HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-05-20 Info Packetof 5/16,J,
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 16, 1986
TO: City Council
FROM: Acting City Manager
RE: Material in Friday's Packet
Memoranda from the Acting City Manager:
a. Abolished Positions 9196
b. Associate Planner Position ?9 y
Memoranda from the City Clerk:
a. Council Salaries 8 98
b. Beer/Liquor License/Conditional Approval - Sunshine Laundry Company899
Memorandum from the Director of Parks and Recreation regarding the Recreatiol
Division Budget - Status Report. 900
Memorandum from the Acting Finance Director regarding purchase of micro- 0/
computers.
Notice of meeting of Southeast Iowa Municipal League. 90z
News release regarding appointment of Michael Moran as Superintendent of 03
the Recreation Division.
Minutes of the April 24 meeting of the JCCOG Ad Hoc Area Transit Study 90 9!
Committee. —
Minutes of the May 7 staff meeting. 05
Article: "Soul of a Cheap Machine " 904
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City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 9, 1986
TO: City Council
FROM: Acting City Manager
RE: Material in Friday's Packet
Informal agendas and meeting schedule.
Memorandum from the Acting City Manager regarding nuisance abatement
complaint.
Memoranda from the Department of Public Works:
a. Curb.along Foster Road
b. Ridge Road Curve Widening
Memorandum from the Transit Department regarding ridership statistics.
Memorandum from the JCCOG Transportation Planner regarding retail sales
survey.
Invitation from HANDICARE to a reception on May 10, 1986.
Minutes of the April 30 staff meeting.
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City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 9, 1986
TO: City Council
FROM: Acting City Manager
RE: Informal Agendas and Meeting Schedule
May 13, 1986 Tuesday
6:30 - 8:00 P.M. Council Chambers
6:30 P.M. - Plans for Steam Tunnel Reconstruction - University of Iowa
7:00 P.M. - Council time, Council committee reports
7:15 P.M. - Annual evaluation of City Clerk - Executive Session
May 19, 1986 Monday
7:00 - 8:00 P.M.
7:00 P.M. - Review zoning matters
7:20 P.M. - Recreation Division budget
7:45 P.M. - Council agenda, Council time, Council committee reports
7:55 P.M. - Consider appointment to the Riverfront Commission
May 20, 1986 Tuesday
7:30 P.M. - Regular Council Meeting - Council Chambers
May 26, 1986 Monday
MEMORIAL DAY - CITY OFFICES CLOSED
May 27, 1986 Tuesday
NO INFORMAL COUNCIL MEETING - SUMMER SCHEDULE
June 2, 1986 U-4-
7:00 - 8:30 P.M. Council Chambers
7:00 P.M. - Informal Council Meeting - Agenda pending
June 3, 1986 Tuesday
7:30 P.M. - Regular Council Meeting - Council Chambers
PENDING LIST
Leasing of Airport Land for Commercial Use
City Administrative Procedures
Newspaper Vending Machines
Stormwater Management Ordinance Review
Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund
Mesquakie Park Development
Mesquakie Park Name Change
Appointments to Board of Library Trustees, Resources Conservation Commission,
and Mayor's Youth Employment Board - June 17, 1986. 881r
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 8, 1986
To: City Council /J
From: Acting City Manager"`
Re: Nuisance Abatement Complaint
The attached letter is provided for your information. It relates to a com-
plaint received by the Department of Housing and Inspection Services in a
letter dated March 14, 1986, a copy of which the complainant sent to all
Council members. Several Council members requested information regarding the
ultimate resolution of this complaint.
If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact
Doug Boothroy.
cc: Doug Boothroy
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1114 DEFOREST
IOWA CITY, IA 52240
MAY S, 1986
DOUGLAS W. BOOTHROY
DIRECTOR OF HOUSING 8 INSPECTION SERVICES
CIVIC CENTER
410 E WASHINGTON ST.
IOWA CITY, IA 52240
DEAR MR. BOOTHROY,
EARLIER THIS YEAR I WROTE TO YOU TO ENLIST YOUR HELP IN ABATING SOME
OBSOLETE VEHICLE NUISANCES IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD. I AM VERY HAPPY THAT ALL OF
THE NUISANCES THAT I TOLD YOU ABOUT WERE ABATED. YOUR STAFF WASTED NO TIME
IN APPROACHING EACH OF THE THREE NUISANCES I REPORTED.
I SINCERELY APPRECIATE THE SERVICE YOU AND YOUR COLLEAGUES RENDER TO THIS
COMMUNITY. YOU ARE TO BE COMMENDED.
SINCERE ,
JERRY L. BARTACHEN
of
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City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 5, 1986
TO: Dale Helling and City Council
FROM: Chuck Schmadeke Cf'
RE: Curb Along Foster /Road
A request has been received by Public Works to install a barrier
along the south side of Foster Road at Dubuque Street to prevent
vehicles from sliding down the sloped parking onto the Evangelical
Free Church property. The church property elevation is approxi-
mately 12 feet below the roadway elevation. The existing roadway
consists of 25 foot wide paving without curb and a +6 foot wide
shoulder.
Public Works concurs with the need to install a barrier and
recommends placing approximately 300 feet of 6 inch curb along
the south edge of the existing paving and filling behind the curb
to provide an adequate barrier. (See Figure N1).
The cost of this work excluding labor is approximately $4.00/lineal
foot. The work, performed by the Streets Division, will be completed
this summer unless otherwise directed by Council.
Figure H1
EXISTING PAVING I
PROPOSED FILL
PROPOSED CURB
19e
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City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 1, 1986
TO: Dale Helling, Acting City Mana
FROM: Frank Fanner, City Engineer
RE: Ridge Road Curve Widening
As per Council's request, the Engineering Division has studied the
feasibility of widening a portion of the Ridge Road curve as part
of this summer's asphalt resurfacing project. The existing pavement
surface is already two feet wider in the curve than on the straight
portions (21' on the curve, 19' elsewhere). It will be possible
to add an additional two feet of width in the sharpest portion of
the curve and stay within the existing 30' right-of-way. This can
be accomplished by reconstructing the curb and gutter section around
the inside of the curve. Tire tracks on the shoulder indicate that
this portion has the greatest need for widening. This widening
will start at the downhill side of an existing residential driveway
tapering to a maximum of two feet in the sharpest portion of the curve
and then will taper back to match the existing curb at the downhill
side of the curve (see attached sketch). Widening through the
residential driveway will not be possible because of grade problems
with the driveway. The cost of this improvement will be approximately
$2,000.
