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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-06-16 Info Packet.o• a City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: June 8, 1987 To: City Council From: City Manager Re: Alcohol Awareness While I have been meeting with various community groups and service clubs during my early "get -to -know" process, I have often encountered questions, concerns and observations about our downtown, in particular its future direction. The concerns are not so much that the downtown is not thriv- ing, it is more that our citizens wish to see it continue. Of particular concern on the part of several citizens has been the number as well as the concentration of establishments in the downtown that sell liquor. I suspect that some of the questions that have been raised are due to the recent changes in State liquor laws. I requested that the City staff identify, from a land use perspective, the location of liquor establishments in the downtown. The purpose of the review was to give me a better feel for the number and location of such liquor establishments and whether there was any pattern developing that should be of concern to downtown business interests as well as our citi- zens in general. There are currently 35 licensed liquor establishments in downtown and four in Ol'd Capitol Center. I believe that the citizen concerns are not so much with the number of establishments, but the outcome of the drinking that occurs, and the effect that it may have on the downtown's image. The complaints I received include concerns about public intoxication, disorderly conduct, driving while intoxicated, etc. A concern that I have regarding the downtown is the requirement for police service in controlling crowds and other conduct that often emanates from liquor establishments. As a government, we will often attack such a problem by directing more tax supported resources at controlling these types of circumstances. While this certainly is an option, I would like to suggest that before we might be required to expand a service, we may wish to pursue legislative and/or policy remedies to see if we can iden- tify and possibly control public intoxication and other liquor law viola- tions, particularly those that may occur in the downtown area. 1 believe that there is a heightened public awareness with respect to all issues associated with drinking and public intoxication, as well as other problems associated by excessive drinking. Problems in our community and our ability to respond, I believe, are very similar to those throughout the United States and in recent years have begun to receive increasing attention. Our City's police records reflect that the person who is driving under the influence does place a demand on police services, as r 1i well as other government programs both publicly and privately financed throughout the community. In addition, police services are also demanded of those engaging in disorderly conduct as a result of public intoxica- tion. There does seem to be a national consensus that over consumption of alco- hol is a serious problem and it is likely that there will never be any single solution to the problem. It is difficult for any government to consider enlightened legislation or policies to attack these types of issues unless we are able to get as close as possible to the source of the particular problem area, that is, how the alcohol is dispersed to the consumer. I believe that ideally our community should become more aware of the effects of the over -consumption of alcohol and in particular due to the fact that as a City government we serve as an agent to legislate, that is grant licenses for the privilege of dispensing alcoholic beverages. It would seem as a City government we may be in a unique position to under- take alcohol awareness efforts and hopefully generate more positive atti- tudes toward responsible drinking. Our City Code prohibits certain activities with respect to the dispensing of alcohol, primarily those associated with age and/or hours of operation. Our Code also states that the holder of a license "shall not sell, dis- pense or give to any intoxicated person or one simulating intoxication, any alcoholic liquor or beer." In 1984 the Iowa City police made 830 arrests for driving while intoxi- cated, liquor law violations, and other public intoxications. In 1985 the number of arrests increased to 1,114 and in 1986 1,262 arrests were made. From research by the City of Madison, Wisconsin, it is estimated that approximately 75 percent of the individuals arrested for drunk driving have been served in some type of licensed liquor establishment. I think it would be safe to conclude that bartenders and waitresses in our drinking establishments may not have adequate knowledge of safe limits and methods of protecting patrons from over -consumption. Effectively handling people with impaired judgment from alcohol is difficult at best and it seems that most bartenders develop their skills in this area through the "school of hard knocks." It would seem that experienced and trained bartenders could provide a valuable resource for training and enlightening the public about the problem of over -consumption of alcohol and concurrently could become more keenly aware of the responsibilities they have with respect to these matters. If this could occur it might also lessen the demand for public safety'services associated with the policing of those individuals breaking our laws. I would like to recommend to the City Council that consideration be given to the development of a program of bartender licensing and a required training and/or certification program be developed to secure such a bar- tender license. In that we are not able to maintain a formal police presence at all liquor establishments, we must have some reliance on bartenders to police the sale of liquor. Operators of packaged good stores, where juveniles will frequently attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages, must also be particularly vigilant. Common sense would dictate ,P' a 3 that as demanded of other less responsible professions, we should require some form of training or proof of ability before licensing a dispenser