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Home My WebLink About1988-11-15 Info PacketCity of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: November 10, 1988 To: City Council From: City Manager Re: Kegger Ordinance/Alcohol Abuse At your upcoming City Council meeting, you will be discussing issues associated with the proposed Kegger Ordinance. As I am sure you are aware, legislation of this nature always generates a variety of opinions. Specifically it appears that the concern, with respect to adopting a' kegger ordinance, is to control the large gatherings and excessive drinking that often occur at unregulated beer parties in our neighborhoods. Even more specific, in response to neighborhood concerns of rowdyism and general complaints about noise, the Kegger Ordinance is specifically intended to reduce alcohol-related police incidents and the inordinate amount of police time necessary to manage these types of parties. Of particular concern to me is not only the neighborhood issues and the inordinate use of public safety services (police) that alcohol abuse related incidents are directly tied to not only these parties, but the general availability of alcohol, including licensed establishments. If we are able to regulate kegger parties in our neighborhoods, we would certainly reduce the police presence necessary and thereby can safely say we are increasing public safety capabilities for the rest of the community. Reduction of these types of parties will go a long way toward reducing alcohol abuse related police incidents; however, any program or effort to reduce alcohol abuse can only be successful if it is undertaken with the cooperation of local bars and taverns. With the change in the State law with respect to drinking age, it is very apparent that the local liquor establishments are struggling to assure their economic future. A smaller market for legal drinking obviously affects the ability of a number of bars to succeed economically. In order for us to effectively challenge alcohol abuse, we must also deal with the potential disregard for alcohol-related laws within licensed 174oz 2 establishments. Any new ordinance with respect to restricting parties in our neighborhoods must also have, at the very least, a commitment on the part of licensed retailers to discourage alcohol abuse. It is difficult to accuse a neighborhood party of unregulated distribution of alcohol when bars provide free beer nights, double bubble, and other related promotional programs to encourage people to patronize their establishment. As we begin to discuss these issues, I felt it appropriate to advise you of the extent of the alcohol abuse problem, from a police perspective. In September of this year the police were involved in III arrests where charges were filed against persons for public intoxication. Of the 111, 43 were 18, 19 and 20 years ago. During September there were 106 instances of possession and consumption of alcohol by a minor. Seventy- eight of those instances were reported to have occurred at a licensed liquor establishment. Regulation of kegger parties may reduce incidents of public intoxication and possession by minors. However, licensed establishments must also share the burden and help resolve the issues. Please keep in mind that these September statistics do not deal with any motor vehicle related arrests that have occurred. For us to adequately discuss and develop policies to reduce alcohol abuse, I believe it will need significant community involvement. I recently attended a meeting of a School District committee to discuss the drug intervention policy and the City's involvement with a Community Relations Officer. While hard drugs are certainly a concern, a major abuse problem is that of alcohol by young people. Policies and initiatives must be undertaken on a broad front if we are ever to fully address this issue. As you review and comment on a proposed kegger ordinance, I would also like to suggest possible formation of an ad hoc group, which could include University officials and students, to further discuss with representatives of the City government and proprietors of licensed retail establishments. Possibly through a joint sharing of concern, all parties may be able to develop policies and procedures and the City Council can accordingly develop legislation that will address this community concern. SJA/sp/PC-3 cc: Chief of Police /4r -, CITY OFIOWA CITY November 9, 1988 Don L. Klima, Director Eastern Office of Project Review Advisory Council on Historic Preservation j 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.M., 1809 E Washington, D.C. 20004 Re: Proposed Demolition of the Benton