HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-02-09 Info Packet of 2/5V
J.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 5, 1988
TO: Memo for Record
FROM: City Manager
RE: Material Sent to Council
Memoranda from the City Manager:
a. Environmental Protection Commission (DNR) Hearing a3 5
b. Miscellaneous - Youth Employment; Traffic Signal at Dodge & Church; -734,
Year -End Summary -Police; Energy Conservation; Mayor's Youth Program.
Letter from Council Member Courtney to Bob Wolf concerning problems encountered
with the proposed wastewater treatment plant and the possibility of a
building moritorium being initiated by DNR. a.B 7
Memorandum from the Transit Manager regarding IPTA Legislative Reception.
Letter from the Iowa City Area Development Group.
Memorandum from the Director of Finance regarding Council's changes to
the proposed three-year financial plan.
Letter of appreciation from Agnes Kuhn re restoration of hours at the City
Library.
Letters to local legislators and Director of .Dept. of Natural Resources re
problems of compliance schedule for wastewater treatment plant.
Letter from Robert Wolf, President, Home Builders Association re new
sewerage treatment plant and threatened building moratorium.
Memo from City Attorney re University of Iowa and A.T.&T. requests to
install utilities in City streets.
Signal System Feasibility Study from consulting engineers for Hwy. 6
s9
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 5. 1988
TO: City Council
FROM: City Manager
RE: Environmental Protection Commission (DNP.) Hearing
Our hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 16, at 10:30 A.M.
in Des Moines.
cc: Chuck Schmadeke
Dale Helling
Terry Timmins
V
5
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: February 4, 1988
To: City Council
From: City Manager
Re: Miscellaneous
Youth Employment. I thought you would be interested in one of the
many frustrations we have in dealing with the Federal Government.
The attached letter from the Department of Labor is self-explanatory.
Traffic Signal at Dodge & Ch'uM On and off for the last several
months we have been discussing with representatives of the parents'
organization at Horace Mann as well as IDOT the possible need for a
traffic signal at Dodge and C$Srt The school and the neighborhood
have expressed a strong interest. The Traffic Engineer has reviewed
the traffic data and submitted it to the State DOT for their review.
It now appears that there may be sufficient traffic warrants to
suggest that a traffic signal would be necessary. We have been
advised by the State that the City may be able to receive approxi-
mately 50% funding if we are to pursue one of the IDOT financial
assistance programs. I have directed the Traffic Engineer to pursue
this program. We will keep you advised.
3. Year End Summary - Police. Attached for your review is a summary of
police activity for calendar year 1987.
4. Energy Conservation. Our Energy Coordinator recently completed a
review of our energy bills. Through Jim's work we have changed a
number of accounts, particularly those for our parking ramps, and
taken advantage of the special rates offered by Iowa -Illinois Gas &
Electric for off-peak usage. We estimate it will save the City $3700
per year. Jim also discovered two billing errors for a one-time
savings of $2300. We pay Iowa -Illinois over $1 million per year.
5. Mayor's Youth Employment Program. Their offices have relocated to
410 Iowa Avenue.
bc3-3
w
43
Mayor's Youth Employment Program
SERVING YOUTH OF JOHNSON COUNTY
315 E. Washington • Iowa City, IA 52240
319-337-3020
January 25, 1986
U.S. Department of Labor
ESA Wage d Hour Division
Branch of Construction
Contracts Wage Determination
Washington, D.C. 20210
ATTENTION: Alan Moss, Director
Dear Mr. Moss,
We would like to request your concurrence in setting up a summer
youth program to include 15 year olds. The current regulations
regarding youth summer programs as outlined In Department of Labor
All Agency Memoranda 171 and 196 address only 16 - 22 year olds and
do not address 15 year old teenagers.
Iowa City's Mayor's Youth Employment Program currently operates
four (4) programs of the Iowa Conservation Corps provided by the Iowa
State Department of Economic Development. The success of these
programs depends, in part, on the provision of Community Development
Block Grant funds that provide for materials, supplies and staff wage
subsidy.
Youth involved in the lova Conservation Corps summer component
quality by random selection process. State criteria dictate that
they be 15 - 18 years of age. The 15 year olds have been granted a
variance by the Child Labor Committee of the State of Iowa, as
requested by the Department of Economic Development (formerly The
Office for Planning and Programming), to work in annual construction
projects with certain, minimal limitations. Please refer to the
enclosed copy regarding this approval.
Our program history indicates that we have an excellent safety
track record and the addition of 15 year olds targets a portion of
the population that find it extremely difficult to find summer
employment.
d
A Ne
V
Letter to U.S. Department of Labor
Continued
-2-
The summer programs are in complete compliance with memoranda
171 and 1196 with exception of age, therefore, we are requesting that
the regulations be modified, or a waiver granted, to include 15 year
olds participating in projects that are, In part or In whole, funded
by federal monies. Since for many projects the wages portion of
funds comes from the State of Iowa, which has received permission to
Include 15 year olds, it creates considerable problems when projects
are partially federally funded to fulfill match requirements. We
either have to exclude 15 year olds who really need the summer
employment, or pay them the wages mandated by the Davis Bacon Act.
These wages are likely to be at least twice the minimum wage paid to
16 - 18 year olds.
Your earliest consideration of this request would be most
greatly appreciated. If we can answer any further questions for you,
do not hesitate to contact us at (319) 356-5410 (McElroy) or (319)
356-5244 (Milkman).
Sincerely,
Peg McElroy, Executive Director
Mayor's Youth Employment Program
Marianne Milkman
CDBG Program Coordinator
PH/mpm
Enclosure (1)
cc: Stephen Atkins, City Manager
City of Iowa City
7�1'GIq�cNvGt.�-ti
A 3 (0
YEAR END REPORT - 1987
Iowa City Police Department
Calendar 1987 was a relatively busy year for members of the Iowa City
Police Department. A total of nearly 30,000 citizens requested various
police services through the year. Officer generated activities totaled
somewhat over 41,000 for the same period of time. Arrests were effected
for 2612 criminal offenses. Officers issued 7022 citations for moving
motor vehicle violations, and wrote 30,535 tickets for illegal parking.
In addition, officers and staff made eighty-four appearances at various
schools, fraternal groups and social gatherings, discussing a variety of
law enforcement and related topics. Officers engaged in 3,000 hours of
formal training, plus 1,500 of additional training hours.
Comparison of reports offenses and activities appear below.
TYPE OF OFFENSE
No. 1986
No. 1987
Rape
P2
29
Robbery
16
19
Aggravated Assault
208
233
Burglary
504
388
Theft
2071
2028
M.V. Theft
101
120
Simple Assault
128
157
Arson
19
13
Forgery/Counterfeiting
71
71
Embezzlement
14
15
Vandalism
1132
1340
Weapons, carrying
58
40
Sex Offenses
104
135
Narcotics
41
52
Family/Children Offenses
319
357
O.W.I.
443
444
Liquor Law Violations
113
144
Intoxication
777
680
Disorderly Conduct
3687
3516
Vagrancy
84
61
Other Offenses
795
990
Suspicious Person/Vehicle
776
943
Juvenile
321
441
Mental Problems
124
111
Suicide
47
50
MV Accidents
2270
2514
Other Accidents
45
52
TYPE OF OFFENSE
No. 1986
No. 1987
Fires
314
426
Alarms
1315
1420
Dead Bodies
10
20
Misc. Investigations
167
254
Misc. Complaints
885
615
Lost/Found Property
1263
1254
Recovered Stolen Property
183
212
Domestic Animals
279
363
Deer Reports
63
89
Speeding
786
793
Vehicle Tows
112
154
The listing above covers only those types of reports and offense of
major interest. It is not a complete listing of all law enforcement
activities. Total publicly generated and officer generated activities
number nearly 83,000 contacts. Most police contacts are informational
in nature and do not result in any official action.
The Records Division processed nearly 40,000 reports resulting in more
than 400,000 pages of material. The second year of records
computerization proved a boon to this division. Only the dedication and
effort of the personnel assigned to the Records and Identification
Division made this level of activity possible.
The Criminal Investigation Division was assigned 2,640 cases for
investigation. Rates of clearance matched or exceeded the national
overage of clearance for nearly all offenses.
The Patrol Division carried the bulk of the work load of the Police
Department and traveled nearly 1/2 million miles to carry out their
duties. The patrol shift on duty from Spm - 11:00pm was the busiest of
the three shifts, performing about forty-one percent of all patrol
duties and assignments. The late night shift (11:00pm to 7:00am)
concentrates its efforts on the control of traffic, drunken behavior and
burglary/theft investigation and prevention. The daylight shift (7:00am
to 3:00pm) concentrates its efforts mainly upon public service
activities and traffic control functions.
The pace of Animal Control activities remained about the same in 1987 as
1986. However, this Division operated for a quarter of the year with
one less staff member. The major achievement was the agreement between
Coralville and Iowa City to construct an addition to the Animal Control
facility and to, over a period of time, merge all but patrol activities.
In summary, no significant changes in activity levels were recorded in
the divisions of the Iowa City Police Department in 1987 as compared to
the previous year. Resource and facility limitations obviate any new or
expanded law enforcement programs.
CITY OF IOWA CJ -1 -*y
CIVIC CENTER 410 E. WASHINGTON ST. IOWA CITY. IOWA 52240 (319) 356-5CCO
February 4, 1988
Mr. Bob Wolf
Wolf Construction, Inc.
2920 Industrial Park Road
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Bob:
As you are aware, the City has experienced numerous difficulties in its
attempt to have constructed new sewage treatment plant and related
facilities. This work would include a rehabilitation of the Clinton
Street plant as well as construction of a new south plant off of Sand
Road. In addition to this work, several million dollars of new sewer
construction for our neighborhoods is also planned. This work is being
financed by the City and is under the direction of the State DNR, which is
responsible for environmental protection regulations.
The issues are complex and in this circumstance the City's discretionary
authority with respect to the plant construction is very limited. The
regulations establish the technical nature of the project, but
unfortunately fail to consider the legal and political perspective that
often has greater influence than the actual construction process. This is
the case with our project planning. To date, we have been unable to
secure county zoning for a new plant south of the City limits. Our zoning
application has been pending for eight months and to date no formal county
vote has been taken. Great volumes of paperwork have been exchanged and
yet to no avail. In addition, the University of Iowa has chosen to
litigate the sewer rate structure and thereby jeopardize the City's
overall financial ability to construct and maintain the treatment plants
and other related capital facilities. A simple fact with respect to this
issue is that if the court should rule in favor of the University and they
were to be provided with a rate break, all others users of the system will
need to share in the consequences of that rate break and sewer rates will
be increased to all others. We have financial and legal obligations under
the capital funding and thereby we must be able to demonstrate adequate
revenues to pay our bond debts.
While these matters are complex and we feel we are serving many masters,
there is one particular issue that you need to be aware of and should be
of significant concern. Obviously, the University's litigation and the
County's inaction does not allow the City to proceed with some $40 million
worth of construction activity in our community. Of even greater
a consequence is the fact that the State DNR, due to the inaction of the
County Government and the complexities associated with the University
litigation, is indicating that the City may be 'officially in non-
compliance" with state and federal regulations. This simply says that we
A57
Hr. Bob Wolf
February 4, 1988
Page 2
have been unable to complete the project in a timely fashion and thereby
the State may choose to initiate fines and its own litigation. Of primary
concern is the DNR is now indicating that they may choose to initiate a
building moratorium; that is, construction activity requiring state
approval for sewer permits in the community could be limited and/or halted
by state action. This can be of significant consequence to the overall
growth of the community as well as your particular industry. This is not
intended to be a scare tactic, but merely an expression of the complex
nature of the project planning and the fact that the City finds itself
trapped by so many competing interests in the project planning.
Hopefully, we will be able to avoid this situation; however, the nature of
the DNR's enforcement agency would lead us to believe that some type of
construction moratorium may be forthcoming. Our position has been that we
do not believe the City Government has committed any error and that State
and County Governments are, in effect, causing the project delay. If we
have committed an error, it was our desire to work with other government
agencies, particularly the County, to develop a project that represents
the interests of 54,000 persons. Those interests are being held hostage
by a few.
As a note of irony, we have the State of Iowa, through the University,
requesting one set of demands and the State of Iowa, through its
Department of Natural Resources, asking for another. I'm sure you can
appreciate the circumstances and the situation this presents to the City
government. If you would like any additional information, please feel
free to call. We encourage you to speak to the matter and particularly
the issue of a building moratorium and also the fact that significant
construction and other capital monies that would be "pumped into" the
local economy are now stalled due to the political infighting that is
occurring within the State Government and the inaction on the part of the
County.
Sin erely yours,
Darrel Courtney
cc: City council
City Engineer
/PC
4:V 37
4
M
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 29, 1988
To: Steve Atkins, City Manager
Fromij John Lundell, Transit Manager
Re: '''"'JJJJJJ IPTA Legislative Reception
Each year the Iowa Public Transit Association sponsors a reception in Des
Moines for State legislators. The event is held in the Hotel Savery with
food and drink provided by IPTA members. It is a casual opportunity for
us to tout transit service in Iowa.
The Coralville Transit Manager and I plan on being in attendance at this
year's reception which will be during the evening of Monday, February 22,
1988. Iowa City area legislators have an excellent record of attending
IPTA's reception. Other local officials such as City Council members are
both welcome and encouraged to participate. Provided you feel it is
appropriate, please extend an invitation to the Iowa City City Council.
Thank you and contact me with any questions.
bc5-4
30?
IVAI
G R O U P
February 1, 1988
Stephen Atkins
City Manager
City of Iowa City
Civic Center
Iowa City Iowa, 52240
Dear Mr. Atkins:
RECEII;, - �-, 4 1988
The ICAD Group, the economic development initiative created in
1984 to represent Iowa City area communities, had a very eventful
year in 1987. We know that none of the programs and projects we
have seen completed would have been possible without your
support.
We are enclosing your statement for the third year payment of
your fire year pledge to ICAD. More importantly, we are
including an executive summary of program results achieved since
our program plan was presented with the fund drive proposal in
1985. lie have also included a brief summary of projects the ICAD
Group has contributed to since its inception.
We are even more excited about continuing prospects for 1988.
The program we have in place at the close of 1987 is far more
substantial than we had anticipated in 1984. We have made much
progress and have achieved a respected position among Iowa
communities. We hope to sustain that position and continue to
strengthen the program this year. The most important factor in
our success has been the broad base Of commitment from both
private and public supporters in our communities.
We are grateful for your support.
Sincerely,
tem o
Too erwer
Chairman of the Board
IOWA CITY AREA DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC. '7 9
325 E. Washington. Suite 100, P.O. Box 2567, Iowa City, IA 52244 319/354.3939 ®1
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Hswseye Fond Sy3:eas [Le.
tiawieyE icfri;erateC ServiErs
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Integrated DIIA Technologies, Inc.
Iowa City Transfer
Leather Expre3sions
Hie 6:ide Addition
12CCA
Bichsel Anderian Veterinary Clinic
Hillard Vartlouse
National CanpLter .Services
Neu Life Fitnees Vorid
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professional turf Specialists
P:afilri Coraoratkt.
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City of lovas City
MEMORANDUM
Date: February 5, 1988
To: City Council
From: Rosemary Vitosh, Director of Finance e U�
Re: Council's Changes to Proposed Three Year Financial Plan
Attached is a summary of the changes to the proposed Three Year Financial
Plan as per your decisions made at the February 2nd budget review meeting.
