Special Work Session/Orientation 2007-2008 City Councils
· Separate Agenda Posted
. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Veterans' Day - Offices closed
. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22
Thanksgiving Day - Offices closed
. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23
Thanksgiving Day Holiday - Offices closed
. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26
6:30p Special Council Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27
7:00p Special Formal Council Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
. MONDAY, DECEMBER 10
6:30p Special Council Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
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CITY OF IOWA CITY rnJ
MEMORANDUM
Re:
October 10, 2007
Dale Helling, Interim City Manager ~
Leigh Lewis, Management Analyst
General Fund Cash Balance
Date:
To:
From:
During the FY2008 budget review sessions, City Council members requested an analysis of the
General Fund cash balance and any legal requirements which might restrict appropriation of
available cash. The following summary identifies these requirements and categorizes them
according to the authority by which they have been established.
General Fund
The General Fund cash balance at June 30, 2007, was $21.8 million. Of this amount, $1.58
million is restricted, $1.3 million is reserved, $22,000 is designated and $15.4 million is
maintained as working capital for operations.
Restricted financial uses may be defined by federal or state code, bond covenants and/or grant
programs. Customer deposits and escrows are also considered restricted.
. Federal: The Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 established a program by
which federal forfeiture funds could be shared with cooperating state and local
governments. Forfeiture funds are the direct proceeds of criminal activities and/or
property used to facilitate a crime. A Guide to Equitab/e Sharing, published by the U.S.
Department of Justice in 1994, outlines the permissible use of forfeiture funds in section
X.A.1, restricting them to specific law enforcement-related activities. ($303,343)
. State: Grant funding for Transit-related purposes. ($190,317)
. Escrows: Construction and development funds are held in escrow until the contractor /
builder complies with zoning and building regulations. ($1,088,507)
Reserve funds are set aside in accordance with the Iowa City Code, council resolution or Iowa
City's Financial and Fiscal Policies.
. Iowa City Code section 11-1-5, entitled "Library Account; Expenditures" states that "All
money appropriated by the city council from the general fund for the operation and
maintenance of the library shall be set aside in an account for the library. Expenditures
shall be paid only on orders of the board of trustees, signed by its president and
secretary." ($418,960)
. Senior Center gifts and memorials are restricted by Iowa City Council Resolution 04-129
for transfer to the Community Foundation of Johnson County where the funds will 'be
used and invested solely for the benefit of the Senior Center'. ($15,196)
. The Financial and Fiscal Policies state that "reserves will be maintained for equipment
replacement and for unexpected major repairs". General Fund reserves provide for the
- October 10, 2007
Page 2
replacement of library computers and equipment; public transit, fire suppression and
training equipment. The policies also provide for reserve funding of Parkland Acquisition
and Replacement. ($868,260)
Designated funds are those for which an intended use has been stated or implied as with a
donation, contribution or bequest. While there is little or no legal restriction placed upon the use
of these monies, gifts & bequests are designated by the City for uses which fit within the general
intent of the donor(s). ($21,993)
Working capital represents that portion of cash balance which is required to maintain daily
operations throughout the fiscal year. Iowa City's Financial and Fiscal Policies set the minimum
cash balance for General Fund at fifteen percent (15%) of usual operating expenditures, with an
optimum level of thirty percent (30%).t The expenditure budget for FY2008 is $51.4 million.
($15,423,717)
Other Obliaations
Other General Fund obligations affecting the June 30,2007, cash balance:
. Purchase orders which are 'open' at fiscal year end are considered to be encumbered as
they represent a short-term financial obligation on the part of the city. ($225,693)
. Expenditure amendments requested after fiscal year-end due to projects and purchases
in progress, scheduled for completion in FY2008. ($390,698)
. Capital project financing for Fire Station #2. ($800,000)
Available Cash Balance
Net of the afore-mentioned restrictions and obligations, the portion of General Fund cash
balance available for appropriation and expenditure is $2,006,125.
Iowa State Code chapter 384.18, subsections (1) and (3) allow for city budgets to be amended
for "appropriation and expenditure of unexpended, unencumbered cash balances on hand at the
end of the preceding fiscal year" and to "permit transfers from the debt service fund, the capital
improvements reserve fund, the emergency fund, or other funds established by state law, to any
other city fund, unless specifically prohibited by state law."
t Government Finance Review cites fund balance reserve policies first on its list of "Best Practices Having Significant Rating Value"
for municipal bonds. (GFR, February 2001) Iowa City is currently rated Aaa, the highest rating given by Moody's Investor Service.
In one December 2006 Special Comment issued by Moody's, it is noted that the national mean for Aaa rated cities is a General
Fund balance at 29.04% of revenues. The mean for Aaa rated cities with a population >50,000 and <100,000 is 29.39%.
Analyllt Adjueleel Data c- ....ent available) ~ ~ '\
\ IA~ ./
I A.. Ad Aa:Z Aa.. A:Z A3 Bad Baa:Z
TowlentltlM per Rating 3 I 8 3 12 7 21 I I
- --
otal GF Revenues ($000) $42,457 $37.101 $31,198 $13,105 $7,529 $5,848 $2,558 $3,712 $1,507
Gf Balance as 0/0 of Revenues \ 37'J 23.6 29.2 26.9 30.7 25.4 35.8 $40 27.4
Unreserved GF Balance as % of Rev 26.1 23.6 27.2 26.6 24.1 6.4 0 $0 0
Unrsvd, Undeslg. GFB as % or Rev ~ 26.l 23.6 20.6 26.6 4.8 0 0 $0 0
Direct Net Debt as -or. Of Full value I 2.9 1.9 2.5 2.3 2.4 3.1 N/A N/A
Direct Net Debt Per Capita ($) $799 $2,802 $1,044 $1,812 $944 $1,312 $872 $573 $398
Debt Burden (Overall Net Debt as % FV) 2.7 4.4 2.8 3.5 3.5 3.5 5.1 N/A N/A
Overall Net Debt Per Capita ($) $1,555 $4,189 $1,306 $2,526 $1,797 $1,453 $1,685 N/A N/A
Debt Service as % of OE 24.5 23.9 20.1 33.7 22.4 27.3 19.8 $6 0
Payout, 10 Yrs 83.6 73 87.6 74.6 89 85.2 78.6 N/A N/A
KeuOll
Total FullvaluelfOOO) $3,807,181 $4,965.240 $3,047,499 $2,298,904 $1,100,592 $640,545 $319,446 N/A N/A
Full Value Per Capita ($) $60.406 $95,958 $49,382 $72,716 $45,958 $40,044 $39,413 N/A N/A
Average Annuallnerease In FV (%) 7.2 8.9 7.4 13 4.9 6.7 5.1 N/A N/A
Top Ten TaxPayers as 'Y~ of Total 7.7 17.3 13.5 12.9 19.4 20.3 20 $37 N/A
Population 2000 Census 62.220 46,403 46.916 27,117 19,138 10,938 5.582 $4.362 6,692
PCI as % of U.S. (2000 Census) 93.9 145.5 90.5 116.5 88.1 90.1 83.1 $85 81.1
MFI as % of U.S. (2000 Census) 112.8 141.1 102.7 132.7 90.4 90.5 89.2 $101 64.5
Population Change 1990 2000 ("!o) 7.5 46.4 5.5 46.2 2.8 3.3 6.4 -$2 3.1
Median Home Value (2000 Census) $128,300 $140,600 $95,450 $127,200 $78,450 $68,800 $ 7S,600 $65,800 $53,300
Poverty Rate (%) (2000 Census) 20.4 4.5 10.3 4.8 9.8 11.2 7.3 9.7 13.7
ONote: The following tax-backed debt was used to~ermine sample size: Issuer LT rating, LT SR GO, LT ~ UURf""-.,
/' ~ '-IIAnONAL MIDIA~ c
/ Aaa ,\Aal Aa:Z Aa3 AI '1{T A3 B..l Baa:Z Ba.3 B.l B.2
Ttlwl entltlee per Rating 101 110 249 453 585 596 528 282 161 104 7 I
.,n.n,,".' ......- . ..
Total GF Revenues ($000) $53.275 ,lS28,265 $34,399 $24,197 $16,760 $10,573 $8,161 $4,375 $3,678 $2,956 $11,640 $161,47<
GF Balance as % of Revenues 29.2 ) 28.5 28.3 27.3 25.8 29.7 25.3 31.4 23.7 13.6 3.B N/A
Unreserved GF Balance as % of Rev \. 21.1 23.4 25.2 22.8 21.7 24.5 IB.2 26 16.4 11.6 1.2 N/A
Unrsvd, Undesig. GFB as % of Rev 13.7 16.8 14 15.8 15.7 18.2 13 17.3 12.5 9.5 1.2 N/A
... Kauoe
Direct-Net Debt as % Of FUll Va ue O.B 0.8 1 I 1 1.3 1.4 1.7 2 2.1 2.8 13.9
Direct Net Debt Per Capita ($) $1,110 $1,225 $1,137 $931 $914 $861 $897 $817 $835 $725 $613 $1.849
Debt Burden (Overall Net Debt as % FV) 2 2.2 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.8 2.9 3.6 4.1 4.6 4.9 14.9
Overall Net Debt Per Capita ($) $3,148 $3,257 $2,528 $2,228 $2,012 $1,922 $1,8B9 $1,765 $1,544 $1,508 $997 $1,982
Debt Service as % of OE 8.2 7.3 7.1 6.5 6.4 6.8 6.4 6.5 6.6 5.3 8 3.6
Payout, 10 Yrs 69.8 73.5 71 70.8 71.1 72.3 74.1 77.6 73.9 71.6 71.9 63.9
Total Full Value ($000) $7,488,084 $4,239,668 $4,220,948 $2,784,176 $1,734,815 $1,007,062 $672,805 $355,365 $316,297 $191,088 $267,702 $1,063,81
Full Value Per Capita ($) $188,506 $164,484 $116,825 $102,503 $88,481 $72,285 $65,009 $49.090 $38,439 $31,289 $31,714 $13,314
Average Annuallnerease in FV (%) 9.8 10.6 8.6 9.8 9.7 9.1 8.3 7.2 S.6 5.1 3.7 13.5
TOp Ten TaxPayers as % of Total 6.3 8.7 8 8.1 8.4 9.6 11.3 13.4 12 11.8 16.6 N/A
Population 2000 Census 41,845 24.122 32,660 26,475 18,492 12,605 9,443 6,763 7,347 4,291 15,413 79,904
PCI as % of U.S. (2000 Census) 196.1 181.4 142 124.5 115.5 102.3 92.4 85.4 80.3 72.7 72.8 45.5
MFI as % of U.S. (2000 Census) 187.9 180.5 151.4 135.3 123.7 111.7 103.1 92.1 84 75 68.7 49.2
Population Change 1990- 2000 (%) 8.5 9.4 12.5 10.7 10.2 10.2 6.8 3.7 4.2 0.3 -2.5 -8.7
Median Home Value (2000 Census) $299,400 $248,100 $188,400 $161.800 $146,100 $123.900 $113.000 $89,200 $75,900 $69,650 $60.200 $40,700
Poverty Rate (%) (2000 Census) 3.9 3.2 4.2 4.8 5.5 6.5 7.8 10 13.3 16.7 19.5 35.5
'Note: The follOWing tax-backed debt was used to detemlne sample sIZe: Issuer L T rating. L T SR GO. L T SR GaLT. L T SR GOREV.
IA Cities Medians
25
~ 20
U 15
'0
..
1: 10
E
:i 5
o
Aaa
Aa1
Aa2
Aa3
A1
Ratings
A3
Baa1
Baa2
A2
I
i
L___ ._._.____.__._~.._.___
National Medians (Cities)
700.
III 600
:! 500 .
U
'0 400
:v 300
.c
I 5 200
z 100
I Aaa Aa1 Aa2 Aa3 A1
L_ '_ .- . ----
A2 A3 Baa1 Baa2 Baa3 Ba1 Ba2
Ratings
".COPYRIGHT_SYMBOL. Copyright 2006, Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and/or its licensors and affiliates" "including Moody's Assurance Company, Inc. (together,
""MOODY'S''''). All rights reserved. ""ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW AND NONE OF SUCH INFORMATION" "MAY BE
COPIED OR OTHERWISE REPRODUCED,REPACKAGED, FURTHER TRANSMITTED, TRANSFERRED, DISSEMINATED," "REDISTRIBUTED OR RESOLD, OR
STORED FOR SUBSEQUENT USE FOR ANY SUCH PURPOSE, IN WHOLE OR IN PART," "IN ANY FORM OR MANNER OR BY ANY MEANS WHATSOEVER, BY ANY
PERSON WITHOUT MOODY'S PRIOR WRITTEN" "CONSENT. All information contained herein is obtained by MOODY'S from sources believed by it" "to be accurate and
reliable. Because of the possibility of human or mechanical error as well" "as other factors, however, such information is provided ""as is'''' without warranty of any kind and"
"MOODY'S, in particular, makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, ""timeliness, completeness, merchantability or fitness for any
particular purpose of any such" "information. Under no circumstances shall MOODY'S have any liability to any person or entity" "for (a) any loss or damage in whole or in part
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CITY OF IOWA
MEMORAN
C I T Y n:;7
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Date:
October 10, 2007
From:
Dale Helling, Interim City Manager
Robert Miklo, Senior Planner
/
To:
Re: Portable (Sandwich Board) Signs
Several years ago a number of downtown businesses had placed portable signs (commonly
referred to as sandwich board signs) on the sidewalk within the right-of-way. At the time the
sign ordinance did not allow such signs within the public right-of-way or on private property.
The Housing and Inspection Department received a complaint from a person with a visual
impairment, who was injured when he tripped on a sandwich board sign located within the right-
of-way. As a result HIS informed all businesses that had such signs that they were not
permitted by the sign regulations and they were required to be removed.
The Planning and Zoning Commission then received a request from a business owner to amend
the sign regulations to allow portable signs in the CB-10, Central Business Zone. The
Commission reviewed the request and recommended allowing such signs only on private
property or within designated sidewalk cafes where they would not hinder pedestrian
movement. The Commission decided not to recommend allowing portable signs to be located
on public sidewalks. Although the Commission was concerned about sign clutter and the
aesthetics of such signs, their primary concern was the safety of pedestrians and persons with
disabilities.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Cc Doug Boothroy
Jann Ream
nrJ
Dale Helling
From:
Sent:
Subject:
Rebecca Neades [rneades@gmail.com]
Friday, September 2S, 20073:53 PM
200S Corridor Federal Issues Trip Feb. 11 - 13
Attachments:
200S Proposal, Submittal, Ranking and Selection Procedure. doc; Registration Federal Issues
Trip 200S.doc
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2008 Proposal, Registration
Submittal, Rank... Federal Issues Tr...
Hello,
It's hard to believe we're talking about DC 2008 already, but it'll be here before we know
it.
The Iowa City Area and Cedar Rapids Area Chamber's 2008 Federal Issues Trip is scheduled
for February 11-13, 2008. Cost is $1700 and includes transportation (air & ground in
D.C.) hotel and receptions.
Attached please find a registration form due with payment by November 1, 2008. Name
changes can be made until Jan. 9, 2008.
In an effort to better communicate and plan for the 2008 Corridor Federal Issues trip I
have attached an outline of the process the Area Chambers' will use for project
submissions and selection. Please let me know if you have any questions.
We have set a deadline of December 1 for issue paper submission. This
date is firm unless otherwise requested by staff. This allows us
time to review with DC staff members, as well as prioritize and do any follow-up work.
In addition to promoting projects that will strengthen the Corridor we hope to make
available more opportunities to hear from legislative experts on current issues/affairs.
These might include health care, renewable energy, the 2008 election and/or the re-
authorization of the transportation bill in 09.
If you are interested in participating in the 2008 Corridor trip please register today and
be sure to share this information with others interested in public policy. You don't need
to be associated with a specific project/issue to attend this trip.
We look forward to working with you on the 2008 Federal Issues Trip!
Best,
Rebecca & Sara
Rebecca Neades
Vice President & Director of Public Policy Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce
325 East Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
319-337-9637 office
319-321-9879 cell
rneades@iowacityarea.com
SAVE THE DATES!
October 11 - Small Business Essentials. 1-4:30 pm, Sheraton Hotel.
November 7 - A Toast to Our Communities. 5:30 pm, the Englert Theatre.
1
2008 Corridor Federal Issues Trip
Proposal, Submittal, Ranking and Selection Procedure
In an effort to better communicate and evaluate legislative proposals, the following criteria and
process will be used. You are invited to submit multiple projects and share your priorities with
us. Serious consideration will be given to your projects and priorities; however the final decision
will be determined by the entire taskforce.
Federal staff understands local governments have their own priorities, and they fully expect you
to share your projects with them before and during the Corridor Federal Issues trip.
Below is the criteria used to rank proiects from our region:
1. Advance Iowa City and Cedar Rapids Area Chambers of Commerce initiatives.
2. Promote economic development.
3. Develop issues cohesive with local government short and long-term planning initiatives.
4. Align issues presented with local government priorities.
The process used to determine proiect ranking:
1. Final versions of issue proposals are due to the Chamber of Commerce via e-mail by
December 1, 2007. Please send all proposals to meades@iowacityarea.com.
2. A small group of volunteers from our Board of Directors and/or Legislative Council will
meet in December to evaluate projects and rank them. The taskforce will be chosen by the
Legislative/Public Policy Councils of each Area Chamber. No one associated with a proposal
may serve on this taskforce. Federal staff may also be involved in the process.
3. The taskforce will receive the proposals in advance so they can review prior to the meeting.
If they have questions relating to project, I will contact you for clarification.
4. After the projects have been ranked, we will meet Federal staff for additional review
feedback.
5. Project ranking will be shared with you no later than Friday, January 4, 2008 via e-mail
notification.
I look forward to seeing your projects and lobbying for you on our 2008 Corridor Federal Issues
trip.
Best,
Rebecca
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CITY OF IOWA CITylJEL]
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
October 9,2007
Mayor and City Council ~
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk ~~
Human Rights Breakfast
Please let me know if you plan to attend the Human Rights Breakfast on Thursday,
October 25. I will process the paperwork and make reservations for you.
