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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-04-04 Info PacketCity of Iowa City MEMORANDUM DATE: March 27, 1989 TO: City Council FROM: City Manager R E : Pending Development Issues 1. A request submitted by Braverman Development, inc., to rezone a portion of an approximate 22 acre tract of land, generally located west of existing Pepperwood Subdivision's Development on Sandusky Drive extended, from ID -RM, Interim Development Multi -Family Residential to RS -5, Low Density Single -Family Residential and to approve a preliminary subdivision plat for Pepperwood Addition, Part Eight, a 22 -acre, 82 -lot single- family residential subdivision. 2. An application submitted by John P. Muller, and Daniel L. Haaf on behalf of Lloyd Mills, property owner, for preliminary plat approval to establish a 1.86, 5 -lot residential subdivision known as Hidden Valley Subdivision located north of Rochester Avenue on Windsor Court extended. 3. An application submitted by Robert H. Wolf to rezone a .48 acre parcel located at Sixth Avenue and H Street from RS -8 to RS -12. 4. An application submitted by Michael Hodge Construction Company for approval of an amended preliminary PDH Plan for Summit Place, a 1.69 acre development located at the southeast corner of the intersection of Kirkwood Avenue and Marcy Street. 5. An application submitted by William Knabe for approval of a final plat for the Extension of Weeber Street, a 11.50 acre subdivision located north of Highway 1 North. 6. An application submitted by Thomas Wegman for approval of a pre- liminary plat for Prairie View Estates, Part Three, 19.10 acre, 13 -lot residential subdivision located north of I-80 and east of Prairie du Chien Road. 538' City of Iowa City 'I MEMORANDUM TO: Steve Atkins, City Manager FROM: Larry Donner, Fire Chief DATE: March 31, 1989 RE: Leaf and Garden Waste Burning 1n Iowa City This memo is in response to your request for information on open burning in Iowa City. Article 11 of the Uniform Fire Code, as adopted, allows the Fire Department to regulate open burning within the City. It is our procedure to allow Individuals to burn leaves and garden waste If individuals adhere to the following list of precautions. • No burning !s allowed on windy days • Material burned must be at least 50 feet from any structure • No burning is allowed on streets or alleys • An adult must be In attendance at all times • The person burning must have a garden hose nearby to extinguish the fire if it begins to spread • No burning is allowed after dark We extinguish any fires we receive complaints about. Complaint calls may be anonymous and for any reason Including irritating smoke. Enforcement of open burning regulations are on a complaint basis only. Traditionally, the Iowa City Fire Department has issued an open burning permit each spring and fall. The purpose of the open permit is to allow people to burn leaves and garden waste without calling the Fire Department first. While there Is potential for any open fire to spread and damage property, we have not experienced any problems of this kind 1n my tenure as Chief, During the two open burning periods, when most open burning takes place, we receive one or two complaints a week. 1 have attached a copy the press release we Issued last fall announcing open burning within Iowa City. 539 (�GGu6d it, 6kc - City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM TO: Steve Atkins, City Manager � FROM: Larry Donner, Fire Chief �t_- DATE: March 27, 1989 RE: 1988 Calendar Year -End Statistics Calendar year 1988 showed increased activity for the Fire Department. Fire loss topped one million dollars. This loss represents a 9316 increase over the previous year. The number of fire alarms answered increased 716, actual fires were up 14x, and medical emergencies climbed 3116 from 1987. Total emergency responses decreased 416 reflecting the second consecutive drop in false alarms from 856 in 1987 to 822 In 1988. 