Please note that no changes were made to the CIP (Capital Improvement
Program).
The first page of the summary lists the specific changes made and shows
the resulting impact on the property tax levy for the average residential
property owner. The percentage tax increase for the three year plan is
revised to 7%, 2%, 2%, or an annualized increase of 3.7%. The last two
pages of the summary shows the specific changes required for the receipt
and expenditure budgets.
The changes include the elimination of the balance in the Recreation
Facility reserve and any repayments to that reserve. The balance of
$25,663 will be used to fund budgeted capital outlay items for the Recrea-
tion Division in FY89 ($25,000 for pool lights, with the remainder funding
a portion of the costs of mats/curtain dividers for the gymnasium).
Included on your February 9, 1988, agenda is a resolution setting the
public hearing for February 23rd. The public hearing will cover: 1) the
operating budget for FY89, as required by State law, and 2) the Three Year
Financial Plan which includes the CIP.
Final Council approval is scheduled for March 8, 1988. At that time you
will be asked to approve two resolutions. The first resolution is that
required by the State for approval of the FY89 Operating Budget. The
second resolution will approve the Three Year Financial Plan, including
the CIP.
Please contact me, Terry Kimble or the City Manager with any questions on
the attached summary. Unless notified otherwise, the summary will be used
to prepare the publication notice for the public hearing.
cc: Stephen Atkins
Terry Kimble
tp5/2
M
P
FY89 - 91 FINANCIAL PLAN
COUNCIL'S CHANGES TO CITY MANAGER'S PROPOSAL
PROPERTY TAX LEVIES AFTER COUNCIL
CHANGES:
Tax Levy 11.695
Tax Payment for Average House11.924 11.924
% Increase 654.87 667.70 681.05
7.08% 1.96% 2.00%
FY89
BUDGET
FY90
PROJECTION
FY91
PROJECTION
$
AID TO AGENCIES:
FY89: Increase from $203,330 to
$207,538
General Fund Contingency
4,208
4,208)
4,380
4,280)
4,554
Net Change in Expenditures
_O_
4,554)
PROPERTY TAXES:
Fire Equipment Replacement
Eliminate Rec, Facilities Reserve
(20,000)
-0-
-0-
and Repayments
Police Department Accreditation
Transit
(37,363)
(12,000)
(11,700)
(11,700)
Subsidy -No Transfer to Reserve
Library Staff Increase
(75,000)
-0-
of 2.5 FTE
Adjustment to Final Taxable Valuation
64,009
21,532)
67737
21,956)
-0-
Change
Net to Property Tax
24,590)
Asking
101,886)
34,081
35,006
PROPERTY TAX LEVIES AFTER COUNCIL
CHANGES:
Tax Levy 11.695
Tax Payment for Average House11.924 11.924
% Increase 654.87 667.70 681.05
7.08% 1.96% 2.00%
V
O
FY89 - 91 FINANCIAL PLAN
RECONCILIATION OF CITY MANAGER'S PROPOSAL
WITH COUNCIL'S ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING
44O
FY89
FY90
FY91
--BUDGET--
PROJECTION
PROJECTION
GENERAL FUND:
Revenues:
Total Per City Manager's Proposal
16,830,066
17,341,638
18,343,008
Council Adjustments:
Property Taxes:
Changes to Expenditures
(54,691)
56,037
59,596
Reduce Taxes the Amount of
Recreation Facilities Reserve
25,663)
-0-
-0-
Net Change to Property Taxes
(80,354)
56,037
59,596
Close Recreation Facilities Reserve
to General Fund
25,663
-0-
-0-
Fire Equipment Replacement Reserve
(20,000)
-O-
-0-
Recreation Facilities Reserve
(11,700)
11,700)
11,700)
Total Change to Revenues
86,391)
44,337
47,896
TOTAL GENERAL FUND REVENUES
16,743,675
17,385,975
18,390,904
Expenditures:
Total Per City Manager's Proposal
16,711,884
17,266,427
18,467,118
Council Adjustments:
Increase Aid
to Agencies
4,208
4,380
4,554
Reduce Contingency
(4,208)
(4,380)
(4,554)
Police Department Accreditation
(12,000)
-0-
-0-
Payment to Fire Equipment Reserve
(20,000)
-0-
-0-
No Payment to Recreation Facilities
Reserve
(11,700)
(11,700)
(11,700)
Add Staff to Library
64,009
67,737
71,296
Transit Subsidy for Bus Replacement
(75,000)
-O-
-0-
Increase Transit Levy Transfer (Per
Final Taxable Valuations)
484
552
693
Total Change in Expenditures
54,207)
56,589
60,289
TOTAL GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES
16,657,677
17,323,016
18,527,407
44O
FY89 - 91 FINANCIAL PLAN
RECONCILIATION OF CITY MANAGER'S PROPOSAL
WITH COUNCIL'S ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING
TRANSIT OPERATIONS:
Revenues:
Total Per City Manager's Proposal
Council Adjustments:
Transit Levy (Per Final Taxable
Valuations)
General Fund Operating Subsidy
Total Change in Revenues
TOTAL TRANSIT OPERATIONS
REVENUES
Expenditures:
Total Per City Manager's Proposal
Council Adjustments:
Transfer to Replacement Reserve
Total Change in Expenditures
TOTAL TRANSIT OPERATION
EXPENDITURES
TRANSIT REPLACEMENT RESERVE
Reserves:
Total Per City Manager's Proposal
Council's Adjustments:
Transfer from Operations
Federal Capital Grants
Total Change in Revenues
TOTAL TRANSIT RESERVE REVENUES
Expenditures:
Total Per City Manager's Proposal
Council's Adjustments:
No Bus Purchases in FY89
Total Change in Expenditures
TOTAL TRANSIT RESERVE
EXPENDITURES
P
FY89
--BUDGET--
2,007,240
484
75,000)
74,516)
1,932,724
1,994,311
75,000)
75,000)
1,919,311
332,874
(75,000)
257,874)
332,874)
-0-
455,531
322,874)
322,874)
132,657
FY90
PROJECTION
2,100,639
552
-0-
552
2,101,191
2,087,255
-0-
-0-
2,087,255
339,746
-0-
-0-
-0-
339,746
376,196
-0-
-0-
376,196
FY91
PROJECTION
2,214,788
693
-0-
693
2,215,481
2,200,687
-0-
-0-
2,200,687
346,320
in
-0-
346,320
363,220
-0-
-0-
363,220
0744®
N
1185 E Jefferson
Iowa City, Ia
2/8/88
City Mana er Steve Atkins
Mayor Qohn McDonald and City Council
'Twas almost too miraculous to be true that you could
discover funds in the budget to restore the financial
cut that had forced our public library to close its
doors early on Thursday evening and remain closed
until Saturday morning. As a member of the public who
is a regular client of our library and more recently
a volunteer to help the overworked staff cope with the
tasks resulting from the almost continuous -during "open"
hours" of our library, I thank you for.your decision.
I might add, I:.know that this has been an extremely
difficult year to plan the new budget. Funds are so critically
reduced and needs are greater than ever! You have
worked hard, and have come up with the best possible
choices for the general good of our population. Con-
gratulations to you,
Sincerely,
Agnes Kuhh, a loyal
Iowa Citian from 'way back
AV/
CITY OF
CIVIC CEN(ER a 10 E WASH!!vGTON ST
February 3, 1988
The Honorable Jean Lloyd -Jones
Senator
State Capitol
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Dear Senator Lloyd -Jones:
Mayor McDonald to Area Legislators
OWA
IOWA CITY. 10!-`%
CITY
(319) 35b-5CCC
As you know, the City of Iowa City has undertaken a $39 million project to
improve .its wastewater (sewer) collection and treatment system. Those
improvements are of course being made pursuant to Federal EPA and Iowa DNR
mandates which originated 13 years ago with the Federal Clean Water Act.
However, due to recent problems with the University of Iowa over sewer
rates, and with Johnson County over zoning for a new plant site, the
project is at a standstill and is threatened with further lengthy delays.
I have enclosed a report outlining the history and status of the project.
That report was prepared in response to a DNR proposal that the Iowa
Attorney General commence enforcement proceedings against Iowa City for
the City's failure to meet project schedule deadlines. The DNR proposal
will be reviewed by the Environmental Protection Commission at their next
meeting on February 15 and 16, 1988.
Essentially, it is the City's position that it cannot proceed with this
project until these problems, particularly the rate dispute with the
University, are resolved. As you may know, the University was required by
court order to either pay its sewer bill or have service discontinued.
Although the University paid its back due bill, it is nonetheless pressing
forward with its suit challenging the City's sewer rate. Furthermore,
while those actions alone threaten the project financing plan, we have
recently learned that the University is considering pulling out of the
City's sewer system and building its own treatment plant if the City
refuses to give it a rate break. If the University is serious about that
proposal, which we question, then the entire project is in jeopardy. Why
should the City be required to build a new plant that it won't need if the
University builds its own?
Clearly, the City needs a commitment from the State of Iowa - the Univer-
sity of Iowa - that the University will continue to use its sewer system
and pay its bill for that use, before the City can commit to expend $39
million of its funds to improve ffa--system.
PAGE 2
The report suggests a legislative resolution to the University sewer rate
dispute, as well as the county zoning problem. We have asked the DNR to
sponsor that legislation. We are also asking you to assist us if we are
successful in having that legislation introduced. Our City Attorney will
be corresponding with you in the next few days to present those legisla-
tive proposals. I would ask you to review the enclosed report and that
proposed legislation. Our staff will then contact you to discuss these
problems and the prospects for a legislative solution.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Sincerely yours,
hn McDonald, Mayor
City of Iowa City
bdw2/16
Enclosure
a
Timmins to Area Legislators
CITY OF IOWA CITY
CIVIC CENTER 410 E W4SHINGION ST IOWA CITY. IOVVA 52240 (319) 356-5CN
February ft, 1988
The Honorable Jean Lloyd -Jones
Senator
State Capitol
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Dear Senator Lloyd -Jones:
You have perhaps by now received a letter from Iowa City Mayor John
McDonald regarding the problems confronting the City in carrying out its
wastewater system improvements project. Although we are pursuing a number
of alternatives to resolve those problems, it appears that both our zoning
problem for the new plant site in Johnson County, as well as the
University sewer rate dispute, will get bogged down in litigation for at
least a couple of years unless a more expedient solution is found. The
result for the community will be the delay of badly needed sewer improve-
ments. Furthermore, we are faced with the possible imposition of fines
through DNR or EPA enforcement proceedings, and perhaps even a DNR imposed
development moratorium which would drastically impact economic development
locally, not to mention some notable University projects now on the
drawing boards.
In a recent meeting with the DNR staff, we presented a report outlining
the history and status of the project, including a description of the
alternatives available to the City. In that report, we suggested possible
legislative resolutions for both issues and we asked the DNR to support us
in that effort. The DNR staff asked us to prepare and submit those
proposals in detailed form, which has been done. Enclosed with this
letter are two proposed bills, one to address the county zoning problem
and one to address the sewer rate dispute. I will now proceed to briefly
outline those two proposals for you.
The problem that we have with the Johnson County Board of Supervisors is
that they are captive, and have made the project captive, of a few local
interests in the vicinity of the proposed new treatment plant site. The
Board has made it clear that the site will not be rezoned until the City
completes negotiations with those parties -- nays what they are asking --
for necessary sewer and access road easements over their properties. We
don't dispute the right of those parties to compensation, but the project
cannot be held up until those matters are resolved. The County is abusing
its zoning authority to blunt the City's power of eminent domain to
acquire those interests. Ames faced this same problem some years ago and
was eventually forced to "buy off" several property owners surrounding its
treatment plant site. Such application of county zoning authority is a
A Val.
Page 2
gross abuse, but it would take us a couple years of litigation to get
around it.
The legislation which we are proposing to address this problem would give
final treatment plant siting authority to the executive director of the
DNR. The executive director would be required, however, to solicit a
report and recommendation from the local zoning and floodplain management
authority. In making the decision, the director would be required to
balance the public's interests in the construction of the wastewater
treatment plant against the public's interests as reflected in the local
zoning and floodplain regulations. The director's determination would be
appealable, first to the Environmental Protection Commission, and
ultimately to district court. The enactment of this legislation is the
only way that treatment plant siting decisions can be de -politicized, and
made in a timely and rational manner.
Withoneof
regard
commitment. The vUniversity ersity ehas arep rete pudiated t d itsh1977 agreementreall
the City that it would use the City's sewer system and pay the same rate
for use as all other users. The University contributes 27% of the
wastewater that the City treats and 27% of its total sewer revenues.
Without the University's commitment to pay the City's sewer rate, the City
commitment to the money to finance h
to stay on our system wedon't Without
'tknow thatweeven needthe ethethew
plant.
The legislation that we are proposing to address this problem would
provide the necessary commitment. At present, Section 384.56 of the Iowa
Code provides that the State may connect its buildings to city sewer
systems "under the same regulations as for sewer connections to private
property." The City contends that this provision requires the University
to pay the City's sewer rate, but the University apparently disagrees.
Accordingly, our proposed legislation would amend this provision to
sewerprovidsys(tem are requirethstate d to pay the encies asamen ate fore thatuservice so aa cit
pplies
to other sewer users, (2) that the sewer rate charged to state agencies
may include operation, maintenance, and capital improvement costs for the
entire system, and (3) that state agencies are entitled to any special
rate that applies to commercial/industrial users if those agencies qualify
for that rate. A final provision would require that state agencies whose
buildings are connected to a city sewer system be notified of capital
improvement projects which will cause their sewer rate to increase by more
than 5%, whereupon those agencies would be required to indicate to the
city whether or not they intended to continue to use city sewer service.
If those agencies chose not to provide their own sewer treatment service,
they would be required to continue to use city sewer service until bonded
indebtedness for the project had been retired or until they discontinued
use of their buildings altogether.
We have requested the DNR to initiate direct discussions with the Board of
Regents, the University of Iowa, and the Attorney General's office in an
attempt to secure the University's commitment to use our sewer system and
to pay our sewer rate. If the DNR is unable to secure such a commitment,
we have then requested that DNR introduce this legislation, as well as the
bill on treatment plant siting and county zoning, as part of their
legislative package.
��
V'
M
Page 3
City Manager Stephen Atkins and I are planning to be in attendance at the
Chamber of Commerce legislative reception scheduled for Tuesday, February
16, at the Hotel Savery in Des Moines. We hope to have an opportunity to
further discuss these legislative proposals with you at that time.
Sincprely,
Terrence L. Timmins
City Attorney
/PC
99
J
a
Y
3
Timmins co Rep. Neuhauser
CITY OF I
CMC CENTER 410E WASHINGTON ST W� CITY
IOWA
CITY. I0VVA 52240 (319) 356-5CC0
February 3, 1988
The Honorable Mary Neuhauser
State Representative (46th District)
914 Highwood
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Mary:
You will find enclosed all of the materials that you requested after the
DNR meeting in Des Moines last week. I have provided you with copies of
all prior City/University sewer contracts since 1934, all City/University
correspondence on the sewer issue in 1986/1987, and all pleadings in the
lawsuit. Also enclosed are draft copies of the two legislative proposals
that I discussed with the DNR staff as well as copies of correspondence
with DNR Executive Director Larry Wilson and other local legislators.