I
~,*,/1: AnNual
Iowa City
Human Rights Awards Breakfast
[;iIOWA CITY
! HUMAN RIGHTS I I
I COMMISSIONI
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Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 7:30 AM
IMU Wayne Richey Ballroom
Ke!fHote SpeaKer:
Alfred Ramirez
Executive Director Diversity Focus
~lte following individuals will be recognized:
Royceann Porter (Isabel Turner Award)
The Circle of Courage School (Community Award)
Allan Axeen (Individual in a Service Organization)
Robin Butler & Janelle Rettig (Rick Graf Award)
Katy Hansen (International Award)
Kate Karacay (Kenneth Cmiel Award)
Tickets are $15 and may be purchased from the
Revenue Cashier at City Hall, or from the Human Rights staff.
A limited number of reduced price tickets are available.
I gor more information:
Contact Human Rights Coordinator at 319-356-5022
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
1'~-~67 I
DATE:
October 8, 2007
TO:
Mayor and City Council
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk N'~'
FROM:
RE:
Accepting and archiving of digital media
With increased digital media being utilized both in Council presentations, and with
correspondence being received, it is necessary to establish a policy for acceptance and
archiving of such media.
Storage issues, both hard copy and electronic, should also be considered.
We will continue to receive and archive digital media such as power point presentations
DVD's and slides. However, media that can not be printed, such as movies and/or digital
video will not be accepted. Citizens will be encouraged to convert the media to an
acceptable media for archiving.
This policy provides for preservation and continued access of public documents; does not
create a burden on amount of storage required; ensures readability of the documents; and
does not rely on equipment that may be outdated to view the media in the future.
U: digitalmediapolicy.doc
From Council Member Vanderhoef
~.'fPt,~
NATIONAL
IP7
www.111c:.OTg fEDERAL RELATIONS UPDATE
For period ending September 28, 2007
. House Approves Stopgap Funding Measure
. Federal Housing Agency Reform on Fast Track
. House Committees Moving Legislation to Help Homeowners
. House and Senate Pass SCHIP; Presidential Veto Expected
. Senate Approves Water Resources Bill
. Senate Subcommittee Hears Testimony on Water Infrastructure Financing
. House Delays Consideration of Election Reform Bill
. Senate Passes Anti-Gang Bill; House Measure Introduced
. Senate Adopts Hate Crimes Amendment
CONGRESS
House Approves Stopgap Funding Measure
On Sep. 26, the House passed a stop gap funding measure to fund government operations
through Nov. 16. The measure, known as a continuing resolution (CR), passed the House
404-14. The CR will keep funds flowing to federal agencies at fiscal 2007 levels and is needed
because no fiscal year 2008 appropriations bills have been completed. The new fiscal year
begins Oct. 1. Besides continuing funding for programs funded through the appropriations
process, including the Community Development Block Grant program, HOME, COPS, and
transportation, the CR also continues funding for the State Children's Health Insurance
Program (SCHIP) and the Federal Aviation Administration program. The Senate is expected
to approve the measure no later than Friday, Sep. 28, so the President can sign it before the
end of the current fiscal year.
Earlier this year, the House passed all 12 fiscal 2008 bills; the Senate has passed only four but
is expected to pass the fiscal 2008 Defense bill, as well as the bill that funds the Commerce,
Science, and Justice agencies next week. (Carolyn Coleman, coleman@nlc.org,
202.626.3023)
Federal Housing Agency Reform on Fast Track
The House and Senate are moving swiftly in the face of rising home foreclosures to give
homeowners options to refinance out of unaffordable mortgages. The House passed
H.R. 1852, the Expanding American Homeownership Act, by a vote of 348 to 72. The
Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs passed companion
legislation in the form of a draft bill, the FHA Modernization Act, by a vote of 20 to 1.
Both bills would "modernize" FHA rules and policies to reflect changes and innovations
in the mortgage finance system. Among the reforms, both the bills would increase FHA
loan limits in high cost areas above the current $362,000; lower downpayment
requirements on FHA-secured loans; bolster pre-purchase and post-purchase
homeowner counseling requirements; and provide FHA greater flexibility to refinance
subprime, adjustable-rate mortgages into conventional mortgages. The Senate bill still
faces a vote by the full Senate before heading to a conference committee to resolve
differences with the House bill. NLC endorsed both bills and has urged swift adoption
by the Congress and the President's signature. (Mike Wallace, wallace@nlc.org,
202.626.3025)
House Committees Moving Legislation to Help Homeowners
The House Financial Services Committee passed three NLC-supported bills aimed at
improving housing options for families and assisting homeowners. The bills passed are:
H.R. 2930, Supportive Housing for Elderly Act, would expand the Section 202 affordable
housing program, the only HUD program that provides housing exclusively for seniors.
The bill provides incentives for developers to preserve and rehabilitate the existing
supply of affordable housing for seniors and encourages the development of new
homes to meet increasing demand.
H.R. 3524, the HOPE VI Reauthorization Act, would reauthorize the HOPE VI program
which is due to expire this year. The Hope VI program provides grants to localities for
the construction and rehabilitation of public housing units. In addition to reauthorization,
the bill would financially reward cities that implement green-building standards in their
HOPE VI projects. The bill also requires, for the first time, a one-to-one replacement of
any public housing units lost in HOPE VI redevelopment plans. Lastly, the bill has
language designed to ensure that communities applying for HOPE VI funds are
demolishing public housing units that have no possibility of rehabilitation.
H.R. 3355, the Homeowners Defense Act, would assist homeowners living in high
weather-risk areas, such as those that are in hurricane paths, with better access to
affordable home insurance. Under the bill, states would have the option to participate in
an insurance plan that would allow state-sponsored insurance funds to voluntarily
bundle their catastrophic risk with one another. Private markets would take on the risk
through catastrophe bonds and reinsurance contracts. The bill also provides for federal
loans to states impacted by severe natural disasters. (Mike Wallace, wallace@nlc.orq,
202.626.3025)
The House Ways and Means Committee passed H.R. 3648, the Mortgage Forgiveness
Debt Relief Act. Under current law, debt forgiven following mortgage foreclosure or
renegotiation is considered taxable-income by the I.R.S. H.R. 3648 would provide relief
by permanently excluding debt forgiven under these circumstances from tax liability.
2
The forgiveness would be limited to primary, owner-occupied homes. (Mike Wallace,
wallace@nlc.org, 202.626.3025)
House and Senate Pass SCHIP; Presidential Veto Expected
The House and Senate passed a compromise agreement to reauthorize the State
Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The House vote, 265-159, was 19 votes
shy of the number needed to override a threatened presidential veto. The Senate vote
was 67 to 29, enough to override a veto. The program expires on Sep. 30, and unless it
is reauthorized, several states are expected to run out of funds starting in October.
Among other things, the compromise bill would increase funding over the next five years
by $35 billion (compared to the $5 billion called for by the President) and allow states to
enroll an additional four million low-income children. Currently, approximately 6.5
million children are enrolled in the program.
In a joint letter to the Hill, NLC, the National Association of Counties and the United
States Conference of Mayors, urged Congress to approve the legislation. The
legislation now heads to the President's desk for signature or a veto. (To view the
letter, click here.) (Neil Bomberg, bomberq@nlc.org, 202.626.3042)
Senate Approves Water Resources Bill
On Sep. 24, the Senate voted 81-12 in favor of a conference report on H.R. 1495, the
Water Resources Development Act. The compromise version of the bill authorizes
approximately $23.2 billion for Army Corps of Engineers water projects, several billion
dollars more than separately approved by the House and Senate earlier this year. On
Aug. 1, the House approved the conference report by a vote of 381-40. The White
House has issued a veto threat, but both chambers approved the measure by veto-
proof margins.
H.R. 1495 would authorize over 900 projects for navigation, environmental restoration,
and hurricane, flood or storm damage reduction in 23 states and would increase
oversight of the Army Corps of Engineers for projects costing more than $45 million or
that were deemed controversial. (Carolyn Berndt, berndt@nlc.orq, 202.626.3101)
Senate Subcommittee Hears Testimony on Water Infrastructure Financing
On Sep. 19, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Subcommittee
on Transportation Safety, Infrastructure Security and Water Quality, heard testimony on
the need to invest in clean water infrastructure in our nation's cities. In written
testimony, NLC acknowledged the growing gap between municipal costs for operation
and maintenance of water systems and availability of funds and urged Congress to fully
fund the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. (To view NLC's testimony, click here.)
President Bush's FY 2008 budget request would appropriate only $688 million for the
SRF, which would amount to almost a 50 percent reduction in funds over the FY 2007
appropriated amount.
A House version of the proposal titled "Water Quality Financing Act of 2007" (H.R. 720)
would authorize $20 billion in federal grants for fiscal years 2008 through 2012 for Clean
3
Water State Revolving Funds. H.R. 720 is sponsored by Rep. James Oberstar (D-MN)
and passed the House on March 9 by a vote of 303-108. (Carolyn Berndt,
berndt@nlc.orq, 202.626.3101)
House Delays Consideration of Election Reform Bill
On Sep. 18, the House delayed consideration of a bill that would impose an unfunded
mandate on states and localities. The bill, H.R. 811, the "Voter Confidence and
Increased Accessibility Act of 2007 (the Act)," would require, by 2008, the use of certain
voting machines that produce a paper trail. NLC, along with 11 state and local national
organizations, sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Majority Leader Steny
Hoyer (D-MD) urging the delay in consideration. (To view the letter, click here.)
Specifically, H.R. 811, introduced by Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ), would require states and
localities to replace equipment they purchased to comply with the Help America Vote
Act of 2002, even if such equipment already offers a voter-verified paper trail, with
technology that does not exist yet. The bill authorizes no funding to purchase new
equipment. In addition, the legislation contains unnecessary and broad requirements
for many states to enact hasty changes to their voting laws in the 14 months remaining
between now and the 2008 Presidential election. (Christina Fletcher Loftus,
loftus@nlc.org, 202.626.3173)
Senate Passes Anti-Gang Bill; House Measure Introduced
Last week, the Senate passed S. 456, The Gang Abatement and Prevention Act of 2007. The
legislation, sponsored by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), authorizes more than $1 billion over
five years to support gang prevention, intervention, and enforcement efforts at the local level.
NLC supported the legislation in a letter to the Senator. (To view a copy of the letter, click
here.) Also last week, Rep. Schiff (D-CA) introduced a companion bill, H.R. 3547, in the
House that awaits consideration. (Carolyn Coleman, coleman@nlc.org, 202.626.3023)
Senate Adopts Hate Crimes Amendment
On Sep. 27, the Senate adopted an amendment to the Defense reauthorization bill that
would enhance current Hate Crimes Laws to include violent crimes based on sexual
orientation, gender identity or disability. The amendment, the Matthew Shepard Local
Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007, would permit the federal
government to investigate and prosecute crimes that are believed to be based on hate.
Current hate crimes legislation covers race, religion, sex and age. Sen. Edward
Kennedy (D-MA) and Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR) originally introduced the language as
a stand-alone bill, S. 1105. In a letter to the Senate, NLC supported the amendment.
(To view a copy of the letter, click here.) (Neil Bomberg, bomberq@nlc.org,
202.626.3042)
4
rnJ
Marian Karr
Sent:
To:
From: Soyawax@aol.com
Saturday, October 06,200712:48 PM
info@hooverassociation.org; annette. wetteland@lib.state.ia.us; info@hacap.org; info@crma.org;
info@friendsof theimmigrant.org; mstoffregen@iowacityarea.com; Council;
ch urchesun ited@yahoo.com; welcome@chsfs.org; janet@freedomfestival.com; civil rights@cedar-
rapids .org; chamber@cedarrapids.org; catherinemcau ley@quest.net; wjohnso@dhs.state.ia.us;
president@accessiowa.org; lavrenzr@trinity.org; brmanard@solon.k12.ia.us;
cilavely@regina.pvt.k12.ia.usnhobbs@marion.k12.ia.us; tmcgraw@aea10.k12.ia.us;
Itiemann@gwaea.org; dwhitehead@ccs.k12.ia.us; pvincent@cc-amana.k12.ia.us;
dmarkward@cr.k12.ia.us; jbrady@cr-cath.pvt.k12.ia.us; Iinsey-abbot@uiowa.edu; marcella-
david@uiaowa.edu; info@kirkwoood.cc.ia.us; benesh1@iastate.edu
Subject: announce this very timely event in your newsletter
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You can announce this very timely event in your newsletter, or copy this and send out to your e mail list;
-----------------..-..-..--------------------------------------..-----------------------------------------------------..---------------------------------
We invite you to join in with hundreds of your fellow Iowans to explore the integrated elements
of building a sustainable community; local food sources, green building, renewable energy,
community education and economic-political organizing. Re-Iocalization is an important aspect
of a sustainable society, so our focus is Iowa... however the word is out on this exciting event, so
we have visitors coming in from all over the USA.
SUSTAINABLE LIVING, RENEWABLE RESOURCES AND THE FUTURE
OCTOBER 26,27,28. New Bohemia Art and Cultural District, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Friends;
Welcome to the first annual SEED Conference. One Generation will now meet for the next 20 Harvests.
We're gathering together as a vital community to do what Iowans have done for generations. We are here to
plant seeds, nurture those seeds and grow a sustainable society for future generations.
Some of us are new immigrants. Many have elders that arrived here generations ago. Our forebears came
here as stewards of the land. We are gathering during the Harvest of 2007 to decide how we can best carry
that sacred responsibility forward.
Thus far, in a strict biological sense, human beings are the most successful species on earth. We've populated
every far corner of this beautiful green planet. We know that we have a major impact on all of the living systems
of the earth. It is for all us at this Conference to decide if that impact is creative or destructive. We are at a
major crossroads. It is time to choose a clear path into our future.
Our ancestors that settled between the two great Missouri and Mississippi rivers came here to honor this land
and to provide a legacy of healthy land, water and life support for their descendants. We have a responsibility
to keep this chain of life healthy.
Human work and creativity is the most important renewable energy that we have. We can choose to use that
energy to chop down decaying old trees or to find a clearing and plant new seeds. Sometimes we have to do
some of each as good stewards of the land. The purpose of this conference is to look across this land between
two rivers and find the clearing, if necessary to make the clearing to plant the new seeds of a sustainable
10/812007
Page 2 of6
society.
Some of the old trees that have grown here are in the process of decay and breakdown. With problems like
global resource wars, petroleum depletion, environmental degradation, polar ice melt and mortgage melt
downs, we know that many of the structures put in place by human effort are no longer working. At the root,
causal level, all of these crisis are hard wired into the industrial/mass consumer society. Solutions are thus only
activated through a systemic paradigm shift. We are convening this Conference to imagine the new seeds that
we must plant so that our grandchildren will look back and thank us, rather than look back and curse us for how
we have managed this land and water that is shared by all generations. This is an inter-generational community
learning event. Bring your entire family, your staff and neighbors.
In our present cultural paradigm, elected officials have a short term perspective, as they answer to special
interest groups and act on their own self-interest for re-election in the next 2 to 4 year electoral cycle. A
sustainable society, our next generations are not even on the political agenda. Corporate entities plan for the
next quarter of profit with extremely short term tunnel vision, within an illusory economic structure that does not
measure ecological and social costs. Those huge hidden costs are very real and are now coming due. Large
academic institutions receive major funding from pharmaceutical, petrochemical and agribusiness sectors, so
challenging the present paradigm is not encouraged, it is even actively curtailed. This leaves a huge leadership
vacuum; very few leaders look at long term sustainability issues and very few step forward with the courage to
ask the hardest questions. S.E.E.D., the educational group that is presenting this Iowa event, is a "cultural
outpost". SEED is a leading edge human capital resource for advance cultural intelligence. S.E.E.D. provides a
whole systems/sustainability perspective for our community. You are that resource, so be it, know it, use it,
and grow the SEED.
Many of our present leadership are asleep at the wheel, and in fact, are not even on the right road.
You may notice that there is not governmental, academic or corporate sponsorship of this important
Conference. That's on purpose; historic new paradigms emerge outside of current structures. While National
Candidates simply spout shallow sound-bites, you can engage with real leaders at this conference on a
substantive level. This conference is providing a space for critical thinking and visionary action, activated from
the grassroots. All growth in living systems takes place at "the edge" at the roots, sprouts and the leaves.
We will let this gathering be a new clearing on this land that is free of the past assumptions and vested
interests. We are working together as conscious stewards of the land to plant the seeds of a
sustainable future. You are invited to assemble with us to dream, to imagine our shared future, and then to
take decisive action. We are standing at the edge of an historic cultural shift. Take a stand forward.
Michael Richards, S.E.ED. Founder
Conference Convener/2007
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sustainable Ecological Economic Development (S.E.E.D.) is an Iowa not for profit educational organization.
SUSTAINABLE LIVING, RENEWABLE RESOURCES AND THE FUTURE
OCTOBER 26,27,28. New Bohemia Art and Cultural District, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
WEB SITE: http://www.resourcesforlife.com/qroups/seed-iowa/
CONFERENCEPRESENTERS:
Track I: Sustainable Food, Health and Wellness
1. Denise Obrien, 2006 CANDIDATE, IOWA SECT. OF AGRICULTURE
Founder; Women and Agriculture Network
2. Fred Meyerl Environmental Advocates/Backyard Abundance
3. Susan Jutz/President, Practical Farmers of Iowa and CSA producer
4. Laura Krouse, Iowa Policy Project/Local Food Study
5. Janet Coester , International Advocate for Peace and a Sustainable Society
6. Ken Meter; President/Crossroads Resource Center (local foodllocal economics expert)
7. Steve Smith; President/Iowa Network for Community Agriculture
Track II: Integrating Shelter and the Environment: Community Ecotecture
1. Lonnie Gamble, Coalition for Sustainable Living, Abundance EcoVillage
10/8/2007
Page 3 of6
2. Don Otto, Green Construction Expert; Center for Sustainable Communities
3. Martha Norbeck, Iowa City Architect, Principles of Green Design
4. Greg Johnson, Small House Movement/Resources for Life
5. Karen Brook; Trees Forever; Green Infrastructure in Sustainable Community
6. Wayne Petersen, NCRS, water-quality, a key issue for sustainability
Track III; Renewable Energy, Conservation, Efficient Transportation
1. Martin Smith, Iowa Renewable Energy Association
2. Taavi McMahon; Wisconsin Attorney/founding member of PrairieFire Biofuel Co-op
PrairieFire is a coop in the Madison, Wisconsin.
3. Charlie Kress, Retired Electrical Engineer and TreasurerlSpokesman, wastenotlOWA,
Inc. WastenotlOWA is non-profit 501 (C)(3) corporation promoting plasma
gasification/vitrification and subsequent energy generation in treatment of solid waste.
Kress's topic is "Converting Waste to Energy using plasma gasification/vitrification."