Widening to the outside of the curve is not recommended for two
reasons. First, widening to the outside would reduce the curve's
radius and actually make the curve sharper. Second, the existing
slope of the embankment around the outside of the curve is so steep
that it is only marginally stable. Since the present slope would
not provide a suitable foundation for a retaining wall, widening
to the outside would require fill which would steepen the embankment
and destroy the existing ground cover, including some trees, which
play a major role in stabilizing the slope.
Engineering will include this in the asphalt overlay project unless
otherwise directed by Council.
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City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 8, 1986
To: Acting City Manager and City Council
From:'\ John Lundell, Transit Manager
Re: Ridership Statistics
Attached are Iowa City Transit monthly ridership statistics for FY81-FY86. FY86
cumulative ridership through the month of March was down 7.2% from FY85.
Total ridership was down 13% for the month of March, 1986, compared to the same
month last year. My memo to you dated March 27, 1986 gave incorrect percentage
changes in weekday and Saturday ridership. Below is a table containing the
updated and corrected figures.
Iowa City Transit Ridership By Time Period
Weekday Saturday
Weekday Evening Saturday Evening
FY FY % FY FY % FY FY % FY FY %
1985 1986 Change 1985 1986 Change 1985 1986 Change 1985 1986 Change
January 185,096 164,955 (11) 11,654 10,295 (12) 15,775 14,093 (11) 1,293 1,278 (1)
February 207,451 181,674 (12) 15,117 13,202 (13) 18,958 13,401 (29) 2,061 1,696 (18)
March 171,858 151,714 (12) 11,752 10,966 (6.7) 18,860 13,457 (29) 1,955 1,579 (19)
Thank you and if you need any additional information, please feel free to contact
me.
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cc: Iowa City Transit Staff
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FY 81
FY 82
FY 83
1.ONTH I
RIDERSHIP
+ _ *
p I DERS14(-I
RIDERSHIP �+
7JULY
126,668
4
141,870
11
152,830
7
AUGUST
112,958
(3)
131,162
14
152,473
14
SEPTEMBEI
181,320
13
198,065
8
220,691
10
OCTOBER
207,557
5
221,940
6
237,075
6
NOVEMBER
181,722
(3)
205,132
11
242,446
15
DECEMBER
186,843
11
11 199,346
6
209,865
5
JANUARY
191,966
(1)
242,050
21
224,297
(7)
FEBRUARY230,887
(1)
266,456
13
258,786
(3)
MARCH
203,381
1
254,476
20
232,604
(9)
APRIL
197,513
6
234,880
16
220,792
(6)
MAY
146,832
8
166,886
12
1 165,126
1
JUNE
138,138
12
156,727
12
148.845
5
Tf1TAl
9,1.05 "ec
4
418,000 tY
I
2,465,832 i 2
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MONTHLY RIDERSHIP STATISTICS
1
FY g4
FY 85
FY 86
_ MONTH
RIDERSHIP
+ - *RIDERSHIP
RIDERSHIP
+ -
JULY
137,729
(10)
132,246
(4)
131,279
(.05
AUGUST
153,399
1
1 135,994
(11)
131,374
(3)
SEPTEMBER
206,032
(7)
180,060
(13)
169,621
(6)
_QCTOBER
221,634
(7)
220,209
(1)
208,001
(6)
NOVEMBER
218,219
(10)
1 206,138
(6)
189,719
(8)
DECEMBER
218,981
4
191,202
(13)
194,472
2
JANUARY
237,015
5
213,819
(IO)ll
190,621
(11)
FEBRUARY
254,469
(2)
.243,586
(6)
209,973
(14)
MARCH
241,698
4
204,425
(15)
177,716
(13)
APRIL
211,415
(4)
201,115
(5)
MAY
160,039
(3)
160,395
1
JUNE
138,909
(7)
130,703
(6)
TOTAL
2,399,587
(3)
2,219,892
7
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of INCREASE (DECRE
SE)FR
4 PREVIOUS FISCAL YEAR
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Johnson County Council of Governments /
f410EMPir)g[OnSt 6anb Ca)c low,a 52250 J
Date: May 2, 1986
To: Dale Helling, Acting City Manager
From: Jeff Davidson, Transportation Planner
Re: Council Referral
At the informal Council meeting on April 29, Mayor Ambrisco asked if there
is any way to tell if there has been an increase in non -CBD and Cedar
Rapids -area retail sales to correspond to the recent decline in parking
and retail sales in the Iowa City CBD.
I discussed this matter with Patt Cain, City Development Coordinator; and
Pat Grady of the Chamber. Neither had any recent information which sepa-
rates Iowa City retail sales into CBD and non -CBD sections. Both, how-
ever, were aware of a marketing survey of sales trends which was done by
the Press -Citizen in 1985. The survey showed a couple of interesting
things:
1. Total retail sales for Johnson County declined 17% from 1983 to 1984.
Linn County retail sales increased 4% during this same period.
2. The most frequent items shopped for by Iowa Citians in Cedar Rapids
were apparel and dining.
3. The most frequent reasons cited for leaving Iowa City to shop were (in
order): selection, price, variety, like to visit, and reputation.
Parking was not listed in the top eight reasons cited for leaving Iowa
City to shop.
Let me know if I can assist further in this matter.
1 cc: Don Schmeiser
Patt Cain
Pat Grady
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PRECEDING
DOCUMENT
Johnson County Council of Governments
410EVc J� inglon& Io,wOly,1a�u52240
rOoO
Date: May 2, 1986
To: Dale Helling, Acting City Manager
From: Jeff Davidson, Transportation Planner
Re: Council Referral
At the informal Council meeting on April 29, Mayor Ambrisco asked if there
is any way to tell if there has been an increase in non -CBD and Cedar
Rapids -area retail sales to correspond to the recent decline in parking j
and retail sales in the Iowa City CBD.
I discussed this matter with Patt Cain, City Development Coordinator; and
Pat Grady of the Chamber. Neither had any recent information which sepa-
rates Iowa City retail sales into CBD and non -CBD sections. Both, how-
ever, were aware of a marketing survey of sales trends which was done by
the Press -Citizen in 1985. The survey showed a couple of interesting
things:
i
1. Total retail sales for Johnson County declined 17% from 1983 to 1984.
Linn County retail sales increased 4% during this same period.