We will be working with the DNR to see if they would be willing to intro-
duce these bills as part of their legislative package, and with our League
representatives to see if we can get them introduced through the Local
v
toatt nd theniChamber ofther the Commerce ouse or Senae. We arlegislatiivetreceptione aalo tsthelaHHotel
Savery on February 16, 1988.
We hope to use that opportunity to discuss these legislative proposals
with our local legislative delegation. We hope to see you then.
In the meantime, I would ask you to keep us advised of any developments
that you become aware of.
S1 erely,
City Attorney Timmins
City A
bdw3/3
Enclosures
r
CITY
CIVIC CENTER
Atkins and Timmins to DNR Executive
Director
OF IOWA CITY
410 E WASHING101'J ST IOWA Clllf319) 351,-5
February 3, 1988
Mr. Larry Wilson
Executive Director
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Wallace State Office Bldg.
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Dear Mr. Wilson,
This letter is a follow-up to the meeting held between the staffs of the
Department of Natural Resources and the City of Iowa City regarding the
City's compliance with Administrative Order #87 -WW -52. During the course
of that meeting, several issues arose that we believe will require further
policy consideration by your agency, the Environmental Protection Commis-
sion, the State Board of Regents, and quite possibly the Iowa Legislature.
In this letter, we will attempt to outline those issues for you, setting
forth the City's policy position and a proposed resolution of those issues
that we hope your agency will actively support so that the City's waste-
water improvement project can proceed.
Iowa City's project is, for the moment, at a standstill. We have
encountered several problems that have unavoidably delayed the project.
One of those problems, the University sewer rate dispute, has evolved to
the point where it threatens to derail the entire project. The other
major problem, the county zoning dispute, has the potential to delay for
two to three years a very significant part of the project, the new south
wastewater treatment plant and accompanying sewer improvements. During
our meeting with your staff, we presented a report outlining the history
and status of the project. In that report, we pointed out that the City
was virtually powerless to proceed in the face of these problems.
With regard to the county zoning problem, the City cannot legally
construct the new south wastewater treatment plant until Johnson County
rezones the site, or until county zoning approval is rendered inapplicable
by annexation or by court decree. While the City is pursuing all of these
strategies, a resolution could take from two to three years to achieve,
especially since all of these alternatives either involve litigation or
the likelihood of litigation and time consuming appeals, as the Ames
experience demonstrates.
With regard to the University sewer rate dispute, we point out in the
report that it would be imprudent for the City to proceed with the
project without obtaining immediate assurance that its largest ratepayer,
the University, will continue to pay the rates charged until the bonds
have been retired, or without amending its rate structure so as to assure
that it will have sufficient revenue, without full University
44011W
Mr. Larry Wilson
February 3, 1988
Page 2
participation, to retire the bonds. Without such immediate assurance from
the University, the City can only proceed with the project by risking the
interests of the bondholders, or by adjusting the rate structure and
risking the interests of all other ratepayers. Furthermore, the dispute
has recently taken an even more unsettling direction from the City's
perspective. We recently learned that the University administration is
considering withdrawing from the City's sewer system and constructing its
own treatment plant. Whether this is a serious proposal by University
administrators, or a trial balloon aimed once again at coercing the City
to bargain the University's sewer rate, is uncertain at this point. This
much is certain, however. If the University is not going to continue to
contribute to the City's sewer system, the City needs to know that fact
before it makes any further commitments to the plan of improvements now
being designed. Without the University's 27% contribution to the City
sewer system, the City certainly doesn't need a two plant system, doesn't
need to increase its overall treatment plant capacity except for wet
weather flows, and may want to rethink the entire plan of improvements.
Thus, the University sewer rate dispute has evolved into a problem with
fundamental implications for the City's project - problems which must be
resolved before the City is required to proceed any further with the
project. Essentially, it is the City's view that the University has
repudiated an aggreement that it made with the City in 1977 to use the
City's sewer system and to pay the same rate as all other users - even if
that rate included costs of capital improvements to any part of the
system. The City cannot make a comnittment to proceed with any part of
its project to improve its sewer system unless and until the State of
Iowa --the University of Iowa --honors its committment to use that system
and pay the same rate for use as all other users.
In the report that we submitted to your staff, we suggested that it may be
possible to resolve both problems without waiting for litigation to take
its course. As to the county zoning problem, we have suggested that it
would be appropriate to have the final decision as to treatment plant
siting be made by the executive director of the DNR after review and
consideration of local zoning and flood plain regulations. We have
included with this letter a bill draft to amend Section 455B.183 of the
Iowa Code to implement that legislative proposal.
As to the University's challenge to the City's sewer rate, and its veiled
threat to withdraw from the City's sewer system unless it is granted a
reduced rate, we have likewise suggested legislation to deal with the
issue. At present, Section 384.56 of the Iowa Code provides that the
State may connect its buildings to city sewer systems "under the same
regulations as for sewer connections to private property." The City
contends that this provision requires the University to pay the City's
sewer rate, but the University apparently disagrees. Accordingly, we
would propose that this provision be amended to provide (1) that state
agencies that connect their buildings to a city sewer system are required
to pay the same rate for that service as applies to other sewer users,
(2)that the sewer rate charged to state agencies may include operation,
maintenance, and capital improvement costs for the entire system, and
(3)that state agencies are entitled to any special rate that applies to
commercial/industrial users if those agencies qualify fur that rate. A
final provision would require that state agencies whose buildings are
connected to a city sewer system be notified of capital improvement
AVA-
Mr. Larry Wilson
February 3, 1988
Page 3
projects which will cause their sewer rate to increase by more than 5%,
whereupon those agencies would be required to indicate to the city whether
or not they intended to continue to use city sewer service. If those
agencies chose not to provide their own sewer treatment service, they
would be required to continue to use city sewer service until bonded
indebtedness for the project had been retired or until they discontinued
use of those buildings altogether. We think you would agree that such a
legislative amendment would require the University and Board of Regents to
either make the necessary comoittments to the City of Iowa City, or to
immediately decide to go it on their own. In either event, the City could
then finalize its wastewater system improvement plan, design and build the
necessary improvements, and achieve compliance with state and federal
mandates.
Short of such legislation, or an immediate change in the University's
ects for an
resolutionnis of hthisdisissue. We w uldY herefore r request the assistanceimmediate
the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in the following particulars.
First of all, we would request that your agency contact the Board of
Regents, the University administration, and the Attorney General to obtain
their committment to continued use of the City's sewer system and payment
of the rates adopted by our City Council, or their clear and unequivocal
decision to withdraw from the City sewer system. Absent such a committ-
ment on the part of those State agencies, we would then request the
assistance of your agency in the introduction and passage of the legisla-
tion that we have herein proposed.
That leaves only one issue remaining for discussion, and that is the
penalties that your staff is considering imposing on Iowa City for failure
to meet the compliance deadlines set forth in Administrative Order g87 -WW -
52. Your staff has suggested that the City agree to the entry of a
consent decree imposing fines on the City for the delays incurred to date,
and providing for future fines if the City does not meet future
performance deadlines. Your staff has also indicated to us and to several
local developers that it is considering the imposition of a development
moratorium on the City of Iowa City. We consider both of these measures
to be unduly punitive and unproductive. It can hardly be said that the
City of Iowa City has been dragging its feet on this project. Our
problems have been caused by other governmental agencies, most notably
another state agency. The City doesn't feel particularly culpable in this
instance, and fore would not be inclined under the circumstances to
consent to the imposition of any fines, now or in the future.
With regard to the proposed sewer moratorium, we would only observe that
it would end up punishing innocent parties who have had no part in the
delays that the City has experienced --unless the moratorium were to apply
to University development, as we think it logically and legally should if
it is imposed at all. In any event, we would like to go on record at this
time as strongly opposed to the imposition of any form of development
moratorium on the City of Iowa City, and we would ask you to advise us as
to the scope and status of the proposed moratorium.
In conclusion, we would like to express our appreciation for the courtesy
and professionalism exhibited by your staff in dealing with these matters,
as well as the understanding attitude which the agency continues to
4944dL
4
.l.
Mr. Larry Milson
February 3, 1988
Page 4
exhibit in dealing with what must be a very frustrating project. We want
to assure you that you have our pledge to work diligently to conclude this
project as soon as we can.
Sincerely,
Stephen J. Atkins
City Manager
Terrence L. Timmins
City Attorney
5
a
Legislation Proposed By Iowa City
re County Zoning Problem
HOUSE FILE
BY
Passed House, Date Passed Senate, Date
Vote: Ayes Nays Vote: Ayes Nays Approved y
A BILL FOR
1 An Act relating to authorization, permits, and approvals for construction
2 and operation of public treatment works.
3 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
II
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
��
I
S. F. H. F.
1 Section 1. Section 4556.183, Code 1987, is amended by adding the
2 following new subsection:
3 NEW SUBSECTION. 4. Public treatment works and the other matters
4 pertaining to their construction and operation, regardless of where
5 located or proposed for location, are the direct responsibility of the
6 executive director in accordance with the following policy:
7 a. The executive director shall expedite the construction and
8 operation of public treatment works consistent with the standards for
9 assuring water quality provided by this chapter.
10 b. The executive director shall approve the siting of public
11 treatment works, after determining (1) that such proposed works comply
12 with all state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to such
13 treatment works and to the environmental impact of such works, and (2)
14 that such proposed works either comply with all applicable ordinances and
15 regulations of city and county governments within whose jurisdictions such
16 treatment works are to be constructed, or the public interest in having
17 such works is greater than the local government's interests as reflected
18 in its zoning and/or floodplain ordinances. In making such determination
19 as to local zoning and floodplain ordinances and regulations, the
20 executive director shall request and review the report and recommendation
21 of the local agency, board or commission responsible for administration of
22 the local zoning or floodplain ordinance or regulations. Such request
23 shall identify the nature and location of the treatment works being
24 proposed. The local agency, board, or commission shall publish notice of
25 and hold a public hearing on the proposed siting of the public treatment
26 works. The local agency, board, or commission shall have 60 days from
27 receipt of the executive director's request to submit its report and
28 recommendation regarding the proposed siting of the public treatment works
29 and the applicability of local zoning and floodplain regulations, but may
30 in its discretion decline to submit a report and recommendation. In case
31 of conflict between or among such local agencies, boards, or commissions,
32 each may submit its report and recommendation within said 60 -day period.
33 The executive director shall make the determination as to siting based on
34 the reports and recommendations received, if any, at the close of said 60-
35 day period. In making such determination, the executive director shall
36 balance the public's interest and need in the construction and operation
-2-
��
I
S. F. H.F.
1 of said proposed treatment works against the public's interests as
2 reflected in the local zoning and floodplain ordinances and the impact on
3 surrounding properties and uses. The executive director's determination
4 as to the siting of proposed public treatment works shall be a final
5 determination of the matter, binding on all local agencies, boards, or
6 commissions involved, and persons as hereafter identified, provided,
7 however, that a local agency, board, or commission having jurisdiction of
8 the proposed site, or any person owning or residing on land within one -
9 quarter mile thereof, may appeal said determination to the Environmental
10 Protection Commission as a contested case proceeding pursuant to Chapter
11 17A of the Code.
12 c. The executive director shall not delegate to any local government
13 or agency any aspect of the permitting process for public treatment works,
14 including review of the engineering plans for their construction and
15 operation.
16 d. The permit and authorization of the department shall be the only
17 permit required for the construction and operation of public treatment
18 works. However, the department shall provide an adequate time for other
19 departments and agencies of the state to review and comment on any
20 proposed project. In issuing its permit, the department shall so condi-
21 tion it as to meet the concerns expressed by other departments and
22 agencies, including those of local agencies, boards, or commissions having
23 zoning or floodplain management jurisdiction, to the extent that the
24 department deems practicable, but the department shall not deny a permit
25 for a project which meets the department's standards for assurance of
26 water quality.
27 e. The expeditious construction and operation of public treatment
28 works are declared to be matters of essential importance critical to the
29 public health and economic development of the state. For that reason, the
30 construction and operation of public treatment works shall not be
31 judicially restrained by any court of this state for reasons of adverse
32 effect on the value or use and enjoyment of adjacent property, the city or
33 county streets and roads, or other property. However, such adverse
34 effects are compensable by award of money damages through the ordinary
35 procedures pertaining to claims against the public owner.
-3-
7-�
W
W
S. F. H. F.
1 Sec. 2. This Act, being deemed of immediate importance, takes effect
2 from and after its publication in the Iowa City Press -Citizen, a newspaper
3 published in Iowa City, Iowa, and in the Cedar Rapids Gazette, a newspaper
4 published in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
5 EXPLANATION
6 This bill relates to the construction and use of public sewage
7 treatment works and their regulations by the department of water, air and
8 waste management. The bill fixes responsibility for the permitting with
9 the executive director of the department; prohibits delegation of reviews
10 to local governments; gives the executive director the authority to
11 determine the siting of treatment works upon review of all applicable laws
12 and regulations, including local zoning and floodplain regulations;
13 provides that the executive director's siting determination as to siting
14 is appealable to the Environmental Protection Commission as a contested
15 case proceeding, and restricts the power of the courts to enjoin the
16 construction or operation of the treatment works. The bill is effective
17 upon publication.
-4-
01 r�-
Y
W
m
Legislation Proposed By Iowa City
re University Sewer Rate Dispute
HOUSE FILE
BY
Passed House, Date Passed Senate, Date
Vote: Ayes Nays Vote: Ayes Nays
Approved
A BILL FOR
1 An Act relating to the connection of state and state agency buildings to
2 city sewer systems and the payment of rates for such use.
3 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
S.F. H. F.
1 Section 1. Section 384.56, subsection 4, Code 1987, is amended by
2 adding the following new unnumbered paragraphs:
3 Subsection 4.
4 Cities in which state or state agency buildings are located shall
5 permit sewers for such buildings to be constructed through or under the
6 streets of the city, and connection to be made to the sewer system of the
7 City under the same regulations as for sewer connections to private
8 property.
9 State agencies whose buildings are connected to a city sewer system
10 shall pay the same rate for sewer use as other ratepayers which rate may
11 include operation maintenance and capital improvement costs for the
12 entire system Such agencies shall be entitled to any special rate
13 granted to private commercial/industrial users if those agencies Qualify
14 for such rate based on quantity of use or any other eligibility factors
15 applicable to such special rate
16 Cities in which state agency buildings are connected to the cit
17 sewer system shall inform such state a encies of any proposed sewers stem
18 improvement project which will result in a sewer rate increase to any such
19 agency in excess of 5% in any fiscal year. Each such agency shall be
20 reguired to indicate whether it intends to continue its use of the city
21 sewer system within 60 days of receipt of such notice Such agencies
22 shall thereafter be re uired to continue use of the city sewer system
23 until such time as any bonded indebtedness incurred by the city to finance
24 such improvement project has been retired or until such time as those
25 agencies discontinue use of such buildings
26 Sec. 2. This Act, being deemed of immediate importance, takes effect
27 from and after its publication in the Iowa City Press -Citizen, a newspaper
28 published in Iowa City, Iowa, and in the Cedar Rapids Gazette, a newspaper
29 published in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
30 EXPLANATION
31 This bill clarifies an existing code section, which authorizes state
32 agencies to connect their buildings to city sewers, by requiring those
33 agencies to pay the same sewer rate for sewer use as other sewer users. It
34 would also entitle such state agencies to any special rate for sewer use
35 applicable to commercial/industrial users if the state agency qualified
36 for such rate. Finally, it would require cities to give notice to state
-2-
4
I
S. F. H. F.
1 agencies of local sewer improvement projects which would cause sewer rates
2 to increase by more than 5%, thus affording those state agencies an
3 opportunity to discontinue city sewer service and make other arrangements
4 for such service. If an agency decided to continue to use city sewer
5 service after such notice, it would be required to continue to use such
6 service until sewer project bonds were retired or until it discontinued
7 its use of its buildings.