4. Rick Sanborn and Mark Garvey and The Iowa City Bike Library
50% of all gasoline is burned within 3 miles of our homes. Bike and walk for
effective energy conservation within bicycle/pedestrian friendly Iowa towns.
5. Art Bike Rally leader, Scott Anderson
Track IV: Community Building, Education and Civic Action/Political Process
(building a multi-generational community learning process)
1. Lynette Richards, Metro High School (Teacher and Counselor)
2. Ed Fallon- Iowa State Legislator and Lynn Heuss ; Founders I'm for Iowa
3. Steve Cooperman-Brightfire, lifelong learning/intentional community
4. Alisa Meggitt, Educator, Community Organizer
Track V: Ecological Economic Development/Jobs for Seven Generations
1. Michael Richards, Founder of Soyawax International, a Cedar Rapids company that supplies
bulk soybean wax to manufacturers in all 50 states and 20 nations. Author; SUSTAINABLE OPERATING
SYSTEMSITHE POST PETROL PARADIGM
2. Frank Cicela, founder; SUSTAINABLE INDIANA,
The Indiana Energy Conference, Project Manager; Earthwatch/Costa Rica
and, welcome to Iowa... newly appointed engineer with Clipper Wind Energy Systems
3. Shari Martinez; Cedar Rapids Women for Peace
4. Molly Cantrell-Kraig, President, MCK Products, Candidate for Alderman at Large for
the City of Muscatine, Family Resources Advisory Board, Muscatine County Habitat for Humanity
and the Domestic Abuse Shelter Committee, Muscatine Historic Preservation Group
Track VI: Earth Centered Spirituality; A Moral, Religious, Ethical and Philosophical Foundation for Land
and Resource Stewardship in a Sustainable Society
1. Dr. Maynard Kauffman University of Chicago, Western Michigan University, Author;
Adapting to the End of Oil; Toward an Earth Centered Spirituality
2. Travis Cox, B.A in Philosophy from Central College and his MA in Philosophy, Cosmology,
and Consciousness from the California Institute of Integral Studies. PhD at Iowa State Sustainable
Agriculture, his dissertation is on the intersection of spirituality and agriculture.
3. Angela Clark; Founder/CEO enrgPATH - Iowa's only resource directory for holistic and
sustainable businesses. Also a Reiki Master/Teacher and healing arts practitioner.
We are keeping this event accessible with a $25 participant donation ($10 students) $100 for exhibitors.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Friday Evening. October 26, 2007 Opening Session/community building
6:30 p.m. Welcome and Conference Opening Invocation
6:35 p.m. Keynote presentation by Ken Meter; President/Crossroads Resource Center (local food/local economics
expert) Ken has also served on the staff of the Kennedy Policy Center at Harvard and at U of M.
8:00 p.m. Community Celebration: All Ages Harvest Moon Dance Party; We'll have a house band, but the
main event will be a community jam session. Bring your instruments and be ready to sing and
dance. Everyone from 8 to 88 can Rock and Roll!
10/812007
Page 4 of6
Saturday. October 27.2007 Core Educational Conference
8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Core Session I (choose one track for a two hour seminar and open discussion)
Each seminar track will be led by a panel of expert moderators
Track I: Sustainable Food, Health and Wellness
Track II: Integrating Shelter and the Environment: Community Ecotecture
Track III; Renewable Energy, Conservation, Efficient Transportation
Track IV: Community Building, Education and Civic Action/Political Process
Track V Ecological Economic Development/Jobs for Seven Generations
Track VI: Earth Centered Spirituality; A Moral, Religious, Ethical and Philosophical Foundation for Land and Resource
Stewardship in a Sustainable Society.
10 am to 12 noon Core Session II (choose one track for a two hour seminar and open discussion)
Each seminar track will be led by a panel of expert moderators
Track I: Sustainable Food, Health and Wellness
Track II: Integrating Shelter and the Environment: Community Ecotecture
Track III; Renewable Energy, Conservation, Efficient Transportation
Track IV: Community Building, Education and Civic Action/Political Process
Track V Ecological Economic Development/Jobs for Seven Generations
Track VI: Earth Centered Spirituality; A Moral, Religious, Ethical and Philosophical Foundation for Land and
Resource Stewardship in a Sustainable Society
Noon; A community potluck, bring a dish made with local food and your own table service.
*AII food should be dropped off in the P-3 Union Hall 14th Ave.l1st Street/New Bohemia.
If you have ever felt compelled to be a keynote speaker, go for it; Open Mic after lunch.
1:30 to 3:30 pm. Core Session III (choose one track for a two hour seminar and open discussion)
Each seminar track will be led by a panel of 3 expert moderators
Track I: Sustainable Food, Health and Wellness
Track II: Integrating Shelter and the Environment: Community Ecotecture
Track III; Renewable Energy, Conservation, Efficient Transportation
Track IV: Community Building, Education and Civic Action/Political Process
Track V Ecological Economic Development/Jobs for Seven Generations
Track VI: Earth Centered Spirituality; A Moral, Religious, Ethical and Philosophical Foundation for Land and
Resource Stewardship in a Sustainable Society
3:30 to 5;00 Art Bike Rally, Kid's Bike Rodeo led by Scott Anderson
3:30 to 5:00 Alternate Event: If you've been dozing off in your conference chair, get on up to CSPS
for Dance Lessons and an afternoon SALSA DANCE PARTY!
5:30 to 7 pm. Total Community GatheringNision Quest: facilitated group process
Our ancestors built deep intergenerational community connections around a central campfire as stories and
visions were shared. At this event any citizen of any age can come up to the microphone on the stage to
share a story, a vision, a dream or share their insights from this groundbreaking Conference. This
conference will be both informational and transformational.
7:00 to 8; Dinner on your own with family, old friends, new friends or an interest group for discussion. There are
about 35 restaurants within one mile of the conference location. Some are easy walking distance. Listed on
Bulletin Board in the Matyk Building.
8:30 The Prairie Fire Authors Circle; Dan Armstrong founder of Mud City Press in Eugene Oregon,
William Kottke, Author of Garden Planet and Michael Richards founder of Innovation Press will convene a
town hall meeting with several noted authors from around the USA that are experts on the Environment, Eco
Villages and Sustainable Living. Eco-Architect Phil Hawes will pull his chair up to the roundtable.
8:00 Alternate Event; If you're already on information overload from the afternoon and want diversion rather
than discussion, then it's time climb the stairs to the Performance Space at "CSPS for "OUT OF BOUNDS"
This is a diverse and uncensored art event. Some presentations may be offensive or raise challenging
questions without easy answers. (A nominal theatre ticket of $5 is requested at the door)
10 to? Downtown Party Night; Walking to Party is putting "sustainable living." into practice!
SundaV,Ocrober28,2007
10/8/2007
Page 5 of6
11 :00 a.m. to 12:30 Community Convocation at CSPS; Local leaders of Muslim, Jewish, Hindu and
Christian faiths will share the common spiritual threads that provide the moral and ethical foundation for
Sustainable Earth, Air, Water and Land Stewardship.
Lunch on your own/open community networking sessions until 3 pm at the Matyk Building/New Bohemia
To register for the conference or to set up an exhibit table, call 3193631774 or send an email to;
postpetrol @ ao!. com or, register day of conference at 1029 Third Street S.E., Cedar Rapids 52401
A VISIONARY CALL TO ACTION
Visionary Allies, Stewards of the Land;
Do you feel it? It's moving, its growing. A visionary seed has been planted. It has germinated. Deep prairie
roots are sinking into the Iowa earth, leaves are reaching into all other lands and branches are stretching up to
the sun.
You can take this SEED and freely throw it out into the Winds of Change; simply copy this timely message and
send it on out by email to friends, family associates and emerging agents of life's vital new message.
Send it out freely with joy and a prayer for the unborn, the coming generations that will live in a healthy and free
Earth. We are their elders, and we now lay the foundation for their future. We plant for their harvest.
A positive Tornado is taking on rotation on the Prairie, a living revolution is turning and rising.
It only takes one spark to light a Prairie Fire. From Austin to Akron. From Minneapolis to Memphis. New York
to LA, a new creative culture is rising us above the Violent Mire. A visionary society is here now.
If you feel the draw, carpool and drive to Iowa to feed the fire. If you cannot make the journey, then merge with
our effort in spirit and speak out on these issues in your own backyard. We stand at the edge of history, lets
move forward with courage and love.
Are you ready to define and build a diverse and ecologically sustainable new state?
It is a scientific fact that the more diverse any ecological system becomes, then the stronger and healthy that
ecology is. This is especially true of human ecology/communities and cities. Building a sustainable society is a
goal that unifies every age, gender, political affiliation,race and economic group to work together. There are no
borders or social divisions in the Global Biosphere. We are in this together!
You are invited to set up an exhibit at this Conference, get on the podium and speak or join in very
lively discussion. This is an interactive convergence of our community to define a sustainable future.
Welcome to the first annual SEED Conference
You are welcome to forward this email to your own e mail list and to all interested groups
10/8/2007
Page 1 of8
Marian Karr
From: Soyawax@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2007 10:40 AM
To: info@hooverassociation.org; annette.wetteland@lib.state.ia.us; info@hacap.org; info@crma.org;
info@friendsof theimmigrant.org; mstoffregen@iowacityarea.com; Council;
ch urchesun ited@yahoo.com; welcome@chsfs.org; janet@freedomfestival.com; civilrights@cedar-
rapids.org; chamber@cedarrapids.org; catherinemcau ley@quest.net; wjohnso@dhs.state.ia.us;
president@accessiowa.org; lavrenzr@trinity.org; brmanard@solon.k12.ia.us;
ciiavely@regina.pvt.k12.ia.usnhobbs@marion.k12.ia.us; tmcgraw@aea10.k12.ia.us;
Itiemann@gwaea.org; dwhitehead@ccs.k12.ia.us; pvincent@cc-amana.k12.ia.us;
dmarkward@cr.k12.ia.us; jbrady@cr-cath.pvt.k12.ia.us; Iinsey-abbot@uiowa.edu; marcella-
david@uiaowa.edu; info@kirkwoood.cc.ia.us; benesh1@iastate.edu
Subject: An opportunity for your organization to exhibit
Dear Friends;
Statewide Iowa Conference is getting national notice. This provides you with a great opportunity to get your
message out to the public. (SEE RECENT NEWSPAPER ARTICLE ON THE CONFERENCE BELOW)
We still have a few exhibit spaces at:
SUSTAINABLE LIVING, RENEWABLE RESOURCES AND THE FUTURE Of IOWA
OCTOBER 26,27,28. New Bohemia Art and Cultural District, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(If you have already registered as an exhibitor, please disregard this e mail.)
To Register as an exhibitor, send us your organization details and $100 exhibitor contribution to;
S.E.ED., 1029 Third Street S.E., Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
If you need further information send email to: Q9stpetrQ1@Qol.colT! or phone toll free 888 511 5177
Several regional newspaper articles are coming out in advance of the conference. This will
insure good public awareness and excellent attendance. The first was this morning in the
October 10, Cedar Rapids Gazette on the front page of the Business Section;
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conference to provide forum
for sustainability thinking
By David DeWitte
The Gazette
CEDAR RAPIDS - Organizers of a statewide sustainability
conference in Cedar Rapids' New Bohemia District this month
want the event to become a catalyst for a long-term change in
thinking about resources. Planning for the conference,
"Sustainable Living, Renewable Resources and the Future,"
began more than a year ago. The conference will be held Oct. 26
through Oct. 28 in locations throughout the New Bohemia
10/9/2007
Page 2 of8
District. "It's really a grass-roots citizens' effort to identify what a
sustainable society is," said organizer Michael Richards of Cedar
Rapids.
While the conference hopes to address many of the same global
concerns as other conferences - concerns such as climate
change and petroleum depletion - it hopes to do so from a
holistic, community-based perspective.
Almost all of the speakers will be from Iowa. Topics will include
community-building, earth-centered spirituality, renewable energy,
sustainable food, and integrating shelter and the
environment."The need we're filling is to look across the inter-
related systems of agriculture, energy, the built environment and
the community and political structures that are the underlying
structures for allowing sustainability to work," Richards said.
The conference has no corporate sponsors, Richards said,
allowing for a free cross-pollination of ideas from many per
spectives. Virtually all of the resources, including meeting and
exhibition spaces, have been provided as in-kind contributions.
Among the few speakers from outside of Iowa will be Taavi
McMahon, an attorney and co-founder of the PrairieFire BioFuel
co-op in Madison, Wis., and Ken Meter, a local foods expert who
is president of the Crossroads Resource Center in Minnesota.
Well-known Iowans expected to speak include State Rep. Ed
Fallon, D-Des Moines, and Greg Johnson of Iowa City, a leader in
the small house movement.
Among the o\terarching themes of the conference, Richards
says, will be "relocalization." The concept refers to building
community-based sources for food, energy and goods.
Richardson said New Bohemia is a good site for the conference
because it demonstrates the importance of reclaiming urban
centers. All the event locations will be within walking distance,
Richards said.
The African-American Historical Museum & Cultural Center will
host the exhibition area for the conference, which is expected to
include exhibits from the Physicians for Social Responsibility,
Practical Farmers of Iowa, Trees Forever, the Practical Farmers
of Iowa and others.
Richards operates a business in New Bohemia and is founder of
Sustainable Ecological Economic Development (S.E.E.D.) which
10/9/2007
is organizing the event. S.E.E.D. is an Iowa not-forprofit
educational organization.
Michael Richards
Founder of S.E.E.D.
PRESS RELEASE;
For Immediate Release; STATEWIDE CONFERENCE; IOWA
Contact Person; Michael Richards/Conference Convener; Phone 319-363-1774 e mail;
soyawaxlalaol.com
The next event in New Bohemia; A timely Conference that's getting national attention;
SUSTAINABLE LIVING, RENEWABLE RESOURCES AND THE FUTURE OF IOWA
OCTOBER 26,27,28. New Bohemia Art and Cultural District, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
FULL 3 DAY SCHEDULE IS BELOW
We invite you to join in with hundreds of your fellow Iowans to explore the
integrated elements of building a sustainable community; local food sources, green
building, renewable energy, community education and economic-political
organizing. Re-Iocalization is an important aspect of a sustainable society, so our
focus is Iowa... however the word is out on this exciting event, so we have visitors
coming in from all over the USA.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Friends;
Welcome to the first annual SEED Conference. One Generation will now meet for the next 20
Harvests. This conference will continue as an annual event during the last weekend of
October.
We're gathering together as a vital community to do what Iowans have done for generations. We
are here to plant seeds, nurture those seeds and grow a sustainable society for future
generations.
Some of us are new immigrants. Many have elders that arrived here generations ago. Our
forebears came here as stewards of the land. We are gathering during the Harvest of 2007 to
decide how we can best carry that sacred responsibility forward.
Thus far, in a strict biological sense, human beings are the most successful species on earth.
We've populated every far corner of this beautiful green planet. We know that we have a major
impact on all of the living systems of the earth. It is for all us at this Conference to decide if that
impact is creative or destructive. We are at a major crossroads. It is time to choose a clear path
into our future.
Our ancestors that settled between the two great Missouri and Mississippi rivers came here to
honor this land and to provide a legacy of healthy land, water and life support for their
10/9/2007
Page 3 of8
descendants. We have a responsibility to keep this chain of life healthy.
Human work and creativity is the most important renewable energy that we have. We can
choose to use that energy to chop down decaying old trees or to find a clearing and plant new
seeds. Sometimes we have to do some of each as good stewards of the land. The purpose of
this conference is to look across this land between two rivers and find the clearing, if necessary
to make the clearing to plant the new seeds of a sustainable society.
Some of the old trees that have grown here are in the process of decay and breakdown. With
problems like global resource wars, petroleum depletion, environmental degradation, polar ice
melt and mortgage melt downs, we know that many of the structures put in place by human effort
are no longer working. At the root causal level, all of these crises are hard wired into
the industriallmass consumer society. Solutions are thus only activated through a systemic
paradigm shift. As Albert Einstein noted; "We cannot solve problems with the way of thinking that
created the problems." This conference is all about a new way of thinking.
We are convening this Conference to imagine the new seeds that we must plant so that our
grandchildren will look back and thank us, rather than look back and curse us for how we have
managed this land, water and climate that is shared by all generations. This is an inter-
generational community learning event. Bring your entire family, your associate, staff and
neighbors. This conference is all inclusive; its about community.
In our present cultural paradigm, elected officials have a short term perspective, as they answer
to special interest groups and act on their own self-interest for re-election in the next 2 to 4 year
electoral cycle. A sustainable society, our next generations are not even on the political agenda.
Corporate entities plan for the next quarter of profit with extremely short term tunnel vision, within
an illusory economic structure that does not measure ecological and social costs. Those huge
hidden costs are very real and are now coming due. Large academic institutions receive major
funding from pharmaceutical, petrochemical and agribusiness sectors, so challenging the present
paradigm is not encouraged, it is even actively curtailed. This leaves a huge leadership vacuum;
very few leaders look at long term sustainability issues and very few step forward with the
courage to ask the hardest questions. S.E.E.D., the educational group that is presenting this
Iowa event, is a "cultural outpost". SEED is a leading edge human capital resource for advance
cultural intelligence. S.E.ED. provides a whole systems/sustainability perspective for our
community. You are that resource, so be it, know it, use it, and grow the SEED.
Many of our present leadership are asleep at the wheel, and in fact, are not even on the right
road. You may notice that there is not governmental, academic or corporate sponsorship of this
important Conference. That's on purpose; historic new paradigms emerge outside of current
structures. While National Candidates simply spout shallow sound-bites, you can engage with
real leaders at this conference on a substantive level. This conference is providing a space for
critical thinking and visionary action, activated from the grassroots. All growth in living systems
takes place at "the edge" at the roots, sprouts and the leaves.
We will let this gathering open a new clearing on this land that is free of the past assumptions
and vested interests. We are working together as conscious stewards of the land to plant
the seeds of a sustainable future. You are invited to assemble with us to dream, to imagine our
shared future, and then to take decisive action. We are standing at the edge of an historic
cultural shift. Take a stand forward.
Michael Richards, S.E.ED. Founder
Conference Convener/200?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sustainable Ecological Economic Development (S.E.E.D.) is an Iowa not for profit educational
organ ization.
