HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-07-01 Info Packet of 6/20City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE: June 20, 1986
TO: City Council
FROM: Acting City Manager
RE: Material in Friday's Packet
Informal agendas and meeting schedule.
Memoranda from the Acting City Manager:
a. Cable Data Link Forum
b. Production Coordinator Position, Broadband Telecommunications
Memorandum from the City Clerk regarding beer/liquor license/conditional
approval - Towncrest Inn.
Information regarding tour sponsored by Urban Environment Ad Hoc Committee -
Memorandum from Administrative Assistant regarding annual report of boards/
commissions.
Memorandum from Johnson County Health Department regarding mobile home park
inspections.
News release - bell ringing for Statue of Liberty.
Minutes of staff meeting of June 18, 1986.
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City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE: June 20, 1986
TO: City Council
FROM: Acting City Manager
RE: Informal Agendas and Meeting Schedule
June
24 1986
Tuesday
NO INFORMAL
COUNCIL MEETING - SUMMER SCHEDULE
June
30 1986
'
Monda
7:00
- 8:30 P.M.
Council Chambers
7:00 P.M.
- Review zoning matters
7:20 P.M. -
Broadband Telecommunications Ordinance Amendments
7:40 P.M. -
Gas and Electric Franchises
8:15 P.M. -
Council agenda, Council time, Council committee
reports
July
1. 1986
Tuesday
7:30 P.M. -
Regular Council Meeting - Council Chambers
July
8. 1986
Tuesdav
NO INFORMAL
COUNCIL MEETING- SUMMER SCHEDULE
July
14, 1986
Mondav
7:00
- 8:30 P.M.
Council Chambers
Informal Council Meeting - Agenda Pending
July
15, 1986
Tuesdav
7:30 P.M. -
Regular Council Meeting - Council Chambers
PENDING LIST
JCCOG Ad Hoc Area Transit Study Committee Final Report - July 1986
Leasing of Airport Land for Commercial Use
Newspaper Vending Machines
Stormwater Management Ordinance Review
Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund
Mesquakie Park Development and Name Change
Appointment to Airport Commission - July 15, 1986
Appointment to Committee on Community Needs - July 29, 1986
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City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: June 19, 1986
To: City Council
From: Acting City Manager
Re: Cable Data Link Forum
Attached please find a summary account of the Cable Data Link Forum initi-
ated by the Johnson County Broadband Telecommunications Commission and
held on January 28, 1986. Drew Shaffer, the City's Broadband Telecommuni-
cations Specialist, was a panelist. I attended the forum along with sev-
eral other City staff members.
I
This account is provided for your information to apprise you of the con-
siderations being given to future potential uses of broadband telecommuni-
cations facilities, along with other connunications media, by various
groups and individuals in the comnunity. Also attached is a glossary of
technical terms excerpted from The Interactive Cable TV Handbook which you j
may find helpful. Finally, I nave incluaea a copy of a memorandum from
Drew Shaffer which specifies a variety of possible uses of broadband
telecommunications facilities for Iowa City government in the future.
Staff will continue to explore these areas and to work with Heritage
Cablevision and interested persons or organizations to more closely define
the technical feasibility and potential application of these alternatives
for the future.
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please i
contact me or Drew Shaffer.
DH/sp
Attachment
Johnson County Council of Governments
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SUMMARY NOTES AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION
JOHNSON COUNTY BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (JCBTC)
CABLE DATA LINK FORUM
JANUARY 28, 1986 - 4:00 PM - IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY
On January 28, 1986, city, county and university representatives met for an
initial discussion on sharing information through cable linkage in the metro
area of Johnson County.
A summary of the discussion at the Cable Data Link Forum as well as a listing
of those who attended is printed below. Additional comments on possible appli-
cations of cable data linkage and a glossary of cable terminology are also
presented as a basis of information for future discussions.
CABLE DATA LINK FORUM DISCUSSION
At the outset of the meeting Sherwood Wolfson, JCBTC Chairperson, stated the
two -fold purpose for holding the Cable Data Link Forum: 1) to look at the
,potential of using cable as a data sharing link, and 2) to generate discussion
on the current and prospective data sharing within the County and between Iowa
City/Coralville and the County.
Technical Considerations
Following introductions of the forumartici ants J
P P , acnes Spehn of the Univer-
sity of Iowa WEED Computer Center was introduced to speak on the advantages,
costs, possible applications and security mechanisms of cable data linkages.
Spahn related that cable transmission of data and video is handled at the
University of Iowa through a mid -split CATV system which connects 67 buildings
on campus. This system is the same as the Institutional Network (INET) used by
Iowa City through contract with Heritage Cable.
The University's coaxial cable plant coordinates the use of three communication
systems and three CATV channels. The three communications systems are 1) 3M's
model 926 point-to-point modems, 2) 3M's LAN/1 and 3) SYTEK LOCALNET 20. The
first two are used by the University's Physical Plant for energy management.
All three communication systems are used for terminal to computer data trans-
mission. The 3M systems link 15 buildings and SYTEK is used in 45 buildings.
Although the three systems use different methods to encode information, they
all use regular CATV channel numbers, energy levels and channel spacing.
2
Spahn added that Iowa City is looking at the costs and feasibility of linking
three buildings, Iowa City will probably establish a system using four termi-
nals in each of two buildings, and eight terminals and eight computer ports in
the third building. This 2:1 ratio of computer terminals to computer ports
will allow a mix of constant use and intermittent use applications.