-3-
go
a
Timmins to DNR Staff Attorney
CITY OF IOWA
CIVIC CENfEf? 41 O E W4SHINGi N T CITY
O S IO1VA CITU. IC)v,... = 240 (zaq;3=;��.`,C2
February 3, 1988
Ms. Diana Hansen, Staff Attorney
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Wallace Building
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Dear Ms. Hansen:
You will find enclosed the materials which you requested during our
meeting in Des Moines last week. I have provided you with copies of all
prior City/University sewer contracts dating back to 1934.
In addition, I have enclosed for your review our drafts of the legisla-
tive proposals that we presented in that meeting and in our report. I
have also enclosed a copy of the legislative proposal made by the City
of Ames a compare ourebillars amendingoSectionsthe 455B.183nwith the Ameblproposal,oI
think you'll find that we've suggested a more enlightened approach that
has a greater chance of legislative approval. However, our approach
would insert your agency into these local disputes much more directly.
In my view, though, that is the only way to resolve such disputes in a
timely dnd rational manner.
With regard to the legislative proposal on the sewer rate issue, I'd
first like to outline that proposal for you, and then initiate discus-
sion of a related issue that we have raised in our lawsuit with the
University. At present, Section 384.56 of the Iowa Code provides that
the State may connect its buildings to city sewer systems "under the
same regulations as for sewer connections to private property." The
City contends that this provision requires the University to pay the
City's sewer rate, but the University apparently disagrees. Accord-
ingly, we would propose that this provision be amended to provide (1)
that state agencies that connect their buildings to a city sewer system
are required to pay the same rate for that service as applies to other
sewer users, (2) that the sewer rate charged to state agencies may
include operation, maintenance, and capital improvement costs for the
entire system, and (3) that state agencies are entitled tc any special
rate that applies to commercial/industrial users if those agencies
qualify for that rate. A final provision would require that state
agencies whose buildings are connected to d city sewer system be noti-
fied of capital improvement projects which will cause their sewer rate
Ms. Diana Hansen
February 3, 1988
Page 2
to increase by more than 5%, whereupon those agencies would be required
to indicate to the city whether or not they intended to continue to use
city sewer service. If those agencies chose not to provide their own
sewer treatment service, they would be required to continue to use city
sewer service until bonded indebtedness for the project had been retired
or until they discontinued use of their buildings altogether.
While this bill offers a relatively simply and straightforward resolu-
tion of the City's present dilemma with the University, it also raises
an issue that the City has raised in the University lawsuit, division
VIII of its counterclaim for declaratory relief. In that division of
the counterclaim, I have asked the court to declare that the City is
prohibited by Federal regulation from giving a special or reduced rate
for sewer use to any user, including the University. The regulations
that I am referring to are those found in 40 CFR Part 35, Section
35.929. Indeed, the 1977 sewer use agreement between the City and
University was necessitated in part by these regulations. Prior to
those regulations, sewer use charges were calculated as a percentage of
the charge for water use. Some of the City's users, such as tFeresi-
dents of University Heights (a separate municipality) were subject to a
higher ercentage sewer bill. Those Federal regulations outlawed that
practic� required the City to change its method of sewer charge
computation in order to remain grant eligible. The City in effect
agreed to enact a flat rate for all sewer users in earlier Federal grant
agreements for projects, such as the "River Corridor" project. That
change in the computation of sewer use charges was incorporated into the
1977 sewer use agreement. The City considers that it continues to be
bound to the observance of those regulations by virtue of those earlier
grant agreements.
The issue which this proposed legislation raises is whether any city
under a Federal grant agreement for a sewer project can enact or give a
reduced sewer rate to any of its users. In our view the proposed legis-
lation, if adopted, could only be applied to give such special rates in
"non -Federal grant" cities. It also raises an interesting question for
Federal grant cities, such as Ames, which have by agreement or ordinance
given rate breaks to certain users. A copy of the Ames/Iowa State
University sewer use agreement is enclosed for your information. The
University of Iowa insists that it is entitled to a similar agreement in
Iowa City. We contend that Iowa City is prohibited from entering into
such an agreement by Federal regulation. The lawsuit will likely re-
solve that issue. I would suggest, however, that it would be better for
all concerned if our need to pursue that lawsuit was obviated by passage
of the legislation which we have proposed. Otherwise, the court may
well declare the City of Iowa City is prohibited by those Federal regu-
lations from entering into an Ames/Iowa State type agreement with regard
to sewer use charges. Such a precedent, particularly if affirmed by the
Supreme Court, would work to the obvious prejudice of the Board of
Regents, Iowa State University, and possibly your agency since it pre-
sumably reviewed the Ames/Iowa State agreement prior to its execution.
V
.Y.
Ms. Diana Hansen
February 3, 1988
Page 3
Thank you once again for your cooperation on these difficult matters. If
you have any questions or comments regarding the issues raised in this
letter, I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss them with
you.
Sincee,rely,
Terrence L. Timmins
City Attorney
Enc.
/sp
Mayor John McDonald
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington
Iowa City, IA- 52240
City Council Members
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington
Iowa City, IA 52240
,DERS ASSOCIATION .�"`"'p'-�e
OF IOWA CITY E
affiliated with tib,,,,,.«
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS
Re: New Sewage Treatment Plant and
Threatened Building Moratorium
Dear Mayor and Council Members:
February 8, 1988
Though most people don't know it,
threatened by an economic crisisour community is being
. Since the City of Iowa City
has been unable to make sufficient progress to solve
treatment problemsits sewage
, the State Department of Natural Resources
threatens to shut down all construction within this community.
we are faced with a State imposed building moratorium.
Obviously, a State imposed building moratorium in Iowa
City would be disastrous for many people. Our tax base would
be devalued because of no new construction leaving all of our
local governments short of real estate taxes that would have
otherwise been anticipated. The loss of growth and all the
Positive things that come with growth in a community would di-
minish revenues for all of our local businesses and ultimately
make this community a less desirable place to live. More than
any other business, the construction industry would be crip-
pled. Those in the construction business would be forced to
shut down in Iowa City and build out of town. Finally, more
than anything else, the commun
tial residents who will choosity would lose present and poten-
e to build new homes and reside
outside the Iowa City boundaries.
���
Page -2-
February 8, 1988
On behalf of the Iowa City Home Builders Association I am
asking you to put all your efforts into solving the sewage
treatment problem immediately. Do everything within your power
to show the State Department of Natural Resources that you have
a complete plan to solve the problem and are making substantial
progress with the elements detailed in your plan. Work hard
with the county, the State of Iowa, and the University of Iowa
to get the. •actual construction of a new plant underway. Do
everything that you can to see that State and Federal approvals
remain in place and that financing for the project is not in
jeopardy. Please do all of this so that the members of this
community can continue business as usual.
The members of the Home Builders Association will support
your efforts to solve the sewage treatment problem. We under-
stand that the zoning change needed by Johnson County has been
a real snag and we urge ,you to negotiate and remove that obsta-
cle as soon as possible. If you are unable to obtain the
required rezoning, we strongly urge you to annex the required
land to the City, either voluntarily or involuntarily, however
you must proceed. Though the costs of the new facilitv are
high, the costs of not having the facility will be even higher.
We urge you to proceed with haste and will lend our support in
this endeavor..
RHW/dc
02/44-01-195
W
Home Builders Association
of Iowa City
Robert H'! Wolf/ President
��
I
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: February 8, 1988
To: Mayor John McDonald and City Councilmembers
From: Terrence L. Timmins, City Attorney
Re: University of Iowa and A.T.B T. Requests To Install Utilities
In City Streets
Introduction:
In my memo of January 26, a copy of which is attached, I outlined for you
two proposals that have recently been presented to staff that will require
some policy direction from the Council. Both the University proposal to
install an electric transmission line in the Madison, Court, Front, and
Burlington Street right-of-ways, and the A.T.BT. proposal to run a new
fibre-optic long distance telephone line through Iowa City along the
CRANDIC railroad right-of-way,are being proposed by entities that do not
hold City franchises, and are thus not covered by any agreement. In my
earlier memo, I outlined the course of the negotiations with both
entities, and indicated that we had proposed a "license agreement" in both
instances, instead of requiring a franchise. In this memo, I will update
you on the status of those negotiations in preparation for the Council's
discussion of the matter which has been scheduled during the informal
session on Tuesday evening, February 9.
University Proposal:
At the time that I wrote the January 26 memo, you will recall that staff
had just learned that the University, and not Iowa -Illinois Gas 8 Electric
Company, would be contracting to construct and would own and operate the
electric transmission line, contrary to what we had been told when first
approached about the project early last fall. When City Engineer Frank
Farmer learned from officials of Iowa -Illinois Gas 8 Electric Company that
the University would construct, own, and operate the transmission line,
Mr. Farmer informed the University's project manager that the City would
not issue an excavation permit to its contractor, Wolf Construction Inc.,
until the University obtained appropriate authorization from the City to
install and maintain the line. Shortly thereafter, I was contacted by
University Business Manager Mike Finnegan who wanted to know what kind of
authorization the City would require and how long it would take to get it.
I reminded him at that time that the City had given a draft of a proposed
license agreement to University Vice President Dorsey Ellis in March of
1987 during the discussions that were then underway over the fibre-optic
telecommunications system and cable television system that the University
was then installing in City streets. I indicated to Mr. Finnegan that it
would be our recommendation to the City Council that the City not allow
the current project to go forward until the University had at a minimum
executed a license agreement covering the electric transmission line. I
also indicated that we would be discussing with Council the possibility of
requiring the University to execute a license agreement covering all of
their existing utilities, including the cable television system which had
Page 2
been installed without the City's knowledge or permission, and contrary to
our cable television franchise ordinance. Mr. Finnegan inquired if there
wasn't some way that the project could proceed while the terms of the
proposed license were being negotiated. I reminded him that the City had
allowed the University's fibre-optic telecommunications project to proceed
on that basis, that Mr. Ellis had later rejected the very concept of a
license agreement when we presented our draft of it he March of 1987, and
that the University had made no counterproposals since that time. Under
those circumstances, I indicated that I thought it doubtful that the
Council would be willing to let the project proceed on the basis of
another University proposal to "work something out later." However, in
response to Mr. Finnegan's insistence that the project should be allowed
to proceed because the University had already let the contract and delay
would hurt the contractors, I indicated that we would certainly present to
the Council any proposal that the University wanted to make, and I
suggested that perhaps the City Council could be persuaded to grant a
temporary license, for say six months or a year, if it was granted under
terms
sed in March of 1987
andifcit was cp d�itioned upon eexec�ut onhwithin that ropo6- or 12 month period
of a license agreement covering all University utilities. I indicated
that if the University were to prepare such a temporary license agreement
and present it for staff review, it could be considered by the Council at
the February 9 meeting.
On Friday morning February 5, the University's proposed license agreement
was presented to me for review. A copy of that proposed agreement, as
well as prior City/University correspondence on the subject, are attached
for your review. The proposal made by the University, although designated
a "license agreement", is actually little more than a
The University's proposal does not provide the City wiith a—� homed
control over its street right-of-way to the same extent that our
franchises do, nor does it give the City adequate protection against
liability should the City accidentally disrupt the transmission line, or
should some third party be injured by it due to the University's
negligence in constructing or operating it. Neither I nor the Public
Works Department could recommend that the City grant the University a
license for the electric transmission line under the terms that the
University has proposed. If the University is unwilling to enter into e
license agreement more in line with what staff proposed a year ago, it
would be our suggestion that the University make arrangements that the
line be constructed, owned and operated by Iowa -Illinois Gas and Electric
Company, the City's electric franchisee, as was originally proposed last
fall.
A.T.BT Proposal:
When A.T.BT.'s representative approached City Engineer Frank Farmer in
October of 1987, Mr. Farmer directed him to me to discuss the need for a
franchise or other agreement. After discussing the project with him, I
learned that the fibre-optic cable proposed for installation through Iowa
City was for the purpose of providing long distance telephone service to
the area, and not for the purpose of providing local service. Further-
more, since the A.T.BT, line would follow the CRANDIC right-of-way, only
that the crossing City streets at existing railroad crossings, it was determined
granting the
ncompanyrthesr
rights itnot
neededthe
inporderito useCity
use City
Page 3
It was determined that the license agreement would be the most appropriate
means for the City to grant those rights. On that basis, a draft form of
license agreement was prepared and presented to the company's represen-
tative. The form of agreement proposed was virtually identical to the
form of agreement presented to the University in March of 1987.
On January 19, 1988, we received from A.T.&T. an executed form of that
draft agreement. However, the company made a few changes and deletions to
the license agreement, and we need to discuss at least one of those issues
with the Council for policy direction. The draft agreement that we sent
to the company included a provision for a license fee, although we left
blank the amount of that fee. The company deleted reference to that fee
in its proposal. We will want some policy direction from Council on the
fee issue. In this regard, we would only point out that A.T.&T. is
undoubtedly paying CRANDIC a substantial fee for use of the railroad
right-of-way, and that the City pays annual license fees to several
railroads for the privilege of maintaining a variety of utility installa-
tions under railroad right-of-way.
Conclusion:
From the City's perspective, there is really little justification for
treating the University's electric transmission line project any
differently than A.T.&T.'s fibre-optic long distance telephone project,
except perhaps as to the fee issue. We have not proposed that the
University pay any kind of a fee for use of City street right-of-way,
except that they be required to pay the 5% fee for use of City streets for
their cable television system, as our ordinance requires of the City's
cable television franchisee. In all other respects, the proposed license
agreements would assign the same rights and obligations to both the
University and A.t.&T as users of City street right-of-ways. Such
agreements are necessary so that the City has the necessary authority to
manage this most important City resource and to protect itself against the
liability that it incurs in allowing of entities to use i streets.
Terrence L. Tip
City Attorney
/PC
CITY OF IOWACHIC CENTER 41 CITY
O E WASI-INGTON ST IOWA CI1Y. IOWA
52240 (319) 356-5000
February 5, 1987
Mr. James 0. Freedman, President
The University Of Iowa
101 Jessup Hall
Iowa City, Iowa 52242
Dear Jim:
I recently read articles in the Daily Iowan and the Iowa City press -
Citizen outlining the University's plan to establish and operat abbe
sys em for University dormitory residents. I and
that the
along swithcits�new al cfibber pticle for ttelephone and stem was ins ailedcommby the
e University
The purpose of this letter is to raise a number of concerns with respect
to the installation and ultimate usage of the coaxial cable system.
1. The City's Broadband Telecommunications Enabling Ordinance provides
that a franchise is required of any person, firm, company, corpora-
tion or association which constructs, installs, maintains or oper-
ates within a public street or within a public property of the city
equipment or facilities for the distribution of television signals.