SUSTAINABLE LIVING, RENEWABLE RESOURCES AND THE FUTURE Of IOWA
OCTOBER 26,27,28. New Bohemia Art and Cultural District, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
10/912007
Page 4 of8
WEB SITE: http://www.resourcesforlife.com/qroups/seed-iowa/
CONFERENCE PRESENTERS:
Track I: Sustainable Food, Health and Wellness
1. Denise Obrien, 2006 CANDIDATE, IOWA SECT. OF AGRICULTURE
Founder; Women and Agriculture Network
2. Fred Meyer/ Environmental Advocates/Backyard Abundance
3. Susan Jutz/President, Practical Farmers of Iowa and CSA producer
4. Laura Krouse, Iowa Policy Project/Local Food Study
5. Janet Coester , International Advocate for Peace and a Sustainable Society
6. Ken Meter; President/Crossroads Resource (local food/local economics expert)
7. Steve Smith; President/Iowa Network for Community Agriculture
Track II: Integrating Shelter and the Environment: Community Ecotecture
1. Lonnie Gamble, Coalition for Sustainable Living, Abundance EcoVillage
2. Don Otto, Green Construction Expert; Center for Sustainable Communities
3. Martha Norbeck, Iowa City Architect, Principles of Green Design
4. Greg Johnson, Small House Movement/Resources for Life
5. Karen Brook; Trees Forever; Green Infrastructure in Sustainable Community
6. Wayne Petersen, NCRS, water-quality, a key issue for sustainability
Track III; Renewable Energy, Conservation, Efficient Transportation
1. Martin Smith, Iowa Renewable Energy Association
2. Taavi McMahon; Wisconsin Attorney/founding member of
PrairieFire Biofuel Co-oP PrairieFire is a coop in the Madison, Wisconsin.
3. Charlie Kress, Retired Electrical Engineer and Treasurer/Spokesman,
wastenotlOWA, Inc. WastenotlOWA is non-profit 501 (C)(3) corporation promoting
plasma gasification/vitrification and subsequent energy generation in treatment of solid waste.
Kress's topic is "Converting Waste to Energy using plasma gasification/vitrification."
4. Rick Sanborn and Mark Garvey and The Iowa City Bike Library
50% of all gasoline is burned within 3 miles of our homes. Bike and walk for
effective energy conservation within bicycle/pedestrian friendly Iowa towns.
5. Art Bike Rally leader, Scott Anderson
Track IV: Community Building, Education and Civic Action/Political Process
(building a multi-generational community learning process)
1. Lynette Richards, Metro High School (Teacher and Counselor)
2. Ed Fallon- Iowa State Legislator/Lynn Heuss ; Founders I'm for Iowa
3. Steve Cooperman-Brightfire, lifelong learning/intentional community
4. Alisa Meggitt, Educator, Community Organizer
Track V: Ecological Economic Development/Jobs for Seven Generations
1. Michael Richards, Founder of Soyawax International, a Cedar Rapids company
that supplies bulk soybean wax to manufacturers in all 50 states and 20 nations. Author;
SUSTAINABLE OPERATING SYSTEMSITHE POST PETROL PARADIGM
2. Frank Cicela, founder; SUSTAINABLE INDIANA,
The Indiana Energy Conference, Project Manager; Earthwatch/Costa Rica
and, welcome to Iowa... newly appointed engineer with Clipper Wind Energy Systems
3. Shari Martinez; Cedar Rapids Women for Peace
4. Molly Cantrell-Kraig, President, MCK Products, Candidate
for Alderman at Large for the City of MU5catine, Family Resources Advisory Board,
Muscatine County Habitat for Humanity and the Domestic Abuse Shelter Committee,
Muscatine Historic Preservation Group
Track VI: Earth Centered Spirituality; A Moral, Religious, Ethical and
Philosophical Foundation for Land and Resource Stewardship in a Sustainable Society
1. Dr. Maynard Kauffman University of Chicago, Western Michigan University,
10/9/2007
Page 5 of8
Author; Adapting to the End of Oili Toward an Earth Centered Spirituality
2. Travis Cox, B.A in Philosophy from Central College and his MA in Philosophy,
Cosmology, and Consciousness from the California Institute of Integral Studies. PhD at Iowa
State Sustainable Agriculture, his dissertation is on the intersection of spirituality and
agricu Itu re.
3. Angela Clark; Founder/CEO enrgPATH - Iowa's only resource directory for
holistic and sustainable businesses. Also a Reiki Master/Teacher and healing arts practitioner.
We are keeping this event accessible with a $25 participant donation ($10 students) $100 for
exhibitors.
We presently have a long list of exhibitors that includes; Physicians for Social Responsibility,
Iowa Renewable Energy, Prairiewoods, Trees Forever, Iowa State University, Mir Valley,
Practical Farmers of Iowa, Iowa Network for Community Agriculture, New Bohemia Group. There
is still room for a few more.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Friday Evening. October 26. 2007 Opening Sessionlcommunity building
6:30 p.m. Welcome and Conference Opening Invocation
6:35 p.m. Keynote presentation by Ken Meter; PresidenUCrossroads Resource Center (local foodllocal
economics expert) Ken has also served on the staff of the Kennedy Policy Center at Harvard and at U of
M.
8:00 p.m. Community Celebration: All Ages Harvest Moon Dance Party; We'll have a house band,
but the main event will be a community jam session. Bring your instruments and be ready to
sing and dance. Everyone from 8 to 88 can Rock and Roll!
Saturday. October 27.2007 Core Educational Conference
8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Core Session I (choose one track for a two hour seminar and open discussion)
Each seminar track will be led by a panel of expert moderators
Track I: Sustainable Food, Health and Wellness
Track II: Integrating Shelter and the Environment: Community Ecotecture
Track III; Renewable Energy, Conservation, Efficient Transportation
Track IV: Community Building, Education and Civic Action/Political Process
Track V Ecological Economic DevelopmenUJobs for Seven Generations
Track VI: Earth Centered Spirituality; A Moral, Religious, Ethical and Philosophical Foundation
for Land and Resource Stewardship in a Sustainable Society.
10 am to 12 noon Core Session II (choose one track for a two hour seminar and open
discussion)
Each seminar track will be led by a panel of expert moderators
Track I, Track II, Track III, Track IV,Track V, Track VI all repeat as noted above.
Noon; A community potluck, bring a dish made with local food and your own table
service. *AII food should be dropped off in the P-3 Union Hall 14th Ave./1st Street/New
Bohemia. If you have ever felt compelled to be a keynote speaker, go for it; Open Mic
after lunch.
1:30 to 3:30 pm. Core Session III (choose one track for a two hour seminar and open
discussion)
Each seminar track will be led by a panel of expert moderators
Track I, Track II, Track III, Track IV,Track V, Track VI all repeat as noted above.
3:30 to 5;00 Art Bike Rally, Kid's Bike Rodeo led by Scott Anderson
3:30 to 5:00 Alternate Event: If you've been dozing off in your conference chair, get on up to
CSPS for Dance Lessons and an afternoon SALSA DANCE PARTY!
5:30 to 7 pm. Total Community GatheringNision Quest: facilitated group process
Our ancestors built deep intergenerational community connections around a central campfire
as stories and visions were shared. At this event any citizen of any age can come up to the
10/9/2007
Page 6 of8
microphone on the stage to share a story, a vision, a dream or share their insights from this
groundbreaking Conference. This conference will be both informational and
transformational.
7:00 to 8; Dinner on your own with family, old friends, new friends or an interest group for
discussion. There are about 35 restaurants within one mile of the conference location. Some are
easy walking distance. Listed on Bulletin Board in the Matyk Building at 1029 Third Street S.E. in
the New Bohemia walking campus.
8:30 The Prairie Fire Authors Circle; Dan Armstrong founder of Mud City Press in Eugene
Oregon, William Kottke, Author of Garden Planet and Michael Richards founder of Innovation
Press will convene a town hall meeting with several noted authors from around the USA that
are experts on the Environment, Eco Villages and Sustainable Living. Eco-Architect Phil Hawes
will pull his chair up to the roundtable.
8:00 Alternate Event; If you're already on information overload from the afternoon and want
diversion rather than discussion, then it's time climb the stairs to the Performance Space at
"CSPS for "OUT OF BOUNDS"
This is a diverse and uncensored art event. Some presentations may be offensive or raise
challenging questions without easy answers. (A nominal theatre ticket of $5 is requested at the
door)
10 to? Downtown Party Night; Walking to Party is putting "sustainable living." into practice!
Sunday. October 28.2007
11 :00 a.m. to 12:30 Community Convocation at CSPS; Local leaders of Muslim, Jewish,
Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian faiths will share the common spiritual threads that provide the
moral and ethical foundation for Sustainable Earth, Air, Water and Land Stewardship.
Lunch on your own/open community networking sessions until 3 pm at the Matyk Building/New
Bohemia
To register for the conference or to set up an exhibit table, call 319 363 1774 or send an e
mail to; postpetrol @ aol. com or, register day of conference at 1029 Third Street S.E.,
Cedar Rapids 52401
A VISIONARY CALL TO ACTION
Visionary Allies, Stewards of the Land;
Do you feel it? It's moving, its growing. A visionary seed has been planted. It has germinated.
Deep prairie roots are sinking into the Iowa earth, leaves are reaching into all other lands and
branches are stretching up to the sun.
You can take this SEED and freely throw it out into the Winds of Change; simply copy this timely
message and send it on out by email to friends, family associates and emerging agents of life's
vital new message.
Send it out freely with joy and a prayer for the unborn, the coming generations that will live in a
healthy and free Earth. We are their elders, and we now lay the foundation for their future. We
plant for their harvest.
A positive Tornado is taking on rotation on the Prairie, a living revolution is turning and rising.
It only takes one spark to light a Prairie Fire. From Austin to Akron. From Minneapolis to
Memphis. New York to LA, a new creative culture is rising us above the Violent Mire. A visionary
society is here now.
If you feel the draw, carpool and drive to Cedar Rapids Iowa to feed the fire. If you cannot make
the journey, then merge with our effort in spirit and speak out on these issues in your own
10/9/2007
Page 7 of8
backyard. We stand at the edge of history, lets move forward with courage and love.
Are you ready to define and build a diverse and ecologically sustainable community and
economy?
It is a scientific fact that the more diverse any ecological system becomes, then the stronger and
healthy that ecology is. This is especially true of human ecology/communities and cities. Building
a sustainable society is a goal that unifies every age, gender, political affiliation,race and
economic group to work together. There are no borders or social divisions in the Global
Biosphere. We are in this together!
You are invited to set up an exhibit at this Conference, get on the podium and speak or join in
very lively discussion. This is an interactive convergence of our community to define a
sustainable future.
Welcome to the first annual SEED Conference
You are welcome to sent this email on out to all interested organizations and indivicuals
An opportunity for your organization to exhibit
See what's new at hOL.com and Make~OL Yoyr Homepa@.
10/9/2007
Page 8 of8
Nadonal I..s'agus ofCn1es
ULl
1 - 1
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
Please join us as we proudly
recognize Iowa City as becoming an:
Inclusive Community
On August 21, 2007, Iowa City joined a growing number of cities
across the nation in a partnership to build an inclusive community
through committed efforts to increase citizen participation and
engagement, while promoting equal opportunity and fairness. A
ceremony to recognize that Iowa City is working to build an
inclusive comlnunity is scheduled for:
Wednesday, October 17, 2007,
6:00 - 6:30 P.M.
Chauncey Swan Park (Across the street from City Hall)
Rain Location - ElTIlna Harvat Hall, City HaU,
410 E. Washington Street
The ceremony will include remarks frOIn local officials and
presentation by Mayor Ross Wilburn of the official "Inclusive
C0l11nlunity" sign soon to be visible throughout the community.
Please plan to attend. Free and open to the public.
10-11-07
IP10
AGENDA
City of Iowa City
City Council Economic Development Committee
Tuesday, October 9,2007
8:30 a.m.
Lobby Conference Room
City Hall
1. Call to Order
2. Minutes of September 13,2007 Economic Development Committee Meeting
3. Annual Report from Iowa City Area Development Group, Joe Raso
4. Staff time
5. Committee time
6. Adjournment
1 ~ 1
-~= -lilt
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~~~ga.'
.... ..
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
October 4,2007
Economic Development Committee
Wendy Ford, Economic Development Coordinator lb(-
Iowa City Area Development Group Annual Report
Joe Raso, President of the Iowa City Area Development Group will present an annual
report to the Council Economic Development Committee at the meeting on Oct. 9.
He will distribute the organization's printed Annual Report and provide an update on
specific action items in the Memorandum of Understanding between the City and ICAD.
The enclosed report is a Business Climate Assessment Report completed by the ICAD
Group in August. Raso will also discuss this in detail at the meeting.
Iowa City Area Development Group
Business Climate Assessment Report:
Primary Sector Business Satisfaction, Workforce and
Growth for Iowa City in Comparison to Area Figures
and the Blane, Canada Ltd. 2006 National Data Study
Data gathered from 25 Synchronist Business Information System@
Interviews conducted in FY 2007
Presented to: The City of Iowa City on August 14, 2007
By the: Iowa City Area Development Group
~~~
Group
325 E. Washington 5t.
5uite 100
P.O. Box 2567
Iowa City, Iowa
52244-2567
PH: 319/354-3939 www.iowacityareadevelopment.com FAX: 319/338-9958
Business Gro"""'th and Exoan.sion An.alvsis:
Primary sector companies intervieV'Ved in 10'VVa City are poised lor continued success and gro"'"'th. '~he chart
belovv- compares inrorn"lation gath.ered -t"rom local companies to area and national data attained -t"rom the North
American Data Study. I.....ocal companies shoV'V a signitlcant compet.itive advantage in all lT1ajor categories.
10""8 City companies included in this survey arc not stagnant~ as th.c-y have outpaced national figures for nc'VV
products introduced in the last. five years. Their luture continues to look good as each company indicat.ed they
vvould launch nev..r products in the coming years. ~hile 26 percent of"companies intcrvie"-Ved indicated their
product lines ""ere mature.,. none admitted to a declining phase. \.'Vith. total sales and market share increases
vvell above national tre.l--..ds it is not surprising that t,-",o-tl--..irds of the companies vve talked vvith. are planning to
expand their local operations in the con--..ing years and vvill increase tl--..eir employn--..elTt levels -vvith close to ~
nevv jobs_ ~
...00%
go-
80_
70_
60_
50%
40_
3D<><.
20_
'0%
0%
LUe Cycle
El'"J"le'rging I
Grovving
Market Shar-e Plans tOo
Increasing expand in ne:Kt
3 year-s
Total Safes
Increasing
~ Products
in last five
year-s
~ pl"oducls
in next hove>
years
No objections
tOo futLKe
exp8.-.sion in
conwnunity
Incf'"easing
empk>yrnent
needs
~ty
Infr-astructLKe
Adequate for
gr-ovvth
I ~ IQlVtla City ~ Area CJ NAoS I
lovva lovva City National
City Area Data
Lif"e C::vele Emerain" / Gro\Nina 740/0 7B% 650k
Market Share Inereasio" 7B% 710/0 570/0
Plans to exnand in next 3 '"ears 67% 670/0 590k
Total Sales Inereasina 1000/0 B6O/0 6B"%
Ne\N Products in last five vears 960/0 8Bo/0 BO%
Nevv oroduct.s in next t\No '-Iears 1 000/0 920/0 74-0/0
~~~~~~~ns to future expansion in
740/0 730/0 79Dk
Increasina emnlovment needs 670/0 69% 440/0
Community Inrrast.ruct.ure Adequate f"or
arovvth 7B% BOo/a N'A
Seventy-eight percent ot- con--..panies intcrvie,^,ed relt the inrrastruct'LlrC of the corTln'l.unity VV"as adequate -t"or
their gro'^'t.h plans. '-'/"hen posed the question: .....Are there any reasons that tl--..e community ,^,ould not be
considered for Future expansion?"" Seventy-four percent of local companies felt there ""ere no compelling
reasons not to expand here. Oftl'l.c executives ,^,ho o-ffered comments.,. four responses relat.ed to ,^,orkforce
shortage issues.,. one indicat.ed a high cost ordoing business.,. one cited di-t"ficulty in "","orking vvith the city and
t.vvo other comment.s indicated they may need to look in other markets Cor strategic purposes.
Community Weaknesses:
The following chart represents a categorical breakdown of responses received when executives were asked to
cite weaknesses for the community as a place to do business.
Labor Related (workforce shortages) 9
Transportation Related* 5
Negative Business Climate 3
Cost of Business High 3
Available Buildings 2
Infrastructure Poor 1
Housing Costs 1
* Two comments specifically related to Eastern Iowa Airport.
Executives are also asked if there are specific barriers to growth in the community. This chart shows a similar
pattern of labor concerns being the most pressing issue facing local companies.
Labor (workforce shortage) 8
Skilled Labor 5
Unskilled Labor 3
Local Government Issues 4
Transportation Related 1
Building Costs 1
Comments about local government were related to zoning, permitting and the perception that local
government is not sufficiently pro-business.
Workforce Needs / Rankine:s:
The following chart indicates highest priority of recruiting needs for local companies.
Scientific / Technical 6
Management / Marketing / Sales 6
Skilled Production Labor 4
Other 4
When asked if problems recruiting employees was more attributable to the community or their specific
industry, 44 percent of local executives cited the community, with 37 percent noting an industry-wide issue.
The remaining 19 percent of companies interviewed were either not currently recruiting or were not able to
determine the source of their recruiting difficulties.
The researchers who compiled the national data determined a competitive advantage exists if local figures are
four percent higher than the national average. As this chart shows, Iowa City demonstrates an advantage to
national norms in each category and is within the standard deviation range in each compared to area data.
The following chart compares the ratings given to the availability, quality, stability and productivity of the
local workforce as rated by executives on a seven point Likert scale.
"7
<>
5
...
3
:2
1
o
Lc!!:islat"ive ReQuests:
Qualit.y CJ~/VVc>"k'fC)....ce
Productivity of"
'VVorkf"orce
40,.-0= .28
Availability of
VVorkf'orce
Stability e>'f"
VVorkf"o....c.e
~oVtla.~city_ _ .c>~a City A.....ea. Cl Nat;~nal Data-!
Executives V'Vcre also asked it:-t:herc is any stat.e" local or -rederal legislat.ion expected that. ""QuId have either a
positive or negative impact on the business. National conccms reflected the community"'s position as a cen.ler
c'-educational testing ,,^,ith the: majority of'" respondents mentioning No Child Lef't Behind_ J-Iealth Insurance
and ....Fair Share"'" legislat:ion dominated the s1:ate level portion and no company in Iov..ra City Tloted local
legislative concerns other than making comment.s relating to prior issues v..rith zoning and permit.ting.