Iowa City initially plans to install $16,500 worth of equipment, which will
support 16 terminals and 8 computer ports. This equipment is estimated to
cost:
$3900 - One head end frequency regulator
$1090 - For each of five 20/100 modulator boxes
$2200 - For one 20/220 modulator box
$ 550 - For each of nine 20/222 modulator boxes
The diagram below depicts a possible layout of the equipment itemized above:
Spahn assured the forum audience of the high confidence in the security for
data on such a system particularly in comparison to telephone modem links. The
cost for the more secure cable link is comparable in the short-term to the cost
of a telephone line. Because of recent increases in telephone rates and with
further telephone rate hikes expected in the future, the cable link should
prove less expensive in the long -run.
If the City and County are looking at cable as an option and choose to go with
the same system, they could achieve definite linkage advantages. Using groups
of two, the City and County could create specific channel links allowing access
through pre-set frequency compatibility. Separate channels for Tv transmis-
sion and for data transmission could be established. In addition to linking
specific data sets, the system could also be used for teleconferencing.
As a medium, cable could fulfill both the City's and the County's separate data
processing needs as well as facilitating linkage by specific units. System
separation could be maintained while allowing interconnectivity to be achieved
only through the specific design of both parties.
County Concerns
Chairperson Wolfson then introduced Jean Schultz, the Johnson County Data
Processing Director, to outline current County computer uses and potential data
linkages. Schultz observed that besides learning more about a possible cable
data link, a benefit of this meeting would be a discussion of what information
is computerized, who shares that information, what other types of information
not computerized are shared between departments, agencies and with the state.
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Ambulance. The Ambulance Billing System is used mainly by the Ambulance De-
partment, but the County Attorney's Office also needs to access that billing
information.
Aud itor. For the Auditor's Office, the County has Voter Registration and
Election Night Returns Systems. Various lists are produced for candidates and
pol itical parties. Those lists are used by the Iowa City Clerk to check regis-
trations. Tapes of registration changes are currently sent to the State Elec-
tions Office. That transmission could perhaps be done on-line in the future.
On election night, the cable TV company sometimes broadcasts elections results
displayed on a County terminal.
Budget. The County has several financial compdter programs. All County De-
partments, including the Board of Supervisors, use reports from these systems.
These departments could benefit from on-line access to vendor numbers in fill-
ing out claims. The Board of Supervisors' Office could find it advantageous to
use information from a Future Fixed Asset System.
The County has programs for reporting insurance claims paid by the County, and
determining whether County limits have been exceeded. This information could
be used in the future for wellness program ideas.
Clerk of Court. The Clerk of Courts Office keeps track of Child Support/Ali-
mony Payments. Information from this system is used by the District Child
Support Recovery Office in Cedar Rapids.
There is also a Jury Selection System for the Clerk's Office. Reports and
labels are printed from this system which assist the Sheriff's Office in send-
ing out notices to prospective jurors. The County has discussed adding
Civ it/Criminal Court Systems. Court dockets from these systems could be used
by the City/County Attorney's Offices as well as the Clerk's Office. The Clerk
of Court's Office and the District Probation Office use information from the
County Attorney's office on victim restitutions.
Health. For the Health Department, there is a Food Vendor Inspection System, a
Homemaker/Health Aid Billing System and a Private Sewage Index.
Motor Vehicles. The Treasurer's Office has a Motor Vehicle Registration and
c ens ng Sys em that is part of the State's Motor Vehicle Computer Network.
The City uses this system to look up the names and addresses of vehicle owners
when collecting money for parking tickets.
The Clerk's Office has a computerized system for traffic tickets. The reports
are printed from this system and sent to the Sheriff's Office, the Iowa City
Pol ice Department, the Coralville Police Department and other agencies issuing
tickets in the County.
Real Estate. The County also has Real Estate and Personal Property Systems.
e se sys ems are used mainly by the Auditor, City Assessor, County Assessor
and Treasurer, but the Recorder, Zoning, Plann inp and Health Departments could
also benefit by having direct access to this information. The City, other
corporations, townships, and school districts get reports on total assessed
val uations. The Iowa City Utilities, Housing and Inspection 'Services, and
Public Works Departments as well as private realtors could also find it advan-
tageous to have direct access to this information.
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The Treasurer, besides using Real Estate and Personal Property Systems has
computer systems to keep track of mobile home taxes, real estate and personal
property taxes and special assessments that are due. Every month the City gets
a listing of apportioned taxes and a report showing what special assessments
have been paid. They also get a yearly report of the money apportioned to them
from the taxes collected by the County. The County Attorney's office has
information on the taxes due. Monthly reports on receipts and disbursements
from the Treasurer's Office are used by the Auditor's Office.
The Recorder's Office has a system for recording and indexing real estate
transfers, trade names, incorporations, partnerships, military discharges,
UCC's, etc. These indexes are used by abstractors. There is also a system in
the Recorder's Office for hunting and fishing licenses.
Roads. Some Engineering Programs are used by the Secondary Roads Department in
building and maintaining roads. A future system for them to keep track of their
detailed accounting as required by the Iowa Department of Transportation could
interface with the Auditor's Accounts Payable System to save duplication of
claim and entry.
Sheriff. There are several systems used by the County Sheriff's Office and the
ora v ile Police Department. At one time the Iowa City Police Department also
used some of these systems.
Other. Some information not currently on the County's computers, but needed by
ounty Departments are: 1) building permits, dwelling plans and zoning classi-
fications kept by the County Zoning Department and the Iowa City Housing and
Inspection Services Department and used by the County and City Assessors'
Offices, 2) new building addresses kept by the Iowa City Public Works Engineers
and used by the City Assessor, and 3) the City's utility records accessed by
the Sheriff's Office.
Also, the County will be receiving programs for assessing detailed soil survey
information. This data could be used by the Planning and Zoning staff, the
Health Department, the County Engineer, the Soil Conservation Service and the
Extension Service.
Schultz finished by stating that there is a great deal of information shared
between different departments and agencies and that the County Data Processing
Department intends to continue expanding computer accessibility for those
departments known to have. a need for it.