of a potentially dangerous drug, alcohol, To secure such a license would require formal application, police back- ground check, and the verification that a training course with a certifi- cation of completion be provided before issuance of a bartender's license. The objectives in the training would be to increase the licensee's knowl- edge of the effects of alcoholic beverages on individuals and create a positive attitude in the licensee's responsibilities to improve dispensing practices. When this is done, hopefully we can improve customer attitudes toward moderation and reduce consumption, and thereby reduce public in- toxication and drunken driver complaints. While there are many adminis- trative details to be initiated, particularly the development of a formal training program, it would seem that the certification program and in general the content of the program could include the following: 1. pharmacology and physiology of alcohol and its interaction with other drugs and medications; 2, information on public policy and related laws; 3. intervention with customers a. recognition of problems; b. examination of attitudes toward alcohol and alcoholics; c. intervention; d, refusal of more alcohol to those already intoxicated; e. use of community resources; 4, marketing without providing alcohol abuse. It is estimated that a training effort could be no more than 12 classroom hours in duration and can be offered through a local community college. Initial conversations with Kirkwood College officials have indicated such a program could be developed and scheduled locally. The cost of such a program does not appear to be significant and the City would also have to consider the cost associated with the administration of our licensing effort. We understand that beer companies have also expressed interest in conducting similar training and therefore it may be desirable to coordi- nate their efforts with ours. I would like to discuss this matter at the June 15 City Council informal meeting. /sp FU •o' City of Iowa City --. MEMORANDUM DATE: June 12, 1987 i0: City Council FROM: City Manager RE: Tornado/Weather Alert Sirens Chief Donner is unable to attend the Council informal meeting of June 15, and therefore we have postponed the discussion sirens until June 29, of tornado/weather alert cc: Chief Donner .P' W City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM DATE: June 11, 1987 TO: City Council FROM: Karin Franklin, Senior Planne RE: Meeting with the Planning & Zoning Commission The Planning & Zoning Commission requests that June 24 or July 1 be the date set for a special meeting between the Commission and the Council to discuss development policies for southwest Iowa City. This meeting is precipitated by Frank Eicher's request for rezoning of his property from Rural Residential to RS -5. The Commission would like to meet at 7:30PM in a setting conducive to discussion, such as the Senior Center Classroom. ,P' SOUTHEASTIOWA MUNICIPAL. yOAGUFr.= i • PRESIDENT MICHAEL KATTCHEE Mayor OfCoralville • VICE PRESIDENT DICT( WALTMAN Mayor ofMusmune • DIRECTORS LEROY PETERSON C0111101MOmber of 0skalowa JERRY RIGDON Couneilmember of Burlington JOAN MATTINGLY Couneilmember of Centerville THOMAS HART Mayor of Davenporl • IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT e C. A. WILLIAMS, JR. ATayor of New London • SECRETARY-TREASORER MARTIN E. GAMES Clerk of Centerville SOUTHEAST IOWA MUNICIPAL LEAGUE BOX 578 • CENTERVILLE, IOWA 52544 ATTENTION: ALL CITY OFFICALS IN SOUTHEAST IOWA The June 1987 meeting of the Southeast Iowa Municipal League will be held in Keokuk on Wednesday, June 24th. WHERE: Keokuk Best Western Motel (4th 6 Main Streets) SOCIAL HOUR 6 REGISTRATION: 5:30 P.M. BUFFETT DINNER: 6:30 P.M. (Cost - $8.50) PROGRAM: 7:15 P.M. The League of Iowa Municipalities will conduct their regional policy meeting. (See enclosed letter) i STAY INFORMED - PLAN TO ATTEND Come early to Victory Park on the river front on Main i Street. Be Keokuk's guest and visit the George M. Verity Museum.. along with the new bridge observation platform. Early arrivals (by 3 P.M.) check in at the Geo'ige M. Verity for a Mississippi River boat ride. j Sincerely, Martin E. Games Secretary/Treasurer To facilitate planning, please by June 22nd your reservations to lel fill out and mail (or telephone) ride count. p provide a meal and boat Send reservations to: City of Keokuk City Hall 415 Blondeau Street Keokuk, Iowa 52632 Phone: 319-524-2050 Name of member city or associate membe Number of meal only. reservations Number of meal and boat ride reservatio 993 .o• LEAGUE OF IOWA MUNICIPALITIES 900 Des Moines Street Sults 100of Des Moines, Iowa 50309 i June 2, 1987 Dear City Clerk: The League of Iowa Municipalities will conduct regional policy meetings in June at the following locations: June 10 - 7:00 p.m. Strawberry Point In City Hall (intersec- PRESIDENT tion of highways 3 & 13) June 11 - 10:00 a.m. Cedar Falls in Cedar Fells Women's Club (3rd & Clay) June 16 - 7:30 p.m. Denison in Community Room, 111 N. Main June 17 - 7:00 p.m. Huxley in Community Center, 204 W. 5th June 18 -after 6:00 p.m. dinner Sheldon In Iron Horse Restaurant (high-._ I way 60 south) .'Iitnei 24 = a(ter'.6E30' p.m.? dInttbii- In Bat, Weuun',_:Regeacy (4thf Our regional policy meetings are held to give city officials the opportunity to identify specific proposals or ideas that should be proposed to the Iowa General Assembly to help city government better serve their people. Included In each of, these meetings will be a summarization of 1987 state legislation affecting Iowa cities. Please make copies of this letter available to mayors, councilmembers, city managers and administrators, city attorneys, clerks and department heads. All are welcome and important to helping form League policy. I I urge attendance at the regional policy meetings; however, if attendance ; Is not possible, please forward your ideas or suggestions to David Long, Direc- tor of Intergovernmental Relations at the League office before June 30. . Sin ly 0. ene Me dox Chairman Policy Committee OGM/mla PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT PAST PRESIDENT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Pelricle A. Leu Council