Com......unitv S"trene"ths / Services:
"""hen asked about:. the st.rerlgth.s of" the con-:ln....unity'" local executives offered COIYln....ents in Frequencies ShOVVTl
by the lo11ovving categorical breakdovvn:
Qualit'-' or Life 13 Good Infrastructure :2
,^"ork:Force AUTibutes
(Voforth ethic, availability") 11 Cost of"" Doin~ Business Lo"", :2
Educational Svstem 9 Positive Business Climate 1
Location "7 Cost or Livin~ LOVof 1
Trans......ortation :2 Community Service Attributes 1
The final segment: ofth.e executive intervievv offers a list ofcommuniry services and attributes vvi1:h a seven
poinr Likert scale to rate executive satisfacrion. rrhis eh.art ranks from high 'to lovv area services based on "'the
satisfaction rating received as vveJI as a comparison to the area vvide rank m....d the rankings at1:ained fron.... the
National Data Study.
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~
1c::J I<?~~_~it:y _ Area Cl NADS I
The following services, while not the responsibility- of the community, are provided for your information as a
way of gauging local executives' perceptions. ----
~ I'~ 1.+0..,
IC
Area
NADS
IC
Area
NADS
Internet Speed 6.4 5.2 NA Airline PassenQer Service 5.3 4.4 4.2
Ambulance /
Paramedic Services 6.1 6 6.1 Air Careo Service 5.3 5.5 2.8
Health Care 6.1 6.2 4.4 County Services 5.1 5.5 5.2
Child Care 6.1 5.3 3.2 Internet Access 5 5.3 NA
Schools (K-12) 6 6.3 5.1 Chamber of Commerce (5" I 5.6 4
Economic Development (5'
Community ColleQe 6 6 3.3 Oraanization 6 4
University 5.6 6.4 4 Telephone Service 4':8 5.3 NA
HiQhways 5.4 5.4 4.7 Cellular Service 4.8 5 NA
Truckina 5.3 5.7 4.3 Electric 4.7 5.3 NA
Natural Gas 4.7 5.5 NA
Assessing the Value, Growth, Risk and Satisfaction of Iowa City Companies:
One of the interesting features of the Synchronist Business Information System@ tool is the utilization of a
patented matrix analysis methodology using more than 300 data points, to provide a complex, objective
calculation of a company's:
_ Value to the community (employment, wages, investment in community, etc)
_ Growth potential (new jobs, additional property, new products, investment in R&D)
- Risk of downsizing or closing
- Satisfaction with the community as a place to do business
The following chart depicts the average community score in each of the four categories and compares it to
area and national data.
10 --
43
m
'i!~'''-
~~'Ji;
"^J!
70
60-
50
40-
30-
20
,
~~.~
~_. ~
'.
o.
Avg Risk
Avg Value
Avg Growth
Avg Satisfaction
10 Iowa City . Area 0 NADS I
The range for value, growth, risk and satisfaction is based on local environments and reflects a two-digit
numeric form, between 1 and 99 (not a percentage). Ratings should not be interpreted like classroom grades.
Value, growth and satisfaction ratings above 60 are considered favorable. Ranges below 40 are considered
unfavorable. Ratings for risk factors should be viewed like golf scores, the lower the number the better.
r'nt-nnI31"'\1,.:::JoC' ,,71th nlu....."h,prco I:lhn",p ,(ll:lrp r"n1"\C'1r1,,pr,p,1 hinh ...;(."'1.... fnr rl""TnC"1"71nn nr 1,pQ";'1no tl...p I'At'"l"'\mll1",hl
Internally, the ICAD Group looks at the categorical scores of eacp. company to determine how to best assist
companies with high values and when a proactive stance is needed if a company appears to be in the high risk
range.
Conclusions I Recommendation:
Overall, the Iowa City market is satisfied with the business climaite and area companies are poised for
significant growth in the coming years. The ICAD group will communicate with city staff area executives'
concerns and suggestions that may improve relations between th~ public and private sectors. It's the opinion
of the ICAD Group staff that some negative comments offered a~out the community as a place to do business
may be attributable to historical perceptions rather than existing ~ealities. In an effort to raise opinion levels,
the ICAD Group is willing to host and facilitate an open discussion about Iowa City as a place to do business.
Invitations would be sent to primary sector companies that have lparticipated in the survey, city economic
development staff and city council members on the economic development committee. Topics of discussion
could/might cover P&Z, utility and infrastructure needs, workfor~e, permitting and other issues that could be
addressed in a group setting. Such a meeting may yield potential iimprovements while reinforcing to area
executives that Iowa City truly is "pro-business."
Iowa City companies participatine: in FY 2007 survey:
ACT, Inc. Alpla of Iowa, Buckle Down Publishing, Budcat Cre*tions, City Carton Recycling, CorrFlex
Display & Packaging, Economy Advertising, Graham Packaging, Lear Corporation, Loparex, Mercer
Administration, Meta Communications, Millard Refrigerated Sefvices, Moore Wallace, an R. R. Donnelley &
Sons Company, National Learning and Achievement Organizati<i>n Inc, Noel-Levitz, Optical Mechanics, Oral-
B Laboratories, Patient Education Institute, Inc., Pearson Educadonal Services, Procter & Gamble Mfg. Co.,
Roberts Dairy, United Natural Foods, West Wind Education Policy,
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
SEPTEMBER 13, 2007
CITY HALL, LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM
Preliminary
Members Present:
Regenia Bailey, Connie Champion, Bop Elliott
Members Absent:
none
Staff Present:
Wendy Ford, Jeff Davidson, Tracy Hig~tshoe.
Others Present:
Nancy Quelhorst, Area Chamber of Cpmmerce; Gregg Hennigan, Cedar Rapids
Gazette; Mary Bosch, Eleanor Matthews, and Melissa Mailloux, Marketek; IIham
B. Mohamed, Nile Valley; Michael Heinrich, Steven Rohrbach, and Kelly Durian,
Iowa City Ambulatory Surgical Center. ·
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL
After some discussion, Champion moved, with sec9nd by Elliott, approval of the staff
recommendation for the Nile Valley Restaurant proposal:: $25,000 CDBG Economic Development
fund loan for working capital. Maximum term of 7 years at ~%. Motion carried 2-1. (Elliott, nay)
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chairperson Regenia Bailey called the meeting to order at 8:30! AM.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM JULY 24
Minutes were approved as distributed. Elliot inquired about thelpay scale at Alpla; Ford will review wording
of the pay in the Alpla agreement and report back.
DOWNTOWN MARKET NICHE ANALYSIS UPDATE
Bosch provided a status report of the downtown market ~iche analysis project, which is two-thirds
completed. The project has involved market analysis of the r~tail, office, residential, and lodging sectors,
as well as an analysis of the the creative sector and youngl professionals. Final results will provide a
detailed analysis of projected supply and demand over a ten-y~ar period, with a look at how much of that
demand downtown could realize with directed efforts. Includeq in the final report will be an analysis of the
appropriate business mix and an action plan that would ena~le the community to capitalize on the best
mix.
Marketek reported they spent considerable time reaching o~t to the entire community through focus
groups , surveys, and advertising to reach university students, with a good response. The tone of the
consumer survey tone was generally very favorable, with corjnments such as "best downtown in Iowa",
"hope it continues to take pride in being a welcoming, artistic ~ommunity", and "community with a heart-
let's keep it that way always." Business owners were less responsive, but generally positive as well. One-
third were looking at expansion; one-half were stable, not I~oking to make changes; and some were
looking to relocate or retire.
The shopper survey showed that 75% of consumers shop after 5:00pm on weeknights or on Saturday
afternoon; businesses tend to accommodate that by remainin9 open longer than in other communities, to
6:00 or 6:30pm, but this is inconsistent. Businesses are eager for an improved business mix, showing a
willingness to accept chain stores; they are not looking to gol back to the way things were. Elliott asked
how much of the information gathered is from students. The r~sponse was that students are a part of the
market, and the impact of the university is imbedded in the: data. Iowa City also has a strong flow of
visitors, which is another important sector to consider. Char1npion mentioned the lack of empty space
downtown.
Economic Development Committee
Septemer 13, 2007
Page 2
Davidson inquired about negative comments such as the Isafety issue, parking, pan-handling, and
loitering. Bosch replied such comments were there but they ~ere not a dominant theme. A key theme
coming out of the surveys is that people want to retain a healthy mix of business and entertainment for
students and families alike.
The market study will be complete by November, and there will public presentations on the findings in late
in November including action item recommendations. How to implement the recommendations will
depend on many factors, including availability of resources an~ leadership. Marketek will provide specific
guidance on how to proceed. An active business development plan will be central to the process, including
an aggressive marketing plan with active follow up. Marketek recommended that we should be prepared
to proceed with the implementation of a downtown business development program in January.
A critical question to answer is who or what organization willi take the leadership role in the downtown
business development activities? Bosch is seeking initial thoughts from the committee at today's meeting.
She said that most communities that succeed in this kind of project have some kind of public-private
partnership. The obvious stakeholders need to come toget~er (the city, chamber, business owners,
property owners, Downtown Association) to begin to "own" the action plan, with the goal of determining
who will to take leadership and how it would be funded. Marketek stongly indicated that a staff person
must be involved who can stay focused on retail developmen~, implement an aggressive marketing plan,
and follow-up. The kind of work that needs to be done simply doesn't happen on a volunteer basis. Bosch
further noted that it cannot be just a city or chamber or DTA project; the business owners must own the
plan also, and have a seat at the table. There needs to be a c~eative way to bring all the players together,
to identify resources or funding base, with perhaps a two-year ~ommitment.
Gustaveson mentioned the possibility of implementing a SSMlp district again, which would be one way to
fund a position. Champion agreed that could be possible. D~vidson mentioned that the city of Boulder,
Colorado has a Down Town Emergence Commission which might provide a model from which to learn.
Bosch said that it would clearly be the role of a newly formed group to influence what goes into spaces as
the spaces become available downtown. Aggressive marketing and establishing a stable funding base
must be two central goals of the group.
The discussion turned to scheduling. Marketek is budgeted forlonly one more trip to Iowa, but there will be
a conference call in the week of November 12 with the commi~ee, after all have had time to read the final
report, which would arrive about November 1. Marketek will make a presentation to a lengthened Council
work session on Monday, November 26. There will be a publid meeting at the Public Library on Tuesday I
November 27 at 5:00pm, followed by the formal Council meeting.
NILE VALLEY RESTAURANT. CDBG ECONOMIC DEVELOP~ENT FUNDS REQUEST
Hightshoe reviewed two new cash flow projections and a marketing plan, as requested by the committee
at the July 24 committee meeting. She reported that Mohamrrjed had received a regular $50,000 loan for
equipment and start-up costs; the lease took effect on Sep~ember 1. Hightshoe said the original staff
recommendation still stands.
Champion moved, seconded by Elliott, approval of the &taff recommendation for the Nile Valley
Restaurant proposal: $25,000 CDBG Economic Developme~t fund loan for working capital. Maximum
term of 7 years at 4%. Job creation would require three FT~ positions paid $10.50/hour or more. As a
condition of the award, the owner must get additional busines~ training on items such as loss prevention,
portion control, personnel and financial management. The' training required would be based on an
evaluation by the Small Business Development Center. Motion' carried 2-1.
IOWA CITY AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTER (IqASC), TAX INCREMENT FINANCING
APPLICATION
ICASC is a for-profit business, comprised of a partnership between Mercy Hospital and a local physicians'
group, that will treat surgical patients not requiring hospitalization. ICASC is building a new 20,000 square
foot surgical center in the Northgate Corporate Park Urban Renewal Area, at a cost of $5.6 million
excluding equipment. The intent is to meet LEED standards in so far as LEED standards exist in the
medical field.
Economic Development Committee
Septemer 13, 2007
Page 3
In response to questions following a PowerPoint presentation the ICASC group stated that while tax-
exwmpt Mercy Hospital will be a 70% owner of the company, the entire building and company will be
100% taxable. The project will free up space in Mercy, which will run out of space by 2010 due to
increasing number of surgeries and the aging of the population. Without TIF, some capital costs and
expensive out-patient equipment would not be possible, although the project would continue regardless.
Keeping TIF funding in mind will help the ICASC group focu!;ied on sustainable design practices. Elliott
noted that this project would further the city's image as a partner. Ford said this 3-year TIF is the shortest
ever considered. Champion made note of the 25 new jobs at an average of $20 per hour.
Bailey was concerned that the project would go forward regardless of the TIF and wanted some indication
of what additional community benefit the applicant could provide in return for TIF rebates.
Ford noted that new questions about the agreement from the developer had arisen the day before,
including the completion and certification dates and wording in the defaults and remedies sections. The
committee decided to meet again on October 1 after staff had time to work with the developer on the new
concerns and discuss alternatives to the LEED requirements.
STAFF TIME
Ford reported that there is interest in redevelopment of the Towncrest area and inquired whether the
committee had an interest in creating an urban renewal area. Discussion ensued and there was
consensus that the area needs improvement, but that input would should be obtained from the entire
neighborhood. The committee directed Ford to take initial steps, including soliciting input from the
neighborhood, to put together an urban renewal plan to take to Planning and Zoning, and then to Council.
It was agreed that there needs to be serious consideration as to what kinds of businesses should be
encouraged to move in.
Ford also reported on her involvement with the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce Business Friendly
Cities Task Force, which is working to ease the perception of . the difficulty of working with the city. There
was discussion of the need for improved customer service aqd especially increased communication with
business members of the community. One outcome is to schedule a one-day forum with members of staff
who are in zoning, housing and inspection services (HIS), economic development, and public works, and
advertise it to chamber members.
Ford mentioned that Joe Raso will attend the October 9 meeting to give his annual report to the Economic
Development Committee and hopefully to renew the memo df understanding, and also to report on the
Synchronist visits with area businesses.
Hightshoe distributed a tabular summary of community development block grants, and Ford distributed a
sheet showing current TIF projects and the performance measures they are held to and the property
valuation differences before and after TIF-assisted projects.
ADJOURNMENT
Champion moved to adjourn, with second by Elliott. Motion pa~sed. Meeting adjourned at 10:37a.m. Next
meeting: Oct. 1, 8:30a.m., in the City Hall Lobby Conference Room.
Submitted by Carolyn Kohler
s/pcd/mins/ecodev/2007/9-13-07.doc
Committee
Council Economic Development
Attendance Record
2007
Name Term 1/23 2/09 2/20 2/27 3/06 3/12 4/06 4/12 5/29 5/31 6/21 7/10 7/24 9/13
Expires
Regenia Bailey 01/02/08 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Bob Elliott 01/02/08 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Connie Champion 01/02/08 X X X X X X X X X OlE X X X X
Key:
X = Present
o = Absent
OlE = Absent/Excused
Absent/Excused
[;D
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
SEPTEMBER 13, 2007
CITY HALL, LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM
APPROVED
Members Present:
Regenia Bailey, Connie Champion, Bob Elliott
Members Absent:
none
Staff Present:
Wendy Ford, Jeff Davidson, Tracy High~shoe.
Others Present:
Nancy Quelhorst, Area Chamber of Cqmmerce; Gregg Hennigan, Cedar Rapids
Gazette; Mary Bosch, Eleanor Matthews, and Melissa Mailloux, Marketek; IIham
B. Mohamed, Nile Valley; Michael Heinrich, Steven Rohrbach, and Kelly Durian,
Iowa City Ambulatory Surgical Center.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL
After some discussion, Champion moved, with second by Elliott, approval of the staff
recommendation for the Nile Valley Restaurant proposal: $25,000 CDBG Economic Development
fund loan for working capital. Maximum term of 7 years at 4%. Motion carried 2-1. (Elliott, nay)
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chairperson Regenia Bailey called the meeting to order at 8:30 AM.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM JULY 24
Minutes were approved as distributed. Elliot inquired about the pay scale at Alpla; Ford will review
wording of the pay in the Alpla agreement and report back.
DOWNTOWN MARKET NICHE ANALYSIS UPDATE
Bosch provided a status report of the downtown market niC::he analysis project, which is two-thirds
completed. The project has involved market analysis of the ret~il, office, residential, and lodging sectors,
as well as an analysis of the the creative sector and young professionals. Final results will provide a
detailed analysis of projected supply and demand over a ten-YElar period, with a look at how much of that
demand downtown could realize with directed efforts. Included In the final report will be an analysis of the
appropriate business mix and an action plan that would enable the community to capitalize on the best
mix.
Marketek reported they spent considerable time reaching out to the entire community through focus
groups , surveys, and advertising to reach university students, with a good response. The tone of the
consumer survey tone was generally very favorable, with comments such as "best downtown in Iowa",
"hope it continues to take pride in being a welcoming, artistic c~mmunity", and "community with a heart-
let's keep it that way always." Business owners were less responsive, but generally positive as well. One-
third were looking at expansion; one-half were stable, not looking to make changes; and some were
looking to relocate or retire.
The shopper survey showed that 75% of consumers shop after 5:00pm on weeknights or on Saturday
afternoon; businesses tend to accommodate that by remaining !open longer than in other communities, to
6:00 or 6:30pm, but this is inconsistent. Businesses are eager!for an improved business mix, showing a
willingness to accept chain stores; they are not looking to go back to the way things were. Elliott asked
how much of the information gathered is from students. The re$ponse was that students are a part of the
market, and the impact of the university is imbedded in the data. Iowa City also has a strong flow of
visitors, which is another important sector to consider. Champion mentioned the lack of empty space
downtown.
Economic Development Committee
Septemer 13, 2007
Page 2
Davidson inquired about negative comments such as the safety issue, parking, pan-handling, and
loitering. Bosch replied such comments were there but they were not a dominant theme. A key theme
coming out of the surveys is that people want to retain a healthy mix of business and entertainment for
students and families alike.
The market study will be complete by November, and there willlPublic presentations on the findings in late
in November including action item recommendations. How to implement the recommendations will
depend on many factors, including availability of resources and leadership. Marketek will provide specific
guidance on how to proceed. An active business development plan will be central to the process,
including an aggressive marketing plan with active follow up. Marketek recommended that we should be
prepared to proceed with the implementation of a downtown buSiness development program in January.
A critical question to answer is who or what organization will take the leadership role in the downtown
business development activities? Bosch is seeking initial thougHts from the committee at today's meeting.