City -County Links
Chairperson Wolfson introduced Drew Shaffer, Iowa City Cable TV Specialist, to
discuss city -county information sharing potential. Shaffer indicated that most
of the City's cable efforts up until this time had been focused on expanding
public video access and production. More time is now being devoted to building
the Institutional Network (INET), including Iowa City, Co ralville, Johnson
County and the University of Iowa. The INET, actually a separate cable, allows
many programs, such as City Council meetings, to be cableca st live. The INET
with current cable linkage of approximately 10 public and government buildings,
could be expanded to include County offices and used to transmit other signals,
such as voice and data.
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Iowa City is conducting some initial experiments over INET for data, video-
conferencing and closed circuit purposes -- just to test what might be possi-
ble. One such experiment has enabled senior citizens to electronically access
the public library's card catalog while they are a block away in the Senior
Center. Another experiment involves seeing, talking and transmitting data
among four different locations. Shaffer also mentioned the potential of using
cable as the subscriber reverse system in which a message can be sent back from
the cable subscriber. For example, water meter readings could be accomplished
via cable.
Shaffer pointed out that some of the advantages of cable are that it is faster,
has more capacity and is cheaper than the telephone modem link. Another advan-
tage is the ability to direct signals to specific locations. For example, a
CPR training course could be directed specifically to fire stations.
Cable can achieve time and money savings by minimizing the amount of paper,
transportation and mailing costs, by taking advantage of electronic mailings,
fire and burglar alarm systems and through charging users for commercial use of
the system. Shaffer cited two books, which provide good resource information
for building communications infrastructure, inter -institutional networks as
well as regional communications. These books are: Solutions for Technoloav
Sharing Institutions and The Interactive Cable TV Handbook.
Discussion
Paul Morsch asked how well the integrity of the system could be protected from
hackers when the system allows data modification access. Spahn replied that
cable provides a much more secure system because of the limited access to it
from specific, public building locations. This is much more secure than sys-
tems which can be accessed by telephone.
Dan Hudson suggested that City to County cable access could save some of the
time taken by County employees to look up information for City employees.
Doug Edmonds asked if the cable company assumed responsibility for some of the
installation costs. Shaffer responded that original wiring is done at the
cable company's expense, and subsequent wiring can be done at a cost the user
negotiates with the cable company, which is usually fairly reasonable. Edmonds
suggested that the Sheriff's Department might be able to utilize cable to avoid
high phone line charges. The Coralville Police Department could also benefit
In this way.
Dick Viyers commented that cable link could prove to be a big advantage within
the county through being able to improve communications among the personnel in
the 13 county buildings. He asked if cable would enable the County to lessen
the load on the main frame. Spahn replied that yes, this certainly could be
accomplished through the use of cable.
Adjournment
Chairperson Wolfson adjourned the session by thanking all those who had at—
tended for their participation, and stating that the Johnson County Broadband
Telecommunications Commission intended the forum to serve as a starting point
for more detailed, focused discussion in the future.
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JOHNSON COUNTY BROADBAND TEL ECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
CABLE
LOODATA LINK FORUM
JANUARY 28, 1986
IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Attending:
Name
Sherwood Wolfson
Drew Shaffer
Jeffrey L. Hall
Kevin O'Malley
Jean Schultz
Patt Cain
PabT Morsch
Cletus Redlinger
Lee Shope
Jim Spahn
Cathy Burkholder
Doug Edmonds
Larry Taylor
Mary McCollum
Dan Hudson
Marge Penney
Richard Myers
Dale Helling
Riley Grimes
Sheri Sojka
Jud Te Paske
RmmtLu
Johnson County Broadband Telecommunications
Commission Chairperson
Iowa City Cable TV Specialist
Johnson County Data Processing Department
Iowa City Finance Department
Johnson County Data Processing Department
Iowa City Planning & Programming Department
Johnson County Broadband Telecommunications
Commissioner
Johnson County Treasurer
University of.lowa — Weeg Computer Center
University of Iowa — Weeg Computer Center
Johnson County Clerk of Court
Johnson County Sheriff's Department
University of Iowa — Weeg Computer Center
Johnson County Attorney0s Office
Iowa City Assessor
Johnson County Council of Governments Human Services
Coordinator
Johnson County Board of Supervisors
Iowa City Assistant City Manager
Johnson County Administrative Coordinator
Johnson County Care Facility
Johnson County Senior Planner
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Name Representing
J. Patrick White Johnson County Attorney
Ed Steinbrech Johnson County Clerk of Court
Nicholas Johnson Iowa City Broadband Tel econnun i cations Commissioner
Don Sehr Johnson County Board of Supervisors
Melody Rockwel 1 Johnson County Broadband Telecommunications
Commission Staff Assistant
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The Interactive Cable TV Handbook
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GLOSSARY
A
A cable -- a single -cable network connecting residential subscribers and the
headend, i.e. the subscriber network line; upstream signals on the A cable
are restricted to the low (5 to 30 MHz) bandwidth.
i
access channels -- channels set aside by cable operators for use by individu-
als, schools and community groups to produce non-commercial programming free
fof charge.
( 8
8 cable -- a separate cable dedicated to institutional users, i.e. the insti-
tutional network line; it may parallel and in some places interconnect with
the A cable.
bandwidth -- the range of signal frequencies that may be carried by a cable
system or other communications medium.
broadband -- the capability of communications systems such as cable televi-
sion and satellites to accommodate multiple simultaneous transmissions.
C
cableconferencing -- two-way audio and video communications between two or
more sites over cable lines.
channel -- that portion of the radio frequency spectrum that is used for
signal transmissions; a signal path. A cable TV video channel measures 6 MHz
of bandwidth.
channel capacity -- the maximum number of video channels that may be carried
simultaneously on a cable system.
common carrier --'a provider of communications services to the general pub-
lic, such as a telephone company, that is regulated by state and federal
government agencies.
converter -- a handheld or set-top device used by subscribers for channel
selection or, at a more advanced level, to interact with the headend (as in
the case of pay-per-view).