2100 1890 1680 1470 1260 1050 840 630 420 210 0 TOTAL RESPONSES 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 5 Year Average Year Calendar year 1968 represents the second consecutive year that emergency responses and corresponding losses have exceeded our five year average. These increases conflict with a nationally reported leveling trend, The increase in fire activity can be linked to an unusually dry summer and an Increase In arson. However, the upswing In medical emergencies is not linked to any specific cause or causes that we can find. We will continue to monitor the situation, analyze the data, and provide periodic updates. ewl ICFD Calendar Year -End Three fires in 1988 accounted for $600,000 of the total fire loss. Damage to the University of Iowa International Center in an April fire was $100,000; the loss at Gay's Locker in May was $300,000; and in October the Bo -James fire resulted in a $200,000 loss. 1250000 1125000 1000000 875000 750000 625000 500000 375000 250000 125000 0 1984 1985 1986 lyni 1e" Average Year The increase in total fire loss resulted in an increase in per capital fire loss. FIRE LOSS 25.0 22.5 20.0 17.5 15.0 12.5 10.0 7.5 5.0 2.5 0.0 FIRE LOSS PER CAPITA 1984 1985 1986 1901 Yew Average Year Page 2 .00 ICFD Calendar Year -End The next two graphs compare the number of fire responses to the actual number of fires in Iowa City. The difference in the numbers can be attributed to false alarms, system malfunctions, and mistaken alarms. 1500 1350 1200 1050 900 750 600 450 300 150 0 380 342 304 266 228 190 152 114 76 38 0 FIRE RESPONSES 1984 1965 1986 1987 1988 5 Year Year Average ACTUAL FIRES 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 5 yr. Year Average Page 3 MOO ICFD Calendar Yoar-End With the exception of 1986, the number of medical emergencies has shown a steady increase. The number of medical responses in 1988 is 35R higher than the 5 year average. 800 720 640 560 480 400 320 240 160 80 0 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES - Average Year I have discussed the number and types of medical calls with the Johnson County Ambulance Service and have not discovered any obvious reason for the dramatic increase in medical emergences experienced last year. If we have another hot, dry summer, we can expect another bad year In terms of fires and fire loss. A statistical table is attached for your information, Page 4 CQ FIRE DEPARTMENT CALENDAR YEAR STATISTICS Performance Measurements Total Responses 1,581 1,272 1,354 2,099 2,015 1,664 Fire Responses 1,079 760 927 1,318 1,412 1,099 Actual Fires 284 298 288 322 371 313 Medical Emergencies 502 512 427 571 747 552 Estimated Fire Loss $643,218 $507,966 $233,922 $573,088 $1,105,436 $612,726 Fire Loss Per Capita $12.61 $9.96 $4.59 $11.24 $21.68 $12.01 Loss Per Fire $2,265 $1,705 $812• $1,780 $2,980 $1,908 Avg. Response Time (Min.) 3.4 3.0 3.4 2.8 2.8 3.1 Fires Per 1,000 Population 5.6 5.8 5.6 6.4 7.3 6.1 Suspicious or Incendiary Fires 33 31 36 75 76 50 a CITY OFIOWA CITY March 27, 1989 The Honorable Tom Harkin U.S. Senate 317 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Harkin: I am writing in response to your letter to Iowa City City Manager Steve Atkins' letter concerning transit funding. Even considering the national trend of decreased ridership, mass transit is a vital part of Iowa City. The Iowa City City Council has, for the short-term, decided to increase local subsidies to our transit system due to decreases in Federal and State subsidies. In the next two to three years, we will have to make major decisions as to the quality and/or extent of transit services we can offer our citizens. We have quite a number of people who are dependent on our city transit system. We have attempted to increase ridership among the general public with educational and promotional programs. Mild winters and increased dependency on private vehicle use have made it difficult to stabilize our ridership. The City Council will soon be discussing parking and transit. We need to know that you will be working hard to not only "minimize reductions," but to stabilize/restore funding for municipal transit systems. As a member of the Iowa City City Council, as well as an Iowan, I do not want to let our citizens and cities down. Thank you for your consideration and efforts in this area. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Karen Ku� ounc/x i� ber Iowa City City Council bdwl-2 CIVIC CENTER • •10 EAST WASHINGTON STREET • IOWA CITY. IOWA 52240 • (119( IS6.5000 5 41 CITY OF IOWA CITY CIVIC CENTER 410 E. WASHINGTON ST. IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240 (319) 356-5030 I March 29, 1989 GVI ' PRESS RELEASE Contact Person: Frank Farmer City Engineer I11J V1V,� ,1� Phone #: 356-5143 1 Joyce DeLong Project Engineer Phone No.: 356-5145 On Monday, April 3, 1989, Keokuk Street will be closed to vehicular traffic at U.S. Highway 6 to facilitate the, I construction of the intersection improvement project by Metro Pavers of Iowa City. The outside lane of both eastbound and westbound U.S. Highway 6 will also be closed at this intersection. Weather permitting, construction is expected to be completed in 4 to 5 weeks. KEOKUKH6\PRESS323.RLS � STATE OF TERRY E. BRANSTAD. GOVEAnOR IOWA CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION RE: IOWA FAIR HOUSING AWARENESS PROJECT"IrAeuMBARY•LANGSTON.E.EEGTiVEDIRECTOR SrhWuI for the Iowa Fair Housing Awareness vehicle --Emphasis on Fair Renting. Notice times and locations of special, fifty -minute presentations. Please attend for detailed specific information, 'FAIR HOUSING IS THE LAW IN IOWA," plus free materials. Please visit the vehicle for walk-through, mobile display of fM Fair Housing information and receive frgg Fair Housing brochures and handouts, plus opportunity for discussion. BOTH VEHICLE & PRESENTATION OPEN TO EVERYONE CONCERNED OR INVOLVED WITH HOUSING ALL RENTAL PROPERTY OWNERS/MANAGERS/TENANTS URGED TOATTEND PRESENTATION. Tuesday, April 4. 1989 - IOWA CITY - all of Johnson County Sponsored by Mayor A. John McDonald & Human Rights Commission 9:00 a.m. Presentation, "FAIR HOUSING IS THE LAW IN IOWA' Iowa City City Council Chambers, 410 E. Washington 11:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. opportunity to tour vehicle parked in city parking lot by City Plaza Fountain Wednesday, April 5. 1989 - WAPELLO - all of Louisa County Sponsored by Mayor L.J. Thompson 9:00 a.m. Presentation, 'FAIR HOUSING IS THE LAW IN IOWA' Wapello Civic Center, 330 Water Street 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. opportunity to tour vehicle parked Civic Center parking lot Thursday. ADrI1 6. 1989 - DAVENPORT/BETTENDORF - all of Scott Co. Sponsored by Mayors Thomas W. Hart & Ann Hutchinson & Human Rights Commissions 9:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. Presentations, 'FAIR HOUSING IS THE LAW IN IOWA' Davenport City Council Chambers, 226 West Fourth St. 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. opportunity to tour vehicle parked In front of Davenport City Hall Friday, April 7. 1989 - MUSCATINE - all of Muscatine County Sponsored by Mayor Don LaMar and Housing Administrator Jack Paetz 10:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. Presentations, 'FAI R HOUSING IS THE LAW IN IOWA' Musser Public Library, 301 Iowa Avenue noon to 2:00 p.m. & 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. opportunity to tour vehicle �� „ _ parked in front of Musser Public Library Thank you for your support of this project andyour Interest in Fair Housing. Jan Alderlon-- Manager, IOWA FAIR HOUSING AWARENESS PROJECT 211 E. MAPLE STREET/ 2ND FLOOR • C/O GRIMES STATE OFFICE BUILDING CI�� DES MOINES. IOWA/ 50319/ 515.281.4121 ✓ ✓✓✓ OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR SrATE CARITDL DES MOIN ES. IOWA 50319 515 291- 5211 TERRY E. BRANSTAD oovuHoe Dear Fellow Iowan: April 1988 marked the Twentieth Anniversary of the passage of the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968. In celebration of this anniversary year, the Iowa Civil Rights Commission in conjunction with the Iowa Human Rights commissions of Des Moines, Dubuque and Iowa City, and the United States Department of Housing and Urban, Development, are engaging in an Iowa Fair Housing Awareness Project during 1988 - 1989. The project - the first in the nation - will provide all Iowans with important information regarding their statutory rights to fair housing. Jan Alderton, the Fair Housing Project Manager, will visit every Iowa county in the Iowa Fair Housing mobile to talk about the rights to fair housing as protected by the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the Iowa Civil Rights Act of 1965. The Iowa Fair Housing Mobile, a 28 -foot motor vehicle which can be visited by members of your community is outfitted with audio visual equipment, displays, and materials designed to educate Iowans on the existence of the United States and Iowa Fair Housing policies, procedures, laws and history. I ask that you extend your hospitality to Jan Alderton as she makes arrangements to visit your jurisdiction in the near future. This is another exciting example of how Iowa State Government is committed to providing Iowans with the necessary knowledge to seek a better standard of living. Thank you for your anticipated time and cooperation. Sincerely, T�-Ca O Terry E. Branstad Governor 543 STATE OF I A TERRY E. SRANSTAD. 