2. The most frequent items shopped for by Iowa Citians in Cedar Rapids
were apparel and dining.
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3. The most frequent reasons cited for leaving Iowa City to shop were (in
order): selection, price, variety, like to visit, and reputation.
Parking was not listed in the top eight reasons cited for leaving Iowa
City to shop. i
Let me know if I can assist further in this matter. 1
cc: Don Schmeiser
Patt Cain
/sp Pat Grady
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RECEIVED MAY 5 1988
IN APPRECIATION OF YOUR SUPPORT FOR
HANDICARE
WE INVITE YOU TOATTEND A RECEPTION.
THIS WILL PRECEDE OUR OPEN HOUSE ON
SATURDAYMAY to 1986
AT
421 SOUTH LINK
THE RECEPTION WILL BE HELD FROM
4:00 —4:30 PM
WE WOULD ALSO LIKE M EXTEND AN INVITATION To YOU To
TOIN US FOR A SPAGHETTI DINNER FOLLOWING THE RECEPTION
RSVP 354-7641
'E --M
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Minutes of Staff Meeting
April 30, 1986
Referrals from the informal Council meeting of April 29, 1986, were distri-
buted to the staff for review and discussion (copy attached).
Items for the formal agenda of May 5 were submitted for the information of the
staff.
The Acting City Manager advised that five candidates are being interviewed for
the position of Human Relations Director. The interviews will take place this
afternoon.
The Acting City Manager also brought the staff up to date on the search for
a city manager. It is anticipated that interviews for this position will
take place the first week of June.
Prepared by:
j izz
Lorraine Saeger
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In-Formail
Council
Mae -ting
REFERRED
DATE
DATE: Aril 29.
19Bz9. X986
PENDING
COUNCIL
ITEMS
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SUBJECT
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REFERRED
DATE
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COMMENTS/STATUS
Council Chambers - P.A. System
4-29
ACM
Drew check system - especially tape
recorder plug at City Clerk's desk.
Urban Planning Tasks
4-29
P&PD
Drop Hutchinson/Bayard access.
Airport Compliance
4-29
Airport
Proceed as proposed.
Shopping trends
4-29
Transit/
P&PD
Ad Hoc Transit Committee to research
trends re. downtown vs outlying
areas, out-of-town shopping, etc.
Contact Chamber of Commerce.
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City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 16, 1986
To: City Council
From: Acting City Manager
Re: Abolished Positions
Effective December 17, 1985, the City Council abolished the following vacant
positions:
1. One Code Enforcement Assistant in the Housing and Inspection Services Depart-
ment (full-time).
2. One Police Sergeant in the Police Department (full-time).
3. One Firefighter in the Fire Department (full-time).
4. One Maintenance Worker I in the Streets Division (full-time).
5. One Recreation Supervisor in the Recreation Division (full-time),
6. One Recreation Superintendent in the Recreation Division (full-time).
7. One Senior Clerk Typist -Minute Taker position in the Department of Planning
and and Program Development (part-time).
All the above positions are budgeted for FY87 with the exception of the Police
Sergeant and the Senior Clerk Typist -Minute Taker. The Recreation Superintendent
position has been filled consistent with Council's concurrence with a recent
staff reconnendation to that effect. The remainder of these positions will be
filled after July 1, 1986. The vacant Recreation Supervisor position will be
evaluated after consideration of Recreation Division budget implications for FY87
and a determination is made regarding possible program/staffing adjustments which
may be necessary to avoid a year-end deficit.
There was also agreement between the City Manager and the City Council that a
then vacant Associate Planner position in the Urban Planning Division not be
filled in January but rather after July 1, 1986. Council recently discussed this
matter and agreed that this position would be filled earlier if there was a
qualified internal applicant for the position. A separate memorandum in your
packet addresses this matter.
The purpose of this memo is to apprise Council of the status of these positions
and the time schedule for filling them. If you have any questions or wish fur-
ther information, please contact me.
cc: Doug Boothroy
Hary Miller
Larry Donner
Chuck Schmadeke
Terry Trueblood
Don Schmeiser
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City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 16, 1986
To: City Council \
From: Acting City Manager -�—
Re: Associate Planner Position
Council recently discussed the workload in the Department of Planning and
Program Development. Part of that discussion addressed the question of
whether or not to fill a vacant Associate Planner position in the Urban
Planning Division. At that time Council directed that the position in
question could be filled prior to July 1, 1986, and staff indicated that
this would occur only if there was a qualified internal applicant for the
position. The position vacancy was posted internally and only one appli-
cation was received. That person is qualified for the position and it is
the intention of the Director of Planning and Program Development to fill
the position at this time. The applicant is currently an Associate Plan-
ner in another division and this appointment will represent a lateral
transfer.
This information is provided in response to the request from several
Council members that you be advised whether or not this position would
actually be filled prior to July 1. If you have questions or wish addi-
tional information, please contact me.
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City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 15, 1986
To: City Council
From: Marian K. Karr, City Clerkll11�
Re: Council Salaries
Ayou requested information regarding
At your informal session of May 13,
Council salaries. attached, raising
On August 2, 1983, Council passed Ordinance 83-3132, copyThis
the salaries to procedure states the hatpresent Co Councilevel wouldnd consiider�ncompensation p"ase part of the
will
budget review process for the fiscal year during which each election will
occur."
In December 1985 Council defeated anattachedCe that would have raised salR-
ries effective January 1, 1986, copy
Therefore, Council may review salaries during consideration of the FY88
budget, which begins this fall. If adopted, salaries would be effective
January 1, 1988.
67?
FIRST READING FAILED - 0/6
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR COMPENSATION
FOR THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS OF THE
COUNCIL OF IOWA CITY, IOWA, AND REPEALING
ORDINANCE NO. 83-3I32.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA:
SECTION I. PURPOSE. The purpose of this
Ordinance is to raise the rate of compen-
sation paid to the Mayor and Council -
members of the Council of the City of
Iowa City, Iowa.
SECTION II. RATES OF COMPENSATION.
Thefollowing
o ow ng ra es o compensation
shall be paid to members of the City
Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa,
effective January 1, 1986.
1. The Mayor shall be compensated at
the rate of $7,210.00 annually.
2. The other Councilmembers shall be
compensated at the rate of $5,763.00
annually.