D
database -- a collection of organized information, such as airline schedules.
stock quotations, tax tables and recipes stored in a computer. Database
services may operate over cable lines with subscribers gaining access to
( information by means of converters, personal computers or communicating word
processors.
demodulator -- a device that translates a modulated frequency back to its
original signal character. Compare with modulator.
01
downstream -- the direction in which a signal travels from the headend to
subscribers. Compare with upstream.
F
fiber optics -- a communications transmission medium that carries video or
data signals in the form Of -light pulses over thin glass fibers. Fiber optic
systems provide great bandwidth capacity using fewer and smaller cables.
forward channel -- carries signals from the headend to subscribers. Compare
With return channel.
H
hardware -- equipment, such as amplifers, computers and converters, used in
the transmission and reception of the cable signal. Compare with software.
headend -- the operations center of a cable system. Receives, amplifies and
converts incoming broadcast and locally -originated signals and redistributes
them to subscribers.
how banking -- a transactional service that permits subscribers to transfer
funds, make account balance inquiries, pay bills and perform other financial
functions at home, Signals are transmitted upstream to a headend computer
via cable or telephone lines.
home security -- a system whereby residential, institutional or business
devices transmit a
burglar or fire alarms are linked to a cable system. If activated, the alarm turn notifies the asignal to the headend or a private security firm, which in
ppropriate authorities.
hoar shopping -- a program format which permits subscribers to request prod-
ucts and/or services they view on their television screens. Orders may be
placed by telephone or, in more advanced cable systems, by using an inter-
active converter or personal computer connected to the cable line.
hub -- a small signal processing center in a cable system that is connected
to the headend by a trunk line or microwave and which distributes signals
from the headend over an extended subscriber network too distant to be served
by a single headend; a remote, 'mini-headend."
I
INDAX -- an interactive cable telecommunications system developed by Cox
Cable Communications. Subscribers may select from a package of entertain-
ment, informational and transactional services, including honk banking, home
shopping, pay-per-view and informational retrieval.
information retrieval -- an alphanumeric service, available over cable or
telephone lines, that permits subscribers to request encyclopedic information
from a database. Depending on the sophistication of the database software,
users also may manipulate data, such as financial computations or household
budgets - A personal computer or communicating word processor typically is
required for information retrieval.
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institutional network -- that portion of a cable system is dedicated for use
by businesses, hospitals, schools and other institutions; a separate loop for
institutional use. See also B cable.
interactive cable -- strictly defined, a two-way cable application whereby
signals flowing between the headend and distinct receiving points affect each
other simultaneously; communications between two parties or electronic de-
vices over the cable transmission path.
interconnect -- the process of transmitting signals (voice, video or data)
between distinct cable systems via microwave, satellite or coaxial cable
connections; allows cable systems to distribute programming and communica-
tions traffic between service areas.
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local origination -- programming produced by the cable operator; programs may
be produced at a remote location and transmitted upstream to the headend for
redistribution. .
low -split -- the division of a coaxial cable's bandwidth such that the low
frequencies (5 to 30 MHz) are used for upstream signals and the rest are used
for downstream. See also sub -band.
M
mid -split -- the division of a coaxial cable's bandwidth in the middle, with
the lower frequencies (e.g. 5 to 108 MHz) carrying upstream transmissions and
the upper frequencies (e.g. 174 to 350 MHz) carrying downstream signals.
This design is common in institutional networks.
modes -- an electronic device that processes data signals between a distribu-
tion medium (e.g. coaxial cable) and a user terminal
modulator -- a device that translates electromagnetic signals into more
easily transmitted higher frequencies. Modulators are used at cable headends
or local origination sites to process video signals into transmittable fre-
quencies. Compare with demodulator.
multiple system operator (MSO) -- a company that operates two or more cable
systems.
p
pay-per-view -- a cable service that permits subscribers to select program-
ming on a per -event basis. Selections may be ordered by telephone, or in
more advanced systems, by means of an interactive converter (impulse -pay-
per-view).
polling -- permits subscribers to respond, via interactive converters, to
information presented on their TV screens. Subscriber responses are trans-
mitted upstream to the headend, where a computer records them and transmits
the results downstream.
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q
i QUBE -- interactive cable technology developed by Warner Amex Cable Comnuni-
cations. gUBE applications include pay-per-view, polling, home security,
home shopping and information retrieval,
R
return channel -- carries signals from the subscriber to the headend. Can -
pare with forward channel.
5
software -- programming and routines essential to the operation of a computer
system. Cable system software ranges from billing and administrative pack-
ages to interactive videotex programs like home banking and home shopping.
Compare with hardware.
sub -band -= the frequency bandwidth between 5 and 54 MHz, which is below the
usable bandwidth for transmitting video signals downstream. The sub -band is
used for return or upstream signals. See also low -split.
subscriber network -- that portion of a cable system which has been desig-
nated for the provision of entertainment and enhanced services to residential
subscribers. May be used for the delivery of interactive services such as
pay-per-view, home security and information retrieval.
T
teletext -- one-way transmission of alphanumeric information via the vertical
blanking interval of the broadcast television signal.
trunk -- the main line of a cable network, originating at the headend and
carrying signals to the feeder lines that branch off of it, making up the
subscriber network.
two-way cable -- refers to cable systems which possess the ability to carry a j
signal or signals from some remote point or points to the headend, as well as
from the headend to cabled buildings.
u
upstream -- refers to the direction in which a signal travels from subscrib-
ers to the headend. Compare with downstream.