40VER110R Dear Fellow Iowan/Elected Official: IOWA CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION INGA SUMBARY•LANGSTON. Ea ECUTIVE DIRECTOR The Iowa Civil Rights Commission in conjunction with the Iowa Human Rights Commissions of Des Moines, Dubuque and Iowa City, and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, are engaging in an Iowa Fair Housing Awareness Project during 1988 - 1989. The purpose of this project is to heighten the awareness and knowledge of Iowans regarding Fair Housing. One of the main segments of this project is the touring of all ninety-nine (99) counties in Iowa by the Iowa Fair Housing Manager, Jan Alderton, in the Fair Housing Mobile. The Iowa Fair Housing Mobile, a 28 -foot motor vehicle, is outfitted with audio visual equipment, displays, and materials designed to educate Iowans on the existence of the United States and Iowa Fair Housing policies, procedures, laws and history. Please assist Jan Alderton in planning her visit to your city. She will be requesting your help to schedule meetings; to secure parking space for the mobile; to visit your city at the time of special events and to contact various organizations. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call. Sincerely, Inga Bumbary-Langston Executive Director IBL/st 211 E. MAPLE STREET / 2ND FLOOR • C/O GRIMES STATE OFFICE BUILDING DES MOINES, IOWA / 50319 / 515.281.4121 1.800457.4416 553 STATE OF I A TERRY E. BRANSTAD. GGaEPw,GP IOWA CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION INGA BU ABARY-LANGSTON. ERGVTrvE G.PECTC. RE: 'FAIR HOUSING 15 THE LAW IN IOWA', The Iowa Fair Housing Awareness Project The Imva legislature passed 601A.8, the Iowa Fair Housing bill in 1965 The United States Congress passed the federal Fair Housing bill, Title VIII, In 1968. Also in 1968, the United States Supreme Court resurrected the Civil Rights Act of 1866. In August 1988, Congress passed an amendment to Title Yl 11. These laws govern Fair Housing in the United Stales and Iowa. Fair Housing means fair and equal opportunity for all persons to choose the house of their choice in the neighborhood of their choice in the price range they can afford --without discrimination because of race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin or disablllty. After March 12, 1989, Fair Housing also means families may choose where to live without discrimination because of children. A growing problem today is discrimination based on sex. Needless to say, Fair Housing is not yet an established fact The Iowa Fair Housing Awareness Project is funded by HUD, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, through a grant jointly applied for by the Iowa Civil Rights Commission and the three Human Rights Agencies of Des Moines, Dubuque and Iowa Cltv. We need help reaching minorities, young people, single heads of households and private property managers and landlords. The majority of housing discrimination complaints are filed against persons managing rentals. People must know how to get help If they are victims of housing discrimination. Housing industry professionals must know the laws to protect themselves from unintentionally practicing housing discrimination. Please help us Increase awareness and acceptance of Fair Housing laws and practices by sharing the information in this mailingwith your oo-workers and others In conversations, bulletins, mailings, and calendars, and please attend the presentation scheduled for your area. My presentation covers much material. Learn to choose good tenants using acceptable criteria. Explanation and history of the Fair Housing concept. Interpretation of Fair Housing laws for everyone In housing. Expending court definitions of laws for victims of discrimination. Protectlons for professionals in the housing Industry. Increesing consequences of not following the laws. Discussion of discrimination complaint procedures and remedies. Suggestions for solving barriers to Fair Housing. Why compliance with Fair Housing Laws is good for all of us. Overview of August 1988 Amendment to Title VIII. Also, please plan on visiting the 28 foot, walk-through, mobile unit which will be parked in your community the day of the presentation to receive free informational housing brochures. If Fair Housing Is to be a reality, we must all become involved. If you have questions, please call the Iowa Civil Rights Commission. Thank you for your interest. Sincerely, Jan Al lon--Managar, Iowa Fair Housing Awareness Project 211 E. MAPLE STREET /2ND FLOOR • C/O GRIMES STATE OFFICE BUILDING DES MOINES. IOWA / 50319 / 515.281 4121 1 800 457 44 16 5 0.3 RECE IVEG _ � 1909 IOWA CITY FIREFIGHTERS BENEFIT BALL Mayor John Mac Donald 410 E. Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Mr. Mayor; I am writing to you for two reasons. First I wish to advise the City Council that the Iowa City Fire Fighters will be holding their annual Benefit Dance on April 7, 1989. Secondly you and the other City Council Members are invited to the Benefit Dance which will be held at the Moose Lodge 2910 Muscatine Ave. The Dance will start at 8:30 p.m. and end at 12:30 a.m. I hope your schedules will permit your attendance. AL—AL Sincerely, Nathan 6. Hopkins Dance Chairperson City Council, Civic Center, 410 E. Washington, Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear Sirs: RECEIVED MAR 31 1999 1101 Tower Court, Iowa laity, 1a 5*246 March 30, 1989 3b1-4b44/33b-1805 I recently returned from a weeks vacation to find the ubiquitous plastic bag on my doorknob containing the ADVERTISER. 1 wonder how many residents of Iowa City and Coralville realize that the ADVERTISER and distributors of similarly unsolicited and unwanted materials are actually advertising the residents absence unless one arranges for someone else to remove these materials. Despite repeated telephone calls to tho circulation department of the ADVERTISER, 1 have been unable to "cancel." its distribution to MY house. 1 can call. the PRESS CITIZEN, THE UES MOINES REGISTER. AND THE GAZETTE offices to cease delivery of those papers but, being a non -subscriber, i apparently have no rights of refusal for the ADVERTISER. 1 can land have) installed a mail slot in my door so that mail does 110t accumulate in an outside mailbox. and I have a timer switch for lights that come on in the evenings but the ADVERTISER bag defeats all of my best efforts to deter housebreakers. I believe that it would be timely and an appropriate deterrent to crime in Iowa City were the City Council to pass an ordinance to prohibit the unsolicited distribution of advertisements or other such materials that are hung conspicuously on residents doorknobs or other visible locations. Sincerely yours, O)AiQ� Keene Swett xc, IOWA CLTY PRESS CITIZEN STs City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM --1 Date: March 31, 1989 To: Mayor John McDonald and City Councilm m er From: Terrence L. Timmins, City Attorney Re: Revised City/University Chapter 28E Agreement Regarding Utilities Introduction: The Chapter 28E Agreement regarding revised in response to concerns which University officials. I will outline revisions made in response thereto. Discussion• City and University utilities has been were raised in recent discussions with two of the major issues raised, and the 1. A primary concern expressed by University officials was with the concept of "licensing" of utilities, and of limiting all existing utility easements, as well as future utilities, to an initial 50 -year term. It was pointed out that a University utility facility put in place in year 48 of the proposed License Agreement would only have a two year "lifespan," after which the University might lose the right to operate and maintain that facility. University representatives also indicated that it was doubtful whether the Board of Regents could give the City such a broad j license interest in unspecified University property. Finally, they expressed concern at not being able to discuss future City decisions on assignment of space, or refusal to assign space, with the City Council. Clearly, the University is looking for an agreement that more closely parallels the existing practice of each party granting easements to the other. In order to both address this concern, and to address the City's interest in not giving up its street right-of-way resources in perpetuity, the Chapter 28E Agreement was revised to more closely parallel the old practice of granting individual easements for each utility or improvement to be installed on the property of the other party. The Chapter 28E agreement will now operate to modify all such existing easements and all future easements, to provide that the easement would terminate upon abandonment of the utilities or improvements emplaced pursuant thereto. This would seem to accommodate the interests and concerns of both parties. 2. Another issue which arose in our discussions with University officials regarded the future assignment of remaining space in street right-of-way, and presumably on University property, for our respective utilities and improvements. Under the Reciprocal License and Agreement which was proposed by the City in January, the decision whether to assign such space in street right-of-way to the University, and which space to assign, was ✓ *4 a decision left to the sole discretion of the City administration. University representatives expressed the view that each party should have an established right to locate its utilities and improvements upon the property of the other, with the decision as to the exact assignment of space being subject to standards provided in the agreement. Clearly, this would represent a step backward from the position which the City now occupies