She said that most communities that succeed in this kind of !project have some kind of public-private
partnership. The obvious stakeholders need to come togeth~r (the city, chamber, business owners,
property owners, Downtown Association) to begin to "own" the! action plan, with the goal of determining
who will to take leadership and how it would be funded. Marketek stongly indicated that a staff person
must be involved who can stay focused on retail development, ;implement an aggressive marketing plan,
and follow-up. The kind of work that needs to be done simply doesn't happen on a volunteer basis. Bosch
further noted that it cannot be just a city or chamber or DTA project; the business owners must own the
plan also, and have a seat at the table. There needs to be a creative way to bring all the players together,
to identify resources or funding base, with perhaps a two-year commitment.
Gustaveson mentioned the possibility of implementing a SSMID district again, which would be one way to
fund a position. Champion agreed that could be possible. Davidson mentioned that the city of Boulder,
Colorado has a Down Town Emergence Commission which m,ght provide a model from which to learn.
Bosch said that it would clearly be the role of a newly formed group to influence what goes into spaces as
the spaces become available downtown. Aggressive marketing and establishing a stable funding base
must be two central goals of the group.
The discussion turned to scheduling. Marketek is budgeted for only one more trip to Iowa, but there will
be a conference call in the week of November 12 with the committee, after all have had time to read the
final report, which would arrive about November 1. Marketek will make a presentation to a lengthened
Council work session on Monday, November 26. There will be a public meeting at the Public Library on
Tuesday, November 27 at 5:00pm, followed by the formal Council meeting.
NILE VALLEY RESTAURANT, CDBG ECONOMIC DEVELOP~ENT FUNDS REQUEST
Hightshoe reviewed two new cash flow projections and a mark~ting plan, as requested by the committee
at the July 24 committee meeting. She reported that Mohammed had received a regular $50,000 loan for
equipment and start-up costs; the lease took effect on September 1. Hightshoe said the original staff
recommendation still stands.
Champion moved, seconded by Elliott, approval of the staff recommendation for the Nile Valley
Restaurant proposal: $25,000 CDBG Economic Developmen~ fund loan for working capital. Maximum
term of 7 years at 4%. Job creation would require three FTE !positions paid $10.50/hour or more. As a
condition of the award, the owner must get additional business!training on items such as loss prevention,
portion control, personnel and financial management. The ~raining required would be based on an
evaluation by the Small Business Development Center. Motion carried 2-1.
IOWA CITY AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTER (IC4SC), TAX INCREMENT FINANCING
APPLICATION
ICASC is a for-profit business, comprised of a partnership between Mercy Hospital and a local
physicians' group, that will treat surgical patients not requiring hospitalization. ICASC is building a new
20,000 square foot surgical center in the Northgate Corporate Park Urban Renewal Area, at a cost of
Economic Development Committee
Septemer 13, 2007
Page 3
$5.6 million excluding equipment. The intent is to meet LEED standards in so far as LEED standards
exist in the medical field.
In response to questions following a PowerPoint presentation I the ICASC group stated that while tax-
exwmpt Mercy Hospital will be a 70% owner of the company,' the entire building and company will be
100% taxable. The project will free up space in Mercy, whiclh will run out of space by 2010 due to
increasing number of surgeries and the aging of the populatipn. Without TIF, some capital costs and
expensive out-patient equipment would not be possible, althou~h the project would continue regardless.
Keeping TIF funding in mind will help the ICASC group focused on sustainable design practices. Elliott
noted that this project would further the city's image as a partnelr. Ford said this 3-year TIF is the shortest
ever considered. Champion made note of the 25 new jobs at an ,average of $20 per hour.
Bailey was concerned that the project would go forward regardl~ss of the TIF and wanted some indication
of what additional community benefit the applicant could provide in return for TIF rebates.
Ford noted that new questions about the agreement from t~e developer had arisen the day before,
including the completion and certification dates and wording in ,the defaults and remedies sections. The
committee decided to meet again on October 1 after staff had tirne to work with the developer on the new
concerns and discuss alternatives to the LEED requirements.
STAFF TIME
Ford reported that there is interest in redevelopment of the lfowncrest area and inquired whether the
committee had an interest in creating an urban renewal area. Discussion ensued and there was
consensus that the area needs improvement, but that input would should be obtained from the entire
neighborhood. The committee directed Ford to take initial ~teps, including soliciting input from the
neighborhood, to put together an urban renewal plan to ta~e to Planning and Zoning, and then to
Council. It was agreed that there needs to be serious consideration as to what kinds of businesses
should be encouraged to move in.
Ford also reported on her involvement with the Iowa City Area phamber of Commerce Business Friendly
Cities Task Force, which is working to ease the perception of tre difficulty of working with the city. There
was discussion of the need for improved customer service and especially increased communication with
business members of the community. One outcome is to schedlJle a one-day forum with members of staff
who are in zoning, housing and inspection services (HIS), economic development, and public works, and
advertise it to chamber members.
Ford mentioned that Joe Raso will attend the October 9 meeting to give his annual report to the
Economic Development Committee and hopefully to renew the memo of understanding, and also to
report on the Synchronist visits with area businesses.
Hightshoe distributed a tabular summary of community development block grants, and Ford distributed a
sheet showing current TIF projects and the performance me$sures they are held to and the property
valuation differences before and after TIF-assisted projects.
ADJOURNMENT
Champion moved to adjourn, with second by Elliott. Motion pa~ed. Meeting adjourned at 10:37a.m. Next
meeting: Oct. 1, 8:30a.m., in the City Hall Lobby Conference R~om.
Submitted by Carolyn Kohler
s/pcd/mins/ecodev/2007/9-13-07.doc
Economic Development Committee
Attendance Record
2007
Counc
Name Term 1/23 2/09 2/20 2/27 3/06 3/12 4/06 4/12 5/29 5/31 6/21 7/10 7/24 9/13
Expires
Regenia Bailey 01/02/08 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Bob Elliott 01/02/08 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Connie Champion 01/02/08 X X X X X X X X X OlE X X X X
Key:
X = PresE;ln1
o = Absent
OlE = Absent/Excused
Absent/Excused
~
MINUTES
Iowa City Airport Commission
September 24, 2007
Iowa City Airport Terminal - 5:45 PM
DRAFT
Members Present: Howard Horan, Chair; Randy Hartwig; Greg Farris; Janelle Rettig
Members Absent: John Staley
Staff Present: Michael Tharp
Others Present: Larry Swanson; Dan Yeager; Forrest Holly; Leslie Bingham;
Phillip Woolford
DETERMINE QUORUM:
The meeting was called to order at 5 :46 P.M. by Horan.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
Horan asked the attending public to give 4omments, or ideas they had
come with. Swanson addressed the comn,ission and gave a brief
summary of his background. Swanson cqmmented that he felt the
communications coming from the airport were well done, and that he was
being kept informed of projects and plansithat the airport has. Holly
commented on his desire to see W MS approaches at the airport. Holly
also commented that he's glad to see theiairport commission attempting to
increase the community stake in the airpdrt. He also commented that he
appreciated the development of the airpoh viewing area and hoped the
commission would continue its activities. Yeager commented his desire to
see the airport commission create more Hangar space. He also
commented that increasing the public aw~reness and ability to use the
airport should be a priority. Yeager comntlented his desire to see a
sidewalk system out to the airport as wellias along the airport road. Rettig
commented that there is a trail system pl~nned for the area surrounding
the airport however in the recent years it~ been unfunded. Yeager
commented that making the airport a destination stop on the trail system
would be a possible way to increase the ~on-aviation public's use of the
facilities. Yeager also commented that a 'Web cam at the airport could be
used to show activity through the internet and be another way to increase
public awareness.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
1. Budget Work Session - FY 2009 and fut~re Operation and Capital
Improvement Plan Budgets - Horan asked each commissioner to speak
1
Airport Commission
September 24, 2007
Page 2 of 4
regarding their thoughts of projects the airport commission should
consider as they prepare future budgets. Hartwig commented that he
divided his lists among airfield (runway) ar[1d landside projects. He
commented that continuing with the FAA ~Ianned projects. Hartwig note
that the airport is still continuing its study ~egarding the south land and that
the interest in preserving land for the gras~ landing runway is still there.
Hartwig noted that other projects that he'd like to see considered include a
bike path/trail, continuing the replacement of access doors on Hangar C,
continuing the currently budgeted areas, such as fencing and pavement
repair. Screening for the dumpsters so th~y are not visible to taxing
aircraft. Hartwig also noted that some otHer external security cameras to
monitor areas of the airport would benefit Isecurity. Hartwig also noted
asphalt areas around building D. Hartwig! commented on aircraft space
needs stating he felt the airport should consider some hangar space
similar to Building F. Rettig commented qn mechanical issues. Rettig
stated that the air condition unit annual h~s repair issues and feels that a
closer study needs to be done on the sys~em. Rettig commented that the
commission should look at all the mecharjical items and figure out where
they are in their life span and program sorlne replacement costs. Rettig
commented that she'd like to see landscaping work done in the areas
around the terminal and replace our fencing around the outside perimeter
that is viewable to the general public. Re~ig commented that she'd like to
see the conference room used more, andi any necessary seating should
be obtained. Rettig also commented thatlthe commission should focus on
hangar space needs and finding a way tolincrease the space needs that
are currently in demand. Rettig commented about wildlife mitigation and
the pond behind Wal-Mart. Rettig asked If there was something that could
be done regarding this area. Farris comnhented regarding lighting around
the apron. Farris commented he'd receiv~d requests to look at extending
wireless internet to the hangar areas, for tenants to do flight planning and
weather retrieval. Farris commented that! continued work on the viewing
area should be considered. Horan noted !that a maintenance building for
the airport equipment should be consider~d. Horan noted that he also felt
a large hangar would be appropriate. Horan commented the potential
about rehabilitation of the south end of 18/36 as a possible taxiway or
service area. Horan questioned about th~ willow creek study and would
some of those costs be funded by the aiqport. Horan also commented
about a taxiway route to the north comm~rce park for potential
development of an aeronautical enterpris~. Horan noted that the 12-30
parallel taxiway wasn't in the FAA plan a~d that he felt it should be. Rettig
discussed the potential for leasing the new hangar to the FBO and
Woolford responded that Jet Air would be interested in renting the facility.
Rettig asked that about the status of the National Guard. Tharp noted that
he'd like to see the commission continue the rehabilitation of pavements
that have been ongoing noting the areas that have been replaced and the
2
Airport Commission
September 24, 2007
Page 3 of 4
areas that could still need attention. Tharp commented he felt there is a
market for new space. Tharp also comm$nted that maintenance staff has
requested the purchase of a larger mowe~ blade in order to cover more
ground, and to mow the increased amoun~s of land that are being put back
into grassland. Woolford commented regarding a second lighted
windsock located in the southern area for ,aircraft to be able to view.
Horan asked for a consensus on what woUld be in the capital budget for
the next fiscal year. The Commission agreed that the capital budget
expenses should be focused on a large h~ngar and that they should be
able to budget some money for the operational items that had been
proposed.
ADJOURN :
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 P.M.
3
Airport Commission
September 24, 2007
Page 4 of 4
Airport Commissi9D
ATTENDANCEREQORD
. YEAR 2007
(Meetin2 Date)
TERM 1/11 2/8 3/8 3/28 4/12 5110 5/15 6/7 6/8 6/28 7/9 7/19
NAME EXP.
Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X X X X X 0 X X X X X
Greg Farris 3/1/13 OlE X X OlE X X X X OlE X X X
John Staley 3/1/1 0 X X X X X X 0 X OlE OlE X X
Howard Horan 3/1/08 X X X X X X X X X X X X
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 X X X X X X X X X X OlE OlE
TERM 8/1 8/9 8/13 9/5 9/13 9V24 10/11
NAME EXP.
Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X X X X X
Greg Farris 3/1/13 X X X X X X
John Staley 3/1/10 OlE X OlE OlE OlE OlE
Howard Horan 3/1/08 X X X X X X
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 OlE X OlE OlE X X
KEY: X = Present
o = Absent
OlE = AbsentlExcused
NM = No meeting
--- = Not a Member
4
MINUTES
Iowa City Airport Commission
September 13, 2007
Iowa City Airport Terminal- 5:45 PM
C[]
DRAFT
Members Present: Howard Horan, Chair; Randy l!lartwig; Greg Farris; Janelle Rettig
Members Absent: John Staley
Staff Present: Sue Du1ek, Michael Tharp
Others Present: Jay Honeck, David Hughes, Jim Druesicke, Peggy Slaughter,
Randy Miller, John Yeomans, Phillip Woolford
DETERMINE QUORUM:
The meeting was called to order at 5 :46 P.M. by Hor~n.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE AUGUST 9, AUGUST 13, AND
SEPTEMBER 5,2007 MEETINGS: Hartwig noted! a correction to the August 9th
minutes clarifying the "self service" to include fuel pump.
Hartwig moved to accept the minutes of August 9, August 13, and September 5,
2007 as amended; seconded by Farris.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
a. Aviation Commerce Park - Peggy Slaugh~er and Randy Miller introduced
themselves to the Commission, as the ne~ realtors who are working on the
North Commerce Park land sales. Slaugh~er and Miller expressed a desire to
re-market the lots as individual lots instea~ of a single lot. Slaughter and
Miller gave a description of the marketing tools they would be using. Hartwig
asked about the pricing model. Slaughter ~ave out copies of the pricing and
what the proposed changes. Rettig commented that the new pricing model
was $900,000 lower than the current pricing. Miller commented that this is a
result of the land going from commercial retail back to more industrial, and
that the previous model took into account,a scenario that did not get
completed.
i. Consider a resolution approving amendment #7 to the listing agreement -
Consider Resolution #A07-23 approving Amendment #7 to listing
1
Airport Commission
September 13, 2007
Page 2 of6
agreement; moved by Farris, seconded ~y Hartwig. Carried 4-0, Staley
Absent.
b. Ruppert Property - Moved to after item C. Dulek gave the commission a
description ofthe property and background of this property. Dulek related
that the owner had recently passed away and the estate had contacted her
regarding interest in purchasing the land again. Horan noted this land is
currently not able to be developed commercially due to its location at the end
of the runway. Rettig commented that sh~ was not in favor of paying
commercial prices, but instead the land should be pursued as agricultural
priced land.
c. Land Lease With Wests ide Auto
i. Public Hearing - Chairperson Horan qpened the public hearing. No
Comments. Chairperson Horan closed the Ipub1ic hearing.
ii. Consider a Resolution Approving Lea$e with Westside Automotive -
Du1ek gave the commission a description bf the lease. Westside Auto wishes
to place a sign in the Runway Protection Zone in return for mowing and
maintenance services for the rest of the rubway protection zone. Rettig
described that she was uncomfortable witl~ a 20 year lease, but was favorable
to a 10 year lease with options. Dreusickl;! gave the Commission a description
of the sign placement. Tharp commented that he wasn't in favor of accepting
the lease terms without having the airspacF study completed. Consider
Resolution #A7-24 approving Lease foriWestside Auto; moved by Rettig,
seconded by Farris. Carried 3-0; Hart~ig recused, Staley Absent.
d. University of Iowa / Operator Performanc~ Labs
i. Consider a Resolution Approving Let~er of Intent (deferred from 8/9/07) -
Tharp gave the commission copies of the ietter as accepted by the University.
Tharp described the letter and conditions ~o the commission. Tharp noted that
the lease terms would be a 5 year lease wi~h 5 year options. Tharp also noted
the project costs were capped at $400,000~ and described the formula that
would be used to calculate the first rental term. Rettig asked about a previous
number that had been considered and Thatp responded. Consider Resolution
#A07-25 approving Letter of Intent; m<)ved by Hartwig, seconded by
Farris. Carried 4-0, Staley Absent.
e. F ANIDOT Projects - Earth Tech - David Hughes
i. Runway 7/25
1. Update - Hughes commented that the airport received a grant
offer of approximately $ i. 7 million. Hughes noted that he
had met with the contractor and they are ready to begin when
notice is given. Horan asked about the runway closure
timing. Hughes respond~d that the runway would be closed
on a daily basis for the installation of the new lighting
2
Airport Commission
. September 13, 2007
Page 3 of6
system, and then later a f1j1ll closure for approximately 5 days
to remark and finish instapation of the lighting. Rettig asked
what the grant was fundi1}g, to which Hughes responded.
Rettig asked about a piece of land that had an offer for sale
on in the past. Hughes responded that the land in question
could be sold after the neW runway was open.
2. Consider a Resolution Aocepting FAA Grant 3-19-0047-14
for paving/lighting projeqt - Consider Resolution #A07-26
accepting FAA Grant 319-0047-14; moved by Rettig,
seconded by Hartwig. Motion Approved 4-0, Staley
Absent.
11. South Aviation Development Study - Hughes commented they are
still waiting on a finalized will~w creek study. Hughes
commented they will be setting up a meeting with the new
planning director to update him on the study.
111. South Taxilane Rehab - Hugh~s noted they met with the contractor
to discuss the known issues. Be commented he was waiting for a
response from the contractor as a proposed fix.
IV. Hangar A & B Doors - Hughe$ noted that the doors were in and
that some of them need some corrective action.
v. Jet A Fuel System / AvGas Upgrade - Hughes noted they had put
together a packet for a competi(tive quote process and will
incorporate changed suggested! by Dulek. Dulek noted that this is a
new process resulting from a change in the bidding laws. Hughes
described the location of the J ~t A pump for the commission.
1. Consider a Resolution Al1>proving Competitive Quotation
Process - Consider ResQlution #A07-27 approving
Competitive Quotation rrocess; moved by Rettig;
seconded by Farris. M<>tion Approved 4-0, Staley Absent.
VI. Terminal Apron Rehab - Hugijes noted that they had received bids
and 3 of 4 were under the engineers estimate. Hartwig asked about
the time line for the contract. Hughes noted the contract is 45 days
and they would start around th~ 24th, and would place completion
around Halloween. Rettig ask~d about the affects of on the planes
being parked. Woolford noted they would begin making some
temporary tie-down spots in t~ grass area. Rettig asked about
fueling. Hughes noted the selfl serve system would be out of
service for the duration of the <i:onstruction.
1. Consider a Resolution Awarding Contract - Consider
Resolution #A07-28 awarding contract; moved by Farris;
seconded by Rettig. M~tion Approved 4-0, Staley Absent.
V11. Obstruction Mitigation - Hughes noted that some of the poles have
been checked by the FAA and there was a new concern that
developed. Hughes noted they are continuing to work with Mid-
American to get a proposal th..t is acceptable to everyone.
3
Airport Commission
September 13,2007
Page 4 of6
Vlll. 405 Approach Surveys - Hugh~s noted the survey data has been
accepted by the FAA, and dates are in the system for 2008.