V
vertical blanking interval -- the unused portion of a television picture
within which alphanumeric (teletext) information may be transmitted, See
also teletext.
videotext -- two-way distribution of alphanumeric information via telephone
or cable lines, videotex applications include home banking, home shopping
and information retrieval. Users interact with service providers by means of
personal computers, handheld keypads or communicating word processors.
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City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 27, 1986
To: Melody Rockwell, Community Assistance Coordinator, PPD/JCCOO
Frown: Drew Shaffer
Re: City/County INET Applications
Following is a list of some of the cable and INET applications discussed
between various City departments and myself of these discussions have not
progressed beyond the 'brain -storming• stage. Some of these applications
concern a connection with another City department or a County department.
Some applications concern the use of the cable TV reverse subscriber path
while others involve use of the INET. I've tried to identify what agency the
communication involves and what cable path (INET or reverse subscriber path)
would be advisable. What is listed is in no particular order:
For clarification purposes, the following information will be added, once
reportiyou,areyfinishingaondthe Cable Data Forudback m Aeld in February,1986. The
document will be sent to a list of County Departments and the County Board of
Supervisors.
1• Energy Coordinator Office, City of Iowa City. The Energy Coordinator
would be interested in following up on the possibility of connecting
builbothdthesfor I ET aenergy
d the subscriber �eversespat Thissince the INET 1se11mited
in nature and many City buildings are outside the reach of the INET. The
overall purpose would be to try to save City 'energy-related' dollars.
2• Recreation Center, City of Iowa City. The mayor interest of the Rec
Center is to connect their personal computer or PC to the host computer
in the Civic Center. This connection would allow them to process much
of their information much more quickly and transfer it to the Civic
Center's computer. Currently much of this processing is done by hand,
therefore a time savings is foreseen. There is currently a plan for
funding this operation which would make use of the INET between the Ree
Center and Civic Center.
3• Public Assisted Housing, City of Iowa City. Once again the interest of
this department is to connect their PC to the host computer in the Civic
Center. The purpose here is also to process information more quickly
and to transfer it quickly. There is also a plan currently to fund this
endeavor. This endeavor would involve connecting the Davis Building
with the Civic Center, making use of the INET.
4. Program and Planning Development, City of Iowa City. There is an inter-
est from this department to connect their City office with primarily two
County offices, including the County Recorder's and the City Assessor's
office. This would involve connecting the new City facilities in the
Old Elk's Building (Commerce Center) with the court house or the new
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County building, depending upon relocation of offices. The connection
would take place with the use of the INET. A savings in travel and
resource search time is foreseen and an avoidance of a duplication of
effort in the gathering of information. PPD also wants to connect its
PC with the mainframe to the Civic Center to allow sharing of informa-
tion with Public Works and H.I.S. and ultimately, development of a base
parcel file for all departments.
5. City Clerk, City of Iowa City. The primary interest of the City Clerk
for is to make a connection with the County department that is responsible
ity toter voterformation. The information and topose I$ to enable the Citallow
Clerk nicker f to access information without having to bother Count s staff to access
this connection would be made possible by the use of the INET.
DnCe again
Cit
6. interesstteidniinrconnectingtthefCivic Center with he County buildingnis
and
specifically the Notor vehicle Department so that unpaid fines could be
checked upon at license renewal and vehicle registration times. The
urpose would be to recoup fines morequickly and/or recoup potentially
ost fines. The connection could be made possible with the use of the
INET.
7. This application has been mentioned by several persons. This would
involve connecting the water storage tanks to the water plant. The
Purpose would be to monitor water levels periodically or upon demand
iron a distance. For this purpose the reverse subscriber path of the
cable system would have to be used. A savings in travel costs and staff
time is foreseen.
8. Iowa City Public Library. The Iowa City Public Library would be inter-
ested in making a connection with the County Jail which would enable
persons, including prisoners, in the County Jail to look up information
from a distance that is available at the library and to provide access
to resources at the library. Thi
use of the INET. s connection could be made through the
9. Public Morks Department, city of Iowa City. The primary access interest
is to the City Assessors office. This could be accomplished through
the use of the INET.
j 10. JCCOG Transportation Planning. There 1s interest on the part of this
department to connect the Iowa City Transit, CANBUS and Coralville
Transit offices. This would enable more cohesive and up-to-date transit
planning to take place. The reverse subscriber path of the cable system
would have to be used for such a connection.
11. Legal Department, City of Iowa City. There is some interest on the part
j of the Legal Department to make a connection with the Clerk of Court's
office that would give them ready accessibility to information concern -
Ing disposition of cases. This could be accomplished through the use of
the INET_
//sf�
3
12. Equipment Division, City of Iowa City. Currently the Equipment Division
makes use of several phone lines for data transmission purposes to the
Civic Center. Their interest involves transferring the functions they
are currently performing from phone lines to cable lines. This could
result in a savings of funds. Probably the reverse subscriber path of
the cable system would be the most advantageous route for this purpose.
13. Transit Department. The Transit Department is interested in connection
with the INET for live cablecasting purposes as well as for computer
applications that would involve terminal to host computer communications
between the transit facility and the Civic Center. The televising of
live meetings would probably need a large spectrum frequency usage that
could only be found on the INET. However, because of the INET expense,
this use may not be very likely. The computer applications could be
performed with the use of the subscriber reverse path on a cost effec—
tive basis.
14. Airport, City of Iowa City. The major interest of the Airport is to be
able to receive the automated weather service AYOS. This could be sent
via the reverse subscriber path.
15. Traffic Engineering. There is interest on the part of this department
for a variety of uses of the cable system, including electronic mail ,
traffic pattern detection and traffic light control. Traffic light
control would require at least one and possibly two subscriber network
channels. Traffic detection may be accomplished with the use of the
reverse subscriber path as could the electronic mail usage.