Street Bridge Johnson County, Iowa Dear Mr. Klima: 9 We have been furnished with a copy of your October 26 correspondence to H.A. Willard of the Federal Highway Administration, regarding the proposed demolition of the Benton Street Bridge. It is of great concern to us that in your evaluation you appear to be giving equal weight to the engineering analysis completed by Stanley T. Rolfe and Michael J. Koob and the letter which was received from William D. Ashton. Stanley T. Rolfe was hired by the City of Iowa City because he is a national authority on the structural reliability of bridges. We feel his report states clearly and concisely that based on sound engineering judgment the long-term use of the Benton Street Bridge is not recom- mended. This finding is confirmed in an accompanying report by Michael J. Koob of Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc., a firm which has I excellent structural engineering credentials. I would point out that Mr. Ashton's letter is not a structural engi- neering analysis of the Benton Street Bridge, but simply a response to the reports by Rolf and Koob. I would add that Mr. Ashton spends much of his letter concurring with conclusions of Mr. Koob. Regardless, it seems peculiar to us that you would give equal weight to the structural analysis reports prepared by national experts, and the letter from Mr. Ashton. CIVIC CENTER • 410 EAST WASHINGTO% STREET • IOWA CITY. IOWA S2210 • (119) 06.1000 Mr. Klima November 9, 1988 Page 2 The City of Iowa City wishes to bring this long, drawn-out issue to the earliest possible resolution. I assure you that we are completely willing to accommodate the historical documentation of the Benton Street Bridge, and erection of a suitable memorial at the site. However, based on the testimony of experts we cannot concur with preserving the existing structure at the risk of endangering the citizens of our community. Sincerely, Stephe Wins City M ager tpl-1 cc: Chuck Schmadeke Jeff Davidson City Council i parks & recreation department MEMO to: Members of the City Council from. Bill Steinbreat Chairman • Parks S Recreation Commission re. Potter's studio accessibility d a t e . November 10, 1988 During the recent process to request Community Development Block Grant funding, the Parks and Recreation Department submitted several projects for consideration. Evidently, none of the Parks and Recreation projects were considered a high enough priority to be recommended by C.C.N. We recognize the fact that they have a difficult task, and their efforts are appreciated. The purpose of this communication is not to ask for any changes, but to request that one of our projects be given strong consideration, should any additional funding become available. Funding for this particular project would allow us to modify the potter's studio in the recreation center, making it accessible to the handicapped. At this time, we are aware of no such facilities in Iowa City, which are accessible to citizens with disabilities. The cost of this project is estimated $8,630. It has been endorsed by the Iowa City/Johnson County Arts Council and the Chamber of Commerce Arts Committee. Your consideration will be appreciated. city of iowa city The University of Iowa Iowa City, Iowa 52242 Collegiate Associations Council November 10, 1988 Dear Councillor Courtney, It has come to the attention of the University of Iowa Collegiate Associations Council University Environment committee that a particular alley owned by the city is in a critical state of disrepair. The alley between Old Brick and the Shambaugh Honors House is used not only by cars but by citizens and students alike who wish to access these two building by way of the Clinton Street sidewalk. People in wheelchairs have been thrown from their chairs in attempting to cross this alley. All other routes for the physically disabled are circuitous and dangerous. It is our concern and the concern of others that episodes like this should not be allowed to occur again. This alley is of vital importance to the learning environment of students in wheelchairs. We would request that the city look into the possibility of repaving this alley at the soonest possible time. We hope this problem could be resolved before the onset of winter's subsequent travel difficulties. vo j f I 1 Sincerely, Sara Ralston, Chair University Environment I 1. Capitol St. 2. University Parking lot 3. Old Brick Parking lot 4. Old Brick 5. Paved portion of alley 6. Unpaved portion of alley 7. Volleyball Courts 8. Parking lot 9. Sheumbaugh Honors House 10. Daum 11. Clinton St. /9�4 RE CE IVEONOV 9 1988 SHELLER -GLOBE PADDED PRODUCTS DIVISION November 8, 1988 City