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Home My WebLink About2007-11-29 Info Packet l = ! t~~~-r ~~"lIZI.m~ ........ &.II ~ CITY OF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET November 29, 2007 MISCELLANEOUS IP1 Tentative Council Meetings and Work Session Agenda IP2 Letter from the JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner: Lexington Avenue Traffic Barricade IP3 E-mail from Shannon Lizakowski: Going Global in Iowa Cross-Cultural Communication Workshop December 10, 2007 IP4 National League of Cities Federal Relations Update - period ending November 16, 2007 [submitted by Council Member Vanderhoef] IPS Nation's Cities Weekly: New Report Highlights Local Housing Policies [submitted by Council Member Vanderhoef] IP6 E-mail from Eve Casserly: National Center on Senior Transportation Releases RFP for Demo Grants IP7 E-mail from Eve Casserly: Transportation resources from JCCOG IP8 E-mail from Abigail Volland: National League of Cities Conference Memorandum from Johnson County Historical Society: Wetherby House DRAFT MINUTES IP9 Board of Adjustment: November 14,2007 IP10 Youth Advisory Commission: November 6,2007 I = ! -~= -14'... t~a;:;!:~ ~~"lIZI.m~ ~.. ~ CITY OF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET November 29, 2007 MISCELLANEOUS IP1 Tentative Counc Meetings and Work Session Agenda / Letter from the JCCO Traffic Engineering Planner: Lexington Aven~raffic Barricade E-mail from Shannon Liz owski: Going Global in Iowa cros~ultural Communication Workshop December 10, 07 / I National League of Cities Fe ral Relations Update - periid ending November 16,2007 [submitted by Council Member Va derhoef] .I Nation's Cities Weekly: New Repo Highlights LocJHouSing Policies [submitted by Council Member Vanderhoef] / E-mail from Eve Casserly: National Cent on Seriior Transportation Releases RFP for Demo Grants ;-_. I IP2 IP3 IP4 IPS IP7 E-mail from Eve Casserly: \ \ \ "\ IP6 IP8 E-mail from Abigail Volland: National Leag IP9 Board of Adjustment: IP10 Youth Advisory Commission: \ \ \\ \, \ \ \ \ I;; I ~~~~'t ~-- ..gg.~ ...-...,~ CITY OF IOWA CITY City Council Meeting Schedule and Work Session Agendas o;:J November 29, 2007 www.icgov.org TENTATIVE FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS I . MONDAY, DECEMBER 10 Emma J. Harvat Hall 6:30p Special Council Work Session . TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11 4:30p-6:30p Reception - Dee Vanderhoef and Bob Elliott 7:00p Special Formal Council Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall . WEDNESDAY,DECEMBER19 4:30p Joint Meeting Coralville . MONDAY, DECEMBER 24 Christmas Holiday - Offices closed . TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25 Christmas Day- Offices closed . TUESDAY, JANUARY 1 New Year's Day - Offices closed . WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2 12:00p City Council Organization Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall . MONDAY, JANUARY 7 6:30p Special Budget Work Session (Overview) Emma J. Harvat Hall . TUESDAY, JANUARY 8 6:30p Special Budget Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall . MONDAY, JANUARY 14 6:30p City Council Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall . TUESDAY, JANUARY 15 7:00p Formal Council Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall . MONDAY, JANUARY 21 Martin Luther King Jr. Day - City Offices Closed . WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23 Emma J. Harvat Hall 5:30p Affordable Housing Market Analysis and Boards/Commissions/Events . THURSDAY, JANUARY 24 8:00a Special Budget Work Session (Capital Projects) Emma J. Harvat Hall November 19, 2007 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826 (319) 356-5000 (319) 356-5009 FAX www,icgov.org Re: Lexington Avenue Traffic Barricade Dear Residents: Last spring the City of Iowa City re-installed the traffic calming barricade on Lexington Avenue near the intersection with McLean Street. You will recall that the agreement worked out between the neighborhood and the City Council states that the barricade will be in place for three seasons and removed during the winter. We specifically have established that the barricade will be removed when the City installs snowplows on City trucks, and reinstalled when the snowplows are taken off. The purpose of this letter is to inform you that City crews will remove the barricade along with the warning signage on Lexington Avenue the week of November 26th, weather permitting. City crews will reinstall the barricade in the spring of 2008. If you note an increase in reckless operation of vehicles on Lexington Avenue, please contact the Iowa City Police Department at their routine business number, 356-5275. Also, please feel free to contact me at anytime if you have any questions or comments Thank you. Sincerely, 1*~v Nick VanderZwan JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner 410 E. Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 319-356-5254 nick-vanderzwan@iowa-city.org cc: City Manager City Council Police Department Public Works Department Planning and Community Development Department Lexington Avenue Barricade - 2007 Letter to Residents.doc u;:J Marian Karr From: shannon.lizakowski@gmail.com on behalf of Shannon Lizakowski [Shannon- lizakowski@alumni.uiowa.edu] Tuesday, November 27,2007 11 :20 AM Council Sent: To: Subject: Going Global in Iowa Attachments: image004.gif; image005.gif; image006.gif; image007.gif; image008.gif; image009.gif; image010.gif; image011.gif; image012.gif; image013.gif; image005.gif; image008.gif; image010.gif; image011.gif; image012.gif; image013.gif; image005.gif; image008.gif; image010.gif; image003.jpg; image002.jpg; image001.jpg Hello, My name is Shannon Lizakowski and I am a Project Assistant in the Office ofIntemational Students and Scholars at the University ofIowa working with the Going Global in Iowa program. I am writing to you today in regards to training services that might be of interest to you. Attached is a flyer for our free cross-cultural communication workshop on December 10th. Please feel free to share it with anyone you know that might benefit from the cross-cultural communication workshop. If you have any further questions or comments, please feel free to contact Going Global in Iowa at any time. Shannon Lizakowski Project Assistant Going Global in Iowa Office ofIntemational Students and Scholars The University of Iowa 1111 University Capitol Centre Iowa City, Iowa 52242 Email: oiss-ggi@uiowa.edu Primary Contact: Helen Park Jameson, Program Associate I, helen-jameson@uiowa.edu Goiql r" ',' . .... . ',.- " You are invited to attend a com p Ii me ntary cross-cult ura I communication workshop designed for businesses and organizations. Monday, December 10th 10:00 a.m.-12:00 pm. 1111 University Capitol Centre University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA Please RSVP by Wednesday, December 5th to: oiss-ggi@uiowa.edu For more information, please visit the Going Global in Iowa website: http://international.uiowa.edu/oiss/train ing/organ ization s.asp Telephone: 319.335.0335 The workshop will take place in the University of Iowa Capitol Centre (formerly Old Capitol Mall) in the IP Commons (Room #1117). Parking is available adjacent to the University Capitol Centre 1111 University Capitol Centre University ofIowa , Iowa City, IA ~ Individuals with disabilities are ercouraged to attend all University of 1000a events. If you are a person with a disability who requires an a:commodation in order to participate in any of these Wlrkshops , please conted the Office of International students and Scholars at 335-CX335 and ask fa' Helen Park Jameson. '~-li -~-~}' v V"~~t= - - (\}-Fr~v::i-. ~(; -; fl~-:I'~"l~i Jlt ~ ,<"'ii'f.:..l-;..l~l~""''''I~'' " 1~L,11>-)i~~~ ~ ~~_ o_~ __ _~ ~~~I From Council Member Vanderhoef IP4 www.nl(.org FEDERAL RELATIONS UPDATE A Special Edition of the Federal Relations Update For period ending November 16, 2007 . House Passes Mortgage Reform Bill with NLC Support . Gridlock Over Spending Bills Continues . Mandatory Collective Bargaining Bill Still Being Considered . Sen. Biden Introduces Comprehensive Crime Bill . Senate Conducts Hearings on Climate Change Bill . Alternative Minimum Tax Legislation Advances . Senate ApprovesTerrorism Risk Insurance Extension CONGRESS House Passes Mortgage Reform Bill with NLC Support Last week, the House approved H.R. 3915, the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007, by a bi-partisan vote of 291-127. The bill is the first major piece of federal legislation to pass this session that directly addresses the mortgage lending and investment practices central to the current home foreclosure crisis. Earlier this year, NLC's leadership identified this issue as a top legislative priority for Congressional attention, and NLC was among the first organizations to endorse the bill. The bill will create a licensing system for residential mortgage loan originators, establish a minimum standard requiring that borrowers have a reasonable ability to repay a loan, and attach limited liability to secondary market securitizers. The bill also will expand and enhance consumer protections for those taking out certain high-cost loans, include protections for renters of foreclosed homes, and establish an Office of Housing Counseling through the Department of Housing and Urban Development. During last week's action on the bill, the House also adopted an amendment, sponsored by Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-PA), that requires all subprime borrowers to have escrow accounts to protect against unpaid taxes and insurance premiums. Although the bill now heads to the Senate, Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT), Chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, has said he is writing a different mortgage reform bill to be introduced sometime next year. The Administration, meanwhile, has indicated concerns that the House bill might make it more difficult for homebuyers to qualify for a loan, but stopped short of threatening to veto it. (Mike Wallace, wallace@nlc.org, 202.626.3025) Gridlock Over Spending Bills Continues Before beginning the Thanksgiving holiday recess, Congress transmitted the first two of 12 fiscal 2008 annual spending bills to the President for his signature. One of those bills became law, and the President made good on his threat and vetoed the other bill because the funding called for by it exceeded his budget request. On Nov. 13, President Bush signed into law the fiscal 2008 appropriations bill that provides $459.3 billion in funding for the Department of Defense. The spending level called for in the bill is $3 billion less than the President proposed. On the same day, the President vetoed, as expected, the bill to fund the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. That bill provided $150.7 billion in funding for domestic programs, which is $9.8 billion above the President's request for these programs. On Nov. 15, the House's attempt to override the President's veto fell two votes shy of the two-thirds majority needed. House and Senate leaders continue to discuss various strategies to finish the fiscal 2008 appropriations process in the face of veto threats from the President who insists upon a lower spending total than Congress has set. The President proposes spending $933 billion on the 12 appropriations bills, while the Democratic leadership wants $23 billion more. With the latest stopgap spending measure set to expire on Dec. 14, Congress may be forced to consider spending levels closer to the President's requests when the session resumes on Dec. 3. (Carolyn Coleman, coleman@nlc.org, 202.626.3023) Mandatory Collective Bargaining Bill Still Being Considered S. 2123, the mandatory collective bargaining bill that Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) introduced in September, is still under consideration in the Senate. NLC and other organizations representing local governments continue to oppose the bill because it interferes with states rights, violates federalism principles, and may be unconstitutional. Contrary to what some bill supporters are claiming, the bill would require all states to comply with the federal proposal's requirements. In other words, in addition to imposing federal collective bargaining requirements on states and local governments that do not currently permit collective bargaining, the bill may impose the federal requirements on those states that already permit collective bargaining. Under the bill, a federal agency, the Federal Labor Relations Authority, is required to review each state's collective bargaining law and make a determination that the particular law is in compliance with the federal requirements; if it is not, the state law must be amended. A similar version of the bill (H.R. 980) passed the House in early summer. (Neil Bomberg, bomberq@nlc.org, 202-626-3042) 2 Sen. Biden Introduces Comprehensive Crime Bill Sen. Joseph Biden (D-DE), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs, has introduced a comprehensive crime bill calling for investment in prevention programs, funding for community oriented policing, and in recognition of the new homeland security challenges that local law enforcement faces, restoration of 1,000 FBI agents to fighting crime. The bill, S. 2237, the Crime Control and Prevention Act of 2007, also would establish a national commission on crime intervention and prevention strategies, increases enforcement against gangs and authorizes new grant programs aimed at enforcement, prevention and education to combat the rise in drug abuse. In introducing S. 2237, Sen. Biden noted that since 9/11, the federal government is "asking law enforcement to do more with less...We need to meet this problem head-on, with a comprehensive approach that blends traditional crime-fighting tools with 2007 technology." No further action has been scheduled on the bill. (Leslie Wollack, wollack@nlc.org, 202.626.3029) Senate Conducts Hearings on Climate Change Bill Last week, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held two hearings on climate change legislation that would curb emissions of greenhouse gases thought to contribute to global warming. America's Climate Security Act, S. 2191, sponsored by Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) and Sen. John Warner (R-VA), would cap emissions from the electric power, transportation and manufacturing sectors of the economy and would allow