with regard to the assignment of space in City street right-of- way. At present, and under the License Agreement which was proposed in January, the City had absolute discretion whether to assign space to the University, and what space to assign. However, we have nonetheless included this proposal in the revised Agreement. Under the revised Agreement, the City's decision whether or not to assign space in the street right-of-way to the University, and what space to assign, would have to be made according to certain allocation preferences set forth in the Agreement, and those decisions would be subject to arbitration if the University didn't agree with them. The same criteria would be applied in situations where the City required the University to relocate its existing utilities to accommodate new City or public utilities. Conclusion: The revised Agreement calls for the City and the University to make significant concessions. The City's determination if and where the University could locate its utilities in City streets would have to be made according to established criteria and would be subject to arbitration. All of the University's existing utility easements would be brought under the limitations of the Agreement, including those provisions which would allow the City to require their relocation and which would limit the term to those easements to the life of the utilities emplaced therein. More importantly, though, the Agreement puts in place a system of allocation principles and procedures which assure City and University cooperation and coordination in the future use of City and University property. bj/pc2 54 -PR March 29, 1989 Jeff Duffy Superintendent Iowa -Illinois Gas & Electric 1630 Lower Muscatine Road Iowa City, IA 52240 rr•rr � CITY OF IOWA CITY Dear Jeff, In response to your inquiry you will find enclosed a copy of a letter that City Manager Steve Atkins directed to University Associate Vice President Mary Jo Small just a year ago. That letter sets out what was then the Council's position - that the underground power line not be energized until the agreement is concluded. To my knowledge, the City's position has not changed since then. As I mentioned the other day, we will shortly be sending another draft of the proposed agreement to the University. I think that we have made significant progress in recent discussions and may be close to agreement. be tr me beforer rthe hagre agreement isile that yactually concluded and executedit could be some by both parties. If you have any questions, just give me a call. I'll keep you advised of significant developments. Sin ely, Terrence L. Timmins City Attorney TLT:kw cc: Mary Jo Small University of Iowa Associate Vice President City Council Members ('I\'1(' (' I ] l I N • 4 1U I {57 N' i>111?G1(I\ 11 N1 L7 • IO 1i i CI T1 11/111 .. !•�� • (114) 1'M1 ioU CITY OF IOWA CITY CHIC CENTER 410 E WASHINGTON ST IOWA CITY. IOWA 52240 (319) 356-5000 March 1, 1988 Ms. Mary Jo Small, Associate Vice -President The University of Iowa 105 Jessup Hall Iowa City, Iowa 52242 Dear Mary Jo: At the regular City Council meeting of February 23 the City Council directed the Department of Public Works to issue an excavation permit for the proposed power line to be installed in the City right-of-way. The release of this excavation permit is with the understanding that the University and City will conclude discussions concerning agreements to provide for better administrative procedures as well as provide for various liability matters concerning University use of City right-of-way. I believe from the comments of the City Council that it is imperative that some type of agreement be concluded prior to the actual energizing of the new electric line. I would suggest that a detailed list of j issues, as you perceive them to be with respect to this matter, be prepared and forwarded to my office. We would then be in a position to learn first hand your concerns about the previous license agreement that was submitted in March of 1987, suggest alternatives, and in general develop an agenda so that we may review our respective interests con- cerning this matter. Please provide me with this information as soon as possible. Thank you for your cooperation. Sincerely yours, I Steph�ins City Manager cc: City Council City Attorneys/ tpl/10 RECEIVED i•1.AR 0 11988 LEGAL DLPAHTMENP 5�6 0 IOWA -ILLINOIS GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY MApiY, IOWA 6x60 T. T. MOOOER pefNCf YAN.UOI March 31, 1989 Mayor John McDonald 1.16 S Dodge Street Iowa City, IA 522:0 Dear John: The Iowa legislature is considering legislation that would prevent lova-Illinois