SECTION III. REVIEW DATE. Review of the
Mayor and CouncTlim—FE—ers' compensation
shall take place as part of the budget
review process for the fiscal year during
which each election will occur.
SECTION IV. REPEALER. Ordinance No.
83-3132 and all o er or finances or parts
of ordinances in conflict with the provi-
sion of this Ordinance are hereby
repealed.
SECTION V. EFFECTIVE DATE: This Ordinance
shall a in effect after its final pas-
sage, approval and publication as required
by law.
Passed and approved this
ATTEST:
It was moved by and seconded by
that the r nance as rea a adopted and upon ro ca ere
were:
AYES: NAYS: ABSENT:
AMBRISCO
BAKER
DICKSON
ERDANL
MCDONALD
STRAIT
_ ZUBER
First consideration 12/3/85
Vote for passage: yes: one.—Nays: Strait,
Zuber, Ambrisco, Baker, Dickson, McDonald. Absent:
Erdahl.
Second consideration
Vote for passage
Date published
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ORDINANCE NO. 83-3132
AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR FOR
THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS OF THETION COUNCIL
OF IOWA CITY, IOMA, AND REPEALING ORDINANCE
NO. 75-2765.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA:
SECTION I. PURPOSE, The purpose of this
tion Pala to eNra se the rate of conpansa-
the Mayor and Councilnubers of
the Council of the City of Iows City. w
Io.
C� Tn. 1f
shall be paid to eiebers of the city Council
of the city of Iowa city, Iowa, effective
January 1, 1984:
L The Mayor the rate of $60IL20shall annua iy coepensated at
2. The other Councileubers shall be ,
cospenated at the rate of $5012.80
annually.
SECTION III. REVIEW DATE. Review of the
nsation
shall take place as part!afct�he budget
review process for the fiscal year duriing
which each election will occur.
SECTION IV. REPEALER. Ordinance No. 15-
al1 a OC er rd1na11tN or partsof
Irdin^ancas_in conflict vfth the provision of
.. 1. crrcl.uvt uA[k This Ordinance
s n • cot • tar is final passage,
approval and pubifcatfan as rewired by law.
Fused approved this Ind day of August,
1983. rz>
aAAI ) sryct
m1unpro tam
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It was moved byLyndt and seconded by Dickson ,
that the Ordinance as read be adopted and upon roll eatT there were:
AYES: NAYS: ABSENT:
x BALMER
X DICKSON
x EROAHL
X LYNCH
MCOOHALO
_ X NEUHAUSER
X PERRET
First consideration 7/9;/R3
Vote for passage:
Ayest Dickson. Etdahl, Lynch. Neuhauser,
Pa3met. Nayst McDonald. Absent: Balmer.
Second consideration 7/19/83
Vote for passage:
Ayest Balmer, Wahl, Lynch, Perret.
Nays: HW= d. ,
Absent: Dickson. Neuhauser.
Date published Aummt 10, 1983
Resolved ki Approved
pLegal Do artnrat
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City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DAR, May 16, 1986
TO: Iowa City City Council
FROM; City Clerk
Ifs Beer/Liquor License/Conditional Approval
FOR YOUR INFORMATION -- Conditional approval was given at the
January 14, 1986 Council meeting to Sunshine Laundry Company,
218 Market Street for Sunday Sales. They have submitted the
required information which allows them to retain their license.
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CITY
OF IOWA CITY
PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT 220 S. GILBERT
May 16, 1986
To: The Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Cc
From: Terry G. Trueblood, Director of Parks and Recr
Re: Recreation Division Budget - Status Report
IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240
(319) 356-5110
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide you with the most recent
information regarding the FY186 Recreation Division budget.
At the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting in January, information was
presented which indicated an estimated budget shortfall of nearly $160,000.
In April, you received a memorandum (dated April 4) from Dale Melling,
indicating the shortfall was then estimated to be between $55,000 and
$126,000.
The Recreation Division staff and I have spent a large amount of time
scrutinizing the budget to determine where cutbacks could occur, and to
estimate expenses and revenue for the remainder of the fiscal year. Based
on this information we are now estimating the FY'86 year-end shortfall to
be $57,629. It is most difficult to be precise with our projections, due
to the fact that a great deal of the division's revenue (estimated at 44%)
will be received between now and the end of June. It is especially diffi-
cult this year because many fee increases are going into effect, and we
are uncertain as to the impact this will have on participation. We will,
of course, continue to monitor the budget closely.
The primary reason for the budget shortfall appears to be overly optimistic
revenue estimates when the FY'86 budget was prepared and adopted. At that
time, the various recreation revenues were projected to be $371,115• Our
revised projections now total $314,754; even with virtually all fees being
Increased.
Another major contributing problem has been the lack of proper monitoring
of the budget. I hasten to add, however, that this I's very difficult due
to the manner in which the Recreation Division budget has been set up.
The budget is basically compiled as one "activity", but at least seven
individuals are responsible for numerous "program areas" within the budget.
We are currently working with the Finance Department to develop a system
which will provide separate monthly printouts for each of these "program
areas" (both expenses and revenue). This will obviously make it much
easier for each individual to monitor (and -be accountable for) his or her
areas of responsibility.
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The Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
May 16, 1986
Page two
In looking ahead to FY'87, it is obvious the Recreation Division budget will
need some major revisions. Based on the current budget allocation and revenue
estimates, It will be impossible to operate at the current level of service
without initiating some very substantial fee Increases, for the second consec-
utive year. Without additional property taxes to support the Recreation
Division budget, we must look at several possibilities:
• general fee increases
• senior citizen fee Increases
• reduce and/or eliminate programs
• greater use of volunteers (can be a liability problem)
• reduced hours of operation at Recreation Center
• other sources of revenue (very difficult to obtain)
• staff layoffs
We will be taking a very close look at the FY'87 budget over the next few weeks
in order to present information to the City Manager, Parks and Recreation
Commission, and City Council as to what steps will be necessary to operate in it
FY'87 without incurring a budget deficit.
TGT/dh
cc: Parks and Recreation Commission
City Manager
M
7
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City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 14, 1986
To: City Council ,
From: Kevin O'Malley, Acting Finance Director JER� i11
Re: Purchase of Microcomputers 0
On May 5, 1986, 6 IBM microcomputers, 6 Epson printers, 13 off-the-shelf soft-
ware packages, and related office supplies were purchased for approximately
$28,600. Six divisions received microcomputers.