16. Accounting Division, City of Iowa City. There has been interest ex—
pressed in connecting the Parking Ramp (nearest Holiday Inn) to the
Civic Center computer host. Purpose is to facilitate parking ticket
database and statistics which should expedite collection of parking
tickets and help determine rates for ramps.
` cc: Jim Schoenfelder
Terry Trueblood
Lyle Seydel
Don Schmeiser
ppPatt Cain
i Marian Karr
f Dale Helling
i Rosemary Vitosh
Kevin O'Malley
Monica Bieri
Lolly Eggers
Chuck Schmadeke
i Frank Farmer
Jeff Davidson
Terry Timmins
E Terry Reynolds
John Lundell
Fred Zehr
Jim Brachtel
/sp
/ /sv
T
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
UM
Date: June 20, 1986
To: City Council �Q
From: Dale Helling, Acting City Manager�B�'
�§*&-�7
Re: Production Coordinator Position, Broadband Telecommunications
The three-quarter time Production Coordinator position was upgraded from a
one-half time position one year ago. That upgrade was extended after six
months due to the large number of production interns obtained from the Uni-
versity of Iowa. These interns are crucial to the ongoing production efforts
of the City of Iowa City. It appears this high number of interns will con-
tinue in the City's Cable TV intern program. Therefore, I recommend that the
Production Coordinator position remain at three-quarter time as budgeted for
FY87.
If at some point the number of interns declines, a reevaluation of this
position will occur.
cc: Drew Shaffer
John Hess
ds/sp
I,
-I
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DA111 June 20, 1986
TO: Iowa City City Council
FI Ms Marian K. Karr, CMC
Ns Beer/Liquor License/Conditional Approval
FOR YOUR INFOINATION--Conditional approval was given at the
March 11, 1986 Council meeting to Towncrest Inn, 1011 Arthur
Street for Sunday Sales. They have submitted, after the 90 -
day period, the required information which allows them to
retain their license.
—t
URBAN ENVIRONMENT AD HOC COp1NITTEE
June 27, 1986
TO INTERESTED CITIZENS — RE: TOUR OF ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
The Urban Environment Ad HOC Committee (UEAHC) will be sponsoring a bus
tour of significant areas relating to Iowa City's Urban environment.
These areas will include entranceways to the City, certain environmentally
sensitive areas, buffers and open space areas and key historic neigh—
borhoods.
The bus tour is scheduled for Saturday, July 19th at 10:00 AM. It is
being planned to create an awareness of the Committee's work and an
understanding of the policies being presented to Council. The UEAHC
was charged with "protecting fragile areas and historic sites."
We are planning to meet at the Civic Center parking lot on Van Buren Street
at 9:45 AM. and begin the tour at 10:00 AM. The City of Iowa City is
providing a bus and the Greater Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce will
provide coffee and donuts for the tour. The City will also provide free
parking passes for those attending the event.
Reservations for the tour may be made at the Iowa City Chamber of Commerce
office, 325 E. Washington, 337-9637. We encourage you and members of your
organization(s) to attend so that we may receive your input. We respect-
fully request an R.S.V-p, so that proper prior arrangements can be made.
The UEAHC was created to provide a representation and input from a cross-
section of governmental, civic and private entities of Iowa City. The
membership is as follows:
Iowa City City Council
George Strait, Co -Chair
Larry Baker, Co -Chair
Planning & Zoning Commission
Susan Horowitz
.
Horst Jordan
Historic Preservation Commission
Margaret Nowysz
Parks & Recreation Commission
Karen Hradek
Riverfront Commission
Robert Wachal
Design Review Committee
Naomi Novick
Development Interests
Larry Koch
Environmental Interests
Jane Jakobsen
Greater Iowa City Area
Linda Johnson -Lundquist
Chamber of Commerce
We look forward to seeing you on the tour.
//s7
FM
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM.
DATE: June 23, 1986
TO: Board/Commission Chairpersons r
FROM: Lorraine Saeger, Administrative Assistant ;��
RE: Annual Report /
An annual report again will be compiled for all boards and commissions
at the end of fiscal year 1986. This report will cover the period
'July 1,.1985, to June 30, 1986. It is requested that your board's/
commission's report be submitted to the City Manager's office by
August 8, 1986, following as much as possible the form, margins and
type (letter gothic) as the attached sample._ Please have Word Process
All reports should include:
1. Responsibilities of board/commission
2. Review of activities for FY86
3. Directions planned for FY87
4. List of present members
This report will be used by the City Council, staff and members of
boards/commissions to set future goals in the following year's bud-
geting process.
The staff person responsible for coordination with your board/commission
(see attached list) will be pleased to assist you with the preparation
of your. report and will be contacting you at an early date.
Please contact me at 356-5010 if you have any questions.
cc: City Council
Department Heads
Word Processing Center
i/s8
I
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Parks and Recreation Commission recommends and reviews policies,
rules, regulations, ordinances, and budgets relating to parks, play-
grounds, recreational centers, and cultural functions of the City, and
makes such reports to the City Council as the Commission deems in the
public interest.
ACTIVITIES IN FISCAL YEAR 1985
Acquired Hunter's Run subdivision parkland — 16 acres. The Department is
presently receiving revenue from a crop -share lease until a planned future
development as a neighborhood park.
Acquired Ryerson's Woods from the University of LawSchool
purchase
tion. This parcel of thirty-three acres was supplementedy
of an additional sixteen acres from the Iowa Department of Transportation.
This park will be preserved and developed as a nature trail site similar
to Hickory Hill Park.
Completed a review of the neighborhood open space study and plan. In
of Planning and Program Development began
cooperation with the Department
work to provide the City Council' with a proposed minimum open space
ordinance.
The Commission hosted the Iowa Park and Recreation Association Annual
Conference
Iowa City
sitye conference attracted
the largest npmber of professional
and commission
I Worked with the CDBG staff to coordinate the design and administer the
provision of a handicapped restroom in Upper City Park and a handicapped
playground in North Market Square Park.