businesses to trade emissions allowances in order to meet the cap. The bill also would limit emissions from covered sources at 1990 levels by 2015 and would require them to be 65 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. Additionally, the bill would establish a Carbon Market Efficiency Board, modeled after the Federal Reserve, to manage the carbon trading market if the price of emissions credits exceeded expectations. A markup and vote on the bill is expected to occur after the Thanksgiving break, and it could reach the Senate floor in early 2008. (Carolyn Berndt, berndt@nlc.orq, 202.626.3101) Alternative Minimum Tax Legislation Advances Last week, the House passed the Temporary Tax Relief Act of 2007, H.R. 3996, to provide a one-year patch to the alternative minimum tax (AMT) and extend expiring tax provisions for one year. Without the one-year patch, the AMT, which is not indexed for inflation, will reach 21 million more Americans in 2007 than it did in 2006. The bill would also extend certain expiring tax credits and deductions, such as the deduction allowed to residents of states with no income tax for payment of state and local sales taxes. To comply with pay-as-you-go budget rules, House Ways and Means Chairman, Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY), included in the legislation offset mechanisms to pay for the $82.5 billion dollar impact the AMT relief and expiring tax provision extensions would create. The offsets are primarily raised by taxing the income of private equity managers, venture capitalists, and certain real estate investors at ordinary income rates, instead of at the lower capital gains rate. 3 The Administration issued a veto threat against the legislation because "imposing a tax increase on one group of taxpayers is not the appropriate way to protect 21 million additional taxpayers from the reach of the AMT." Senate leadership disagrees with the need for any offset since the AMT was never intended to reach so many Americans. Adding urgency to the situation is a warning from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that any delays in enacting an AMT patch could delay refunds for up to 50 million Americans. In addition to the AMT patch and extending tax credits and deductions, H.R. 3996 includes a provision that would delay for one year to 2012 the implementation of a new requirement that federal, state, and local government spending more than $100 million per year on purchases of goods and services withhold three percent from their payments to contractors and vendors and remit those funds to the IRS. The bill would also provide relief for struggling homeowners by not counting as taxable income any debt forgiven through foreclosure or mortgage debt restructuring. (Christina Fletcher Loftus, loftus@nlc.org, 202.626.3173) Senate Approves Terrorism Risk Insurance Extension Last week, the Senate passed a seven-year extension of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA), which is set to expire at the end of this year. Congress first passed TRIA in 2002 following the September 11 th terrorist attacks to provide insurance coverage for terrorism events, which private policies widely exclude from coverage. There are key differences between the Senate and House-passed versions of the bill. The Senate extension is eight years shorter than the 15-year extension approved by the House earlier this fall. Also, the Senate rejected the House's expansion of the program to nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological attacks and retained the current $100 million trigger for coverage. The House bill will reduce the threshold triggering coverage from $100 to $50 million. The two chambers also provide different finance mechanisms for complying with pay-as-you-go budget rules. Both versions of the legislation would extend coverage to domestic, as well as foreign, acts of terrorism. The Administration has issued a veto threat against the House version of the legislation, asserting that a lengthy extension and expansion of the program would discourage the development of a private market for terrorist insurance. House and Senate leaders will begin compromise discussions soon to resolve differences between the two versions of the legislation. (Christina Fletcher Loftus, loftus@nlc.org, 202.626.3173) Congress will be in recess for the remainder of the month of November. The next edition of the Federal Relations Update will be published on December 14, 2007. 4 Mn r;(j~" IE 30, NuMBER 44 I NoVEMBER 5, 2007 (if / New Report Highlights Local Housing Policies by William McGoNzn muJ Cluistimul McFarland A new NLC report suggests a number of lessons for municipalities to meet the hous- ing needs of all residents in their communi- ties in the face of steep increases in housing prices during the past few years and the rip- ple effects that followed. First, the report, "Local Housing Conditions and Contexts: A Framework for Policy Making,".suggests an effective hous- ing strategy frames- ~ qousing Probl~ in terms Of larger categorieal iss1ies, suc~ as affordabillty, fair housing and' neighbOr- hood quality, rather than focusing in on narrowly-defined issues. Second, local housing policies should address the full range of local housing mar- kets in a community. FmaUy,. an effective municipal housing strategy jg r~ about the cost.f to local government, the complexity of developing and delivering services, and the financial and political risks. The report, based on a recent State of America's Cities survey of municipal hous- ing directors, presents survey responses and provides a framework for local policy mak- ers to use when considering housing policy choices. Local housing policy makers are encour- aged to use the framework to: · Assess local housing conditions; · Explore connections between local housing conditions and other municipal issues; · ~vaIuate the costs, risks and complex- ities associated with housing policy options; and · Review policies that are effective in other communities. Because every community varies with respect to the level and type of housing needs, competing municipal priorities, and the amoll!lt of cost, risk and administrative complexity they are willing to Wldertake, the new report provides important policy considerations but does not dictate one spe- cific policy direction. The report suggests that local housing policy makers not only assess which hous- ing challenges in their community are most problematic, but also identify how housing challenges relate to each other. Having a deeper Wlderstanding of these connections provides a more robust picture of a community's local housing condition from which to base policy decisions. For example, municipal housing direc- tors who reported predatory lending as a problem also reported foreclosures, deteri- orating housing stock, need for home repairs, neighborhoods with high disinvest- ment, homelessness and envirorunental and health issues as problems. Another grouping reflects communities with housing challenges related to under- served populations. Municipal housing offi- cials who identified availability of transi- tional housing, that is, housing for abuse vie- see page 10, column 1 Housing, from page 1 tims and ex-offenders, also assessed homelessness, availability of subsidized rental stock, and links between housing and essential sup- portive services as problems. In addition to linkages among housing problems, housing chal- lenges may also be connected to other critical challenges, broader trends and municipal goals. According to the survey, munici- pal housing directors tend to plan for their community's housing needs not in isolation, but in con- nection with these other issues. Some of the most common issues ~pacting municipal hous- ing planning efforts include com- munity development, economic development and population growth. The report also examines six broad categ09es of local housing policies and programs. Informational and promotional activities, including providing home- ownership and mortgage education, are politically low risk and are often a starting point for many city offi- cials when handling housing con- cerns voiced in their community. Generally, they are low~ and rel- atively easy to utilize. Capacity building is a vital part of a successful housing strategy because effective implementation requires networks and partner- ships that can deliver the neCes- sary services and products across government, nonprofit and for- profit organizations. Building capacity is another low risk high benefit strategy. Municipalities can also enact regulations. such as zoning land for moderate to high density development, to promote afford- able housing. Regulations come at a higher political risk because of the negative perceptions by devel- opers and others that affordable housing will have a negative fiscal impact. Although it typically requires substantial recapitalization, the preservation of existing affordable properties is a cost effective investment for cities to make. Additionally, local govern- ments can use federal and state tax credits, as well as their own resources and powers to produce new affordable properties. For example, cities can assemble and provide land or establish a devel- opment approval process that promotes affordable housing. ensure that housing is built. Cities can also provide capital to citizens in .the form of down-payment assIStance. The costs, complexity and risk of each of these types of policies depend on the details of specific efforts, but these factors generally range from low to high as policies Assembly of abandoned or orphaned lands and receipt of donated lands involves adminis- trative costs. Providing local capital carries the most risk and is the most expensive, but also provides tangi- ble results. Municipalities can pro- vide developers with capital to progress from informational and promotional activities to capital. Details: For more information or for a copy of the report, contact Christiana McFarland at (202) 626-3036 or mcfarland@n1c.org. The report can also be accessed at www.n1c.org. 2007 Housing Report Examples from - NI.;;C's City Practice Online Database Coldwater, Mich. Population: 9,607 Contact: Christine M. Hilton, planning coordinator, (517) 279-9501, cmhilton@ coldwatewrg Coldwater developed affordable housing on a vacant 9.5 acre site acquired from the State National Guard. The city paid the appraised value of $59,000 for the lot then sold it for $1 to the developer with the winning proposal. A key feature of the 30-10t subdivision, which borders on an existing residential area, is that each home is customized based on the individual needs of the homebuyer. Each buyer selected housing model, size, amenities and trim detail. Eighteen of the 30 homes were sold to low- and moderate-income families, with up to $35,000 in subsidies available for each. The remainder of the homes was sold at market rates, in the range of $90,000 to $130,000. WaDa WaDa, Wash.: Multifamily Housing ..)')e~<<mt TaX InCentiVe Population: 29,686 ContLlcL' City CLerk, (509) 527-4535 Walla Walla has an ordinance (No. 2005- 11) that extends property tax relief to proper- ty owners who build or rehab four or more units of second-story downtown housing. The tax incentive relieves developers of new or rehabilitated downtown residential units from paying property taxes on the por- tion of assessed value that increases as a result of those improvements, for a period of 10 years. The ordinance requires that developers who take advantage of the incentive set aside 10 percent of the units, or a minimum of one unit, as affordable housing. The ordinance is part of the city's efforts to encourage residen- tial development in the downtown area. Greenwich, Coon. Population' 61,101 Contact: George HoweL~ executive director, Housing Authority, (203) 869-1138, ghow eLl@greenwichJwusing.org Greenwich's Housing Authority provides some of its low- and moderate-income resi- dents with opportunities to become first-time home buyers. The town purchased and renovated a six- unit residential building. The Housing Authority held information meetings to explain eligibility requirements for purchasing one of the six condominiwns. The meetings expanded into a homeownership course, with attendance and successful completion a mandatory condition for anyone ultimately chosen to buy a unit. 1\venty-two residents completed the course and six purchased the condominiwns. The balance of those who finished the course are now on a preference waiting list for future affordable home-buying opportunities. The program earned a 1999 Award of Merit from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials. Cities near Wheeling, W.Va.: Northern Panhandle HOME Consortium Contact: Melissa Thompson, economic deveLopment speciaList, (304) 234-3701, mthompson@cityofwheeLingwv.org Wheeling works with five other govern- ments (Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, and Marshall Counties and the City of Weirton, W.Va.) as part of the (West VIrginia) Northern Panhandle HOME Consortium. The Consortium receives an annual grant from the u.s. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make home ownership more affordable. Each jurisdiction offers the Frrst Thne Homebuyer Program. whereby forgivable loans of up to $10,000 are made to eligible first-time homebuyers. The loans are intended to provide down payment and closing cost assistance to those who have never owned a home before and whose total, annual household income is at or below HUD's Section 8 Income Guidelines for their household size. There is no pay back requirement on the loan. Instead, the borrow- er's "payment" is to agree to live in the house for at least five years. As long as there is no transfer of ownership, and the house is the participant's primary residence, the loan is for- given at the end of the five-year affordability period. Ining, Texas: Housing Rehabilitation Program Population: 191,615 Contact: Vivian L. Ballou, program director, (972) 721-4800, vballou@ciirving.tx.us Irving's Housing Rehabilitation Program uses grant money to repair, renovate or com- pletely rebuild houses. To qualify, the homeowners must meet income limits based on family size. Repairs range from foundation, electrical systems, heating and air systems, plumbing systems and other repairs that affect the health and safety of residents. A homebuyer's assistance section of the program helps with down payments and closing costs. The city also offers assistance to purchase and rePair an exis~ home. This pr~ was featured in the 2005 City Showcase at NLC's Congress of Cities in Charlotte, N.C Portland, Ore. Population' 529,121 Contact: Northeast Community Development Corporation, (503) 282-5482 The Northeast Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit organization, devel- oped townhouses in one of Portland's most crime infested and deteriorated areas. The two- and three-bedroom units were priced at $89,000 to $96,000, and were made affordable with the help of a variety of feder- al, state and local financing programs. Among them was a HUD Nehemiah Grant offering $15,000 at zero percent interest, and a state program offering a 3O-year fixed rate mort- gage of 5.9 percent. In addition, the city grant- ed a 10-year limited tax abatement which assessed the property at its pre-development value. To address neighborhood opposition to the project, the Development Corporation proac- tively held educational public forums, involved neighborhood residents in the design process, and. created partnerships between the city and community leaders. Cbic:ago: EveryMimlte ~ Population' 2,896,016 Contact: MoUy Sullivan, assistimt commis- sioner, Department of Housi11g, (312) 742- 0595, MoLlySu/livan@cityofchicago.org Chicago's "Every Minute Counts" helps homeowners at .risk of.. f9rec1osure. Counseling is provided through tbe Credit Counseling Resource Center, an affiliation of nonprofit counseling agencies. The counselors assess the caller's .financial situation, develop an action ptan:J:D.ake refer. rals to city resources, and may serve as a liai. son between the homeowner and loan ser. vicer. A variety of marketing effortstarge' homeowners including the city's cable chao nel, advertising in the mass transit system, anI housing fairs. The program is free to residents and tht counseling is funded by participatinj lenders. The Department of Housing fund counseling sessions for customers of nOll participating lenders. Chicago residents ca call 311, the city's non-emergency hotlinc and be immediately connected to cred counseling. Details: For more about NLC's Cil Practice Online Database, vWt www.nJc.OJ and click on City Practice Resources undc Resources for Cities. l.."P6. , Marian Karr From: Eve Casserly [casserly@mchsi.com] Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2007 9:02 AM To: tbrase@co.johnson.ia.us; dholderness@ci.coralville.ia.us; driftwoodoa@juno.com; Ron Logsden; vrobrock@ci.coralville.ia.us; Susan Rogusky; spazianic@msn.com; Dee Vanderhoef; Council; John Yapp; dpleslie2@inav.net; casserly@mchsi.com; jcook@elderservicesiowa.com; Linda Severson; kelliot@kirkwood.edu; Kristopher Ackerson; Nick VanderZwan; slizboyd@msn.com; regenia@baileyforiowacity.com; Linda Kopping; Michelle Buhman; Ibuzynski@co.johnson.ia.us Cc: LDKlikmeister@aol.com Subject: FW: National Center on Senior Transportation Releases RFP for Demo Grants Attachments: ATT8146858.htm; ATT8146859.txt Reminder: Next meeting of the Livable Communities Transportation Action Group is Tuesday Dec. 4th at 8:30 a.m. in Meeting Room B at the Iowa City Public library..... Agenda and notes from prior meeting will follow in a couple days. Attached: National Center on Senior Transportation (NCST) grant proposal announcement - for Senior Transportation Demonstraion projects. 11/28/2007 NeST National Center on Senior Transportation Senior Transportation Demonstration Projects Request for Proposals Summary The National Center on Senior Transportation (NCST) is soliciting proposals from aging/human service agencies, tribal organizations, faith-based organizations, units of state and local government, public and private transportation providers, and other entities interested in developing and implementing innovative approaches to increasing senior transportation options and improving older adult mobility. Proposed projects must support one or more of the senior transportation goals of the national United We Ride initiative of the Federal Transit Administration. The goals are to: ? Increase transportation options for older adults ? Simplify older adults' access to transportation services ? Increase the quality of transportation services for older adults Applicants are encouraged to consider the specific mobility needs of older adults in their communities and propose strategies that will respond to those needs. Successful projects will be collaborative, replicable and consistent with the goals of United We Ride. NCST expects to make from five to eight awards under this solicitation, ranging from $50,000 to $90,000. Higher or lower amounts may be awarded based on specific proposals. Successful applicants will also receive 24 months of individually tailored technical assistance from NCST. Background The importance of transportation services and the vital connection to older adult mobility and independence is underscored by the development of national initiatives to promote increased senior transportation options. One of these initiatives is the National Center. on Senior Transportation (NCST). The NCST is administered by Easter Seals in partnership with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), in cooperation with the Federal Transit Administration and with guidance from the U.S. Administration on Aging. The center's mission is to increase transportation options for older adults and National Center on Senior Transportation RFP - Senior Transportation Demonstration Projects enhance their ability to live more independently within their communities throughout the United States. The rapid growth of the older adult population has been widely documented. In less than 20 years approximately 62 million adults will be over the age of 65 - an increase of 79 percent from 2002. Even more important to note, of this aging population, America's "older old" are increasing even more rapidly. Due to advances in medicine and preventative care, adults aged 85 and older (who are more likely to need the support of family, friends and the community to continue living independently) are expected to increase from 4.2 million in 2000 to 8.9 million by 2030. This aging of America creates new challenges for service delivery systems -- particularly transportation, which is critical to ensuring that older adults maintain their independence and mobility and remain connected to their communities. The lack of adequate transportation options has a significant impact on the ability of older adults to obtain essential services (health and medical care, nutrition, social services and employment opportunities). It also affects their ability to engage in life-enhancing activities (recreational trips, social activities, cultural events, shopping and volunteer opportunities ). While some older adults continue to drive for most of their lives, the growing size of this population, the issues surrounding older driver safety, and the unwillingness or inability of adults to continue driving as they grow older increase the demand for alternative senior transportation services. According to AARP's 2004 Surface Transportation Policy Project report titled, "Aging Americans Stranded Without Options," more than 50 percent of older adults who no longer drive stay at home and do not engage in outside activities because they lack transportation options or are unaware of other forms of transportation. Coordinated transportation systems are an essential element to keeping older adults independent and actively connected to their communities. A lack of coordinated services leads to confusion, making it difficult for older adults to navigate the maze of transportation services. On the other hand, forging partnerships and effectively coordinating resources can result in increased access and improved services. This is evidenced in examples of successful senior transportation models which are grounded in collaboration and include partnerships with the aging network. Purpose of Solicitation The National Center on Senior Transportation (NCST) is soliciting proposals from aginglhuman service agencies, tribal organizations, faith-based organizations, units of state and local government, public and private transportation providers, and other entities interested in developing and implementing innovative approaches to increasing senior transportation options and improving older adult mobility, which is defined as a continuum of services ranging from older driver safety to door-through-door services. This family of services includes driver safety, transitioning from driving (driving modification and transition), pedestrian access, fixed-route public transportation, curb-to- 2 National Center on Senior Transportation RFP - Senior Transportation Demonstration Projects curb, door-to-door, taxi, volunteer and door-through-door (escorted) services. Applicants should propose strategies that incorporate one or more of these services. In addition, proposals could include strategies related but not limited to: . Establishing partnerships and increasing coordination between the aging and transportation communities . Developing coordinated transportation systems . Creating mobility management concepts that enhance transportation options for older adults, including frail older adults . Increasing the awareness of available transportation services . Assessing the adequacy of senior transportation options and identifying the unmet transportation needs of older adults, including frail older adults . Recruiting and utilizing volunteer drivers . Upgrading technology to assist in scheduling and/or coordinating services . Promoting the use of public transportation . Enhancing older driver safety training . Transitioning from driving to other transportation options or modification of driving . Travel training . Expanding hours, days of service or routes . Developing single-entry point systems/one-stop access . Driver sensitivity training The bulleted list above is not meant to be exhaustive. Applicants are encouraged to consider the specific mobility needs of older adults in their communities and propose strategies that will respond to those needs. These strategies should be collaborative in nature and involve partnerships with the aging network and transportation providers. (Examples of organizations on aging include an Area Agency on Aging, Title VI Native American Aging Program and State Units on Aging). Successful projects will be collaborative, replicable in other communities, and must support one or more senior transportation-related goals of the national United We Ride initiative: Y Increase transportation options for older adults y Simplify older adults' access to transportation services y Increase the quality of transportation services for older adults Please note that applicants proposing to make service enhancements or expand existing services must clearly describe how the enhancement or expansion will improve transportation services for older adults. For example, if a service enhancement is proposed, describe how this will improve older adults' access to the service. Or, if the proposal is to expand service hours, an explanation of how expanded hours will specifically benefit older adults and an estimate of how many additional older adults will be served or have access to the service should be included. The proposal should also include a plan for continuing the service after the grant period. 3 National Center on Senior Transportation RFP - Senior Transportation Demonstration Projects Award Information A total of $450,000 is available for demonstration projects. n4a will serve as the grant administrator on behalf ofNCST. Successful applicants will receive grant awards ranging from $50,000 to $90,000 and 24 months of individually tailored technical assistance. Higher or lower amounts may be awarded based on specific proposals. Awards will be provided for a l2-month period (February 1,2008 - January 31, 2009) and on a one-time basis. These one-time funds are not intended to supplant other funds and applicants must have a plan for sustaining the project at the end of the grant period. Technical assistance will be provided during the 12-month grant period and for 12 months afterwards. Extended technical assistance after the l2-month award period will be contingent upon continued funding from the Federal Transit Administration. Proposal Requirements and Format Proposals are limited to 12 double-spaced pages using a type font size of at least 12 points and must follow the format outlined below: A. Cover Page - one page that includes the following: . Legal name and address of proposing organization . Name, title, telephone number, and email address of person legally authorized to enter into agreements on behalf of the organization . Name, title, telephone number and email address of the person to contact with questions related to the proposal (if different from the person above) B. Introduction - one page that includes the following: . Brief description of proposing organization and geographic service area, including the size of the older adult population, diversity and characteristics of the area (i.e. rural, suburban, urban) . Brief description of the applicant's experience providing transportation services and/or services to older adults C. Project Narrative - no more than 10 pages that include the following: Statement of Need . Describe the mobility needs of older adults in the area Project Summary . Describe the proposed project and implementation strategies. The description should include how the project will address the needs identified in the need statement. 