(1) Accounting Division will use off-the-shelf software (i.e. Lotus 1-2-3) to
computerize its audit work papers, thereby saving time during the annual
audit.
(2) Traffic Engineering Division will use off-the-shelf software and low-cost
Iowa Department of Transportation software to computerize manual traffic
counts, tube counts, signalization and optimization models, on -street sign
inventory, and project estimating.
(3) Planning and Program Development Division will use off-the-shelf software
(dB ase III) to automate a filing system, compilation and analysis of
economic development data, and computerization of housing rehabilitation
data.
(4) Recreation Division will use custom software developed to automate the
Class Registration System. This software will also maintain a database
for management analysis.
(5) Public Works Engineering Division will use off -the shelf software to
perform engineering equations that are now being performed by hand-held
calculators and require constant re-entry. Also, Maintenance Bond Re-
cords, Pavement Management System Records, and Landfill Leachate Records
will be computerized.
(6) The sixth microcomputer was purchased for the Fire Department to use in
the maintenance of personnel records to comply with the Fair Labor Stan-
dards Act. The Department has also purchased custom software to automate
the Fire Department Incident Reporting System.
In response to a referral from the May 6, 1986 meeting, I will outline the
process used and the reasons for purchasing IBM.
This event was the culmination of a deliberate process to finance and install
microcomputer technology to six City divisions. The process started in December
1985 when the City Manager directed me to develop a microcomputer application
form and a rating system for evaluating the form. Attached is a copy of the
microcomputer application form. I established a 200 point rating system based
on the following criteria: needs statement -56 points; software applicability
- 94 points; and hardware compatibility - 50 points.
9oi
I
e,
I then surveyed computer equipment generally available in the area, and ob-
tained quotes from the following vendors for the following types of equipment:
1. Professional Computers Systems, Iowa City - ITT computers.
2. Conputerland, Iowa City - IBM and Compaq
3. North Bay Computer Ware, Iowa City - IBM Hybrids & Leading Edge
4. Computers & More, Coralville - IBM & Kaypro
On the basis of staff review of departmental needs and preferences, and a
review of what was available in the area in terms of hardware and software, a
decision was made to obtain bids only for IBM microcomputers. The reasoning
for that decision is as follows:
First, no other microcomputer is 100% compatible with the IBM microcomputer. If
another microcomputer was 100% compatible, it would infringe on IBM's copyright
Of PC -DOS. PC -DOS (personal computer disk operating system) is the software
programs that controls the hardware functions, for example, when the letter "A"
on the keyboard is touched, the PC -DOS interprets the "A" into machine lan-
guage. IBM compatibles use different versions of MS-DOS (MicroSoft-disk oper-
ating system). The use of IBM's disk operating system is important not only
now but in the near future due to IBM's token ring local area network. This
feature will allow IBM microcomputers to communicate with each other and share
information.
Secondly, some software is written using PC -DOS versus MS-DOS. The software
can be made to work on MS-DOS systems with some minor modifications.The
problem is that all the six divisions that will be getting microcomputers have
little or no hands-on experience with computers. The Accounting Division will
be giving limited technical support to these divisions and the person giving
that support has prior experience with only IBM microcomputers.
Thirdly, the microcomputer industry is currently going through an economic
contraction. According to Government Computer News, in 1983, 70 microcomputer
companies were started. By late 1985, only six of those remain in business.
Since this is the initial purchase of microcomputers by Iowa City, there is
more security with choosing a firm that has shown financial stability over a
length of time.
Although we chose IBM microcomputers as the standard, there was still a com-
petitive bid procedure. Computerland, IBM of Cedar Rapids, and North Bay
Computer -ware submitted bids on IBM microcomputers, Epson printers, and off-
the-shelf software. IBM of Cedar Rapids was awarded the low bid on the micro-
computers and North Bay Computer -ware was awarded the bid on Epson printers,
IBM machine service, and off-the-shelf software.
In summary, IBM microcomputers are chosen for their reliability, ease of use,
technical support, and financial soundness. A competitive bid process was used
and allowed us to receive below-market prices on IBM equipment, Epson equip-
ment, and name brand software. I believe that the City of Iowa City has made a
good choice.
bj2/9
M
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APPLICATION
1. Please describe the functions that will be performed on the requested
microcomputer and the anticipated frequency of use.:. Please attach an
example of the desired output, including formulas used and source of
input, if available.
2. Please describe how you do this function now.
3. Why do you want to use a microcomputer to help you as opposed to other
alternatives, i.e. mainframe computer data processing?
4. Please describe how you propose' to ,get the required data from wherever
it exists now onto the microcomputer.
5. Explain how the use of the microcomputer will reduce work load or provide
better service.
6. Explain how the use of, the microcomputer will, be cost effective. Please
quantify in units, i.e. dollars, man hours, specific avoided costs, et
7. How much time per week will be spent on the input and maintenance of the
system?
8. Who will be doing this?
9. What provisions have you made for:
a. Documentation of programs and procedures.
b. Staff training on the use of the system.
c. Backup of data file.
d. Security of data.
e. Ongoing maintenance of software.
f. Future upgrading of the system.
10. Will the system interact or share data with the mainframe computer or
other microcomputers?
11. Have you contacted other city departments to discuss sharing hardware or
software? Is this a valid alternative? Please explain in full.
12. What software will you use and where will you go when you need help?
13. What operating system does the software run on?
14. How much disc storage does the software package require?
90/
2
15: What is the total random access memory
this package? (RAM) required for the use of
16: How much does the software package cost?
M Is the package guaranteed to be free of program bugs?
18. Is the program me
menus. nu driven and self-prompting? Attach samples of
19. Does the package include adequate documentation for trainin
yes, please attach.
g and use? If
20. Does the supplier offer a training course in addition
to the user
manual? If yes, please supply dates offered and costs:
21. Have you personally visited other cities and seen the software running?
If so, please give name of person to contact:
22. Please attach references of other city governments that
package:
use this �
23 the Will
programning? applications programming in-house? Who will be doing
24. Do you intend to have a consultant prepare an e
How much will these cast? What guarantee is
ante of the Y applications programs?
Program? provided for the perfdrm-
25• What is the estimated total cost of the hardware; includin
pherals?
9 Peri- I
26. Which microcomputers can run your proposed software packages?
27• 00 You prefer a particular brand of micro computer? Which one?
28. What peripheral devices Why?
modem, etc.) are required?
drives; Winchester disc; printer
29 plotter,
. Can the computer be upgraded to provide additional memory?