Completed the lighting, fencing and extensive diamond renovation at Mercer
Park.
Developed new facilities at Scott Park, including three new soccer fields
and a tree nursery of three -hundred trees.
Served as representative of the City to the Joint Pool Committee. Made
recommendations that the City cooperate with the Iowa City School District
to build a joint facility.
I! Staff represented the City of Iowa City on planning aspects of the Junior
Olympics.
The Parks and Recreation Department won the National Gold Medal for
Excellence in the Management of Parks and Recreation for Special Popula-
tions Involvement.
The Department won the Governor's Awardasthe outstanding community for
provision of sports and fitness programs.
29
I
PLANS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1986
Phase one development of Mesquakie Park. The first year of a three-year
program including grading and ground preparation for establishing turf
grass .
Develop Ryerson's Woods by Fall of 1986, including placement of signage
and nature trails.
Provide water service extension to Napoleon Park by Fall 1986.
Solicit design recommendation and cost estimates for purposes of offering
a bond referendum to the public which calls for renovation of City Park
pool and pians for the construction and joint operation of a community
center and pool facility with the Iowa City School District.
Work with selection committee in the appointment process of a Parks and
Recreation Director.
Complete legal work necessary to establish a Parks and Recreation Founda-
tion.
COMMISSION MEMBERS
Fred Riddle, Chairperson
Cindy Alvarez
Karen Hradek
Mark Jennings '
Randy Jordison
Ellen Martin
Jerry Mitchell
William Steinbrech
Craig Willis
30
/1sT
BOARD/COMMISSION RESPONSIBLE STAFF PERSON
Airport Commission
Fred Zehr, Airport Manager
Airport Zoning Commission
Fred Zehr, Airport Manager
Airport Zoning Board of Adjustment
Fred Zehr, Airport Manager
Board of Adjustment
Karin Franklin, Senior Planner
Board of Appeals
Dick Frantz, Senior Building Inspector
Board of Electrical Examiners and
Paul Bowers, Electrical Inspector
Appeals
Board of Examiners of Plumbers
Ron Boose, Plumbing Inspector
Board of Library Trustees
Lolly Eggers, Library Director
Board of. Trustees for Police and
Nancy Heaton, City Treasurer
Fire Retirement
Broadband Telecommunications
Drew Shaffer, Broadband Telecommunications
Commission
Specialist
Civil Service Commission
Sylvia Steinbach, Acting Human Relations Dir.
Committee on Community Needs
Mary Nugent, Planner
Design Review Committee
Patt Cain, Development Coordinator
Historic Preservation Commission
Monica Moen, Planner
Housing Commission/Housing Board
Douglas Boothroy, Director, Housing and
of Appeals
Inspection Services Department
Human Rights Commission
Phyllis Alexander, Civil Rights Specialist
Parks and Recreation Commission
Terry Trueblood, Parks & Recreation Director
Planning and Zoning Commission
Karin Franklin, Senior Planner
Resources Conservation Commission
Jim Schoenfelder, Energy Coordinator
Riverfront Commission
Melody Rockwell, Planner
Senior Center Commission
Bette Meisel, Senior Center Coordinator
Urban Environment Ad Hoc Committee
Karin Franklin, Senior Planner
I
f
Johnson County Health Department
I
j' Director Board of Health
L. Graham Dameron. MPH 6Mary Beth Dewey, MD
Kathryn M. Moon
�. 1Ut1 Sally Stutsman
t�f C F ISI = Carol Perera Weingelft
G Orval Yoder
June 12, 1986
MEMO
To: Members, Board of Health
Members, Board of Supervisors
City Mayors of Tiffin, North Liberty, Solon, Iowa City, Coralville
9
iFrom: Lee G. Dameron, M.P.H., R.S.
Subject: Mobile Home Park Inspections
As you probably know, the Iowa State Department of Health has been licensing
mobile home parks for many years (Code of Iowa Chapter 135D), As of July 1,
1986, they will no longer be inspecting and licensing these parks due to state
reorganization. Further, as a result of the Legislative's conference committee
on reorganization, cities and counties are severely limited to impose any ordi-
nance or licensing system. Enclosed are pages 103 and 104 excerpted from the
conference committee amendment to help explain the limitations.
It is our understanding that the Board of Health's rules and regulations
governing mobile home parks are now void. Therefore, the Health Department now
only will be able to respond to complaints on an individual basis.
I'.
If you have any questions please contact the Health Engineer's Section, Iowa
State Department of Health Lucas State Office Building, Des Moines, Iowa,
50319 (Phone: 515-281-4942; or us.
I
� n
Health Center 1105 Gilbert Court Iowa City, Iowa 52240 (319)
S. F. H. F.
1 #311. Page 187, line 30, by inserting after the word
2 "department" the following: "of inspections and appeals".
3 #312. Page 187, line 33, by striking the word "audits" and
4 inserting the following: "inspections".
5 /313. By striking page 188, line 16 through page 189, line
6 19 and inserting the following:
7 "Sec. Section 135D.1, subsection 2, unnumbered
8 paragraph 3, Code 1985, is amended to read as follows:
9 A mobile home park must be classified as to whether it is a
10 residential mobile home park or a recreational mobile park or
11 both. 8eetiens-3358-14-and-1358ri5-shall-app}r-enip-te
12 reereatienal-mebiie-home-parker The mobile home park
13 residential landlord tenant Act she}} only apply applies to
14 residential mobile home parks.
15 Sec. _. Section 135D.24, subsection 3, Code Supplement
16 1985, is amended to read as follows;.
17 3. Each mobile home park -licensee owner shall notify.