The Iowa Code, as I understand it, provides broad franchising au-
thority to cities and therefore we believe it to be in the best
interest of the City of Iowa City to assert our authority in this
instance and have informed Heritage Cablevision accordingly, While
I am not completely familiar with all the details, I am led to
believe that it is the University's position that the franchise
requirement does not apply as the telephone system was an internal
improvement to the University. On the surface 1 would have to
agree, however, with the installation of coaxial cable,
apparent that the University and Heritage Cablevision have init was
tended
to provide for some type of cable television system. Now that it is
clear that these installations have been made, I believe it is
important that the City and the
to provide University reach some type of accord
for a satisfactory legal framework for these systems.
Accordingly, 1 would like to suggest that we initiate discussions
involving the appropriate University officials and City staff as
6;$00
V'
a
Mr. James 0. Freedman
February 5, 1987
Page 2
well as representatives of Heritage Cablevision to, at the very
least, sort out the issues and arrive at some mutual accommodation.
Dale Helling, Assistant City Manager, has responsibility for over-
seeing the City's cable franchise ordinance. 1 am requesting that
the appropriate University official be designated. Dale will fol-
low-up to arrange for the scheduling of a meeting.
Thank you.
Sincerely yours,
/ '
Stephen J. Atkins
City Manager
bj2/8
cc: City Council
Dale Melling
Terry Timninse
John Hayek
Bill Blough
01 "
The University of Iowa
Iowa City. Iowa 52242
®'
Vice President Ia Finance RECEIvEDFEB 181987
and University Services
e.•
February 13, 1987
Steve Atkins
City Manager
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Steve:
President Freedman asked me to respond to your recent
letter concerning the City's Broadband Telecommunications
Enabling Ordinance and the University. I will be pleased to
arrange a meeting with you and your colleagues to discuss the
way in which the University has provided telecommunication
services to students living in its residence hall system.
Let me make clear, however, that the City's Broadband
Telecommunications Enabling Ordinance, like other city
ordinances, does not apply to activities undertaken by the
University. Neither the City of Iowa City, nor any other
municipal corporation in Iowa, is empowered to exercise power
over an agency of the State. The State Board of Regents, a
state agency, exercises plenary authority over the University
of Iowa, pursuant to Chapter 262 of the Code. Any attempted
exercise of authority by the City of Iowa City would be
inconsistent with state law and not permitted by the statutes
governing conduct of municipal corporations.
This is not the first time this issue has arisen in the
last several months. If you or the City Attorney would like
an opportunity to discuss further the relationship between
municipalities and state agencies under Iowa law, I would be
happy to arrange a meeting with the Attorney General's office.
Since
Dorsey D. Ellis, Jr.
Vice President
CC: President James 0. Freedman
Thomas J. Miller
Merle W. Fleming
Julia A. Mears
a
A V V
CI i;Y OF
IOWA CITY
Li , .I'I-- I C-
Fe--uary 24, 1997,
M Dorsey D. Ellis, Jr.
1 .'-PresidErt for Finance d University Services
: tlniyersity of Iowa
City, lows 52242
O:r Mr. Ellis:
C-:� Mareaer Steve Atkins has requested that 1 respon4 to your Tette' of
Ff'ruary 13, 1967, in which you set out the University's positio re;:°rd-
i-; the recent installation of fiber optic teleconr.ucications and rezxjal
c;.'le television systems in City street right-of-way.
A- the City Manage- pointed out in his letter, the City does have some
'r_itim`te in' erests and concerns to protect in this instance, not the
lr:st o w`.i.., is the management of City street right -Of-way as a mu -
p:• resource. Tne duty to keep street right -of -w•ay "open, in repair and
f•eo fro, %isarnce" is quite clearly assigned to cities pursuant to Se:-
. 364.12 of the Code, and in furtherance of the performance of this
0: cities have beer. given broad franchising authority pursuant to SA,.
364.2 of the Code. TnE City's primary interest in this situatio is
t: manage the use of its streets by both public
utilities dnC OthE' 0?',-
e•'nmental entities, including the University, so that its value 6s a
resource is not impaired. Although fran:hising has been the traoitional
re�tllatory framework for City management of street right-of-way, we re'og-
n�_e tr,e difficulties w`,ich inhere in that approa h in this ins!ar:E,
since the systems are alreajy in place and since frarrhisin; these state-,
wn.i'd requirE an election. As we explained to University representatives
ir. February 1996 at the time the project was initiated the City's irter-
est5 could be just as well served b' a City/University agreemer. or
right useuse. WE proposed such ar, agreement at that time, but, dao to
t4r fact that the project was already underway, dE:ided not to prEcor,ji-
tion University use Of City streets or exe'uti0n 0' such; an agree -=-t
H,'wew Er, we are now prepared to propose an agreem;rl which in our Vi E.
would obviate the need for franchises, and we would suggest that a me -ting
hr arranged within the next weet: or two to discuss the; proposal.
A secondary bat nonetheless important issue to be addressed involves the
City's cable television ordinance and our existing franchise with Heritage
Cablevision, The ordinance provides that "No person, firm,
company ... shall construct, install, maintain or operate within any public
street.,, any equipment or facilities for ,,,a broadband teleconrunications
n0 worf_ ..unless a franchise... has first been obtained. ,..11 Chapter 14,
Section 14-66 of the City of 10.6 City Code of Ordinances. While Heritage
has obtained such a franchise from the City, and would thus be allowed to
��
Mr. Dorsey D. Ellis, Jr.
February 24, 1987
Page 2
provide cable service to the University and/or to University residence
halls, the ordinance does provide at Section 14-73 that the franchise
grantee 'shall pay to the City an annual (franchise) fee in an amount
equal to five (5) percent of the 'annual gross revenues'...," which is
defined at Section 14-61 of the Code to include "revenues from all sources
including without limitation revenues from advertising, chann-el—leasing,
data transmission .... and any other charges...in addition to the subscri-
ber's monthly payment."
The City's cable television franchise fee
support for both its cable television reg
right-of-way management activities. ,iv
upon City street right-of-way by virtue
sion system:, we feel it appropriate that
pay the required fee therefore. We would
representatives also discuss this issue
posed agreement for use of right-of-way.
Thank you for your consideration of
meeting wits, you and University staff
within the next few days to arrange the
Sin e ely,
Terrence L. Timmins
City Attorney
cc: Mayor Ambrisco
City Councilmembers
City Manager Steve Atkins
James 0. Freedman, President
University of Iowa
bdwl/6
was adopted to provide financial
ulatory activities and its street
en the additional burdens imposed
of the University's cable televi-
either the University or Heritage
suggest that City and University
when we meet to discuss the pro -
these matters. I look forward to
to discuss thea. I will contact you
details for our meeting.
0
a.
CITY OF IOWA-
CITY
March 10, 1967
Mr, Dorsey D. Ellis, Jr,
Vice President for Finance
L University Services
The University of Iowa
101 Jessup Hall
Iowa City, Iowa 52242
Dear Mr. Ellis:
Per our conversation of Monday, March 9th, I ar, enclosing herewith a copy
of the agreement which the City is proposing be executed by the Ci•y and
the University. Althouoh in form desionated a license, the ag,eemen;
covers many of the sane items typically covered in a franchise, end pro-
vides a procedural framework within which the City and the University
would work.
In preparing for our upcoming meeting, it would be very helpful to m: if I
had more information concerning the cable television system which was
recently installed by the University. Specifically, I would like to know
what services the University will be offering to dormitory residents,
beyond the basic package available through Heritage, and what other use
the University will make of the coax cables which have been installed. I
would also request that copies of any ao-eements between Heritage and the
University be provided to me.
Thant: you for your assistance on this miter.
Sin e ely,
Terrence L. Timmins
City Atto"ney
tp2 /7
071V
V
2-5-87
LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN DRAFT
T
THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA, AND
THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
RECITALS
A. Pursua-' to Iowa Code (1985), Section 364. 12, Iowa cities are res,onsible
for k-e:.ing public grounds, streets, sidewalks, alleys, brie: -s, cul-
verts, overpasses, underpasses, grade crossings, public ways, squares,
and ceTons open, in repair, and free from, nuisance.
B. Iowa Cc ---e (1985) Section 364.2(4), authorizes Iowa cities to gra-- public
utili;N franchises regulating "the conditions required and the -;nner of
use o` the streets and public grounds of the city..." low; City has
grante: such franchises to gas, electric, and telecommunicatir s compa-
nies, each of which has installed wires, pipes, conduits, an: related
equip --^.t over, under, across and upon public property throe;-ou; the
City.
C. In ad:` ion to franchise utilities, the City of Iowa City oprass util-
ity systems that provide water and sewer service to its reside -s, which
incluc- water and sewer lines, pipes and appurtenances over, u,der and
across public property in the City.
O. The U— ,ersity of Iowa owns property and facilities at numerous locations
in ]g..; City. Further, the University and businesses contracting with
" the U - 'varsity, operate utility systems ;o provide, ac„og oche- things,
OR V$4
4
r
z
energy, w=ter, sewer, and audio, visual and electronic com,ri-ations
services to University facilities for use of faculty, students and
staff,
E. In opc-a;ing such utility systems, the University has installed wires,
pipes, conduits, and related equipment over, under, upon and across
public p-operty which is owned by or under the control of the City,
includ`ric property being used by City utility franchisees.
F. Because Such uses of public property are so extensive in order to mini -
Mize conflicts and promote cooperation between the City and the Univer-
sity i- ope-ation of various utility systems, the parties dee- it to be
in the-- best interests to agree with respect to the use of public prop-
erty f.- the location, installation, and maintenance of utility systems
and fa_ilities.
AGREEME14TS
Section 1. Definitions.
(a) "Aud`c or Visual Communications" means radio, television (including
Cable tele) Sion), telegraph,, telephonic and electronic trarc—jSSiojS,
i
w'he`by means of open or closed transmission facilities,
I
(b) "City' shall mean the City of loss City, Iowa, and, where ap.ropriate,
shall include its officers, employees and agents.
07044
I
(c) "Enerc.�' Sha 11 mean powrr in the form of gas, oil, electricity or
stea-.
(d) "Excavation Regulations" shall mean Article 11 of Chapter 31 of the Iowa
City Code of Ordinances, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorpo-
rater herein by reference.
(e) "Put'ic Improvements" shall mean any improve-ents on Public Property,
incic_ing but not limited to paving, sideralks, grass, vegetation,
trees, street lights, tra`fic signals, water mains, sewers, and equip-
ment relate' thereto.
( f ) " Pub' ic Property" shall mean City-ovine� or controlled public
rig" s -of -way easements, bridges, squares an_ conr,ans.
(g) "Pub'ic Utility" or "Pub!ic Utility System" shall mean any gas, elec-
tric, telephone, cable television, water, or sewer system serving the
general populace of Iowa City.
(h) "UniNe-sity" shall mean the University of lora.
(i) "Uni,ersity Utility Service" or "Utility Service" shall mean the provi-
sion of energy, audio or visual communications, water and serve- service
4
(bot, sanitary and storm% for use of faculty, staff or students of the
Unive-city.
4
(j) "University Utility Systea" or "Facility" or "Utility Sys te-" shall
include all equipment owned, operated, leased or subleased by the Uni-
versity in connection with University Utility Service and shall include
but not be limited to poles, wires, pipes, cables, underground conduits,
ducts, manholes, vaults, and other structures or appurtenances.
Section 2. Basic Grant; Term.
The University o` low, is hereby granted a license to construct, maintain,
inspect, protect, repair, replace, retain and use University Utility Facili-
ties to p -oxide University Utility Service in, under, upon, alono and across
Public Property, subject to the regulatory powers of the City and subject to
the conditions hereinafter set forth.
The term o` this License Agreement shall be for a period of ten (10) years,
beginning , 1987, and extending to and including
1997. Tris License Agreement may be terminated by sixty (60) day
s written
notice by the City to the University as specified herein.
on 3. Extension or Expansion of utility S stem, Major Repair
Installation of New Systems.
Before co-rencing any extension or expansion of its Utility Sys'e or any
V
major repeir work (i.e. the repair or reconstruction, of any part of the
Utility System on Public Property) or the installation of any ne,a system in
the City, or any direct or indirect connection of its Utility System to the
City's se,.e' system, the University shall file with the Public Works Depa•t-
ment of tre City a written statement specifying the Public Property under or
VO
4
5
upon which it proposes to extend, expand, install or repair its Utility
System and, if applicable, the City sewer or sewers to which it proposes to
connect. Tne Director of Public Works may require that the statement be
accompanie-I by a map, plan or specifications showing the proposed location of
the University Utility System components with reference to streets and alleys
and lot lines, the size and dimensions of all University Utility facilities,
and the distance above or beneath the surface of the ground it is proposed to
repair or to lay the same. If the proposed locations of any University
Utility Pa:ilities shall interfere with the reasonable and proper use, con-
struction, reconstruction and maintenance of any Public Improvements or
existing City owned Public Utility System„ component, or other structure upon
or under thn Public Property, the Director of Public Works shall, within a
reasonable time after the filing of such plan, map or specifications, note
the changes necessary to eliminate all interference with a Public Improvement
or existing City owned Public Utility System facility and refer the same back
to the University for amendment. Such map, plan or specifications, when
properly 'changed and corrected, shall be filed in the Public Works Depart-
ment, and after the approval of the same by the Director of Public Works, a
permit sha'l be issued authorizing the University to proceed in accordance
with the a:aroved maps, plans o, specifications. The permit issued hereunder
shall include any permit required pursuant to the City Excavation Regula-
tions. G: such excavation, construction or erection shall be commenced
before the issuance of the permit herein provided for and all work shall be
in strict accordance with the approved maps, plans or specifications.
6
Section 4. Construction. and Repair of Utility SvsteTs.
In the process of location, construction, reconstruction, replace�e,nt or
repair of any University Utility System component, the excavation o- obstruc-
tion made or placed in Public Property at any time or for any purpose by the
University s�.all, to protect the public and to assure the safe and efficient
movement of traffic, be properly barricaded to comply, at a minim-., with
barricade requirements set forth in the Excavation Regulations. All pavement
taken up or displaced shall be properly an; speedily replace in a:cordance
with the City's Excavation Regulations. As a condition to use o` public
right-of-way, the University shall, to the reasonable satisfactic- of the
person or entity whose property was damaged, at its own expense, repair or
cause repai- to any private property, Public Utility System compone•., Public
Improvemer., or Public Property damaged by such location, construction,
reconstruction, replacement or repair work. Further, without liriting the
generality of the foregoing, the University shall assume full responsibility
for all losses, damages, costs and expenses for injuries to persons or prop-
erty resulting from such location, construction, reconstruction, reclacement
or repair, and shall, to the extent permitted by State law, defend or provide
a defense to the City and its officers, employees and agents from ar_ against
all claims of every nature with respect to such work, or where excavations
have been rade, in the repair of the same or resulting or arising from delay
or failure to restore the Public Property to its former condition, o- result-
ing from a failure to properly barricade such excavations. If the Uriversity
fails to repair or arrange with the City for the proper repair of any Public
Property after excavations have been made, and after five days' notice in
writing tc do so, given to its Facilities Planning and Utiliza`.ior Director,
then the City may make such repairs at the expense of the University,
N
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Section 5. Excavations and Tree Trim^.i
(a) General, Before making any excavation. in Public Property, the Univer-
sity shall obtain a permit therefore pursuant to the Excavation Regilations,
and shall provide the Public Works Department with at least 24 hours notice
prior to the actual commencement of the work. In performing such work, the
University shall not unnecessarily obstruct the use of Public Prop;-ty, and
shall comply with all provisions of the Excavatio• Regulations relating to
traffic control, protection of paved surfaces and a --joining property, reloca-
tion and protection of Public Utility Facilities, backfilling, repair of
surfaces, noise, dirt and debris clean-up, and preservation of moms-ents. In
emergencies which require irmediate excavation, the University ma proceed
with the work without first applying for or obtaining the permit, provided,
however, that the University shall apply for and obtain the excavation permit
as soon as possible after commencing such emergency work. The University
shall no: be charged the fee or deposit required by the City's codes and
resolutions, nor shall it be required to furnish a certificate of public
liability insurance, except that if the University fails to obtai• the re-
quired permit within the time required, it shall pay two times the required
fee within ten (10) working days' writter, notification by the City.