30: Please describewhat hand�
s-on experience
you or your staff has with
microcomputers:
31. Where will the
microcomputer be located? '
32: Have you considered how this will affect your typewriter needs?
opO/
r
SOUTHEAST IO WA
MUNICIPAL.._ SOUTHEAST IOWA MUNICIPAL LEAGUE
Uip BOX 578 • CENTERVILLE, IOWA 52544
Attention: Southeast Iowa City Officals 6 Associate Members
e PRESIDENT
C. A. WILLIAMS. 1R. The May, 1986 Meeting for the Southeast Iowa Municipal League
Mayor of New London
will be held in Oskaloosa on Wednesday, May 28, 198
6.
VICE PREsmENr,
MICHAEL KATTCHEE
Mayor ofCoralvllle Where: Al's Steak House (Highway 1192 East)
PHIL PALMER Social Hour: 5:30 P.M.
Councilman, Grinnell
LEROY PETERSON Buffet Dinner: 6:30 P.M. (Cost - $8.00)
Councilman, Grkolomo
DICK WALTMAN
Mayor ofMucmdne Lowell Junkins, Candidate for the Office of Govern
oz will
TERRY RIODDN be Nowadzkynt to from theyess Leagues of group. Iowa Municipalitiesgand Roger
will present a
Councilman. BPRESlon
•IMMEDUITE PAST PRESIDEN7f-inal review of this year's legislative session and what impac
ROBERT L.RASMUSSEN it will have on the cities of the state. Mr. Long and
Mayor ofFalrfaldMr. Nowadzky have requested that City Officals bring along idea
-SECRETARY-TREASURER-to be discussed to assist the League in developing it'yand
o
MARTIN E. GAMES on next year's legislative issues. Keep updated - plan oto atten
CmrervUle Clerk
All City Officals and Associate Members are welcome.
Sincerely,
�\ ali�0.—
Martin E. Games
Secretary/Treasurer
To facilitate planning, please fill out and mail (or telephone) by
May 23rd your reservations to 3tielp provide a meal count.
Send Reservations to
City of Oskaloosa
Att: Jim Huff
City Hall
Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577
Phone: 515-673-8746
Number of Reservat
City or
Signe
90Sz-
CIT`
CHIC CENTER
OF IOWA CITY
410 E. WASHINGTON ST. IOWA CITY. IOWA 52240 (319) 356-5a" o
NEWS RELEASE
Recreation Superintendent
Contact Person: Terry Trueblood, Director
Parks & Recreation
356-5100
May 14, 1986
The City of Iowa City announced today the appointment of Michael
Moran as Recreation Superintendent in the Department of Parks and
Recreation
Mr. Moran has been a Program Supervisor with the City's Recreation
Division since September 1983. His primary area of responsibility has
been the management of the Division's sports and wellness programs
However, he also has been actively involved with aquatics.
Mr. Moran previously served for three years as Parks and Recreation
Director in Wilton, IA, and for two years as Recreation Supervisor
for the Western Rio Blanco Recreation and Park District in Rangely,
Colorado. He attended the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley
where he earned B.A. and M.A. degrees in Recreation Administration.
His appointment became effective May 12, 1986.
' FROM: Administrative Offices
90.3
--------------
I
4,
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MINUTES
JCCOG AD HOC AREA TRANSIT STUDY COMMITTEE
THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 1986 - 4:30 PM
IOWA CITY TRANSIT FACILITY CONFERENCE ROOM
MEMBERS PRESENT:
MEMBERS ABSENT:
EX -OFFICIO MEMBERS
PRESENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
GUESTS PRESENT:
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mike Kattchee, Anne Rawland, Dave Ricketts, Phil
Shive, George Strait
Dick Meyers
Frank DePirro, Roger Fisher, John Lundell
Jeff Davidson, Cheryl Tworek
Tony Kriz, Kevin O'Malley, Bob Tauber
Chairperson Strait called the meeting to order at 4:37 PM.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
3.
Kattchee moved and Ricketts seconded that the minutes of April 10 be
approved. The motion carried unanimously.
ON REACTION OF THE DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION TO
Shive reported that the Downtown Association has examined the pro-
posal, but is not willing to give up the 309 Park & Shop reimbursement
rate. An alternative the Downtown Association is proposing is that
each Bus & Shop pass will be stamped by a participating merchant. Each
stamp (received with a minimum purchase of $10) will be valued at 309.
A recipient of a pass containing one stamp will then make up the 20t
difference upon boarding the bus. If the pass contains two stamps,
the person will ride free and the City will receive a 10t surplus.
Shive added that the Downtown Association intends to commit funds for
advertising of this program and eventually hopes to sign up the same
number of merchants as are involved in Park & Shop. The Downtown
Association is also proposing that the City do the accounting work for
the Bus & Shop program as they do for the Park & Shop program.
Lundell added that the Sycamore Mall Merchants are interested in
participating in Bus & Shop. DePirro stated that bus riders may view
this proposal negatively, since what formerly cost $5 now will cost
$10.20. Fisher asked if Coralville merchants are eligible. Kattchee
stated he would mention the program to the Coralville Chamber of
Commerce. Lundell stated that the Downtown Association's proposal
will not be favorable to the City unless the advertising of the pro-
gram is increased significantly. Strait stated he felt positively
about the proposal.
?10
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JCCOG Ad Hoc Area Transit Study Committee
April 24, 1986
Page 2
4. DISCUSS THE COMMUNITY'S TRANSIT RESPONSIBILITY TO THE DISABLED
Davidson introduced this item and stated it was being brought up it
light of possible future decisions to cut transit service by the Iowa
City City Council. Davidson referred to his informational memo which
outlined the existing efforts at providing transit service for persons
with disabilities, and further stated that the City Council would not
be violating any regulations regarding transit service for persons
with disabilities if they reduced the level of transit service.
Lundell stated that by virtue of Iowa City Transit's supplemental taxi
service contract, they are providing a higher -than -mandated level of
"special efforts" transit service. Ricketts stated that the Bionic Bus
system serves many off -campus trips. Strait stated he felt the City
was maintaining its responsibility regarding transit service for
persons with disabilities, and felt the matter could be more usefully
discussed if and when a decision to cut transit service is made.