4 National Center on Senior Transportation RFP - Senior Transportation Demonstration Projects . Describe how the project will support one or more senior transportation goals of the national United We Ride initiative (i.e. increase transportation options for older adults, simplify older adults' access to transportation services, and/or increase the quality of transportation services for older adults). . Identify staff that will be involved in the project and provide a brief description of their qualifications. . Identify collaborating partners and describe their role(s) in the project. Partnerships may be broad based and consist of transportation providers, aging network agencies, faith-based organizations, units of government and other entities as appropriate. Applicants are strongly encouraged to collaborate with both transit and aging network agencies (e.g., Area Agency on Aging, Title VI Native American Aging Program, State Units on Aging, plus a private and/or public transportation provider). Please attach letters of support from partner agencies (letters of support are not included in the proposal page limit). . Estimate of how many older adults the proposed project will serve. If proposing to expand/enhance an existing service, provide an estimate of how many additional older adults (those currently not receiving service) will have access to the service. Marketing and Outreach . Describe plans to inform older adults, caregivers and entities that serve older adults about the project and attract them to the proposed service. Outcomes and Evaluation . Describe the intended outcomes of the project over a period of24 months. The outcomes expected at 12 and 24 months should be identified. . Describe the evaluation process for determining if the outcomes were achieved. This process should include methods for measuring 12- and 24- month outcomes. Sustain ability . Describe plans for continuing services after the award period. Technical Assistance . Describe specific technical assistance needed from NeST to implement and operate the proposed project. D. Timeline - (not included in the proposal page limit) . Provide an estimated time line of project activities 5 National Center on Senior Transportation RFP - Senior Transportation Demonstration Projects E. Budget - (not included in the proposal page limit) . Identify all project-related expenses that will be applied to NCST funds. . Identify any additional funding sources that will be used to supplement NCST funds. . Provide a brief budget narrative explaining each expense item. Proposal Submission Proposals are due by 11 :59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Monday, December 17, 2007, and should be submitted electronically via email (twilson((Dn4a.org) or using the online form which can be reached through the center's Web site (www.seniOltransportation.net). Electronic or online submission is preferred but hard copies will be accepted. Hard copy of the proposal must be received on or before December 17,2007, and mailed to: 1730 Rhode Island Ave. NW, Suite 1200, Washington, D.C., 20036 to the attention of Tabitha Wilson, assistant director ofNCST. Proposals received after the due date and time, as well as those submitted by fax will be deemed non-responsive. Questions related to this solicitation should be directed to Tabitha Wilson via email (twilson((I~n4a.org) or by phone (202)872-0888. Reporting Requirements Grantees will be required to submit a work plan within two weeks of award notification. Quarterly progress reports and a final report describing the activities conducted during the grant and addressing the achievement of the project outcomes will be required 30 days after the award period ends. In addition, because NCST plans to document the long- term impact of the projects, grantees will also be required to submit a 24-month report detailing the project's effectiveness in improving older adult mobility. Reporting forms will be provided. Review Process Each proposal will be reviewed by a committee representing NCST staff, members of the National Steering Committee, and partner organizations. Incomplete or non-responsive proposals will not be considered. Evaluation Criteria Proposals that best meet the criteria listed below and those with the greatest potential for replication will be selected. . Experience providing transportation services and/or services to older adults (5 points) . Project is clearly described and addresses the mobility needs of older adults in the proposed service area. Mobility needs should be documented in the "Statement of Need" section. (20 points) 6 National Center on Senior Transportation RFP - Senior Transportation Demonstration Projects . Proposed project supports one or more goals of the national United We Ride initiative (i.e. will increase transportation options for older adults, simplify older adults' access to transportation services, and/or increase the quality of transportation services for older adults) (20 points) . Proposed project is collaborative in nature and involves a partnership with both transit and aging network agencies (e.g., Area Agency on Aging, Title VI Native American Aging Program, State Units on Aging, and private and/or public transportation agencies). Letters of support from partner agencies must accompany the proposal. (20 points) . Plan to attract/inform older adults, caregivers, and those entities serving older adults about the proposed service (10 points) . Plan for sustaining project after award period (10 points) . Intended outcomes are stated and evaluation plan includes a process for evaluating the project after 12 and 24 months (10 points) . Timeline and budget are realistic. The budget should identify all project-related expenses ( 5 points) Reference Materials Following is a list of resources that may be helpful while developing proposals in response to this solicitation: . NCST Draft Needs Assessment Report (Contact the center at 866-528-6278 to request a copy) . http://www . gao. gov/new .items/ d04971. pdt' - Transportation Disadvantaged Seniors: Efforts to Enhance Senior Mobility Could Benefit from additional Guidance and Information (GAO Report) . http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d07413.pdf - Older Driver Safety: Knowledge Sharing Should Help States Prepare for Increase in Older Driver Population (GAO Report) . http://www.unitedweride.govIl81ENGHTML.htm - Framework for Action (A comprehensive evaluation and planning tool to help state and community leaders and agencies involved in human service transportation and transit services, along with their stakeholders, improve or start coordinated transportation systems). . http://www.unitedweride.gov/FINALUWRlogicmodel..J1erfmeasure.doc - United We Ride Logic Model . www.seniortransportation.net - NCST Web site . www.unitedweride.gov- United We Ride Web site ### 7 ~ Marian Karr From: Eve Casserly [casserly@mchsLcom] Sent: Wednesday, November 28,20079:02 AM To: tbrase@co.johnson.ia.us; dholderness@ci.coralville.ia.us; driftwoodoa@juno.com; Ron Logsden; vrobrock@ci.coralville.ia.us; Susan Rogusky; spazianic@msn.com; Dee Vanderhoef; Council; John Yapp; dpleslie2@inav.net; casserly@mchsLcom; jcook@elderservicesiowa.com; Linda Severson; kelliot@kirkwood.edu; Kristopher Ackerson; Nick VanderZwan; slizboyd@msn.com; regenia@baileyforiowacity.com; Linda Kopping; Michelle Buhman; Ibuzynski@co.johnson.ia.us; RAJ31JENS@aol.com Subject: Transportation resources from JCCOG Attachments: Successful Aging Transit.doc; seatsapplication.pdf; seatsreduced.pdf; 31 day-pass.pdf; icthandicapped.pdf; off-peak.pdf Linda Severson had offered to get information on transportation options available in the county. Here is that information...... Eve, Attached are information from the Iowa City Transit, Coralville Transit, and Johnson County SEATS websites, and forms for receiving SEATS or discounted rides/passes. Let me know if you need anything else. Sarah Benson Intern, JCCOG 11/28/2007 IOWA CITY DISCOUNT FARES Discount fares apply Monday - Friday during off-peak hours (9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and after 6:30 p.m.) and all day Saturday. . Disabled/Low-Income Elderly FREE Special pass required. Call Iowa City Transit (356-5151) for details. . Elderly (60+ years) 35 cents Medicare card or special pass required. . SEATS card holder FREE Call IC Transit (356-5151) for information. CORALVILLE Elderly (65 and over) & Disabled: Coralville Residents.......FREE anytime (Must present a Coralville Elderly/Disabled bus pass when boarding the bus) Coralville Transit will honor other transit systems Elderly & Disabled passes or Medicare cards: Discounted fares ($0.35) daily Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., after 6:00 p.m., and all day on Saturday. (Must present a valid pass or Medicare card when boarding the bus) Visitors (65 & over) and Disabled persons with an eligible Elderly/Disabled pass: Please contact Coralville Transit 248-1790 for and off peak discounted temporary pass. Transfers Free transfers are available to Iowa City Transit System buses. Please ask for a transfer when the fare is paid. Coralville and Iowa City Transit Systems honor each other's monthly passes, but other passes (e.g., Coralville's 20 ride pass and Iowa City's single ride ticket) are peculiar to each system and are not mutually honored. Coralville residents are reminded they must purchase Coralville's 20 ride pass or monthly pass, Iowa City passes purchased by Coralville residents will not be honored. SEATS PARATRANSIT SERVICE (from the SEATS website) The basic one-way ride fare is $1.50. A reduced $0.75 fare is available for Iowa City residents for trips originating and traveling in Iowa City. Call 356-5151 to see if you qualify. Riders must pay the correct fare when boarding the vehicle. It must be paid in cash, punch cards or combination equal to the fare. Drivers are unable to provide change. Riders will not be transported who do not have the proper fare. You can purchase punch cards from the SEATS driver or the SEATS office, which will allow you ten one-way trips for $15.00 (full fare) or $7.50 (reduced fare). If a personal care attendant or a companion will accompany you, notify the reservation operator. An attendant may ride free. The companion must pay a one-way fare of$1.50 per trip. Also notify the reservation operator if a service animal will accompany you. You may transport small pets in a standard secured pet carrier for an additional regular fare. Of course there is no charge for service animals. SERVICE SCHEDULES In Iowa City, Coralville, and University Heights service is provided seven (7) days a week weather permitting: Monday - Friday: 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. (6:00 a.m. to 11 :30 p.m. for Coralville) Saturday: 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Holidays: Closed for: New Year's, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The times will vary for the followinz so vlease call SEATS 339-6128 for specific information: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents Day, day after Thanksgiving, and the floating Christmas Holiday. North Liberty: Hours for North Liberty are negotiated one hour on either side of fixed route times Monday - Friday. In Rural Johnson County: The northern part of Johnson County including Solon, Shueyville, Swisher, Morse, Oasis, and surrounding areas: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The southern part of Johnson County including Lone Tree, Hills, Fry town, Sharon Center, and surrounding areas: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Rides to Senior Dining in Lone Tree are provided when site is open. The west central part of Johnson County including Oxford, Tiffin, Cosgrove and surrounding areas: Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. From Iowa City website: ICT provides complementary paratransit service to Iowa City residents. The service is provided by Johnson County SEATS and serves senior citizens and persons with disabilities who are unable to use regular bus service. If you are an Iowa City resident and wish to apply for SEATS service, please call 356-5151 for an application form. For any other information regarding the SEATS program, call Johnson County SEATS at 339-6128. From Coralville web site: Coralville Transit provides complimentary para-transit service to Coralville residents. this service is provided by Johnson county SEATS for people with disabilites and the elderly. If you are a Coralville resident and wish to apply for our complimentary para-transit service please call 248-1790 for an application form. For other information regarding Coralville Transit's Para- Transit service, call Johnson County SEATS at 339-6125. Page 1 of 3 Iowa City Transit Paratransit Application Guidelines Enclosed is the application you requested to become eligible to ride Iowa City's Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Complementary Paratransit Service. Iowa City utilizes federally mandated guidelines in determining eligibility for the paratransit service. Iowa City Transit contracts with Johnson County SEATS to provide its paratransit service. To be eligible to utilize this service you must meet two criteria. 1. You must reside within the Iowa City corporate limits. 2. You must have a transportation disability that precludes you from utilizing Iowa City Transit's fixed route buses. If you meet these two criteria, you will become eligible to utilize our paratransit service either on a permanent, temporary or on a conditional basis depending on the nature of your transportation disability. The determination regarding your eligibility is based on the information that you provide to us on the enclosed application and the information we obtain from the doctor that you list on the application. It is imperative that you fill out the enclosed application completely. By signing the release of information, you are authorizing your doctor to release information to Iowa City Transit. It is not necessary for you to have your doctor fill out or sign any part of the enclosed application. We will be sending a different form to the doctor to fill out. Once your application is received in our office, you can utilize a 21-day grace period while we are processing your application. This grace period allows you to use our paratransit service for 21 days. You will be notified through the mail if your application has been approved or denied. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Iowa City Transit at 356-5153. Page 2 of3 IOWA CITY RESIDENTS ONLY Request for Certification of ADA Paratransit Eligibility - Iowa City Transit 1 July 2006 - 30 June 2008 The information obtained in this certification will be used by Iowa City Transit only for the determination of eligibility for the provision of paratransit service. Information may be shared with other local transit providers to facilitate travel. The information will not be provided to any other person or agency. Please print or type this form. All sections must be filled out for this to be considered a complete application. Once a completed application is received in our office, you will be given a 21-day grace period in which you will be allowed to ride SEATS while we process your application. The 21-day grace period will not be granted until we receive a complete application. Social Security # Date 1. 