The University hereby agrees to assure full responsibility for trees on
Public Property adjacent to property owned or controlled by the Uriversity.
u
In cutting and trimming trees on or over Public Property, the University
shall conduct such work in a careful and prudent manner and in accordance
with the provisions of Sections 34-16, 34-19, 34-20, 34-21, 34-22, 34-23,
34-24, 34-25, 34-26, 34-37, 34-3E, 34-39, 34-40, and 34-41 of tr- Code of
0
Ordinances of Iowa City, a copy of which is attached hereto. The parties
agree that such provisions set forth minimum standards necessary to assume
the health of trees and the safety of the public.
(b) Failure to Comply; Remedies. If the University fails to comply with the
pro.isiens of subsection (a) of this Section, the City may
(i) repair or restore the Public Property to a condition as good as
t'r.e condition of the Property prior to the disturban:e by the
t'-iversity. The University shall pay the costs of such repair or
restoration; and
(ii) charge the University twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for each day
the condition remains unremedied after receipt by the University's
Director of Facilities Planning and Utilization of notice of the
need for such repair or restoration until the date of satisfactory
repair or restoration of the Property.
Tne University shall pay to the City its costs and charges for
such work within thirty (30) days after receipt of the City's
oilling.
Section 6. Work, by Others Construction by Abuttino Owners, Alte•ation to
Conform with Public Improvements.
µ I
The City reserves the right to lay, and permit to be laid, wires, pipes,
cables, cc,.duits, ducts, manholes and other appurtenances, and ._ do, or
permit tc oe done, any underground and overhead installation or irprovement
M
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that may be deemed necessary or proper by the City in, across, alono, over or
under any Public Property occupied by the University, and to change any curb
or sidewal: or the grade of any street. In permitting others to do such
work, the City shall not be liable to the University for any damage so
caused. Tne City shall not be liable to the University for any damages
arising o,. of the performance of such work by the City or its employees,
agents, co -tractors or subcontractors; provided, however, nothing herein
shall relieve any other person or corporation fro7 liability for damage to
University Utility Facilities.
Section 7. University Contractors.
The require—en's of this License Agreement shall apply fully to all persons,
firms or ce•porations performing work for the University under a contract or
other type or work order.
Section 8. Conditions of Street occupancy.
(a) Use. All University Utility System components erected by the University
within the City shall conform to established grades of streets, alleys and
sidewalks, and be so located as to cause minim;ir interference O th other
public ut" ities located in or upon Public Property, and to cause minin,m
interfererce with the rights or reasonable convenien;e or property o,:ners wF,o
adjoin Pu:'ic Property.
FE
(b) Interference with traffic. the University shall conduct its work here-
under in such manner as to cause as little interference as possible with
pedestriar and vehicular traffic, and shall abide by scheduling directions,
if any, given by the Director of Public Works.
(c) Mandatory Underground Construction. In any areas of the City which the
City Coun:il designates as an underground service district, the University
shall install its Utility System Components underground, except for control
components K4ich must be placed above ground. All such above -ground compo-
nents she" be designed and located with due regard for aesthetics.
(d) P.elo:ation. The University shall, upon reasonable notice and at its
sole cost and expense, remove, locate and relocate its utility system compo-
nents in, or, over or under any Public Property in such manner as the City
may at any time require for the purpose of facilitating the construction,
reconstruction, maintenance, repair or change in grade of any public improve-
ment on, i, or about any such Public Property, for the purpose of promoting
the efficient operation of any such improvement, or for the purpose of fa-
cilitatin_ the vacation and/or redevelopment of public right-of-way by the
I
City. In t -e event the University fails to act within the allotted time, the
City may cause the Utility Syster components to be relocated, anc the costs
thereof s�atl be assessed to the University and shall be paid as provided in
Section 5;:! hereof.
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(e) Placement of Facilities. The University shall not place its Utility
System Fa:`lities in the Public Property where the same will interfere with
the norme' use or maintenance of any Public Improveaent, including but not
A *V 1
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limited to streets, alleys, sidewalks, traffic control devices, sanitary
sewers, storm sewers, storm drains or water mains, or any Public Utility
Facility.
(f) Locator Service. Upon request, the University agrees to assist in
locating underground facilities which are part of its Utility Syste-,. Such
assistance will be provided in a timely manner, usually within twenty-four
(24) hours of the time of the request.
Section 9. Powers of Lit
Nothing ir. this Agreement shall be construed to abridge the right or power of
the City to make further regulations relative to the use of the streets,
alleys an: public grounds by anyone using the sane for the erection and
maintenance of utility systems.
Section 10. Plans and Coordination.
(a) Construction, Expansion Repair and Rehabilita'ior Plans. On or before
May 1 of each year, the University shall proride the Public Yorks De-
partrent with a schedule showing all planned construction, expansion,
rehet4litation, repair, or reconstruction o` the Universit, Utility
Syste—, except emergency work, which is p'anned within the City, or
within unincorporated areas within two (2) miles of the City's corporate
limits, during the next five years,
40010
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On o, before May I of each year, the City shall provide to the Univer-
sity its latest Capital Improvements Program, as adopted, for the con-
struction, rehabilitation, repair, or reconstruction or Public
lmpro;e-nents on Public Property during the next five years.
The C'ty and the University shall use such information for planning and
coorc'-..ating City and University construction work. on Public Property,
and f:,, planning growth and development within the City.
(b) CoorC+nation of Work. The City and the University agree that it is in
their mutual interest to coordinate their work on City Public Improve-
ments and the University Utility System, respectively, and they further
agree that the City shall have ultimate authority and responsibility for
the coordiantion of such work. Accordingly, upon written request by the
City, the University shall reschedule (advance or delay) such work
withi- the City to coordinate with or avoid interference with any work
to be done by the City, or shall relocate its construction route to a
route acceptable to the City. Furthermore, upon request by the City, at
the time the City rehabilitates, repairs or reconstructs Public Improve-
ments located on Public Property the University shall adjust to grade
all acpurtenances related to its Utility System and which are located on
the Folic Property.
(c) As Lilt Plans. Upon completion of work, the University shall promptly
furnish to the City copies of "as built" plans related to its Utility
Syste- located on Public Property.
01 HL
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Section 11. Maps, Re:e-:s, Reports and Documents.
(a) Maintenance of P.e:c-ds. The University shall keep car,,'=te and accurate
maps and records o" its operations under and in con,=::io-, with this
License Agreeme-•t. The University shall keep its m -:s and records of
each type of Uti'-ty Facility and Utility System it S_:h a way that
separate and spe:,`:c identification is available.
(b) Exarriratio an= A_:it of Records. The City shall ha,e the right, at
reaso-able times a -C for reasonable purposes, to exavi• , audit, review,
and!o- obtain ee:'es of the documents, maps, plans ar: ::her records of
the U-iversity p=-:=-ining to this License. The Univ --!":y shall fully
coop= -ate in me available records and otherwise a;i'stirc in these
activities.
(c) ]nqui•ies. The :":y may, at any time, mak= reasons' "nq_iries as to
the U•iversity's c:•eration of a Utility Service wit" :he City. The
Unive-sity shall respond to such inquiries within five ':) wor;;ing days
Of a- inquiry,
(dj Annus' Report. or before the first day of May c^ :a:t• yea- during
the te'r of tris _ sense Agreement, the University s's" file Witt the
City a correcte: st of facilities, and an up -to -da.- r,:-.1 o` its Util-
ity Systems, sho. — all Facilities newly installed, e):= -def or removed
during the previc_: calendar year, as well as those cu-•e-tly it use.
49 OF#/
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(e) F•'••cs. Copies of all petitions, ap;lications, communications and
re: �-ts submitted by the University to the Federal Communications Com -
r _:ie the lova CD'mmerce Comrnission, or any other regulatory agency,
-aspect to any matters affecting a Utility Service conducted in whole
i• part within the City shall be provided to the City at the time
s.:• cocuments are filed with the agency.
L c — . Violations of Aoreement.
Upon eiiden-e being receive by the City that a vic!at ion or
of this License Agreement, or codes or ordinances law`-lly regu-
the University in the furnishing e` service hereunder, or the use
Public Property, is occurring, or has occurred, (hereinafter
- e:! to as a "default") the City sha'1 cause an investigation to be
If the City finds that a default epists or has occurrec, the City
r: ta1.e appropriate steps to secure co-:•liance with the terry of this
%.•=e-ent or the codes or ordinances.
(b) ft " ce of Default. The City shall notify the University of tre default
a - the University shall cure such de`ault within fourteen. (14) days
receipt of such notice.
(c) %e a:'es for Defa,:lt. If the University fails to cure a de`a.'t within
:icor allowed, the City shall have the right to:
seek specific performance; or
remedy the default by doing the ac: itself, or throug� a contrac-
tor, and charge the costs of suc� work., to the University; or
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(iii) se O. damages for su:h default; or
(iv) any combination of (i), (ii) and (iii).
The U-iversity shall a'sc be liable for reasonable attorneys' fees and
costs incurred by the City in pursuing any such course of action ( in-
cl u,'riz payment for tire spent by in-house attorneys), together with
inte-est on out-of-po:1.et costs expended hereunder at the rate of 9.751.
per a-nu'i.
Section 1.. Liability and lr:-?:-ification.
The Unive-sity covenants t: indemnify, defend, an.' save the City and its
officers, agents and employees, harmless from ar.y and all damages arisin;,
directly e- indirectly, fro- exercise of the rights granted herein. Damages
to crops, fences, or other p-;,,erty of the City or its franchisees, licensees
or tenants during the ori;'r.al construction arc subsequent maintenancC,
repair a•.c use of the Pub'. is Property shall be p-om.ptly compensated for by
the UnivE-sity.
Section It. License Fee.
The Unive-city shall pay nc `ee fo- the license va•:ted hereunde-.
Section 1:. Severability.
In the e.e•,t that a court c' competent jurisdictioc shall adjudge any provi-
sion or r-ovisions hereof i•ralid or illegal, o, direct a change by the
Universit; in aay matter c• thing herein contained, such invalidity or
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illegalit% o- change shall in noway affect the rer.aining provisions of this
Agreemer.t or their validity or legality, and this Agreement in all other
respects s',all continue in full force and effect, as if said provision or
provisiors hat not been so adjudged invalid or illegal, or such change had
not beer directed, or shall, at the City's option, cause a termination of the
Agreeme-:.
Sect ior if. Prior Licenses Repealed.
All gra-'.-, franchises, agreements, franchises-ir-fact, rights, licenses, and
privilege_ heretofore made or granted by the City to the University, by
ordinance c- other..•ise, and all rights of the Ur±versity thereunder made by
the Cit, x, cxhers fror= which the University ma; have purchased any part of
its Uti1i:) Systems, are hereby merged into ti's Agreement, it being the
intentic, xra: this Agreement shall contain all grants, franchises, agree-
ments, r _':s, licenses, privileges, and oblig—J ons of the University
relaxin: xc U-.iversity Utility Service.
sectio•. 1-. Assignment.
This A.r ee 4 shall not be assignable withou'. the express consent of the
City Co--:,*' of the City; such consent to be e,idenced by an ordinance or
resolutic- x'.at fully recites the terms and co�.'tions, if any, upon which
such co -ser: is given.
n
Sect ior IE. Vacation of Streets an(' Alleys.
So long as the University exercises the rights granted to it hereunde•, the
City will not, by ordinance or otherwise, vacate any street, alley or p::lic
way in w'ich the University has installed Utility Facilities without reserv-
ino suet rights as necessary tc allow continued use of such Prope-t, for
Utility Facilities in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, pro, -'def
that notring herein shall limit the City's right to require the Univers to
relocate its Utility Facilities as provided in Section B(d) hereof.
Sectior, 19. Delivery of Notices. Except as may be expressly provi;:: io
Sections 4 and 5 hereof, any notices hereunder shall be in writing an: s -all
bE delive-ed via certified mail, eJressed to the parties as follows, -•'ess
otherwise indicated in the future;
If to Licensor; City Mara_Er
City of ]ora City
410 E. Was'ingtor, St.
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
OROW
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I1 to License'.:
provided, however, tF.et in the case of an emergency, n :es mei be giver
verbally to the abore-named. In such case, written co-`•-matiV should be
provided. Nothin; co�%tained herein shall prevent othE� f: -ms of notice if
actually received t., the addressee.
Notice shall be deer:: giver. or, date of mailino in case of :Ertified mail, or
otherwise on the dare actual notice is received.
THIS AGREEMENT is e -.:e -ed into as of the day of
1987.
By
Its
ATTEST:
Its
UNIVERSITY 0= IOW4 CITY OF ::n". C]?1
Be:
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clare
0710
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 26, 1988
To: Mayor John McDonald and City Councilmembers
From: Terrence L. Timmins, City Attorney
Re: University Proposal to Install Electrical Transmission Line in City
Street Right -of -Way
Introduction:
During the last six months, the City has been approached by two entities,
AT&T and the University of Iowa, seeking to install utilities in City street
right-of-way. The AT&T project involves the installation of a long distance
fiber optic telephone cable, while the University's project
electric transmission line. City staff and presentatives are now
involves an
AT&T re
negotiating a "license agreement" covering installation and operation of the
long distance fiber optic telephone cable and that matter will be presented
to Council at an informal session in the near future to secure some policy
direction.
In this memo, I will outline the status of our discussions with the univer-
sity regarding the proposed electrical transmission line.
Discussion:
The University of Iowa and ]owa-Illinois Gas & Electric Company have for some
time been planning a project to construct an electric substation just to the
south and west of the railroad overpass on Capitol street, and an underground
transmission line frthe new
substation northof Burlington Street u nearti theUniversity bstaon to an existing
Plant. The
Propowouldsed pr proceed northnfromline
the newdesigned
substation rrin theKMadisonleStreettV of right-
of-way to Court Street, would proceed west on Court Street to Front Street,
and then north on Front Street across Burlington Street to the existing
University substation. These improvements are apparently necessary to pro-
vide better and cheaper service to the University.
As originally proposed some months ago, the new substation and transmission
line were to be constructed, owned and operated by the City's franchisee,
Iowa -Illinois Gas & Electric Company, Under its franchise, Iowa -Illinois is
permitted to use City streets for such purposes, but must, of course, receive
City approval of the route and location of those facilities in street right -
franchisee to move its facilities of -way. Furthermore, the franchise gives the City the right to require the
ties, Furthermore, the franchise if they come into conflict with city utili-
hold requires the franchisee to indemnify and
e City harmless
account of the installationoroperationof suchhfacilitiessuffer damages on
7`7`
In recent discussions with representatives of lowa-Illinois and the Univer-
sity, City Engineer Frank Farmer discovered that those parties have changed
their plans and that the proposed transmission line is now to be owned and
operated by the University. This, of course, raises the issue of what the
City should require of the University in allowing it to bury this high volt-
age transmission line in City street right-of-way.