5. DISCUSS IOWA CITY TRANSIT FARE POLICY
Kevin O'Malley, Acting Director of Finance for the City of Iowa City,
was introduced. Davidson outlined the existing Iowa City Transit fare
policy, which essentially attempts to recover 40% of operating ex-
penses from the farebox, 40% from general property tax revenue, and
20% from state and federal sources. Davidson referred to his informa-
tional memo and cited the table which showed that state and federal
revenue sources have never come near the 20% designated in the fare
policy. Davidson also stated that the 39% of expenses currently being
recovered by Iowa City Transit from the farebox is very high compared
with most other Iowa transit systems. Kattchee stated that transit
must be balanced with the needs of other City services. Kattchee
stated that the City of Coralville sets a general tax amount to be
contributed to the transit system and attempts to recover the remain-
ing expenses from other sources. DePirro stated that a wheel tax
dedicated to transit might achieve voter approval if a portion of it
was designated for county secondary road improvements. O'Malley
outlined the various types of local option taxes available to munici-
palities. Part of a local option tax could be dedicated to the tran-
sit system, although part must also must also be dedicated to property
tax relief. Davidson stated that the Director of Finance has indi-
cated to him that transit property tax needs must be considered with
the needs of all City departments and the property tax cap set by the
City Council. Strait presented a proposal which had been made to him
by a citizen to offer discounted bus passes for high school students.
Lundell responded negatively to this proposal citing the high rate of
vandalism by high school students, disruption to other passengers and
bus drivers by high school students, that most high school students
ride during peak periods, and that high school students take up as
much room as adults (as opposed to chilVen). Rawland also reacted
negatively citing that high school students whom are supported by
their parents should not receive a discount unless college students do
also. Strait concurred with Lundell and Rawland and withdrew his
proposal. Strait stated that staff would be considering the transit
fare policy in the future.
r-
JCCOG Ad Hoc Area Transit Study Committee
April 24, 1986
Page 3
6. UPDATE ON ADVERTISING AND MARKETING ACTIVITIES
Strait announced the Ad Hoc Committee's presentation to the Iowa City
City Council on April 29. Davidson and Lundell have prepared informa-
tional items for the Council. Davidson stated he would present the
service duplication item, and Lundell would present the marketing and
advertising ideas. Lundell stated that he and the University students
have been meeting and narrowing down the proposals. Davidson stated
he would notify Committee members of the time for the meeting on April
29.
7. OTHER BUSINESS
Rawland was asked by a citizen to add an item to the Ad Hoc Commit-
tee's pending list, to consider making the Committee a permanent body.
Strait stated that if this proposal involved additional participation
by City staff it would be met with a negative reaction by the City
Council. Davidson stated that City Boards and Commissions usually
require a quarter -time staff person. Rawland and Lundell suggested
using the existing Committee on Community Needs as a forum for transit
discussion items as needed, rather than making the Transit Ad Hoc
Committee permanent. There was consensus from the Ad Hoc Committee to
endorse this recommendation.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Strait declared the meeting adjourned at 6:02 PM.
Minutes taken by Cheryl Tworek.
?oft
o,
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MINUTES OF STAFF MEETING
May 7, 1986
Copies of the referrals from the informal and formal Council meetings
were distributed to the staff for review and discussion (copy attached).
A restaurant bill from the Holiday Inn was brought to the attention of
the staff. The restaurant tab was signed "City of Iowa City" without any
name or department. None of the staff was aware of any charges by their
department. The Administrative Assistant will investigate further.
The Acting City Manager briefly related his discussion with the Council
regarding across-the-board and merit increases for administrative and
confidential employees.
The Acting City Manager brought the staff up to date on the search for a
Human Relations Director. The applicants have been narrowed down to three.
The Acting City Manager requested in put from the staff as to what direction
they see the Human Relations Department taking in the future to best meet
the needs of the operating divisions. A brief discussion followed. The
staff was invited to furnish further input.
The Acting City Manager called to the attention of the staff a letter
from the Iowa City Management Association regarding a technology transfer
program. A memorandum will be sent to department heads with a portion of
the questionnaire to be completed and returned to the Acting City Manager's
office.
The University will make a presentation at the informal session next
Tuesday regarding the renovation of the steam tunnel.
Prepared by:
C__;4 _�
a.' <.a'CLp�
Lorraine Saeger
,Oa
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In -Formal council
Meeting
O
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o W
¢
REFTRORED
nATF . Mav 5. 1986
PENDING
COUNCIL
ITEMS
�-¢
oca
az
SUBJECT
O
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o W
¢
REFTRORED
DATE
C,
aw¢
�pw
w CC
cc
a
COMMENTS/STATUS
Mayor's Youth Board
5-5 1
Lorraine
Readvertise
Resources Conservation Commissio
5-5
Lorraine
Readvertise one vacancy
Plaza Cafes
5-5
City Attory
Set public hearing for first meeting
in June.
-
1k,
B U S 1 N E S S
Anew era at the keyboards: Sizing up the IBM PC and compatible competitors in o Computer Factory store
Soul of a Cheap Machine
IBM imitators are flooding the market with powerful, less costly computers
Ayroungenginrer. soldering icon in hand.
hunches over a tuork•bench in a dimly lit
gamgefn aSiliron Uallcysuburb. Hisprod.
let. compnters that look and act like IBAf
PC's but cast $1,000 less. His components
conte from Taiwan (where his relatives
make them), Hong Kong and South Korea.
Ile can build an IBAI clone in less than an
hour. Sonic weeks he sells 20, some weeks
none. Not content to copy thcX he cants to
improve on it. "Ne don't care what IBAI
docs," he says. 'Sonic people cant higher
spread, so that's what we'll build for them. "
Ceorge Alatchelle, a Federal Reserve
benefits analyst in San Francisco, uses an
IBAI Mal work but couldn't alfml one of
home—unfil last month. After shopping
carefullvhebought the Korran-nmdeI cad•
ing Edge computer. For $1,395 he got an
IBM-compatible with ttrodisrdrives, more
memory'llhan the standar! 113,11. a word.
processing program and a 15 -month guar.
54 NEWSWEEK' MAY 19. 1986
antec. Alatchette is deligh ted; it runsall the
software he uses at work and is perfect for
the mystery novel he's writing.