of Iowa city Steve Atkins, City Manager 1 Larry Donner, Fire Chief 410 East Washington Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Sirs, In appreciation for all you have done for us, by instructing Sheller Globe Personnel in CPR, we wish to extend to all of you our "Thanks." We feel that you have a good rapport with the people, and that they receive excellent training as well as your first hand experience. Again, our heartfelt thanks. We feel greatly honored to have all of you in attendance, for our CPR classes, as well as being called here for some of our emergencies. Please pass this on to the participating stations. Sincerely, 14,, . �1�1�"' PP N. Sheller Globe Corp. Iowa City Plant CC: Rick Innis, Human Resource Manager Fred Shimon, Safety Coordinator IOWA CITY PLANT 2500 HWY. 6 EAST IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240 (319)338.9281 /7*2G i I b Iowa Department of Transportation State Capitol, es Moines, Iowa 50319 515/281-4265 October 31, 1988 Don Schmeiser, Executive Director Johnson County Council of Governments 410 East Washington Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Mr. Schmeiser: & 4I As you may have recently heard the Urban Mass Transportation Administration announced funding of a $4,701,965 capital grant under the federal Section 3 discretionary program. This grant to the Iowa Department of Transportation will fund 75% of the cost of twenty eight urban buses for Ames, Cambus, Coralville, Des Moines and Iowa City plus garage expansion for Ames. Funding of this grant is notable for several reasons. First, it was the first time nationwide that a state had applied for Section 3 funds on behalf of systems rather than the systems applying directly. Second, it was the first time that a consolidated Section 3 application reflecting the capital needs of several systems was submitted. Until now, only individual systems had applied on their own behalf. Third, no Section 3 discretionary funds have been granted to any of Iowa's transit systems since 1983, while Iowa motor fuel users have been forwarding about $15 million per year in one cent federal fuel tax to this Section 3 fund. Finally, since the capital needs of Iowa's 35 transit systems far outweigh the federal formula dollars available for that purpose, this Section 3 funding is essential for Iowa's 35 transit systems to meet their urgent capital needs. As you can see, this is a very important grant that, by U.S. DOT's admission, will be used as a model by other states in their efforts to access federal discretionary dollars. I tell you all this as a prelude to expressing our appreciation of the efforts of Jeff Davidson, the chief transportation planner with the Johnson County Council of Governments. As we were fashioning the innova- tive concept and soliciting the support of Iowa's transit systems, particularly the five to be a party to the grant, it became apparent that timing of the application was essential to its success. We had just a few short weeks to compile and create the considerable material required with a Section 3 application. It is a very detailed, complex application process. commNDonm lheldb k#Plnty av,O,mem CJrog,r RM robert H.Ytlb DougS SUt]ntr.Stowan "VRIJT G/7� ar/!gt ?*DSM D,v,nrert Ottumwa "3, sm"ty co"n We were in a position of not having the necessary staff time available in my division to accomplish the task. Mr. Davidson, having had considerable federal grant writing experience, volun- teered his time to this effort. As a result, Mr. Davidson assumed full responsibility for the staff work needed to put the applica- tion together, working with the staff from all five involved transit systems and coordinating his staff efforts with my office. His efforts, under a very short time frame, were critical to our timely submission of this application and on behalf of the DOT and Iowa's transit systems we wish to commend him for his efforts. Sincerely, Nancy J. Richardson Director Air and Transit Division PHH:dbe cc: David Roberts JCCOG Chairman i CALENDARS low OFFSET PRINTERS 2800 HIGHWAY 6 EA((SSTQT- PHONE (319) 337-9623 jjjaur, L ce+ Joaaai SM0 November 7, 1988 John McDonald, Mayor City of Iowa City 410 East Washington St. Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear John: We're again hosting one of the ABI legislative briefings. We've invited the Chamber Legislative Council, area members of ABI and public officials like yourself. The site is our plant on Highway 6 East beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 16th. I hope you might have two hours available that day to join us. WMB/jw Sincerely, ECONOMY ADVERTISING COMPANY Will s M. Bywater President Gena cner� 70? if