2. Name: Address: Street 3. 4. City Telephone Number: (Home) Emergency Contact Person: State (Work) Zip Date of Birth: Phone Number: If you are currently certified to ride SEATS and have a permanent Iowa City card that is not expired, please fill out questions 1 through 4 only, print your card number and expiration date and return to our office. 5. Explain why you are to be certified for SEATS service. Explain why you are not able to use the regular transit bus. Tell us if you are able to use the regular transit bus only sometimes and when you can use it. Please check YES or NO or SOMETIMES for each activity: YES NO SOME- TIMES A. Can you walk outdoors unaided? (Without cane, walker or person to assist you.) B. Can you walk to the nearest bus stop from your home? C. Can you tell when to get off the bus? D. Can you walk from the regular bus stop to your destination? E. Can you travel in a wheel chair to and from a bus stop? F. Do you require a mechanical lift to board or deboard a transit vehicle? G. Can you step up and down one 15-inch step and two 10-inch steps? H. Can you locate a bus stop and the correct bus to board without any help? with help? Page 3 of 3 6. Will your current mobility restrictions be temporary or permanent? _Temporary Permanent If temporary, for how long? 7. Do you use any of the following mobility aids when you travel on paratransit? (Check all that apply) Manual Wheelchair Electric Wheelchair Crutches Power Scooter Cane Walker Personal Care Attendant _ Guide Dog Other 8. Do you require a Personal Care Attendant when you travel using fixed route transit? _Yes _No When using paratransit? _Yes No 9. What additional information can you provide about why you would qualify for SEATS service? 10. I hereby certify that the information furnished above is correct. Signed: Date: / 11. If this application has been completed by someone other than the person requesting certification, that person must complete the following: Name Address State Zip Daytime Phone Signed Date / / 12. You must complete this section in order to be considered for eligibility. In order to allow Iowa City Transit to evaluate your request, it will be necessary for us to contact a physician to confirm the information you have provided. Please complete the following information and authorization form. The following Physician is familiar with my disability and is authorized to provide information to Iowa City Transit as a requirement for the completion of this certification. Print Doctor's Name Title Address State Zip Phone # Print Applicant's Name Applicant's Signature Date / SEND THIS COMPLETED FORM TO: IOWA CITY TRANSIT 410 E. WASHINGTON ST. IOWA CITY, IA 52240 DELIVER TO: IOWA CITY TRANSIT 1200 S. RIVERSIDE DR IOWA CITY, IA 52246 transit\forms\adaeligapp.doc 4/06 SEATS SERVICE % FARE IOWA CITY & UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS RESIDENTS ONLY CI1Y OF IOWA CITY AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASE OF INFORMATION I authorize the City of Iowa City to release to the Johnson County Human Services Department or Department of Social Security, and I authorize the Johnson County Human Services Department or Department of Social Security, to release to them, confidential information pertaining to my eligibility for these specific programs: Food Stamp Program FIP (Family Investment Program) Title XIX (Medicaid) SSI (Supplemental Security Income) I also do hereby forever release and discharge the City of Iowa City, the Johnson County Human Services Department, and the Social Security Administration from any liability for divulging such information whether such information is deemed confidential or not. A photocopy of this form shall be considered as acceptable as the original. This release expires 30 days after date of signature. Social Security # Signature: Date: Print Name: Print Address: Print Phone #: APPLICANT: Please MAIL or DELIVER this form directly to DHS OR SOCIAL SECURITY for verification of information. DO NO WRITE BELOW THIS BOX. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TO: Johnson County Department of Human Services or Social Security Administration: Johnson County Human Services or Social Security Administration Use Only: I have enclosed verification of eligibility. The person listed above does Worker Signature: does not qualify for the programs checked above. Date Verified: After verifying this individual's eligibility for the program(s) listed above, please mail this form to: Transit Division, City of Iowa City, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240. Thank you for your assistance. TransiUforms/relinffrm.doc 5/06 1 200 S. R I V E R SID E DR I V E . lOW A C I T Y, lOW A 5224 6 (31 9) 3 5 6 - 51 51 . FAX (31 9) 3 56- 5 1 55 I ~ I ~~a;;~*t ~ _!!!!..~ -"II :~ CITY OF low...\ CITY (IOWA CITY AND UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS RESIDENTS ONLY) (APPLICANT RETURN TO DHS AT 1700 S. 1ST AVE OR SOCIAL SECURITY AT 400 S CLINTON ST. TO VERIFY WHEN COMPLETE) Application for reduced fare 31-day bus pass 0 AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASE OF INFORMATION I authorize the City of Iowa City to release to the Johnson County Human Services Department, or Social Security Administration and I authorize the Johnson County Human Services Department or Social Security Administration to release to them, confidential information pertaining to my eligibility for these specific programs: o Food Stamp Program o Title XX (Child Care Assistance) o City of Iowa City Utility Discount Program o FIP (Family Investment Program) o SSI (Supplemental Security Income) utility account number o Assisted Housing program -- $12,500.00 maximum annual income. I also do hereby forever release and discharge the City of Iowa City, Johnson County Human Services Department, and Social Security Administration from any liability for divulging such information whether such information is deemed confidential or not. A photocopy of this form shall be considered as acceptable as the original. This release expires 1 year after date of signature. Please Print Name: SS# (used to verify status on above programs) Signature: Date: Address: Phone: JOHNSON COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES OR SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION USE ONLY: Worker Signature: Please verify this individual's eligibility for the program(s) listed above. Return this form by mail to the Transit Division, City of Iowa City, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 OR in person to Iowa City Transit 1200 S. Riverside Drive. Thank you for your assistance. I have enclosed verification of eligibility. Date Verified: transitlforms/A THRLinf.doc 10/2006 ,~ ! -,-. = -~... t~aii~~ "... ....=I~ :..... - ""l:!. .l1l .....,..,---...... CITY OF IOWA CITY Iowa City and University Heights Residents Only TRANSIT DIVISION HANDICAPPED BUS PASS PROGRAM AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASE OF INFORMATION I authorize my physician, ' to release information to the City of Iowa City regarding my disability which may qualify me to receive a bus pass entitling me to ride Iowa City Transit for free during off-peak hours. I understand that the City of Iowa City will keep this information confidential and that it will only be used to determine my eligibility for an Iowa City Transit handicapped pass. Applicant's Name (print): Address: Phone number: Signature: All questions must be answered for form to be considered complete. -- -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - - - -- -- - - -- - -- - ---- -- -- - - --- - -- -- -- --- -- - - -- --- - -- - -- -- -- - - --- FOR PHYSICIAN'S USE ONLY The City of Iowa City offers free transportation during off-peak hours on Iowa City Transit for disabled persons who are Iowa City residents. The program is intended to provide a Transit pass to persons who have difficulty traveling due to disability. Please answer the following questions regarding your patient, named above, to enable the City to determine eligibility for a Transit pass. 1. Disability is defined by law as a physical or mental condition of a person which constitutes a Isubstantiall handicap. A person with a positive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test result is also deemed to be disabled. According to this definition, is your patient disabled? YES NO 2. If you answered yes, is the disability temporary or permanent? If temporary, what is the expected duration of the disability? All questions must be answered to be considered complete. Physician's Name (print) Physician's Phone Physician's Address Physician's Signature Date Thank you for your assistance. Please feel free to call the City of Iowa City at 319-356-5151 if you have any questions about this matter. Please mail completed form to: Iowa City Transit, 410 E.WashingtonStreet, Iowa City, IA 52240 OR Please deliver in person to 1200 S. Riverside Drive. Physician's statement must be filled out to be considered a completed form. T ransit\forms\authrel, doc REV 2-05 I ~ I ~~-~.... ~~w;!:~~ ~. -=., ......,-Y.- .., CITY OF IOWA CITY (IOWA CITY AND UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS RESIDENTS ONLY) (APPLICANT RETURN TO DHS AT 1700 S. 1ST AVE OR SOCIAL SECURITY AT 400 S CLINTON ST. TO VERIFY WHEN COMPLETE) FREE elderly low income off-peak bus pass 0 (low income and 60 and over) 60 and over please include proof of age, i.e. Copy of Driver's License/Birth Certificate AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASE OF INFORMATION I authorize the City of Iowa City to release to the Johnson County Human Services Department, or Social Security Administration and I authorize the Johnson County Human Services Department or Social Security Administration to release to them, confidential information pertaining to my eligibility for these specific programs: o Food Stamp Program o Title XX (Child Care Assistance) o City of Iowa City Utility Discount Program o FIP (Family Investment Program) o SSI (Supplemental Security Income) utility account number o Assisted Housing program -- $12,500.00 maximum annual income. I also do hereby forever release and discharge the City of Iowa City, Johnson County Human Services Department, and Social Security Administration from any liability for divulging such information whether such information is deemed confidential or not. A photocopy of this form shall be considered as acceptable as the original. This release expires 1 year after date of signature. Please Print Name: SS# (used to verify status on above programs) Signature: Date: Address: Phone: JOHNSON COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES OR SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION USE ONLY: Worker Signature: Please verify this individual's eligibility for the program(s) listed above. Return this form by mail to the Transit Division, City of Iowa City, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 OR in person to Iowa City Transit 1200 S. Riverside Drive. Thank you for your assistance. I have enclosed verification of eligibility. Date Verified: transillfonns/A THRLinfeld.doc 10/2006 FROM : MAXFAX FAX NO. 3193541541 Nov. 29 2007 04:20PM P2 t......-) () -~--, \ I f'-J MEMORANDUM . " I~.::) TO: City COuncil. . . - FROM: Shaner ~alhks, Executive Director DATE: NovemberZ9. 2007 , : RE: WetherbY HouSe ~ _.~; . .,.... i'-1 '~ ~ ~' r~.-") ("J " I am writing on ~-ofthe Johnson CoUlrty Historical Society (lCHS) board of directors. At our board ~eeting on November 27 we discussed at great length the ~tuation related to the efforts to preserve and-restore ~e Wetherby Ho~; and I was dit~ed to inform you of the bo~(f>s decision. ' We want to make it absolutely clear that we 'are very sUppbrtive,of the' effotts to save the Wetherby' House. , There is no question on the part of JCHS(1he board and the staft) that the house IS an incredibly important-piece OfIOW8 Cjty's heritage dueto its connection. with Isaac Wetherby and his perSonal sigmficance to the city's hi~ory (anq beyond)_ Furthermor.; w~are c.onfldent that ifpreserveO. and restored, the house would provide an eXcellent opportmrity for many new educational and entertainment programming ideas for students and adults alike. . ' . Given JCHS's Circumstan,ccs,: however, we would only be able to accept long-term reSponsibility for the Wetherby HOlL~ (for programming,. upkeep, ete-) ifthere were a very certain fundllig stream identified to support.tbat.undertaking, As I mentioned at the City Council ~ociF session on November 15~jCHS is already severely.under-funded for the 00sting programs and ~ties that we operate- To acCePt responsibility for'an additional facility without any identifiable source of funding assocjated with it would simply be too great of a " risk for the health of our ocganizatio~ .We do feel that there ate many possloilities for grants and priVate contnbutioDS.toward restoration and ongoing needs'for the house, hut again the unOertainty of those ftmding streams is signifiCant enough that we em't necessarily c01mt on that. funding. " " , , , To be specific, JCHS would be very willing to assume long-term responsibilitY for the Weth~ House if the . Iowa City Council were to approve fuIlding for maintaining and operaI:ing the house. At a Oiinimum, for the fU'St year while the h0USe is being restofed. th~ approximate figure for simply o_g the bome. (with inSurance and 'incidental costs) would be $4.000-$,000. Af\er the house'is lestorccf and available fOr visitOrs. program.tning. lUld events" we would esti~e the cost ~or'operating attd maintaining the home to be approximately $25,000 per . year. This figure is based On our ~XperienQC with ~per8tiDg Pluni Grove on behalf of the State Historical Society of Iowa (and with the aSsumption th,;U the house would be open from Memorial Day through the end ot ' October); , . ' 'We do hope that a satisfactory 8lTang~nt can be Qla4e for, all p,arties inyolved, and, that ~s important Iowa City treasure can 'be preserved and shared with generations. to come. 1. and menibers o,f the JCHS board of ' , diTectors, would be glad to ~ss these issues further with the 'City Council if you would like to.do so. . , '. ' ~ cc: Dale J;lc1lii1g. Interim City Manager . .