Therearesome unfamiliar faces popping
up in the computer marketplace, and the
newcomers aren't likely to get on IUA1's
Christmas -card list. Just four years after
IUM conquered the persomalcomputer
market, it is rapidly losing ground to a
swarm of cheaper machines. Cautious bar.
gain hunters can choose from an array of
nationally distributed brands. including
Compaq, Lending Fdge, Epson, Panasonic,
Haypro and Tandy. The more adventurous
can buy models assembled by retailers or
seek garage -made bargains in the classi-
fied -ad section of computer mngazines, All
ofthem can doeyerything the IUM PCdoes;
many can do more and do it faster.
They also sell better than the original. In
March retail sales for the compatible mak.
ers surpassed IBM's for the first time, ne.
nio'Kecvzer
Cording to Infocorp, a consulting group.
Not only that, but Japanese and Korean
manufacturers accounted for more sales
than the largest U.S. compatible maker,
Compaq. Claims Michael Dell, president of
PC Limited, one of the midgets nibbling at
IBM: "What we are seeing is the beginning
of the end of IBM's dominance in the per.
sonaieomputer business."
The clones and Compatibles have ush.
ered in the age of Commodity computers,
where price, not quality, meybe the chief
difference among brands. (A Compatible is
nay machine that will run all the software
an IBM runs; a clone is an all -but -identical
copy.) This marks a major milestone in
America's Computer consciousness: no
longer does the public need the reassur-
ance of those three magic letters, IBM. The
first computer buyers were hobbyists and
tekkies who weren't afraid of anything.
Then came the businessmen who weren't
afraid of anything, either, as long m it said
IBM on the box. Now, many people have
used computers and are decidedly less in-
timidated. "People are computer literate
now, and the IBM mystique is out of it,"
says Ed Juge, Tandy's director of market
planning. Afterall,ifyou trust Asian -made
VCR's, televisions and stereo equipment,
why not computers?
Too suassstub Besides, there's nothing
like low prices for emboldening the spirit.
There have been cheap computers before,
of course, but they were really little more
than toys. Today it's possible to put togeth-
er a powerful system, including keyboard,
disc drives and monitor, for lass than
$1,000. A few analysts are predicting that
prices will fall to the $300 to $5W range by
Christmas. The more Common view is that
prices will go no lower than $600.
In part, IBM is a victim of its own success.
biimbfiM Giant
Wwilling to take a chance on
equipTe
nt that isn't labeled IBM.of .
IBMPCand CompnUhlef
:
`O IBM
is "w" Caputo"
■ tn-Md Commuters ...
Jen.85: Momh6ymsrkst"We 6231 million
The enormous popularity of the IBM PC
made it, de facto, the industry standard.
Many competitors realized that to succeed,
they would have to build a machine that
could use the software and peripheral
equipment made for the PC. IBM designed
the PC around two widely available compo-
nents, the Microsoft Disk Operating Sys.
tem (MS DOS) and the Intel 8086 micro-
processor chip. But it used a copyrighted
Basic Input Output System (BIOS) chip to
control the way the Computer talks to the
screen and peripheral equipment.
The key to making IBM compatibles and
clones, then, was devising a BIOS chip that
acted like IBM's without duplicating its
Copyrighted architecture. The effort was
worthwhile. Compaq developed a compati-
ble BIOS chip and became a half -billion -
dollar company. Michael Dell, 21, began
PC Limited of Austin, Texas, with $20,000
and a line of credit. He devised his own
BIOS chip and old $36 million worth o
computer gear by mail last year.
But it was Phoenix Software Associates
Ltd., of Norwood, Mass., that opened th
floodgates. Phoenix so ved the BIOS riddle
and began oiling its model to most make
of IBM compatibles. Then Phoenix decide
to sell its BIOS on the open market. No
anyone can buy the soul of a cheap me
chine, and all it takes to set up shop
a computer maker is a screwdriver an
a parts catalog. Community Computers,
Washington, D.C., retail chnin, sells ap
IBM clone built with parts from the same
overseas manufacturers that fit an IBM.
With two floppy -disc drives and 640K of
memory, Community charges $995. Add a
20 megabyte disc—real power!—for $500.
IBM is eager to swat these gnats, but its
options are limited. It could introduce new
Computers with Copyrighted architecture.
Last month IBM entry -systems division
chief Will liam Laws said that "competitors
. will have to move very quickly to re-
main compatible." Apple, forexample, has
had less competition from clonesbecaum of
thecopyrighted built-inwftware. A radical
departure from the PC standard, however,
would cut off IBM from the market main-
stream. Software companies might prefer
to write for the huge installed base of IBM
compatibles than for a new IBM would
th a
unique standard. Initially,
probably have to write its own software.
Mce •ar: IBM Could also try cutting
prices. Last month it announced discounts
ofupto25percent.ButKorean andTaiwan-
ese manufacturers will always be able to
undercut IBM. And theyaregettingbetter.
Asian clone makers took four years to per-
fect their versions of the basic PC. But
copies of IBM's more powerful PC -AT,
which islessthantwoyearsold,are flooding
the market. Whilemanycorporatecustom-
ers will never abandon IBM, some cost-
conscious firms are testi ng wmpati blas.
Clones are closing in on oftware makers
as well. Someone who doesn't want to pay
$495 for Lotus 1-23 can buy a similar pro-
gram
for $99 from Paperback Software,
owned by computer veteran Adam Os-
borne. The clovers aren't shy about what
they do. Crosstalk XVI, a program that
permits communication between comput.
ars, sells for $195. A knockoff version,
called Mirror, sells for $50. The company
that makes itis called SoftKlone Dislribut.
ingCorp., and theopeningwreen orMirror
has a disclaimer that concludes. "Mirror is
therefore a software clone and is in no way
a copy of Crosstalk XVI."
One intriguing possibility is that the
cheap machines will make computers a fix-
ture in American homes, just as price cuts
ignited the VCR boom. Law prices have
grabbed a lot of first-time buyers, but it is
not clear that they've opened a whole new
f market. You still need a good reason to use
a computer; buying one to balance the
checkbook doesn't make sense.ln the office
e or at home, most people use computers for
business tasks; cnterminmcnt and educa-
rs lion are much less important factors. Will
d there ever be a true home computer? Mi.
Now chael Rios,general managerofCommunily
Computers, has one answer: "As soon as it
OR
can vacuum, yes."
d EPIC GLLMAN IO1ri WILLIAM, t. COON
a in 111wAingrnn. M lru art ROOLal in Snn£mnr"NG
and PEN ELOPE wANo m Nrw York
NEW'SWEEK: MAY 19, taxa 55
90(
__f