Approaches are being designed for all the runway ends.
f. Farmers National Company
i. Management Agreement - Tharp noted that the contract with
Farmers National for the farmiJjIg management provides the airport
commission an opportunity to ~ancel the contract by September 30.
Tharp noted that he is recommtnding a continuation of the lease
and that John Yeomans was prtesent to give the commission an
update on the rental plans.
11. Farm Operations Update - Ye(imans commented that previously
the lease had been variable bas~d on the crop yields. This creates a
situation where some government payments that the farmer could
be eligible for doesn't currently allow for payments to be made.
Rettig commented that she does not feel the airport should be
eligible for government paymepts. Yeomans described the lease
types noting that all the leases make the farmer eligible for some
government payments. Rettig ~sked about the amount of money
the government has paid to theiairport or farmers renting the
airport land. Yeomans described the current farm bill status and
certain scenarios. Yeomans noted that without allowing farmers to
collect eligible payments the f~rming operations would be difficult
to maintain.
g. Airport "Operations": Strategic Plan-Implementation; Budget; and Airport
Management -A budget planning/CIP ses$ion was set for September 24th at
5:45 P.M. Rettig asked a question about page 5 of the budget, Fuel Charge-
back. Tharp explained that this has been a change in how this item is listed.
Rettig asked for clarification on several blJdget items, with Tharp responding
to her questions. Hartwig also responded to some of the items, noting that
they may want to consider stopping the magazine subscriptions as magazine
are disappearing. Horan noted that they did have a Personnel meeting
regarding a raise for Tharp. He will take the assembled comments and meet
with Tharp to go over these.
h. FBO Staff Report - Woolford spoke abou~ the Sertoma event and how well it
went. Tharp asked if anyone had any pictures from this event to share for the
newsletter. Rettig stated that she believes Woolford should take part in the
budget meeting, since the FBO is an imporrtant part of the Airport. Rettig also
asked about the ground school and what tfue status is currently. Woolford
responded to her questions, stating that they have 4 or 5 part-time flight
instructors currently, some of whom work1 at the University. Rettig asked
about military personnel, once they leave the service, participating in flight
4
Airport Commission
September 13, 2007
Page50f6
school. A brief discussion ensued on this. Tharp responded to Hartwig's
questions regarding signage.
1. Subcommittees' Reports - None.
J. Commission Members' Reports - Rettig n~ted that she feels they should
figure out exactly what the regulations are! for hangar space. Hartwig noted
that he believes it would be a good idea for the newsletter to spotlight people
at the Airport, and to have information on ~he bulletin board about the area.
Hartwig also noted that he has talked with Tharp about directional signage at
the Airport. Farris spoke briefly about the, shelter area, stating that they are
attempting to get the foundation poured a11d the posts installed in this season.
He also noted that the information that Th~ gathered for the Council
candidates was very helpful, and he thanked Tom for the tour. Horan noted
that at 9:30, September 14, Dave LoebsacK will be at the Airport for a press-
type meeting, to explain the runway exten$ion, and what the federal money
does for the community. Horan also noted that in regards to hangars, leases,
and the review, he would like to see Tharp publish this when he goes through
each hangar. He stated that for this year their hangar policy is in place. Horan
stated that he did some calling around to see what it costs to store a car or a
boat, on a monthly basis. He stated that he is concerned about any hazardous
materials that may be stored in hangars, b1ltt that he feels they shouldn't work
too hard on this policy.
k. Staff Report - Tharp noted that the FAA qonference is in October, the 2nd and
3rd in Kansas City. He will be attending, 4nd asked if any other Members
would like to join him. He briefly gave a run-down of the conference
schedule. Rettig next brought up the topid of the parking policy, and stated
that she would like to see this project fini$ed as she is seeing vehicles that
need to be removed, and also the room rerhal policy that they previously
discussed. Dulek noted that the easement!issue is on the City Council's
upcoming meeting agenda, as is the public hearing regarding this.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR: Septeniber 24,2007 at 5:45 P.M. budget
meeting; and regular meeting is October 11,2007 at 5:45 P.M.
ADJOURN :
Meeting adjourned at 7:55 P.M.
5
Airport Commission
September 13,2007
Page 6 of6
Airport Commissipn
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2007
(Meetinl!; Date)
TERM 1/11 2/8 3/8 3/28 4/12 5V10 5/15 6/7 6/8 6/28 7/9 7/19
NAME EXP.
Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X X X X X 0 X X X X X
Greg Farris 3/1/13 OlE X X OlE X X X X OlE X X X
John Staley 3/1/10 X X X X X X 0 X OlE OlE X X
Howard Horan 3/1/08 X X X X X X X X X X X X
,
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 X X X X X X X X X X OlE OlE
TERM 8/1 8/9 8/13 9/5 9/13
NAME EXP.
Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X X X X
Greg Farris 3/1/13 X X X X X
John Staley 3/1/10 OlE X OlE OlE OlE
Howard Horan 3/1/08 X X X X X
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 OlE X OlE OlE X
KEY: X = Present
o = Absent
OlE = AbsentlExcused
NM = No meeting
--- = Not a Member
6
rnJ
MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17,2007
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM
PRELIMINARY
MEMBERS PRESENT: Esther Baker, Michael Brennan, Pam Michaud, Jim Ponto, Ginalie Swaim, Tim
Toomey, Tim Weitzel
MEMBERS ABSENT: Alicia Trimble
STAFF PRESENT: Sunil Terdalkar
OTHERS PRESENT: Doug Boothroy, Thomas Casavant, Tim Hennes, Gary Klinefelter, Scott
McDonough, Cindy Parsons, Mark Se~bold, Axel Swanson, Kristina Swanson
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Weitzel called the meeting to order at 5:36 p.m.
Recommendations to Council (become effective only after ~eparate Council action):
Recommended to consider exemption from permit fee requirements all work currently subject to such
fees solely due to property being located in a historic or conserVation district.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE BUILlplNG CODE.
Terdalkar said the Commission was asked to comment on the proposed amendments to update the 2003
Building Code. He said that most of the articles related to the I Historic Preservation Commission are the
same; most of the changes are in terms of adapting to. the International Residential Code and
International Building Code. Boothroy added that the City Coyncil would be having a meeting regarding
this proposal this same night so that a recommendation by the Commission would be appropriate.
Tim Hennes stated that the international codes are on a three-year cycle, and this is the end of the cycle.
He said that there are two areas in the local amendments to ttile Code that affect the Commission: when
work is exempt from a permit when siding and windows are reapplied and reviewed by the Commission
and when a demolition permit requires review by the Commission.
Brennan said that under R322, this may become an issue in the future, because the Commission is
talking about asking the City Council for financial assistance and tax breaks, which would then rope
historic preservation into the accessibility provisions that are !considered in the code. Hennes said that
R322 relates to four universal designlaccessibility requirements that kick in when there is a publicly
funded project.
Boothroy said that those are not new. Hennes agreed that that! section is not new to the Code and was in
the last code cycle.
Brennan said that section 202 concerns changes to the defirition of habitable space as it pertains to
basements. He said that seems like a very broad exception. Hennes said that particular amendment has
been in the Code for six to nine years now. He said that when inspecting a new house and going into the
basement where everything is there but the drywall, this allows' the Department of Housing and Inspection
Services the authority to say that if it looks like it's going to be habitable space, it will require certain
safety requirements.
Brennan said that could affect the Commission in terms of egress requirements. Hennes said that all
basements, when there is any finish work going on in the basement, require egress to be installed. He
said this is just carrying the amendment to the definition of habitable space over from the existing
amendments.
Historic Preservation Commission
September 17, 2007
Page 2
Weitzel said the Commission has seen a number of applicatIons where it has had to approve egress
windows. He said the Commission has also discussed the State's historic building code and how it
applies to local jurisdictions.
Hennes said that HIS uses the existing building code to guide ~ome of its interpretations. He said it is not
adopted specifically, because there are some applications where it would not be a good situation to have
that. Hennes said that even in historic preservation areas, lone never forgives the requirements for
guardrails, for example.
Brennan suggested the Commission request an exemption for building permit fees required when they
would not be required outside of a historic or conservation :district. Hennes said that fees are done
through a resolution. Boothroy said that this is getting into the fee schedule season, because the budget
is being worked on. Hennes said fees are set by resolution, bUt the authority to set fees is by ordinance.
He said that HIS has had this discussion and commented that !once the permit requirement kicks in, staff
time is required; therefore HIS was opposed to waiving that fee.
Brennan said there has been some discussion on the part of CIty Council and other groups about making
preservation easier. Terdalkar said that now that the CommisSion is considering revision of the Historic
Preservation Plan and the Comprehensive Plan, fee exemption request could be part of that discussion.
Ponto agreed, but added that a request to council at this time would not hurt.
MOTION: Brennan moved to request City Council to exem~t from permit fee requirements all work
currently subject to such fees solely due to property being located in a historic or conservation
district. Ponto seconded the motion.
Brennan said that since this is a proposed revision to the ordinance that includes when fees are required
or exempt, it would be an ideal time for City Council to consi~er it. He said the things that are required
due to replacement of non-egress windows or siding are thimgs that only those in preservation zones
have to pay. Brennan requested that be exempt and that peo~le in those zones not be treated differently
than people anywhere else in the City.
Ponto said that he believes this is a valid point. He said that !historic preservation owners should not be
burdened beyond what other property owners are, besides the fact that the owner has to come before the
Commission.
The motion carried on a vote of 6-0.
ITEMS OF CONSIDERATION.
Certificates of Appropriateness.
1024 East Washinqton Street. Terdalkar stated that this is $ contributing structure in the College Hill
Conservation District. He said the application is to replace four existing windows on an existing enclosed
porch in the back.
Terdalkar said the applicant wants to replace the existing slider windows with double hung windows.
Terdalkar said he suggested changing the proportions of the windows to be used, but the applicant
indicated she would prefer not to change the proportions and would like to use the existing openings. He
said the applicant intends to use metal-clad wood windows.
Parsons, the owner of the property, introduced Klinefelter tell speak on her behalf with regard to this
project. Klinefelter stated that the application shows plans to use double hung windows, which was on the
advice of the window vendor. Klinefelter said he feels that square, double hung windows don't look very
good. He said there are five other sliding windows in this building and said that he would like to put sliding
windows back in.
Historic Preservation Commission
September 17,2007
Page 3
Klinefelter said that he really doesn't want to mess with the outside openings or the siding. He said he can
put double hung windows in but thinks a slider with a center bar would look better than a squat, double
hung window. Klinefelter said that this can only be seen from the alley.
Weitzel said that if a new window can be fit into the existing opening, there is not much the Commission
can do regarding making an owner change the window opening. He said the Commission will then need
to look at whether it can be a slider or not.
Michaud asked if similar sliders could be used as replacement$, since the present windows were installed
before this was in a district. Weitzel replied that if there was damage, it would be acceptable, but not in
the case of voluntary replacement. He said that for this style of house, a type of Queen Anne Vernacular,
there would generally be large windows with a horizontal division, not a vertical division.
Ponto agreed that double hung square windows might look odd compared to everything else on the
house. He said this is not part of the original, historic house, bwt the guidelines don't really have a way to
get around that.
Toomey said that the Commission has to base its decision on t~e original house. He said that if the owner
wants to keep those window opening sizes, she will need to use double hungs, unless she wants to use
some type of solid window. Klinefelter asked if he could put fixed windows there. He said he had
considered using four fixed IG units there and would probably ohoose those units, given that option.
MOTION: Toomey moved to approve a certificate of apprppriateness for window replacement at
1024 East Washington Street to fit the existing holes wit~ the options of using: 1) double hung
windows, 2) fixed solid windows in matched pairs, or 3) changing the window size to match the
size of the existing, original windows. Ponto seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of
1-0.
423 Grant Street. Terdalkar stated that this is a contributing structure in the Longfellow Historic District.
He said that the house is currently vacant, and the application poncerns two different lots on the property.
Terdalkar said the proposal is to construct a new building on the adjacent land to the south of 423 Grant
Street.
Terdalkar said the applicant proposes to build an accessory structure with living space and a front porch.
He said the proposal is for a 13 by 24-foot building, although the applicant is considering the option to
build only a 16-foot long structure. Tom Casavant, the applicant, said that at this point, he has decided
that the building will be shorter.
Terdalkar said the owner proposes to use materials from the salvage barn and has included photographs
of the windows with the application. He said the owner has inclluded a sketch showing a similar roofline to
that of the house so that it matches the existing roofline of the house. Terdalkar said the applicant would
like to use board and batten siding for the new structure.
Terdalkar said the applicant also requests approval of a tiled roof, based on the examples of a Swedish
summer cottage. He said that staff recommends against using tiles for the roof, because it would not be
the type of roof found on an accessory structure. Terdalkar recommended using shingles to match the
house, although one might consider using a texture in the. roof by using architectural shingles with
variations in color and thickness. He said that the shingles on the house are asphalt shingles.
Casavant had questions about the staff report and its reference to one tract yet two separate lots. Weitzel
said that one cannot put an accessory structure on a lot without a primary structure, because it would be
accessory to nothing. He said that the applicant would need to consult his attorney regarding the legal
ramifications of the property and the two lots.
Weitzel said the Commission's allowing a building based on its, style would not affect any land use issues.
Terdalkar said that the Commission could approve the application subject to HIS allowing the owner to
build on the lot. Weitzel said that whatever the Commission approves doesn't do anything legally for the
Historic Preservation Commission
September 17, 2007
Page 4
land and doesn't guarantee the owner will be able to construct the building. He said the style decision,
however, would be based on the building next door.
Casavant said that all of the recommendations were okay with him. He said he did, however, want to
have a tile roof. He said that all the Swedish cottages that he looked at had tile roofs, and he wants this to
look as authentic as possible. Casavant said he is using a hip roof so that the building unifies with the
property that is there now. He said that the tile roof won't make or break whether he constructs the
building, but it would certainly be preferable.
Weitzel said that in historic districts, an accessory structure should reflect the main structure or should at
least be something that is compatible with the building's age. He said that garden structures were
certainly built in the 1920s, but this is an English arts and crcatts revival house and not a Swiss chalet.
Weitzel said that an argument could probably be made for ai slate roof or shingles, a wood or asphalt
look. He said that the American arts and crafts revival movement did not pick up the tile for English
buildings, although it did for Spanish and other Mediterranean ~uildings.
Casavant asked if it would be permissible to use slate. Weitzel said it would probably be acceptable and
would match the time period and the look of the house. Cas~vant said that he will have to re-roof the
existing house in about five years. He said that he is inter~sted in maintaining the continuity of the
property, but for this particular building, he wanted to have somiething different.
Casavant asked if a synthetic rubber slate would be okay. Weitzel said it might be acceptable if it looked
enough like a real one. He said that the Commission would h~ve to see a sample and vote on it. Weitzel
said, however, that the Commission could approve everything ~t this time but the roof, which would have
to wait until a sample is presented.
MOTION: Ponto moved to approve a certificate of apPfopriateness for the construction of a
building at 423 Grant Street as proposed, subject to the fdllowing modifications: 1) the size of the
building to be smaller than the proposal, as discussed i)y the applicant at this meeting, 2) not
having shutters on the building, and 3) if the roof is t~ be asphalt shingles, they should be
matched to the house, or if the roof is to be of a different rraterial, the material must be presented
to and approved by the Historic Preservation Commission.! Swaim seconded the motion.
Casavant asked if a permit would be required if the building h~s a floor space of less than 12 feet by 12
feet and if, in the case a permit is not required, he could have a tile roof. Weitzel suggested that Casavant
check with HIS about this specification.
The motion carried on a vote of 7 -0.
451 Rundell. Terdalkar stated that this is a non-contributing ~tructure in the Longfellow Historic District.
He said this building was considered non-contributing, becFiuse it was determined to have lost its
significance after a move from 703 Bowery. Terdalkar said the ihouse was built in 1875 and said that Iowa
City has a long tradition of moving houses. Weitzel said that in conversations with the State Historical
Preservation Office about buildings that have been moved, there really is not as much influence any more
with regard to whether or not a building was moved from its ori~inal site.
Terdalkar stated that the applicant would like to put an addition on the back of the house and would like to
construct a one-car garage. He said that both of the structures would be attached together with an
existing back porch.
Terdalkar said that the addition would be about 12 feet by 24 feet. He said that it will have a shed roof
with a 3: 12 pitch, and the one-car garage would have a front gable roof with a similar pitch.
Terdalkar said the application shows the foundation of the new addition as an open, pier foundation at
this point, which is somewhat uncommon for an addition on such a house. He said that because this is
close to a flood plain, there needs to be adequate ventilation. Terdalkar said that one suggestion is to
enclose only the required portion of the new addition so that one would not need to keep all of the new
addition on the pier foundation. He said that on the floor plan, the portion that is to the north and some
Historic Preservation Commission
September 17,2007
Page 5
portion that is to the east would be outside the proposed deck petween the garage and the house, with a
closed foundation, and the rest of the new addition could be. kept open, if that would be adequate for
ventilation.
Terdalkar said that the applicant would like to use the existing windows where possible and would also
like to use new, metal-clad wood windows. He said the proposal includes the construction of a single-car
garage, and the deck would be built with treated lumber and will be difficult to see from the front of the
house.
Terdalkar said there will be some difficulty in terms of joining t~e roof of the existing addition on the south
and the new addition in the back. He said the applicant ha$ attempted to match the rooflines there.
Terdalkar stated that the difficulty in matching the horizontal limes for the eaves is because of the ceiling
height of the new addition and the existing addition. He said the height of the existing windows, which are
very tall, also makes this a difficult situation.
Seabold, the architect for this project, said that this is more of ~n expansion addition, rather than a simple
room addition, and that is why the ceiling height comes into! play. He said the goal is to increase the
volume of space. Seabold said the major comment from staff concerns the pier foundation.
Seabold asked about a recommendation for the kitchen windbw. Weitzel said the Commission doesn't
generally allow awning windows but said he would recommerld a small double hung window or a fixed
pane window.
Terdalkar asked how much of a change there is in the size af the window on the second floor and the
kitchen window. Seabold said that it is a about a six-inch diffElrence. He said that he could increase the
height of the kitchen window. Scott McDonough, the contractor, said that there needs to be eight feet on
the inside there for the ductwork and mechanical workings.
Regarding the setback, Ponto said one concern is that the new shed roof would stick out past the existing
side. He said that if it was inset one foot, then that roofline Would be right at the edge of the side wall.