~ Eleanor Dilk~City Attorney . ,Marian.Karr. City Clerk ' , Judy Stebral, PreSident, JCHS Board of Directors P.O. Box 5'081 ~. cQf~ivilre. IA 52241 . phone (319) 351';57,38. Fax (319) ':351~5310 '. UD Marian Karr From: Sent: To: Abigail Volland [abbie14@gmail.com] Wednesday, November 28, 2007 10:37 AM Marian Karr Subject: for information packet Attachments: National League of Cities Conference.doc Marian, Attached is my write-up about National League of Cities for the City Council information packet. THANKS! Abbie Volland University of Iowa School of Social Work MSW Student 319.936.7794 abbie 14@gmai1.com "Citizenship is the chance to make a difference to the place where you belong" -Charles Handy 11/28/2007 National League of Cities Conference Tuesday . Leadership in a Diverse Community Importance of non-verbal communication (85 - 90% of behavior is non- verbal with 20% awareness of your non-verbal communication) Creating interdependent relationships Language: NOT "I disagree" but "I see this differently. . ." Also HOW you say what you say (tone, speed, pitch & volume) Learn why others feel the way they do ("Share with me why you see it that way") What am I doing as an individual to provoke people to respond the way they are Play roles (respond differently) with people to get back behavior in your own best interest Importance of self-awareness Wednesday . Intergeneration Communication Veterans (62 & over): want to be recognized (like awards, physical things), motivated by respect, want clear expectations, want direction and consistency, leadership comes from the top Baby Boomers (43 - 61): want awards/recognition in front of everyone, "it wasn't me it was the entire team," passionate, spiritual, feel they can change the world, goal of building stellar careers, figure it out together/teamwork Generation Xers (27 - 42): Hero's are personal, have to seek them out (open door policies mean nothing to them), value individuality, you give me what you want and I will get it done on my own schedule, good balance of work and play, move anytime they're not happy, value growth, if they need something they know where to get it (no hierarchal structure of leadership) Generation Yers (8 - 26): Parallel careers/lack a career path, like being acknowledged for everything, value gift cards over paper awards/certificates, like being in groups, high structured lives, parents help( ed) them figure everything out, value civic duty, leadership comes from the top Look for things in common Talk to people individually Ask more questions: "Can you help me understand?" . Contemporary Trends in Local Government Movement of "best" practices vs. unique/fit to us (driven by technology) Leadership is about adaptive capacity (ability to change) Consultants has become a dirty word Importance of managing the messages sent to the public Technology tools: web-based blogs, web-based video, 3-1-1 phone service, virtual conferences, mass e-mail or text messaging, online public hearings, virtual town hall meetings, & online surveys (challenge of using this technology but keeping people connected to government and each other) Trend: services are not good enough, fast enough, customized enough Once emotions are in high gear people do not respond to facts Need to encourage, increase, and promote social capital (www. bettertogether. org) Consider incentives to get people to come to public meetings At least annually provide formal recognition to citizens for their volunteer service to the community (letters, annual dinner, awards, etc.) Thursday . Habitat for Humanity (Musicians' Village): Will consist of70 single-family homes in the Upper 9th Ward Neighborhood (not limited to musicians) with at least 150 additional homes committed to this area. It is named Musicians' Village because in the center of the neighborhood will be the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music with the purpose of education and development of the surrounding communitupicture below) . Iowa Reception: Met with local Iowa officials and networked Friday . Mayor Bloomberg of New York Government moves money from things that work to things that don't Values: 1. Independence: "work for all the people not the party," hire people smarter than you are 2. Integrity & Honesty: Don't let special interest groups compromise this, pay to play reform bill 3. Courage: Confront big problems with innovative ideas, take risks, need innovations for progress to occur . Presidential Campaign Speakers 1. Terry McAuliffe: people want the government to work for them, people want a change, he believes Congress and the President need to be from the same party 2. Ken Mehlman: Restore access to the "American Dream" for everyone, the change the country wants is not the typical 8-year itch . Housing the Homeless: Learned about some of the issues New Orleans is currently facing with housing and their attempts to bring residents back into the city including: starting with building housing for low-income elderly with fixed incomes (picture below), tearing down public housing and putting up mixed-income housing stock via HOPE VI, offering residents the opportunity to come back to a different house than their own so that they are in a neighborhood where others are coming back as well instead of isolated. The city has also rebuilt most housing above ground (as can be seen below) to ensure that limited damage would occur in the instance of another flood. They have looked at this as an opportunity to disperse/clutter low-income housing as well as improve housing stock for all their residents regardless of income. Rcsources from the Exhibit Hall: 1. Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights: www.no-smoke.org 2. World's Best Graffiti Removal System: www.graffitiremovers.biz (Demonstration in City: Adam Kopcho 805-969-2688) 3. Playworld Systems: www.PlayworldSystems.com (I encourage you to look at NEOS on this site - it is pretty incredible and caters multiple age groups.) 4. playful city usa: www.kaboom.com o;J MINUTES IOWA CITY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT NOVEMBER 14,2007 - 5:00 PM EMMA J HARVAT HALL - IOWA CITY/CITY HALL DRAFT CALL TO ORDER: Carol Alexander called the meeting to order at 5 :05 PM. MEMBERS PRESENT: Carol Alexander, Michael Wright, Edgar Thornton, Michele Payne MEMBERS ABSENT: Ned Wood STAFF PRESENT: Sarah Walz, Norm Cate, Scott Peterson OTHERS PRESENT: Joe Y ounkers, Rob Phipps, James Estin, Bu Wilson, Meg Baron, John Morrison, Esther Baker, Jim Walters, Brian Mitchell RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL (becomes effective onlv after separate Council action): NOTE: Carol Alexander noted that Ned Wood had recused himself from consideration of the item on tonight's agenda, due to a conflict of interest. She then read the Board of Adjustment's standard opening statement. CONSIDERATION OF THE OCTOBER 10.2007 MINUTES: Alexander asked if there were any changes or additions to the above-named minutes. Hearing none, she asked for a motion to approve. MOTION: Thornton moved to approve the October 10,2007 minutes as presented. Wright seconded the motion. The motion was approved 4:0. APPEAL: APL07-00002: Discussion of an application submitted by Leighton House for an appeal on a decision made by the building official not to renew a rental permit for property at 923 East College Street. Walz began with a correction, stating that on the memo she issued to the Board Members it stated to "Joint Staff," when it was meant to be addressed to the "Board of Adjustment." Walz then began the Staff Report, stating that this property, in its current Board of Adjustment November 14,2007 Page 2 configuration, is allowed by right thirteen roomers. In September 1997, the Board of Adjustment granted a variance to this property, subject to a number of conditions in the plan. One of the main issues was that the Leighton House would provide resident management for the rooming house. Walz noted that the Board Members have a copy of the Leighton House Business Plan, which lays out what the owners were to provide and that the findings of the board that approved the variance had cited the upscale, controlled business operation as being in the public interest. In April 2006, a new concept for this property was discussed with City staff. Walz stated that this proposal was for housing the men's track team and that resident management would be provided by a fellow member of the track team. The Members also have a copy of this proposal, according to Walz. Staff at that time noted that this proposal would not meet standards set by the Leighton House Business Plan, but that a variance could be applied for. Walz stated that the rental permit expired on August 31, 2006, and was being reviewed by the Housing Inspection Department when an inspector visited the property. Walz stated that at that time, an anonymous neighbor notified the building official of an article in the Daily Iowan that basically suggested that the Leighton House was not being operated under the terms of the variance-that there was no professional management service, nor meal service, being provided. The rental permit was held due to this. In October 2006, a variance was applied for by the Leighton House, asking for up to twenty roomers. This was ultimately denied. However, prior to this, staff was taken on a tour of this property, and staff observed during that tour that there was evidence that the residents in the house were not complying with the Leighton House Plan, nor did the applicants for the variance or the residents give any indication that the residents were living in accordance with the terms of variance. The Housing Inspector then notified the owner that the house was considered to be over-occupied. On November 8, Walz stated that a letter was sent to the owner about this. Walz noted that during the hearing for the October 2006 variance, applicants and residents of this property, both verbally and in writing, defined their living arrangement as "an intentional community" that was "without supervision" and "transportation, off- site parking, meal plans" -conditions of 1997 plan, were not in place. Walz provided copies of those letters, and also portions of the transcript from this meeting, for the Board of Adjustment Members' review. Walz then noted that in considering the appeal, the Members need to look at: Did the Building Official make an error in his determination not to renew the building permit; and was his decision based on sufficient and substantial evidence. Walz noted that Norm Cate, the Housing Inspector for this particular property, is present to answer any questions the Members may have. Cate addressed the Members, reviewing the information that Walz had presented, citing the specific Codes involved in this case, and explaining how he arrived at his decision to deny the permit. The rental permit expired in August and inspection took place for continuation of the rental permit. A re-inspection in October showed that all items with Board of Adjustment November 14,2007 Page 3 regard to the building itself had been addressed. In the interim an article that appeared in the Daily Iowan was given to him, which suggested that the Leighton House Plan was not being adhered to. The article suggested that there was no on-site management, meal plan, or housekeeping provided. Cate stated that he took the article under advisement and talked to zoning officials regarding the issue and at joint staff reviewed with staff what they had seen on their visit. Cate stated that it was clear that the property was not operating according to the conditions of the plan. He sent a letter to the owners indicating that the property was considered over-occupied because the Leighton House plan was not being adhered to and gave them until the end of the semester to reduce occupancy to 13 residents. The property continues to be rented and occupied but the permit has not been renewed. Wright noted that this is an unusual situation, and asked questions of Cate regarding his determination. Cate indicated that he had not contacted the property owner in advance of denying the permit. Walz stated that the variance was officially applied for on October 12, and that the planning staff review was happening simultaneously with the rental permit review. Thornton asked Cate whether he had interviewed residents of the property. Cate explained the inspection process that would have taken place on this property. Thornton asked for more clarification on the inspection and the ensuing tour that staff took at 923 East College Street, and whether or not Cate was actually part of the on-site inspection. Cate responded that he was not, that he reviewed the information from his inspector. Members continued to ask relevant questions of Cate and Walz, in order to determine their standing on this matter. Cate indicated that it would not be normal part of the inspection process to seek out the residents or the owner for additional information prior to reaching his decision. He stated that he had relied on his inspector's observation, the observation of staff who visited the property and the newspaper article. Walz further explained what took place during the staff tour, stating that it was obvious that the residents were living in accordance with the Iowa Men's Track House plan and that no attempts were made by the residents to suggest that they were living according to the Leighton House plan. Thornton asked whether it was normal to use the media as evidence. Cate responded that they would use any information but would corroborate it with other evidence. Alexander asked if the applicant wished to address the Board. Joe Younker, as Counsel for Leighton House, spoke to the Members, along with Rob Phipps of Leighton House. He stated that this appeal really deals with a narrow issue. First of all, Younker stated that the Housing Inspector initially found the property to be in compliance with the housing code. He further stated that the reason for withholding the rental permit appears to be based on a zoning issue. Younker stated that the Housing Inspection Services (HIS) does not have the authority to determine whether or not the property is in compliance with the terms of the 1997 variance, that this is a zoning matter and, therefore, not under HIS authority. Younker stated that the Leighton House is requesting the Board to take one of two actions - either order HIS to issue the rental Board of Adjustment November 14,2007 Page 4 permit for the property; or, if the Board will not order the permit to be issued, that the Board schedule an evidentiary hearing before the Board to determine whether or not Leighton House operated