Member. Lone Tree O. Gene Maddox John N. Lemon ncberl W. Hupater Mayor. Clive Council Member. Ankeny Dee Moines .P' City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM uate: June 12, 1987 To: Mayor William J. Ambrisco and city/Coin i ers From: Terrence L. Timmins, City Attorney(//',,,,, Re: Update I. Recruitment of Assistant City Attorney I have been working with Sylvia Steinbach to develop a position va- cancy notice for the Assistant City Attorney position for publication. We are following the City's normal policy for advertising position vacancies, which is to advertise the position at its present salary range. The salary range for the Assistant City Attorney position soon to be vacant is from $26,728 to ;36,379.00. Per recent Council ac- tion, Mr. Browns salary was set at $32,846, slightly above the mid- point of that range. Our plans at this time call for recruitment by Publication of the position vacancy notice in the Iowa City Press -Citizen, the Cedar Rapids Gazette, the Des Moines Register the Council Bluffs N�on�areil, and the ad direct notice to the various City legalCdOcumenPs around aythesState. Once again, if any Council member has any suggestions to make regard- ing recruitment, I would welcome your input. 2. Benton Street Bridge Project: Status of CRANDIC and IE Negotiations Negotiations continue with CRANDIC and Iowa Electric on the City's acquisition of certain properties and easements, and on the of a rail crossing and transmission to accommodate the Benton relocation line Street bridge widening. Staff has countered proposals made by CRANDIC and IC, and has asked them to respond by July 1. We hope to reach agreement with them at that time so that we can present their revised sale offers to the Council at the first or second meeting in July. 3. Arts Fest - Copyright Problem The City Parks and Recreation Department, as a co-sponsor of the Arts Fest along with the Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Association, the Library Board, and the Iowa City/Johnson County Arts Council, has been contacted by Broaand dcast Music, Inc.mus(BMI), a copyright enforcement rinthe Arts Fest are covered by the copyright laws. al pBMI Otakes ethe uPosition that the sponsors will have to enter into a copyright licensing agreement with BMI, or face legal action for copyright infringement. We are researching the issue for the sponsors, and will attempt to resolve the matter. meet next week in an bdw5/1 .1. City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: June 15, 1987 To: Terry Timmins From: Sylvia Steinbach 1 /,2 Re: Recruitment VV We will assist you in any way you would like in the recruitment process for the position of Assistant City Attorney. The ad which you gave me can be placed in any or all of the papers we discussed. Our general practice on this level position would be to use the Cedar Rapids Gazette, the Iowa City Press -Citizen and the Des Moines Register. You indicated you would also like to use the Sioux City, Council Bluffs and Waterloo papers. The Waterloo paper would be a very good affirmative action resource and with this in mind you might also,want to consider the Quad City Times (Daven- port). The Des Moines Register is an excellent source which will be read by most Iowans seeking a position of this nature and you will probably reach the same people you will reach with the Council Bluffs and Sioux City papers. However, if you want us to place ads in these papers as well, we will do so. It would probably be best to advertise for two Sundays. With that in mind I have drawn up a tentative process schedule which you may need to modify based on your own time constraints. Advertise: June 21 and 28 (Sundays) Deadline to apply: Friday, July 3 Review applications and set up interviews: Week of July 6 Interviews: Week of July 13-17 Reference checks, etc. will follow interviews Offer extended This timeframe allows one week following the deadline for review of appli- yourcatioappli a ts'ns and eavainlabilityof tforiintervie ews senthe weedent koof Jour ul w13, yo and have to extend vary this timeframe. Y you may For a position of this level, I would suggest that you have the applica- tions/resumes reviewed by another person as well as yourself. This could be either within or outside the Department although having Dick review applications could put him in an uncomfortable position. In addition, if you desire, Human Relations will do an initial screen to weed out those applicants who clearly do not meet the minimum requirements. I urge you to consider having one or two others sit in on the interviews. This is not the same as a selection committee, but rather, allows input from employees who will be working closely with the new person. The final decision, of course, would be yours. I. Page 2 We will see if we have a copy of the interview format which was used for either Dick and/or David's position. We will forward any available copies to you. I recommend that a final copy of your interview format be submit- ted to us sufficiently in advance of interviews so that we may review it and suggest revisions if appropriate. Attached is a copy of the job announcement which you rewrote. Please review and make any corrections and return to me by Wednesday for ad placement. It is my understanding that you are considering having all applications/resumes sent directly to the Legal Department. We will be happy to accept applications, log them in for recordkeeping purposes and forward them to you on a daily basis, or we will get the necessary appli- cant data from you if applications come directly to you. Please let me know your preferences as to how we may assist you in your recruitment and hiring process. cc: Dale Helling Attachment bcl U ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY The City of Iowa City is seeking a full-time Assistant City Attorney to work in the City Legal Department. Law degree required; 3-5 years in municipal law practice or closely related field preferred. Must be a member of the IowaBar upon employment. Position reports directly to full-time City Attor- ney. Salary range effective July 1, $27,539-$37,460. Apply to Legal Depart- ment, Civic Center, 410 E. Washington, Iowa City, Iowa 52240. AA/EOE