As the Council will recall, the City and the University faced this same issue
approximately two years ago when the City was approached by the University
seeking permission to install a new communications system (telephones, etc.)
for its many buildings, utilizing fiber-optic cables buried in City street
right-of-way. City staff initially questioned whether the University would
need to obtain a franchise from the City to install and operate such a sys-
tem. At that time, we were persuaded by University representatives that a
franchise was not necessary, and that the City and the University could
instead enter into an agreement to allow the University to place those im-
provements in City streets. On that basis, the City acquiesced and allowed
the University to proceed with that project on the assumption that an agree-
ment could be negotiated and would be executed by the University. However,
it was discovered during construction of that system that the University was
also installing a cable television system along with its fiber optic tele-
phone system. City staff corresponded with University official informing
them that their new cable television system was in violation of the City's
cable television franchise ordinance. However, in an attempt to compromise
the issue, City staff drafted and offered to recommend to Council the execu-
tion of a "license agreement" that would cover all University utilities,
including the new cable television system. The University refused to negoti-
ate such an agreement, particularly those provisions that would have required
it to pay a license fee equivalent to the franchise fee that it would have
had to pay as a cable television franchisee. Those discussions and negotia-
tions stalled in March of 1987.
Conclusion:
With regard to the University's current project, it would be my recommenda-
tion that the City not allow that project to proceed unless the University,
at a minimum, negotiates and executes a license agreement covering the trans-
mission line. The City could take the position, however, that it wants a
single license agreement covering all University utilities -water, electric,
steam, telephone - and cabletelevision. We would likewise suggest that this
matter 9 scheduled or ssion urino an upcoming informal session.
errence L. linmins, City Attorney
bj2/1
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A 44VV
The University of Iowa
lows Gp lowe 5724:
Bus-nFss Olbcc
.a' -
February 4, 1988
Terrence L. Timmins
City Attorney
410 East Washington St.
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Re: License Agreement for Duct Bank. Construction
15 KV Electrical Substation L - Phase I Project
Dear Mr. Timmins:
Enclosed please find a copy of a proposed agreement between
the City and the University which would extend a license to the
University to install two duct banks and cabling below city
streets pursuant to the above -referenced project. Although the
University is aware of the City's desire to execute a more
general license agreement, the University requests that
consideration be given to this proposed agreement independently.
The project is scheduled to begin on February 15, 1988 and
contractor is staffed and ready to proceed. The University is
requesting prompt consideration and action on this matter;
however, if you recall, the plans for the project were brought to
the attention of the City about six months ago by University
engineers for the purposes of review. At that time, the City
representatives indicated that there were no problems with the
project and that the contractor would, as is customary, need to
obtain a construction permit. The City representatives made no
mention of a desire for a license.
To my knowledge, this is the first time the City has required
a license of this type. The University believes that the
enclosed agreement reflects the interests of both parties and
addresses the immediate concerns of the current project. The
University appreciates your cooperation in this matter. If you
have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at
335-0125.
Sincerely,
D1'chael J. Finnegan
Business Manager
w Enclosure
VQV r
RECEIA/Er.
FEB 0 51988
LEGAL DEP A.9TMEN"
LICENSE AGREEMENT
lic
Of Iowa
This
City eOfeJohnson eCount nt is made bt
and between the City
University of Iowa for the use andeb"City)ofUniversity
}
Of Iowa (the "University"), enefi
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the University has determined that electrical
loads the east
presentt side of the campus will soon exceed the
capacity of the University's existing electrical
distribution system;
WHEREAS, to accommodate the anticipated increase in
electrical load, the University wishes to establish a new
electrical substation on South Capitol Street;
WHEREAS, electrical access to the substation by the
University will necessitate the installation of electrical
ductbanks and cabling which will be within the public
grounds of the City;
NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the
City hereby grants to the University a license to use
certain public grounds of the City for the installation of
electrical ductbanks and cabling subject to the
terms and conditions: following
1. Land: The land which is the subject of this license
agreement is described as follows:
Beginning at the most southerly point of Madison
Street where Madison Street meets the
Chicago -Pacific Corporation Railroad in Iowa City,
and where manholes E87 and EBB are to be
constructed, running North along the curbsides
bordering Madison Street for approximately 1600 feet
to manholes E97 and E98 (to be constructed),
West
along then
500feettroadway the
to and rE102r(to bep1O}•imately
constructed), then North along the roadway of Front
Street approximately 300 feet to existing manholes
E103 and E104, as more specifically described or,
drawing number 8136-23, entitled Electrical
Distribution Site Plan, which drawing was prepared
by Stanley Consultants for the University as a part
of the Main Power Plant 15 Y,V Electrical Substation
L -phase 1 Plans and which drawing and Plans have
made a part here
been designated "Exhibit A", attached hereto and
of.
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The City hereby warrants that it is lawfully seized and
Possessed of the land described herein and that it has a
good and lawful right to convey it or any part thereof.
remises
ll
ed by the
for the purposeslofpexcavating aforbandsconstructiUniversity
installation, repair, replacement, maintenance, improvement
and use of two electrical duct banks and 15 XV cabling for
the purpose of distributing electricity from the new
substation to the existing electrical distribution system..,
together with the right of ingress and egress thereto,
subject to the rights of all parties under any and all other
easements of record existing on the date hereof.
3. Access: The University's entrance upon the City's
premises for the purposes as stated herein shall be over
that during the original cons
reasonable routes of access and at reasonable times, except
over the truction only, encroachment
immediately adjoining areas by the University is
permitted if necessary. Access to the premises by the
University will be coordinated with the City. Any parts of
said premises damaged in the course of gaining access to or
egress from said premises shall be promptly replaced or
restored by the University at the sole cost and expense of
the University.
4. Excavations: All ditches, trenches and other
excavations undertaken by the University shall be firmly
filled and maintained so as to present no hazard or obstacle
to the City's use of the premises for other purposes.
5. Richtsrved: The City reserves to itself the
right to the full use of said premises for any purpose the
City deems fit which does not interfere with the
University's rights granted herein.
6. Duration: This license is granted and all rights
hereunder shall endure for so long as they are required by
the University and used for the purposes of electrical
distribution. Whenever said purpose shall cease, all riehts
granted herein shall terminate and revert to the City.
7. Liability: The University shall be responsible for
all losses, damages, costs and expenses for injuries to
persons or property resulting from the exercise of the
license granted herein to the extent permitted by Chapter
25A of the Code of Iowa.
8. Utilities Crossings: All crossings of existing City
utilities shall be according to specifications and details
3
coordinated with the City and officials of the U
charge of such installations, and the City niversity in
shall have the
right to construct any such facilities across or through the
easement tract in such manner as not to interfere with
University's facilities installed hereunder.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, the parties have caused this
instrument to be duly executed by their duly designated
Officials on this _ day of
--�, 1988.
State University of Iowa
City of Iowa City
Michael J. Finnegan
Business Manager
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Acknowledgement of the State University of Iowa
STATE OF IOWA )ss:
County of Johnson
On this day of , A.D., 19
before me the undersigned, a Notary Public in and for said
University, personally appeared Michael J. Finnegan,
Business Dfanager of the State University of Iowa, known to
me to be the person and who executed the foregoing
instrument to which this is attached and who acknowledged
the execution of said instrument to be a voluntary act and
deed.
Notary Public in and for said State
Acknowledgement of the City of Iowa City
STATE OF IOWA )ss:
County of Johnson
On this day of , A.D., 19 ,
before me the undersigned, a Notary Public in and for said
City, personally appeared
, known to me to be the person who
executed the foregoing instrument to which this is attached
and who acknowledged the execution of said instrument to be
a voluntary act and deed.
Notary Public in and for Said State
V
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SIGNAL SYSTEM FEASIBILITY STUDY
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U.S. HIGHWAY 6
I' IOWA CITY, IOWA
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I�j�IIin I JOHNSON, ORICREtes MUICANY
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JANUARY, 1988
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SIGNAL SYSTEM FEASIBILITY STUDY
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U.S. HIGHWAY 6
IOWA CITY, IOWA
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Prepared for
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the City of
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Iowa City, Iowa
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Prepared by
Johnson, Brickell, Mulcahy and Associates, Inc.
Consulting Engineers
January, 1988
P
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- JOHNSON, BRICKELL, MULCAHY. AND ASSOCIATES. INC
January29, 1988
Mr. James N. Brachtel, P.E.
Traffic Engineer
Traffic Engineering Division
410 East Washington
W
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
"
Dear Mr. Brachtel:
ulcahy
In accordance with the City's requestJohnson"have aMsignal
and Associates, Inc., Consulting completed
the section of U.S. Highway 6 between
system feasibility study for
Fairmeadows Street.
r
Riverside Drive and
STUDY PURPOSE
This study program is the first phase of a three phase traffic
of developing
"
signal improvement project with the overall purpose
improvementsthat
traffic control signal system improve
along the U.S. study
traffic flow and operations
section.
,.,
The purpose of this study (Phase I - Signal System Feasibility
traffic flow and operations along
Study) is to determine if the
be significantly improved
it stal ation of
Eby
the study section can ts
traffic signal controls along
coordinated
of the study indicate that such is the case, then Phases II and
development of
III would be completed which will include the
the development of
traffic signal improvement specifications,
the implementation of the
optimized signal timing plans, and
timing plan parameters.
STUDY AREA
This study includes the eight signalized intersections on U.S.
Fairmeadows Street. These
Highway 6 between Riverside Drive and
intersections are listed below:
Riverside Drive;
Gilbert Street;
Boyrum Street;
^'
Keokuk Street;
Broadway Street;
Sycamore Street;
First Avenue; and
Fairmeadows Street.
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All eight intersections have actuated signal controls and provide
left turn vehicular control on Highway 6 through the use of
separate turn lanes and left turn phasing.
Intersection spacing varies from 1015 -feet between Boyrum and
Keokuk to 2323 -feet between Broadway and Sycamore. The total
- section length is 10,799 -feet which is slightly over two miles.
Lane
two through elanes in each wdirectionay 6 ,�dand efrequenteseparateparate lft turnlright
turn lanes. Lane arrangements on the side streets vary
significantly from one lane approaches such as at Keokuk to the
multilane approaches on Riverside which are similar to the typical
Highway 6 cross section.
Speed zones increase from the west to the east with a 30 mph zone
,
at Riverside; a 35 mph zone at GilbertBoyrum, and Keokuk; a 40
Fairmeadows.
mph zone at Broadway, Sycamore, and First; and a 45 mph zone at
'
STUDY APPROACH
In general the approach used in completing this study was to
simulate traffic flow and operations under two conditions: the
before condition which includes traffic operations as they
presently exist along the study section and the after condition
which includes anticipated traffic operations which would occur
with optimized signal timings for signal progression along the
study section. The comparison of traffic operations under these
two conditions would determine the approximate amount of
improvement that could be expected.
�r
The simulation of traffic flow and operations was accomplished
through the use of the AAP (Arterial Analysis Program)
computerized traffic signal timing optimization package which
utilizes three computer
ic
operations. These three programs a are ms tSOAP84elPASSERfII-84igand
TRANSYT-7F. Since this study dealt with the analysis of an
arterial street segment, only the latter two programs were used.
The following steps were accomplished by the Consultant in order
to obtain the necessary data to make the before and after
comparison.
1. The TRANSYT-7F computer model was used to simulate existing
traffic operations during the A.M. peak hour, the off peak
hour, and the P.M. peak hour. A common background cycle
length was assumed for all eight intersections during each
of the three study periods in order to utilize the computer
model. The individual maximum phase timings for each
intersection were proportionately increased or decreased as
necessary in order to obtain the common background cycle
length.
opr Ira
A random number generator was used to simulate the signal
timing offset relationships between each intersection under
existing conditions. Two sets of offset values were
determined for each intersection during each of the three
study periods. An average of the final results from the two
_ sets of offsets was used to portray existing conditions.
2. The PASSER II-84 computer model was used to optimize the
existing traffic operations during the A.M. peak hour, the
-' off peak hour, and the P.M. peak hour. In order to
accomplish this a cycle search was completed to determine
the best background cycle length for each of the study
periods. A range of cycle lengths between 80 seconds and
120 seconds was evaluated with the following results: A.M.
peak - 95 seconds; off peak - 85 seconds; and P.M. peak -
100 seconds.
3. The TRANSYT-7F computer model was used to simulate the
optimized traffic operations during each of the three study
periods. The timings and offsets utilized in this
simulation were those obtained from the PASSER II-84 runs in
step number 2 above.
4. The output parameters from the TRANSYT-7F computer runs in
steps 1 and 3 were compared to determine the extent of
improved traffic flow and operations. The parameters that
were compared are typically referred to as MOE's (measures
of effectiveness) and include the following measures:
volume/capacity ratio, total delay, average delay, stops,
and fuel consumption. The existing conditions were referred
to as before conditions and the optimized conditions as
after conditions.
The two TRANSYT-7F computer results for each time period as
described in step number 1, the computer printouts of the random
numbers used in step number 1, and the TRANSYT-7F computer results
described in step number 3 are included in an appendix that is
separate from this report.
It should be noted that even though Boyrum is currently a "T"
Intersection the Consultant, as directed, assumed a typical four-
legged intersection for both the existing and optimized
conditions.
DATA COLLECTION
The City provided the Consultant with all the field data required
to complete this study. The data collected by the City forces
includes six hours (7:30-9:30 A.M., 11:30-1:30 P.M., and 4:00-6:00
P.M.) of manual turning movement counts which were obtained in
November, 1987 each intersection; a record of the existing
controller timing data for each intersection; and a condition
diagram of each intersection that showed the number of lanes,
geometries, and general signal layout.
a*pr
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION
- Tables I, II, and III were prepared to summarize the MOE's that
were calculated by the TRANSYT-7F computer model as it simulated
the existing or before conditions and the optimized or after
conditions during the three study periods.
As can be seen, from an overall systemwide evaluation all MOE's
showed significant improvements. The most noticeable improvements
are as follows: delay measures improved by 48% during the P.M.
peak; stops improved by 19% during the off peak; and fuel
consumption improved by 22% during the P.M. peak.
Some of the more significant intersection improvements are as
follows: the V/C ratios at Riverside and at First improved by 50%
and 23% respectively during the P.M. peak; the delay measures at
Riverside (P.M, peak) and at Broadway (off peak) improved by 69%
and 63% respectively; stops at Sycamore (off peak) and at Broadway
(A.M. peak) improved by 40% and 39% respectively; and fuel
consumption at Riverside (P.M. peak) and at Boyrum (off peak)
improved by 44% and 30% respectively.
Of those few parameters that showed a worse condition rather than
an improved condition, the more significant ones are as follows:
the V/C ratio at Sycamore will worsen by 10% during the P.M. peak;
delay measures at First Avenue will worsen by 21% during the off
peak; stops at First will worsen by 12% during the P.M. peak; and
fuel consumption at First increased by 5% during the A.M. peak.
The City is concerned with the impact of the traffic control
signal system improvements not only on the overall systemwide flow
and operations, but also on each specific intersection approach.