the property pursuant to the terms of the 1997 variance. He further stated that before such a hearing take place, Leighton House requests that the Board require staff to provide Leighton House with specific notice of any alleged violations. Younker noted that he outlined Leighton House's position in a brief that was distributed to Board Members and staff previously. Younker then proceeded to give the Board a brief history of the property at 923 East College Street. The Board of Adjustment granted a variance in 1997 to Leighton House, and denied two variances, requested in 2005 and 2006. He stated that today's hearing is in regards to the 1997 variance. This variance allows the property to be used as a rooming house for up to thirty roomers, subject to three conditions. Younker added that only one of these issues is relevant to this matter, and that is the issue of resident management of the rooming house. Younker stated that this variance established a use right, as long as the property is being operated with those principles. Regarding the rental permit, Younker stated that the City issued a rental permit allowing up to thirty roomers on December 21, 2004, and that permit expired the end of August 2006. The City Inspector inspected the property in 2006 and stated that the permit would be mailed shortly, as everything passed inspection. The rental permit was not received after several weeks, and after a subsequent phone call, Leighton House was told they would be receiving said permit. Throughout September and October 2006, Younker stated that staff continued to state that the permit would be issued. In late October or early November, HIS told Leighton House that a rental permit would not be issued. Younker then pointed out Mr. Cate's letters from this time, stating that they do not provide any explanation, analysis, or argument to support these assertions that 923 East College Street did not pass its inspection. As 2007 began, Mr. Younker stated that Leighton House did not receive any further information from HIS, and subsequently as Counsel, he followed up with a letter in April of 2007. A response did not arrive until May 2007 from HIS. Mr. Cate alleged in this letter that Leighton House had failed to comply with the 1997 variance in the following ways: failing to have on-site, adult management; full on-site meal plan; and transportation and shuttle service, and reserved off-street parking. Younker stated that Leighton House maintains that it is in fact following the principles set forth in its 1997 Business Plan. Younker continued, summarizing the information presented to the Board, stating that if there is a concern that the property is not in compliance, then federal and state law require that Leighton House be provided with a notice and a hearing, before any such determination can be made. It is unfair and illegal, Younker continued, to determine that the occupancy granted under the 1997 variance no longer applies, without first providing Leighton House with due process protections. Younker stated that the determination by HIS is invalid for three reasons: HIS lacks the authority to make such a determination; the determination was made without adequate due process protections; and the City, in claiming that Leighton House is not in compliance with the variance conditions, bares the burden of establishment on compliance. Leighton House does not have the burden of establishing that they are in fact in compliance. Board of Adjustment November 14,2007 Page 5 Regarding the authority issue, Younker stated that the Board of Adjustment needs to make this decision, that HIS does not have the authority, and therefore, Mr. Cate's determination is invalid. He reiterated what Cate had stated in his letters, stating that he does not provide any information in these letters as to what the issues are, nor did they provide Leighton House a chance to address these issues. Again, Younker stated that Leighton House should receive due process protection. Younker briefly discussed the state provisions of due process requirements for bodies such as the Board of Adjustment. Younker continued, stating the HIS reports refer to the Daily Iowan article, but that Mr. Cate's letters do not. He stated that the determination should be made on something more than an article in a local newspaper. Younker referred to the timeline again of when the rental permit expired in 2006. He stated that he wanted to further review the October 2006 timeframe, where the City staff visited the 923 East College Street property. This visit was centered on whether or not to issue the 2006 variance that Leighton House had requested - not to address the re-issuance of a rental permit. Younker further stated that even if this visit was a "fact-finding" one regarding issuance of the rental permit, staff did not ask any questions pertinent to this, nor did they give Leighton House a chance to address these allegations. Younker returned to requesting the Board to authorize issuance of the rental permit for Leighton House, or, again, in the event they do not do this, to schedule an evidentiary hearing, require staff to provide Leighton House with specific allegations of noncompliance, and then allow Leighton House to address these issues of alleged noncompliance. Thornton asked Younker how many residents were living at said property during either the inspection or the staff visit. Younker noted there have been between eighteen and nineteen residents consistently living here. Alexander asked Younker under what conditions is the City able to make a determination that a property is not complying with the conditions of a variance. Younker stated that after an evidentiary hearing, if the City feels that Leighton House is not complying with a certain principle in its Business Plan, then Leighton House should be provided with notice of that fact, and a hearing should be scheduled so Leighton House can reply. Wright then asked if the determining factor here is the lack of compliance with the Business Plan as opposed to just over-occupancy. Younker stated that there are two levels - one being that HIS determined this and that it is outside of its authority, and that before this determination can even be made, that Leighton House needs to be provided with a notice of hearing to address such allegations. Wright then asked if the key to the argument is the existence of this variance, to which Younker replied that the fact that HIS does not have the determination to do this, and the fact that the variance is in place - before it can be removed from Leighton House, they must receive due process. Walz stated that almost every resident of Leighton House was present at a meeting last November, telling the City how they lived, and it did not comply with what is in the variance in question. Younker maintained that the variance has to do with the Business Plan, and that Leighton House should be able to comply with any violations. The Board of Adjustment November 14, 2007 Page 6 discussion turned to the variances applied for in 2005 and 2006 that were not approved. Younker stated that the Business Plan did not change, due to the fact that the variance was not granted. Payne reiterated Younker's request for Leighton House, to which he replied that there are some overlapping issues, but that specific allegations of noncompliance need to be addressed by Leighton House before any determinations are made. Alexander stated that she has questions of staff next. She asked Walz to explain how such determinations are made. Walz stated that Cate would be better able to respond to such questions, due to his experience. She has only dealt with one other such variance. She reiterated that it is the opinion of staff that this is the due process, that the permit was withheld and not renewed, and the opportunity for due process is a 90-day period where an appeal can be filed. She stated that they used the May 2007 letter as the start of the 90-day period for appeal. Walz also stated that she wanted to add some clarification to the staff visit in 2006 - stating that staff was invited by the applicants to this visit. They were asked to observe that the interior of the building was in good condition, and worthy of contributing toward the variance they were applying for at that time. However, Walz added that staff was also present to observe how the residents were living, because the applicants had presented to staff that they needed the variance in order to continue living in the way they were at that time. She stated that the Board's decision, at that time, was not whether or not Leighton House was living according to the variance, but whether or not to grant a variance for twenty roomers. Alexander then asked Scott Peterson to remind everyone what their purview is in an appeal, as the Board hears very few of them. Peterson stated that the City's ordinance is consistent with the State's, in that basically the Board is put into the position of the administrative official. They can either uphold the position, grant the appeal, or find a common middle ground. Payne asked if the Building Inspector has the right to determine if someone is following a variance. Cate responded to what the inspectors look for and what the HIS department can include in its determinations, citing various City codes. It was also reiterated that the May 23, 2007 letter set out the 90-day appeal period, and that this hearing is in reference to the appeal. Payne noted that Cate's letter does not cite occupancy, just the variance issues. Cate responded, explaining how his various letters covered all issues. Wright asked Peterson about the due process issue, and whether or not this hearing is that due process, to which Peterson stated it is. This led to questioning of when the variance would be considered expired. He stated that now is the time for Leighton House to make their case on whether or not they are in compliance with the variance. Alexander asked if anyone else wanted to speak to the Board. Younker then addressed the Board, stating that he disagrees with Peterson regarding whether or not HIS has authority to make this type of determination, and that this is distinct from a normal occupancy issue. He reiterated that they are in front of the Board asking for them to allow the rental permit to be issued, and that this is not a building code Board of Adjustment November 14,2007 Page 7 issue. He again stated that the City needs to satisfy the burden of proof, not Leighton House, for this so-stated noncompliance. Alexander asked if Younker didn't consider the various letters the Board has as evidence. Younker continued, restating his argument for Leighton House. Board Members asked for more clarification on what their determination needs to include, and Peterson gave further detail of such determinations. Alexander noted that they could vote to uphold the original decision, or they could grant the permit, and Peterson responded to the affirmative. Discussion continued among the Members on the specifics of what they need to decide, and the various options available to them. It was reiterated that tonight is Leighton House's due process, and also the time for HIS to present their evidence. Some of the various correspondence was briefly touched upon, showing the timeframe for when Leighton House first received correspondence, to the current time and tonight's hearing. The evidence is all of this correspondence and materials that have been presented to the Board, which is for them to review and make their decision. This is what Walz presented to the Board at the beginning of the evening. Younker brought up again that the burden of proof is on the City, and that this evidence is not necessarily pertinent to this issue. Walz again gave further detail on the variances that were requested in 2005 and 2006, trying to clarify for the Board the lengthy time period being discussed, and also the change in people over the years. The Board again reviewed the specifics of this case, and Younker noted that the noncompliance has to do with the Business Plan, not the variance. He stated that Davis Linder is in fact the on-site manager of Leighton House, and that this part of the variance did not mean that the original requestors had to remain as the managers. Members asked specific questions of Younker about this on-site manager, and whether or not the original concept was still being followed. He stated that this is why an evidentiary hearing is needed, for Leighton House to address specific issues of noncompliance. Younker then explained exactly what "evidentiary hearing" means for his client, giving them a chance to respond to allegations. As Mr. Linden is the on-site manager, and compensated for such duties, the Leighton House feels it is meeting this part of the variance and their Business Plan, which is what they are following. Thornton asked that Younker review the evidence again, the various letters between Leighton House and HIS, and to show the Board where he feels due process was not given. Younker explained how in these letters, specifics were not addressed by Mr. Cate, until the May 2007 letter. A review of the Leighton House Business Plan began next, with Younker pointing out the specific issues in question. As for dining services, he reviewed what the Business Plan states and how the need of a professional cook was not needed, that the residents prepare food in the kitchen. As for parking, Younker stated there are two spots in the Chauncey Swan ramp available to residents, as is transportation to that ramp, if needed. He again asked how the Leighton House is not in compliance with their Business Plan, which is what the variance was based on in 1997. Board of Adjustment November 14, 2007 Page 8 The discussion turned to Younker stating that, again, the City needs to present specific evidence of noncompliance on each of these issues, as stated above, in accordance with their Business Plan. Thornton stated that he feels they need more information as to exactly how this determination was made. Alexander noted that they have others present who would like to speak, and she asked that everyone be given a chance to speak this evening. Jim Estin of 1039 East College spoke to the Board asking them to uphold the HIS determination, until such time as the owners come into compliance. He noted the thirteen-occupants level, and stated that as neighbors, they have been asked repeatedly to appear before the Board about the issue