Ponto said that would result in a complementary one-foot jog inl the wall on the interior.
Seabold asked if it would be possible to crop the overhang to have a more trim profile. Weitzel said that
might be one way to do it.
Weitzel said that the Commission does not have to require an inset, but it would be preferable not to have
the roof overhang out so much to the side so that it would be! seen from the front. He said that at some
point, however, a good overhang is better than a minimal ove~hang for maintenance and the longevity of
the house.
Seabold discussed the foundation that the house was moved to and having it open down below for
ventilation. Weitzel said that typically the skirting is removable and is just set into place and removed
when needed. He said that for appearances' sake, there cou!ld be a lattice of some sort, something to
define the skirt. Axel Swanson, one of the owners of the hou$e, said there is lattice all around the front
porch. The consensus of the Commission was that that type onattice would be acceptable.
Terdalkar said he spoke to building officials regarding the requjrements for how much opening is needed.
He said there is a certain percentage one needs to keep open, and one can always maximize it by having
more openings than required. Terdalkar said he therefore suggests keeping the north side as a complete,
full foundation, with a partial foundation in the rear, which is mL1ch less visible.
Ponto said that this is an exceptional circumstance, because the house is in the flood plain, and the
Commission therefore has more leeway than it normally would.
Swaim asked about the plans for the garage door. Terdalkar said that the requirement is for a panel door,
and the preference is for a panel door without raised boxes, something flat. Weitzel said the guidelines
call for a door with panels, but not the type of panels that project.
Historic Preservation Commission
September 17, 2007
Page 6
Swaim said that even though the garage is fairly far back, it s~ems like a huge expanse. She suggested
putting in a window to break up that expanse. Terdalkar saiq that it is not appropriate to have lots of
divided lights, so it may not be necessary to have a window or opening in the garage door. Kristina
Swanson, one of the owners of the house, said she would prefer not to have a window for privacy
reasons. Weitzel said the owners should be okay using a stand~rd overhead door.
A. Swanson said that he would like to have the deck extend !:lnother couple of feet farther out into the
yard than shown on the plan. He said it would then extend about two feet beyond the back of the garage.
Ponto said that he would not have a problem with that.
MOTION: Ponto moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for an addition and one-car
garage at 451 Rundell Street, allowing the foundatio,", to be done as proposed, with a
recommendation for skirting to match the skirting on the front porch, because this house is in a
flood plain so that this is a special circumstance in which! that type of open foundation could be
allowed; with the kitchen window to be either one solidi pane as shown in the drawings or a
double hung window trimmed out like the rest of the wintlows on that side of the house; with a
simple panel garage door; with the addition to be set bacJ< in; and with the deck to be extended
two feet farther than shown in the plan.
Ponto said that he is still concerned about the shed roof e~tending past the side wall. He said that
typically the addition would be set back in, so even with the overhang, the overhang would be flush with
the side wall.
Swaim seconded the motion.
Swaim said that she was also concerned about the shed roof extending out. Seabold asked if modifying
the overhang of that roof would be appropriate, with very simpl~ trim to reduce the projection.
Terdalkar said that what Seabold is proposing is no rakes for the shed. Weitzel agreed that the depth to
the overhang would be gone, and there would be no rake.
Seabold said that the inset would result in a jog in the interior wall. K. Swanson said that if that wall
comes in one foot, she will lose the storage space, and it will decrease the floor space so that there will
not be enough room, which is the point of constructing the addition.
A. Swanson asked if there would be options other than insetti~g the addition one foot. Brennan said that
what is disallowed is constructing an addition that is not distinlguishable from the main building. He said
that in the past, the Commission has allowed flush additions .with some sort of vertical band boarding.
Weitzel agreed that the Commission has done that before, eSplecially when the interior design warranted
a continuous room.
Ponto said his concern is not so much that the whole addition ~e inset; his concern is focusing on the roof
extension. He said he would be satisfied with the removal of that roof extension. Weitzel said that he
would be okay with a vertical separation unless there is an inset on the building.
AMENDMENT TO THE MAIN MOTION: Ponto amended the main motion to provide an option to
either inset the entire addition one foot with the projecting eave that would then be flush with the
side wall, or leave the addition size as proposed but cut off the overhang to something minimal so
that it is flush with the side wall.
Weitzel said another option would be to do a hip roof on the addition. He said that he is concerned about
dropping the rake on this just for the sake of a little bit of appeairance.
Baker said that she would be in favor of the suggestion to keep the overhang and have some sort of
vertical line showing that this is an addition. A. Swanson said that he would have no problem with that.
Terdalkar stated that the concern was about the overhang being unusual, and that the vertical band board
doesn't solve the overhang issue. The proposed shed roof results will appear as if a gable was cut off, no
Historic Preservation Commission
September 17,2007
Page 7
matter what one does with the vertical band board. He agreed that if there is no offset, the band board is
needed to distinguish the addition. He said, however, that the !overhang is a question about whether the
roofline is consistent with the existing house.
Swaim seconded the amended motion.
Swaim said the motion would make the edge of the roof flush: with the side wall, or the option would be
allowed to cut the whole thing in. Ponto said that by flush, he would give a leeway of a couple of inches.
Toomey said that even if the addition was set in just four inches that would be acceptable. Ponto said that
option is in the motion. He said that a four-inch inset with just a four-inch overhang would be acceptable
to him.
The motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
Minutes for Auqust 9.2007.
The consensus of the Commission was to file the minutes of the August 9th meeting.
OTHER:
Discussion of statewide survey of theaters in Iowa.
Terdalkar said that Swaim has volunteered to work on this proj~ct. He said that the information is already
available for the Iowa and Englert Theatres, but more inform~tion would be needed regarding the Astra
Theatre.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 7:36 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Anne Schulte
s/pcd/mins/hpcl2007/9-17 -07 .doc
Historic Preservation Commission
Attendance Record
2007
Term
Name Expires 2/08 3/08 4/12 5/17 5/31 6/12 6/28 7/12 8/9 9/17
Baker 3/29/09 X OlE X X X X X X X X
Brennan 3/29/08 X X X OlE X OlE 0 X X X
Carlson 3/29/07 X X -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Gunn 3/29/07 X OlE -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
McCormally 3/29/08 OlE OlE X OlE OlE OlE OlE OlE OlE -- --
Michaud 3/29/09 X X OlE X X OlE X X X X
Ponto 3/29/07 X X X X OlE X X X X X
Swaim 3/29/09 X X X OlE X X X X OlE X
Trimble 3/29/10 -- -- -- -- X X X X X X X OlE
Toomey 3/29/09 X X X X X X X OlE X X
Weitzel 3/29/08 X OlE X X X X X X X X
Key:
X = Present
o = Absent
OlE = AbsenUExcused
NM = No Meeting
= Not a Member
MINUTES
IOWA CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
TUESDAY, September 25, 2007
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
DRAFT
U[]
Members Present: Sara Baird, Beverly Witwer, Martha Lubaroff, Newman Abuissa, Eric Kusiak
and Scott King.
Staff Present: Stefanie Bowers.
Call to Order
witwer called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
Recommendations to Council (Become effective only after separate Council action) None.
Consideration of the Minutes of the August 21, 2007 meeting
MOTION: Minutes were amended. King moved to accept the amended minutes and Baird seconded.
The motion passed on a vote of 6-0.
Introduction of new Commissioners
New Commissioners Abuissa and Kusiak were introduced.
Connections Forum
Baird and King reported on the success of this event and noted the number of persons
interested in the Commission and taking information qn the Commission as well as flyers on
upcoming events. The event also launched a new magazine that will be published twice a
year, Bowers will try to obtain copies of the magaziqe to distribute to Commissioners.
The Disparity of African-American Incarceration in Iowa Jails and Prisons
Anthony Haughton will present and discuss on October3rd at 7 p.m. at the Iowa City Public
Library. King will introduce Mr. Haughton.
One Community One Book Johnson County Reads
Baird will participate in a panel discussion at the Iowa City Public Library on September
26th. The author Timothy B. Tyson will visit Iowa C~ty and read selections from his book
on October 26th at 7 p.m. at the Pomerantz Center.
Public Education Rights of International Families
Newman agreed to translate the pamphlet in Arabic and may know someone who can also
translate the pamphlet into French. Kusiak hopes to find someone to translate the
pamphlet into Spanish.
Human Rights Breakfast
witwer will contact Alfred Ramirez concerning the toWic of his keynote address, also
Commissioners Kusiak, Lubaroff, and Baird will prese~t awards at the Breakfast. The sub-
committee will meet on October 2nd to select winners from the nominations.
Building Blocks
On November 7 participants can receive assistance at the Broadway Neighborhood Center and
on November 8 participants can apply for open positi6ns with employers. The job fair will
be held at 'The Spot' .
Film Series: Emmy: The Story of an Orphan
Kusiak will assist Bowers in locating panelist for t~e discussion following the film.
Reports of Commissioners
Witwer reported attending the 'Diversity Focus Leadership Conference for Students and
Educators' in Iowa City on the 19th. Lubaroff and Baird reported on attending the same
Conference in Cedar Rapids. Both felt the conferences were well attended and well planned.
Adjournment
There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 8:16
p.m.
Board or Commission: Human Rights
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2007
TERM
NAME EXP. 1/23 2/27 3/27 4/24 5/22 6/26 7/24 8/21 9/25 10/23 11/27 12/25
Bev Witwer 1/1/08 X OlE X NM X X X X X
Sara Baird 1/1/08 X X X NM X X X X X
Scott King 1/1/08 OlE X X NM X OlE X X X
Martha 1/1/09 X OlE X NM X X X X X
Lubaroff
Kate Karacay 1/1/09 X X X NM OlE OlE X X OlE
Florence 1/1/09 --- --- --- --- --- X X X OlE
Ejiwale
Joy Kross 1/1/10 X X X NM X X OlE X OlE
Newman 1/1/10 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- OlE X
Abuissa
Eric Kusiak 1/1/10 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- X
(Meeting Date)
KEY:
x = Present
o = Absent
OlE = AbsentlExcused
NM = No meeting
--- = Not a Member
NMNQ - No meeting~ no quorum
I ;P1-~
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 1, 2007
CITY HALL, LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM
Preliminary
Members Present: Regenia Bailey, Connie Champi<l>n, Bob Elliott
Members Absent: none
Staff Present: Wendy Ford, Jeff Davidson.
Others Present: Michael Heinrich and Kelly Durlan, Iowa City Ambulatory Surgical
Center, Gary Sanders.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL
Elliott moved to support the application for Ta~ Increment Financing from Iowa
City Ambulatory Surgical Center, Bailey second~d. Motion failed, 2-1 (Bailey and
Champion against).
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chairperson Regenia Bailey called the meeting to or~er at 8:30 AM.
IOWA CITY AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTE~, TAX INCREMENT FINANCING
APPLICATION
Ford provided a review of points about the Agreement that had been called in to
question just previous to and during the meeting of September 13, 2007.
1) Dates. The applicant had requested date changes that would have resulted in
delaying rebates by a full year. Upon explanation about what changing the dates would
do to the rebate schedule, they were fine with the original date of certifying completion
on May 1,2009.
2) Defaults and Remedies in Article X, Section 10.1,. Applicant desired to delete clause
(e), which defined one of the "default events" to inclUde the event that the holder of any
mortgage on the development property or any improvements thereon, or any portion
thereof, commences foreclosure proceedings as :a result of any default under the
applicable mortgage documents. City attorney disagreed with their desire and said (e)
shall remain. Upon discussion with applicant, they were agreeable. In Section 10.2
Remedies on Default, applicant desired to strike (e) which says the city shall be entitled
to recover from the developer, and the developer' shall repay to the city an amount
equal to the most recent economic development grant made as a remedy to default.
City attorney disagreed with their desire saying this a c1awback provision that acts a
penalty for failure to meet economic development goals throughout the period of the
contract. Upon discussion with applicant, they were agreeable.
3) Article III, Section 3.1. Regarding language about the jobs in the application and
definition of average vs minimum number and wages. Applicant had stated in their
application that they would employ 20 people at a minimum wage of $20 per hour. Upon
closer review, applicant restates that they will employ 17 FTEs at a minimum of $21 per
Economic Development Committee
October 1, 2007
Page 2
hour or and 27 at an average of $21.65, not including the Executive Director or the
physician's salaries.
4) Article III, Section 3.2. Discussion with the archi~ects brought to light two problems
with Section 3.2; 1) that health care facilities have more difficulty achieving LEED points
due to the higher standards of air quality and sterillity that require higher energy use.
This fact has been recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council who has initiated the
development of LEED standards for health care facillities, but have not yet implemented
the standards; and 2) that it is virtually impossible to obtain LEED certification upon
completion of the building because the certification !process can take months after the
completion of a building. A workable solution could be to change the Agreement that the
developer shall build the building to attain the necessary points and pursue LEED
certification upon completion. The applicant has in~icated that instead of LEED, they
would like to attain another energy efficiency standard, such as one offered by Mid
American Energy.
Bailey asked about possibility of the applicant deli~ering low income care. She noted
that she wanted to see a higher benefit to the comtnunity and that perhaps that could
come in the form of the expertise of the developer- surgical services for people with
low income.
Champion inquired about the occupancy rate of op~rating rooms. She noted she was
supportive at first when she felt this project would k~ep the hospital from expanding into
the Northside neighborhood, but said she now feels differently because they would be a
for profit entity, not a non-profit. Her other concern was that the new facility would take
jobs away from Mercy.
Heinrich said the center would be owned 70% by Mercy and 30% by the physicians.
Regarding operating room occupancy, he noted Mercy will have occupancy problems
by 2010, and would have to do something by then to expand, either at the hospital or
with a new facility. He noted that the center will be an excellent physician recruiting tool
for the community and that this type of business does not exist in Iowa City and does in
many other communities.
Further, he stated that one of their toughest business decisions involved going from
non-profit to a for-profit entity and thus, having to !pay property tax. The group noted
early in its planning that TIF might be a way of mitigating some of that change,
especially since they desired to locate in the Northgate Corporate Park, a designated
Urban Renewal Area.
Elliott asked if they needed to expand their surgery. space. Heinrich confirmed they do,
saying outpatient surgeries are on the increa$e. Often times these outpatient
procedures get bumped off schedules because the longer, more involved operations
take longer than expected.
Elliott asked of the new jobs, how may will be coming from Mercy. Heinrich noted there
are no plans to reduce the number of FTEs in the surgical unit at Mercy. Bailey
referenced the chart distributed by Heinrich and Durian and noted the difference
between the Agreement, which stated they would employ 20 FTEs at $20 per hour
Economic Development Committee
October 1, 2007
Page 3
minimum, and the new information showing only fifEs making $20 or higher. Bailey
noted that the average of the jobs is $20/hr, not the rtIinimum, which would be preferred.
Durian concurred noting 27 FTEs will average $21.65 per hour, not including the
Executive Director or the physician's salaries. He also noted the benefits are
competitive and the same as Mercy.
Bailey asked where discussion of low income carel went. Heinrich explained that the
center will extend Mercy's policy that serves people dlf low income. Financial assistance
cases are done in house, as opposed to follow up on insured patients, which is
outsourced. Heinrich said they were very comfortable putting in the agreement that the
facility would provide the same services for low income folks that the hospital does.
Bailey pressed on how to quantify that in order to hold them accountable for it. Heinrich
said many surgery centers choose not to put in polioies like this, and will even go so far
as to "cherry pick" their patients. The Iowa City Area Surgical Center group felt strongly
that they would be an extension of Mercy and provide charitable care with the same
policy.
Champion suggested because Mercy is a non-prdfit, and owns 70%, she would be
willing to go with a 70% rebate. Bailey said she wanted the more in terms of community
benefit; she likes the project, says it is a good econpmic development driver, but is not
sure we need to incent it because it is happening anyway.
Elliott said he would be in favor of the TIF, but not at the 100% level. He added the
upside is that the project adds to the tax base.
Public comments. Gary Sanders complimented M~rcy's great work, but said that the
project would happen regardless of TIF, and thus,1 doesn't merit it. He said the City
should save tax rebating for new companies or companies that wouldn't expand without
it. He said it would be the wrong message to the average person.
Bailey asked for further discussion. Elliott said he was surprised that it was going to be
a for-profit entity. He would like to see an encourag~ment for the new tax paying entity
and doesn't like the level of the proposed TIF., He would rather have a smaller
percentage. He noted again that he likes the non-prdlfit going for profit and paying taxes,
and would favor it. Champion said she would no~ support it because it will happen
anyway. Bailey said she is glad it is happening, but does not feel it needs incentives,
and needs to show additional community benefit.
Elliott moved to support the application for Ta~ Increment Financing from Iowa
City Ambulatory Surgical Center, Bailey seconded to move it forward. Motion
failed, 2-1 (Bailey and Champion against).
Staff time. No report.
Committee time. No report.
Adjourn. Motion and second by Elliott and Champion to adjourn. Motion carried.
Next meeting, Oct. 9, 2007. Annual report from ICAD
Committee
Economic Development
October 1, 2007
Page 4
Council Economic Development Committee
Attendance Record
2007
Name Term 1/23 2/09 2/20 2/27 3/06 3/12 4/06 4/12 5/29 5/31 6/21 7/10 7/24 9/13 10/1
Expires
Regenia 01/02/08 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Bailey
Bob Elliott 01/02/08 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Connie 01/02/08 X X X X X X X X X OlE X X X X X
Champion
Key:
X = Present
o = Absent
OlE = Absent/Excused
Absent/Excused
1 ~ 1
..-~= -~
!~ai~-':
~~...ga.~
~~
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORiANDUM
Date:
October 11, 2007
Re:
City Council Candidates
Mayor Wilburn
Cash Balance Policies Discussion
To:
From:
Council will be discussing the city's general fund balancelPolicy at the work session on Monday,
October 15, 2007. This is an issue that will potentially ~ave a significant impact on our FY09
budget decisions. I would recommend that you be present at the work session for this
discussion if possible.
Cc: City Council
Page 1 of 1
Marian Karr
From: Joe Fowler
Sent: Thursday, October 04, 20072:32 PM
To: Marian Karr
Subject: Dee Vanderhoef
Asked today the number of permit parking spaces the University of Iowa has in Iowa City facilities.
Capitol Street 75
Dubuque Street 48
Chauncey Swan 37
Tower Place 40
Court Street 300
Rec Center 20
Total 520
I also referred her to the University of Iowa Master Plan to see their parking plans.
10/412007