Gas and Electric Company and other utilities from repairirq appliances, inspecting furnaces, and providing other services inside the home. We think our repair service is important and valuable to our customers and your constituents. We therefore ask you oppose the legislation by resolution on by contacting our State Senators and Representatives. This legislation (Senate File 373 and House File 738) specifically states that "a public utility shall not engage in the sale, lease, servicing, rental, installation, construction, modernization, retrofit, maintenance, or repair of equipment or products except by an affiliate." Iowa -Illinois maintains one of the best service operations in the area, which includes smaller communities where comparable services are not available. The Company does not subsidize the charges for service work through the rates paid by other utility customers. Rates charged for service work at least equal the cost of providing such service. Our service personnel are quick to respond to customer requests and are well-trained. Iowa -Illinois would like to continue providing these services inside the home and would appreciate any help you could lend to defeat this legislation. If this legislation becomes law, it would require a reduction of our work force, which also provides services such as gas leak investigations, relighting of•gas pilots and similar services. Thanks again for giving consideration to contacting our legislators to help ensure Iowa -Illinois can continue to provide top quality service in the communities we serve. TTH/cp Sincerely, POST OF ESO%1760. IOWA CRY, IOWA MO. PHONE 31"t 9731 .9-plfrt�' April 2, 1989 City of Iowa City 410 East Washington Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Attn: Steve Atkins Dear Mr Atkins: On March 23, 1989 I read the article in the Press Citzen paper in reference to the tree being taken down at 903 S. Lucas Street. To say theleast, I was very upset that Terry Robinson was being accused of not doing his job properly or was just needlessly removing trees. I have worked with Terry ever since he became the City Forester in Iowa City and have found have found him to be very professional in his work. He has always tried to save the trees or save them as long as he can before he has to remove them. I know Terry would like to do more, but his budget has the same problems as anyone's budget, not enough money and employees. As far as Miss Dieterle is concerned, I can show her many stumps that don't show any decay. That is because the decay was in the upper portion of the tree that the decision was based on for this tree. If Terry had trimmed this tree out, there wouldn't have been enough of the tree remaining to make it worth saving. I say a little common sense has to be involved in the decision on whether to take a tree down too. I know personally what this tree looked like and the hazards it created for property damage or even possible an injury to anyone walking or playing beneath it. I know the one limb would have fell on thehouse at 903 S. Lucas and would have been an expense for the City to repair. I shudder to think that some children might have been hurt by a falling limb out of this tree. I had the opportunity to speak with the property owner adjacent to this tree and am very aware of the sentimental feelings she had for this tree. I know she didn't want to see the tree go, but I felt she understood why it had to be taken down and I know she didn't want it to fall on her house. I have reported many tree problems to Terry and will be doing more in the future. I feel very comfortable with the decisions Terry has made to date and am sure he will make the best decisions he can in the future. It has been very rewarding to work with Terry since he has been a City employee. It is very unfortunate he has to take the brunt of Miss Dieterle's unjust accusation. I feel she is wrong on this particular case and the proper decision was made by Terry. sip -2 - Trees don't live forever and it is unfortunate, as it takes several years to replace them, but they can be replaced. I just wanted to show my support for Terry and his decision. I hope my ! letter will shed some light on this accusation and show other people the proper decision was made by a responsible City employee. I understand a couple persons on the Council supported Miss Dieterle in her accusation and that is why I sent a copy to John McDonald so he can have those persons be aware that there is support for Terry's decision. Sincerely yours iLaVerne P. Forbes 114 Dartmouth Street Iowa City, Iowa 52245 CC; John McDonald Mayor - Iowa City 5�f8