of higher occupancy, and that this is inconsistent with zoning and the area, with increased parking problems being created, among other things. He also noted that if you walk in this neighborhood in the evenings, you can see the increased volume in vehicles parked on the street. He noted that when he invested in property in 2005, he was under the belief that this neighborhood was geared toward renovating single-family properties and that he expected the zoning regulations to keep these investments strong. He feels that the owners of 923 East College Street are noncompliant, and until they come under compliance, they should not receive a rental permit. Meg Barren of 115 South Summit stated that every year they come before the Board and review this property, and that they would like to see their neighborhood remain a comfortable one, where residents can walk around and feel safe. Jim Walters of 1033 East Washington next spoke to the Board. He stated that they like their mixed neighborhood of students and single-family homes, and that he lives next door to the property in question. He states that the big issue in the neighborhood is parking, that what goes on inside is not their concern, as long as they are not disturbing the neighborhood. He reiterated that parking is extremely tight in this neighborhood, and that having company is often difficult with parking blocks away. He stated that if Leighton House is only providing two off-street parking spaces, then having thirty residents would definitely put them under noncompliance. Bu Wilson spoke next, stating that she has also sent correspondence regarding this matter. She asked for some clarification from Peterson, and then stated that her impression as a resident of this neighborhood, and in talking with other residents, is that Leighton House is wanting the City to tell them exactly what they're not doing right as they are not doing anything. She further reviewed the evidence presented, reading directly from various aspects of the variance and subsequent Business Plan. She stated that the variance for the thirty occupancy rate being granted was based on the list of professional positions and education components that were to go along with that occupancy rate - i.e. the safety issue, food, transportation, management, etc. She further stated that the Leighton House has consistently treated the neighborhood with contempt. She then read from a prepared statement. Esther Baker addressed the Board next. She brought up the issue of the Leighton House Business Plan, and how things change and how can the compliance stay within the rules, Board of Adjustment November 14,2007 Page 9 if things are always changing. The idea that constant, adult supervision of the tenants would be provided, and that by having a student provide that supervision, Ms. Baker stated, does not meet this stipulation. She noted that during the summer a swimming pool was set up on the front lawn, as an example, with no fencing around it. She stated that she also submitted a letter to this issue. Brian Mitchell addressed the Board. He stated that he worked on renovating Leighton House with his father, and stated that the neighbors of this property don't understand what this property used to be, prior to their extensive renovation. He stated that by performing this renovation, it has increased the value of this neighborhood. He feels Leighton House is performing a good service to the community. John Morrison spoke next, stating that he has lived in this area since 76. He agreed that this property was at one time in extremely poor condition. He also reiterated the parking problems that have been ongoing in this neighborhood. Paybe then asked Mr.Younker about the concrete "basketball" area of this property and if it had not been removed. He stated that this is where they park the motorcycles and mopeds. RobPhipps, one of the owners of Leighton House spoke next. He stated that the basketball hoop was to be removed, not the concrete slab. He said they talked to the City about using this as a patio, and they were told that if they landscaped around it, it could be a patio area. He stated that they did do this. Walz stated that this occurred before she was part of this situation. Payne again stated that she thought this was actually a condition of the variance. John Morrison returned to state that the motorcycles are also ridden on the sidewalk, and he stated that landscaping isn't motorcycles. Phipps returned to the microphone to state that in regard to parking, only a few of the Leighton House residents have vehicles, and that just because there are cars on this corner, they are not necessarily from those at Leighton House. He stated there are other rental properties in the area where these vehicles could be from. He stated that there are two spots on the property, and then the two spots at Chauncey Swan, totaling four available spots for residents. Members asked questions of Walz about the other properties in this neighborhood, and how many are rental versus single-family. Walz stated that there were other multi-family buildings in the immediate vicinity. Alexander then asked if there were any other comments before she closed the public hearing. Hearing none, she closed the hearing. The Board then entered into discussion, with Thornton stating that he has some concerns about the issue of the inspection process, that he would like to hear more from City staff at how they arrived at their decisions, and that he feels he does not have enough information at the current time. He would like to hear more from HIS especially, and that he feels they should review further and reconvene to make an adequate decision. Wright asked about deferment, and if they would have to open the public hearing again in order to do that. Peterson responded to such legal questions, stating that they could reopen at the next meeting and continue with the hearing. Board of Adjustment November 14,2007 Page 10 Discussion continued, with Thornton stating his concerns further. He again stated that he would like for Mr. Cate to provide more information, as well as the Leighton House owners. Alexander stated that if they were to reopen the hearing, she would want to hear further from Leighton House. She noted what the 1997 Board of Adjustment was granting, and in keeping with that Business Plan as was stated at that time. Payne stated that if the Board feels they do not have enough information to render a decision, then they need to defer. Wright stated that he feels he has enough information to go forward. Alexander then stated that their concern as a Board is to give the citizens every opportunity to present their side. MOTION: Thornton made the motion to table this matter until the December 12,2007, meeting to allow the applicant and the Inspection Services enough time to provide information, based upon the Business Plan, and also based upon the information provided in the May 23, 2007, letter, as well as from the HIS in order to provide information on their findings, and how they arrived at their determination to deny the renewal of the permit. No second was heard for this motion. The discussion then turned to the various aspects of voting on a motion, and affirmative voting and what it is that upholds this decision, or grants the permit. MOTION: Wright moved to uphold Appeal 07-00002 and to issue the rental permit; seconded by Payne. Wright started the conversation, saying that he is having difficulty with the logic that was presented by the appellants. He spoke of the May 23, 2007 letter that states that the permit is denied due to "not operating under the condition of the 1997 variance". The rental permit occupancy limit is based on compliance with the conditions of the variance agreement. Failure to meet this was based on lack of professional on-site, adult management. Wright noted that just paying someone to live at Leighton House does not fit the "professional on-site management" that was described in the business plan. He noted that the plan describes the manager's background and ability to provide academic support. The current manager is a student and there is no evidence of academic support being provided, nor on-site food preparation, as was in the 1997 variance conditions. Wright stated that there were possibly two off-street parking spaces on site and two provided in the ramp. There has not been an effort to provide adequate parking for the current number of residents nor the 30 potential residents. There are other issues that had not been addressed: housekeeping and complaints about noise. He stated that he does not see any reason to not uphold the decision of the Building Official and to deny the appeal, based on the evidence presented to them this evening. The issues that have been raised, he stated, have been technicalities. Wright indicated that this hearing is an evidentiary hearing and that it provides due process. Payne stated that she agrees with Wright's statements, and she briefly addressed her concerns with the issues that have been raised. May 23 letter used the word "professional" stands in place of the experience of the proposed managers. Payne stated that the building official has the same responsibilities as the board and that he did have Board of Adjustment November 14,2007 Page 11 the right to consider the terms of the variance as part of his job. Should his interpretation be questioned, the Board decides whether there has been an error. She stated what her interpretations are of the case. The current situation is not in the spirit of the plan. She noted that both sides need to remember to watch what they ask for in cases like this. Thornton stated that he does not have the same background knowledge of this case, and that his concern was that both parties had an opportunity to speak to the case. He stated that he believes the case could have progressed in a more timely manner, and that some more facts would be helpful, but that in looking at the Business Plan, it's obvious that the current situation does not meet the spirit of the plan. He also reviewed the "professional staff' issue, and that he agrees the current setup is not in the original spirit. As for the on-site meals, he stated that it appears this is also not happening, and he agreed with the other members of the board on the parking issues. He stated that as the applicants are not operating in the spirit of the continual plan, he would have to agree with those before him. Alexander stated that she would make this a unanimous decision with her vote. She reviewed the past correspondence and findings on this case briefly. In reviewing the business plan and findings of the 1997 BOA that referred to upscale, controlled business operation, she said that all of the details contributed to an overall tone of what the business was supposed to be and that was what led to that prior decision. Without all the pieces that the business loses its meaning. The Building Inspector made his decision based on the conditions of the business plan. The motion was declared denied 4:0. OTHER: None. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT INFORMATION: Alexander stated that she spoke with Holecek on Thursday, and there still is no decision on the Shelter House issue. ADJOURNMENT: MOTION: Wright moved to adjourn, seconded by Payne. Alexander adjourned the meeting at 7:30 PM. Board of Adjustment Attendance Record 2007 TERM 1/10 3/28 4/11 4/28 5/9 6/13 7/11 8/8 9/12 10/10 11/14 12/12 NAME EXP. Carol Alexander 01/01/08 X X OlE X X NM X X NM X X Michael Wright 01/01/09 X X X X X NM X X NM X X Ned Wood 01/01/10 X X X X X NM OlE X NM OlE OlE Michelle Payne 01/01/11 X X X X X NM X X NM OlE X Edgar Thornton 01/01/12 X X X X X NM OlE X NM X X KEY: x = Present o = Absent OlE = Absent/Excused NM = No Meeting --- = Not a Member MI N UTES Draft ~ Youth Advisory Commission November 6, 2007 Lobby Conference Room, City Hall Members Present: Members Absent: others Present: Bleam, Green, Keranen, Nelson, Segar, Weeks None City Clerk Karr Call to Order:Meeting was called to order at 5:33PM Approve Minutes: Motioned by Segar, seconded by Keranen. Approved 6-0. Report from Website Subcommittee: No update. Report from Grant ProQramminQ Subcommittee: Keranen reported that she announced the Youth Empowerment Grant at the Student Citizenship Awards ceremony held during the Council meeting on November 5. She also reported that she would be posting Facebook ads shortly. The timing for the ads was discussed. It was agreed that the holiday season was not a good time to promote the grant due to the hectic nature, so another major advertising push would begin after the holidays in 2008. Green reported that she had given flyers to student group leaders at Regina High School. Nelson reported that he em ailed information about the Youth Empowerment Grant to leaders of University of Iowa student groups that were interested in community service. Public Discussion: None. Vacancies: Applications are being accepted for two positions for ages 18 to 21. One of the 18 through 21 positions is immediately open, while the remaining open on January 1, 2008. FundinQ ReQuest for Fiscal Year 2009: The fiscal year 2009 budget discussion from october 22, 2007 was reviewed. The following funds were decided upon to be requested: . Summer of the Arts Global Village: . Website and Advertising: . Youth Empowerment Grant: $500 $500 $2000 Youth Advisory Commission November 6, 2007 Page 2 Keranen and Nelson agreed to produce a document to be included with the budget request form describing the rationale behind the budgeted amounts requested. Meetino Schedule: The next meeting is set for December 3 at 7:00PM. Adiournment: Approved 6-0. Adjourned at 5:52PM. Motioned by Segar, seconded by Bleam. Minutes prepared by Nelson. x = Present o = Absent OlE = Absent/Excused NM = No meeting = Not a Member KEY NAME TERM 1/17 2/21 3/21 4/25 5/30 7/18 7/25 8/22 9/24 10/22 11/6 EXP. Audrey 12/31/07 X X X X X X X 0 X X X Keranen Sarah 12/31/07 X X OlE X X X X --- --- --- --- Ziegenhorn Un Weeks 12/31/08 X X X OlE X OlE X X X X X David Segar 12/31/08 X X OlE X X X X X X OlE X Maison 12/31/07 X OlE X OlE OlE X 0 X 0 X X Bleam Jacqueline 12/31/07 X X OlE OlE X OlE OlE --- --- --- --- Stubbers Michael 12/31/08 X X X X OlE X X X X X X Nelson Hannah 12/31/09 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- X X X Green (Meeting Date) YOUTH ADVISORY COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORD YEAR 2007