The numerous traffic optimization studies completed by this
Consultant and others working in this field have shown that it is
impractical if not impossible to improve traffic operations for
all vehicular movements at an intersection unless the existing
cycle length was either extremely short or extremely long.
In the majority of improvement projects of this nature the traffic
operations on the major street approaches (such as Highway 6) will
generally improve while the minor street approaches (the eight
side streets) will generally worsen. A review of the MOE's for
the through and left turning vehicles at each intersection
indicated that this was generally the situation in this study with
a larger percent of the side street approaches showing a decline
in their LOS than the U.S. Highway 6 approaches.
y In order to evaluate the changes in traffic flow and operations at
each intersection approach, the Consultant completed a detailed
level -of -service (LOS) analysis of each turning movement, during
each time period, under both before and after conditions. The
-. concept of LOS is defined in the Highway Capacity Manual Special
Report 209 as a qualitative measure describing operational
Intersection
Riverside
Gilbert
Boyrum
Keokuk
Broadway
Sycamore
First
Fairmeadows
Systemwide
Volume/
Capacity
B
A
5
62
59
3
80
74
6
61
47
14
57
60
(3)
37
30
7
50
44
6
61
44
17
51
38
13
N/A N/A N/A
f"M MW mum BOVA X= Ug= Um WA= mom Om" r�
TABLE I
A.M. Peak Hour
Before and After Comparison
Iowa, City
Total
Delay
Veh.- Hr.)
B
A
_B
17.5
15.7
10
17.3
15.1
13
6.5
6.2
5
13.6
6.6
51
4.1
2.3
44
7.6
5.8
24
5.7
5.4
5
4.8
3.5
21
77.1
60.6
22
Average
Delay
(See./Veh.)
B A
32.9 29.4 11
25.7 2.2.4 13
14.9 14.0 6
29.2 14.0 52
10.5 6.1 42
17.9 13.6 24
17.7 16.8 5
20.0 14.11 28
22.2 17.4 22
Uniform
Stops
B A %
80
74
6
67
48
19
52
58
(6)
67
42
25
53
16
37
58
4o
18
53
62
(9)
56
45
11
62
49
13
Notes: "B" indicates the Before or existing condition.
"A" indicates the After or optimized condition.
indicates the change in percent between the Before and After conditions.
Parentheses around a condition indicate a worsened condition.
No parentheses indicate an improved condition.
The Before values are the average of two computer runs.
Fuel
Consumed
(Gal.)
B
A
-I-
39.2
39.2
37.3
5
46.5
41.3
11
22.0
22.4
(2)
29.6
21.1
29
26.3
19.9
24
24.7
20.6
17
17.0
17.8
(5)
13.0
11.0
15
218.3 191.4 12
nsad WWW M tri L9 "' 23:4Ki& 'W'^WNfi➢H"6LLBA 0=M an" 151Cm OWN 6v.W iWy rrl
Intersection
Riverside
Gilbert
Boyrum
Keokuk
Broadway
Sycamore
First
Fairmeadows
Systemwide
Volume/
Capacity
B
A
5
62
54
8
72
72
0
58
55
3
63
63
0
50
41
9
46
54
(8)
65
56
9
44
4o
4
N/A N/A N/A
TABLE II
Off Peak Hour
Before and After Comparison
Iowa, City
Total
Delay
(Veh.- Hr.)
B
A
_.L
15.6
13.3
15
19.9
20.0
( 1 )
14.5
7.5
48
13.2
6.9
48
10.6
3.2
70
9.5
5.5
42
6.2
7.5
(21)
3.3
2.2
33
92.8 66.1 29
Uniform
Stops
B
Average
5
82
Delay
9
(Se c./Veh.)
B
A
3
30.2
25.7
15
27.3
27.3
0
26.7
13.8
48
24.7
12.9
48
25.4
7.6
70
21.4
12.4
42
19.0
23.0
(21)
15.1
10.3
32
24.9
17.7
29
Uniform
Stops
B
A
5
82
73
9
76
80
(4)
76
50
16
77
42
35
75
28
47
83
46
37
75
69
6
54
38
16
76
56
20
Notes: "B" indicates the Before or existing condition.
"A" Indicates the After or optimized condition.
indicates the change in percent between the Before and After conditions.
Parentheses around a condition indicate a worsened condition.
No parentheses indicate an improved condition.
The Before values are the average of two computer runs.
Fuel
Consumed
(Gal.)
B
A
3
37.2
34.6
7
48.0
49.1
(2)
33.2
24.3
27
32.0
22.3
30
34.3
21.8
36
34.0
25.1
26
18.9
19.2
(2)
11.6
9.4
19
249.2 205.8 17
Intersection
Riverside
Gilbert
Boyrum
Keokuk
Broadway
Sycamore
First
Fairmeadows
Systemwide
... �: '.::.a .::.earl ^Li ••!.. f .:Y.i [R....,n ::. :....
Volume/
Capacity
132 82 50
100 85 15
74 67 7
85 73 12
62 52 10
59 69 (10)
96 73 23
50 47 3
N/A N/A N/A
TABLE III
P.M. Peak Hour
Before and After Comparison
Iowa, City
Average
Delay
Sec./Veh.
B A -,
117.0 35.9 69
51.3 33.3 35
27.7 18.8 32
24.3 17.9 26
13.6 13.6 0
23.8 14.8 38
33.8 23.4 31
15.8 12.7 20
43.3 23.1 47
Uniform
Stops
B A _,
85
Total
7
88
Delay
5
(Veh.- Hr.)
B
A
_�L
90.6
27.8
69
51.1
33.2
35
19.3
13.1
32
16.8
12.3
27
7.4
7.4
0
14.8
9.2
38
15.8
11.0
30
4.6
3.7
20
220.4
117.7
47
Average
Delay
Sec./Veh.
B A -,
117.0 35.9 69
51.3 33.3 35
27.7 18.8 32
24.3 17.9 26
13.6 13.6 0
23.8 14.8 38
33.8 23.4 31
15.8 12.7 20
43.3 23.1 47
Uniform
Stops
B A _,
85
78
7
88
83
5
65
59
6
64
44
20
39
29
10
59
48
11
63
75
(12)
46
44
2
68
60
8
Notes: "B" indicates the Before or existing condition.
"A" indicates the After or optimized condition.
indicates I'�11 Parenthesesharoundge in a conditiontbetween indicate ahe Before and After conditions.
worsened condition.
No parentheses indicate an improved condition.
The Before values are the average of two computer runs.
i�
o
Fuel
Consumed
(Gal.)
B
A
-�L
106.2
59.0
44
88.0
73.6
16
41.0
35.4
14
37.9
31.1
18
32.2
30.0
7
44.7
37.9
15
29.8
28.5
4
14.8
14.0
_5
394.6 309.5 22
conditions within a traffic stream and their perception by
motorists and/or passengers. A LOS definition generally describes
these operational conditions in terms of such factors as speed and
travel time, freedom to maneuver, comfort and convenience, and
safety.
For signalized intersections LOS is defined in terms of delay.
- The appendix to this report includes a description and definition
of each of the six levels -of -service (A through F) that are used
in evaluating the operational conditions of signalized
intersections. It should be noted that by definition the limit of
acceptable delay is considered to occur in LOS E and that the
delay
mostdrivers . The design LOS 1 currently rused ed oby many be aengineers ccetable is
D. These engineers acknowledge the fact that typically it is not
economically feasible to design a roadway system that will serve
traffic volumes at the design level 100% of the time. Special
traffic conditions, sudden surges in traffic flow, and normal
traffic growth all contribute to produce LOS conditions that
exceed design values and which result in the operation of a
specific approach or an entire intersection at or beyond the limit
of acceptable delay.
The following definitions are the Consultant's attempt to describe
traffic operations associated with levels -of -service D, E, and F
in more general and easy to understand concepts.
LOS D - A motorist may have to wait through a long red
signal, but he/she should be able to make it through the
intersection once the green signal is received.
LOS E - Even though a motorist arrives at an intersection
while the signal is red, he/she will probably not make it
through the intersection on the following green signal, but
will have to wait through another red signal before making
it through the intersection.
LOS F - Even though a motorist arrives at an intersection
while the signal is red, he/she will not make it through the
intersection on the following green signal, but will
Probably have to wait through two or more red signals before
making it through the intersection.
The results of the detailed LOS analysis have been summarized in
Figures 1, 2, and 3. These figures contain three specific items
of information for each of the three study periods: the existing
traffic volumes on each intersection approach; the existing LOS on
each intersection approach; and the optimized LOS on each
intersection approach.
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The information in the three figures reveals that for the 48 U.S.
Highway 6 levels -of -service (16 during each of three study
periods): 54% will improve; 36% will remain the same; and 10%
will worsen. The information also revealed that for the 42 side
street levels -of -service (14 during each of the three study
periods): 10% will improve; 62% will remain the same; and 28%
will worsen.
Of specific concern was the intersection of Boyrum with the
proposed addition of a north approach. The analysis indicated
that the traffic volumes anticipated to be generated at the
intersection will produce B and C levels -of -service on Highway 6
and C and D levels -of -service on Boyrum.
In summary it should be noted that under optimized conditions the
lowest LOS anticipated for any intersection approach during the
three peak hour periods studies is a D. This condition is very
satisfactory and highly acceptable for peak hour periods of
operation.
ADDITIONAL FINDINGS
Analyses of the left turning traffic volumes and the PASSER I1-84
MOE's indicated that long queues of turning vehicles currently
exist and will continue to exist at the intersections of Riverside
Drive and Highway 6 and Gilbert Street with Highway 6 during the
peak travel periods.
The magnitude of these turning movements are such that traffic
control signal system improvements will not completely address the
long queues and delays that are typically associated with heavy
turning movements. The Consultant would suggest that the City
consider capital improvement measures in the near future to
facilitate the left turning volumes for eastbound and westbound
Highway 6 at Riverside, southbound Riverside, eastbound Highway 6
at Gilbert, and northbound and southbound Gilbert. These measures
could take the form of longer storage lanes and double left turn
lanes.
Coordination of the traffic signals at the eight study
intersections to improve vehicular progression along U.S. Highway
6 will have the tendency to control vehicular speeds. The optimum
travel speed will be based on the posted speed limit and any
vehicles traveling at speeds that exceed the optimum travel speed
by as much as five miles an hour will significantly increase their
probability of stopping for a red signal. It has been the
Consultant's observation that in situations where vehicular speeds
have been better controlled and regulated the safety of
pedestrians and motorists alike has not been compromised.
12
USER BENEFITS
The effects of improvements in such operational performance
parameters as delay, stops, and speed can be expressed in terms of
dollar savings for the user through reduced fuel consumption,
vehicle wear, and travel time.
The Consultant has calculated the projected annual user benefits
for the study segment on U.S. Highway 6 utilizing cost values that
are approved and recommended by
Administration. The user benefits, the Federal Highway
cost values, and savings are
listed below.
Travel Time Reduction
Reduction of Stops 2,206,225 veh-hr/yr @ $ .50 = $ 28,500
Reduced Fuel Consumption 60 950 veh-hr/yr @ $ .011= 30,900
Total Annual Savings veh-gal/yr @ $1.10 = 67 050
12 , 50
SUMMARY
The Consultant has discussed and summarized the results of a
y stud on
signalizedtem interseciti ns between andUincludingway 6 for the Riverside Driveand
Fairmeadows Street.
The results of this feasibility
Implementation of traffic control signal
dsystemiimprovements cate that tto
include coordinated and optimized signal timings along the study
route will significantly improve systemwide traffic flow and
d operations. Since it is impossible to assure all motorists a
continuous green signal within the system, vehicles will still
have to stoas p
of their estotpsvel andaslow diownsywill beThe
affected frequency
byand
number of parameters: vehicle speeds, driving surface conditions,
emergency vehicle operations, stalled vehicles, maintenance work
crews, trains, and perhaps the most important parameter - when and
where they enter the traffic stream along the highway.
indicatedThe results also
hes
Intersections along Highway 6 would operate ratcacceptf t the
of-service (A through D) and that no a
at a LOS below D. PProaches would be operating
ations
so been
improvements atvthelRiversideeDriverand Gilberlt St�etet
Intersections with Highway U. S. 6 to improve left turning traffic
operations. The volumes of turning traffic at these two
intersections is significant and as a result long queues and
congestion are resulting. Additional storage length and possible
double left turn lanes would greatly enhance overall traffic
Operations.
13
S OT
Estimated annual user benefits through reduced travel time,
vehicle wear, and fuel consumption was estimated to be $126,450
thus again proving that signal system improvements can be a very
cost effective way of achieving benefits to the users of a traffic
signal system.
The Consultant would point out that the work to be completed in
Phase III of this overall study program will develop actual timing
plans in a more detailed manner than the approach used in this
study (Phase I). As a result, the final timing plans may well
provide better overall traffic flow and operations than what was
estimated in this study.
We have appreciated this opportunity to work with you and the City
of Iowa City on this project and wish to express our gratitude for
the excellent field data provided by your staff. We anxiously
await your notice to proceed that we might initiate work on other
is phases of the signal improvement program. Do not hesitate to
contact our office should any questions or concerns arise from his
study report.
a Respectfully submitted,
IS
JOHNSON, BRICKELL, MULCAHY,
(U AND ASSOCIATES, INC.
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In Gerri6 ckell, P.E.
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14
A144r,
APPENDIX
LEVEL -OF -SERVICE DESCRIPTIONS
Level -of -service A describes operations with very low delay,
i.e., less than 5.0 sec per vehicle. This occurs when
progression is extremely favorable, and most vehicles arrive
during the green phase. Most vehicles do not stop at all. Short
cycle lengths may also contribute to low delay.
Level -of -service B describes operations with delay in the range
of 5.1 to 15.0 sec per vehicle. This generally occurs with good
progression and/or short cycle lengths. More vehicles stop than
for LOS A, causing higher levels of average delay.
Level -of -service C describes operations with delay in the range
of 15.1 to 25.0 sec per vehicle. These higher delays may result
from fair progression and/or longer cycle lengths. Individual
cycle failures may begin to appear in this level. The number of
vehicles stopping is significant at this level, although many
still pass through the intersection without stopping.
Level -of -service D describes operations with delay in the range
of 25.1 to 40.0 sec per vehicle. At level D, the influence of
congestion becomes more noticeable. Longer delays may result
" from some combination of unfavorable
progression, long cycle
�c lengths, or high v/c ratios. Many vehicles stop, and the
proportion of vehicles not stopping declines. Individual cycle
n failures are noticeable.
Level -of -service E describes operations with delay in the range
of 40.1 to 60.0 sec per vehicle. This is considered to be the
limit of acceptable delay. These high delay values generally
indicate poor progression, long cycle lengths, and high v/c
ratios. Individual cycle failures are frequent occurences.
Level -of -service F describes operations with delay in excess of
60.0 sec per vehicle. This is considered to be unacceptable to
most drivers. This condition often occurs with oversaturation,
i.e., when arrival flow rates exceed the capacity of the
intersection. It may also occur at high v/c ratios below 1.00
with many individual cycle failures. Poor progression and long
cycle lengths may also be major contributing causes to such delay
levels.
Note: The delay paramters noted above are stopped delay. The
delay calculated by the AAP computer models is approach
delay. A factor of 1.3 should be applied to stopped delay
when comparing to approach delay. Example: 5 seconds of
stopped delay equals 6.5 seconds of approach delay.
A-1