18 monthly the county treasurer concerning any mobile home or
19 manufactured home arriving in or departing from the park
20 without a tax clearance statement. The records of the
21 iieensee owner shall be open to inspection by a duly
22 authorized representative of any law enforcement agency. Any
23 property owner, manager or tenant shall report to the county
24 treasurer mobile homes parked upon any property owned,
25 managed, or rented by that person.
26 Sec. _. Section 331.304, Code 1985, is amended by adding
27 the following new subsection:
28 NEW SUBSECTION. 10. A county shall not adopt or enforce
29 any ordinance imposing any registration or licensing system or
30 registration or license fees for owner -occupied mobile homes
31 including the lots or lands upon which they are located. A
32 county shall not adopt or enforce any ordinance imposing any
33 registration or licensing system, or registration or license
34 fees, or safety or sanitary standards for rental mobile homes
35 unless similar registration or licensing system, or
-103-
/S?
Wi
I
S. F. H. F. \
1 registration or license fees, or safety or sanitary standards
2 are required for other rental properties intended. for human
3 habitation. This subsection does not preclude the
4 investigation and abatement of a nuisance or the enforcement
5 of a tiedown system, or the enforcement of any regulations of
6 the state or local board of health if those regulations apply
7 to other rental properties or to owner -occupied housing
8 intended for human habitation.
' 9 Sec .Section 331.756, subsection 28, Code 1985, is
10 amended by striking the subsection.
11 Sec. _. Section 364.3, Code Supplement 1985, is amended
12 by adding the following new subsection:
13 NEW SUBSECTION. S. A city shall not adopt or enforce any
14 drdinance imposing any registration or licensing system or
15 registration or license fees for owner -occupied mobile homes
16 including the lots or lands upon which they are located. A
17 city shall not adopt or enforce any ordinance imposing any
18 registration or licensing system, or registration or license
19 fees, or safety or sanitary standards for rental mobile homes
20 unless similar registration or licensing system, or
21 registration or license fees, or safety or sanitary standards
22 are required for other rental, properties intended for human
23 habitation. This subsection does not preclude the
24 investigation and abatement of a nuisance or the enforcement
25 of a tiedown system, or the enforcement of any regulations of
26 the state or local board of health if those regulations apply
27 to other rental properties or to owner -occupied housing
28 intended for human habitation."
29 #314. Page 189, by inserting before line 20 the following:
30 "Sec. _ Section 136.1, Code 1985, is amended to read as
31 follows:
32 136.1 COMPOSITION OF BOARD.
33 The state board of health shall consist of the following
34 members: Nine Five members learned in health-related
35 disciplines and four members representing the general public.
-104- , /��
I
CITY OF
CIVIC CENTER 41 10 WA C
O E. WASHWGTON ST. IOWA CIN IOWA 52240 (319) 356-50M
NEWS RELEASE
Bell Ringing for Statue of Liberty
June 20, 1986
All churches and other establishments in Iowa City which have
bells are requested by Mayor Ambrisco to join with other cities
across the nation in ringing bells for the Statue of Liberty
at 9:53 P.M. on July 3, 1986. This is the time that President
Reagan will press the button which will illuminate the newly
renovated Statue of Liberty.
City officials were contacted by a committee of the Statue
i
of Liberty Foundation advising Iowa City of this coordinated I
r
effort.
_0_
FROM: Administrative Offices
� t
I _
1
1
MINUTES OF STAFF MEETING
June 18, 1986
Referrals from the informal and formal Council meetings of June 16 and
17, 1986, were distributed to the staff for review and discussion (copy
attached) ,
The Acting City Manager announced that Stephen Atkins will be in the
office on July 21.
The Mayor, Acting City Manager and Acting Assistant City Manager will
be in New York next week Wednesday and Thursday to meet with Moody's.
Police Chief Harvey Miller will be Acting City Manager during their
absence and will conduct the staff meeting next week. Agenda items
are to be furnished to the Administrative Assistant at that time.
The Acting City Manager advised that written information will be
furnished this week to the staff regarding the application of merit
increases._ A brief discussion was held concerning different aspects of
the evaluations and salary increases.
Prepared by:
�O�uL2u.t� izycey qeh�
Lorraine Saeger
w
_
....
Informal Council Mee -ting
f
DATE. June 16. im PENDING COUNCIL ITEMS
C1LU
W
0
W W
a�-
nm
SUBJECT
auw
REFERRED
DATE
COMMENTS�STATUS
a
a W
To
DUE
W
o
az
¢w
¢
a
JCCOG Animal Shelter Committee
6-16
Police/P&PD
Lorraine
Larry Baker will serve as alternate
for Ernie Zuber.
Respond to Ron Vogel - attempt to
Honoraria for Energy Speakers
6-16
Acting City
4anager
identify other funding source(s).
Resources Conservation
6-16
Lorraine
Readvertise vacancy
Commission
Signals - First Avenue and
6-16
Public Work
Proceed with left turn signals -
Muscatine
FY87 - this summer if possible.
I
Regular- Council Meeting
DATE: June 17, 1986 PENDING COUNCIL ITEMS
8W
WW
F W
>
SUBJECT
oOw
REFERRED
�E
2 a
o
COMMENTS/STATUS
n.z
cr
w~�
a
Discuss policy on girls not being
Babe Ruth/Little League
6-17
Parks & Re
eation
allowed to play in leagues.,
Bus Tour
6-17
Lorraine/Tr
nsit
Contact Larry Baker re. scheduling
on July 19. Arrange for bus
a and
driver. Notify Steve Atkins and
invite him.
Gas/Electric Franchise
6-17
City Attorn
y/
Public hearing set for July 1, 1986,.
Lorraine
agenda. Schedule for informal'
discussion on June 30.
UEAHC Recommendations
6-11
PUD
Refer additional recommendations to
P&Z as proposed.
325 East Washington Street -
Commerce Center
6-17
P&PD
Council approved monument sign.