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CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
January 3, 2008
JANUARY 8 SPECIAL WORK SESSION
IP1 Council Meetings and Work Session Agenda
IP2 Memorandum from Robert Beezat, The PAR Group: City Manager Search Process and
Schedules
MISCELLANEOUS
IP3 Memorandum from the Interim City Manager: Fees Associated with Moving a Structure
IP4 Memorandum from the Interim City Manager: Concept of Combining the Senior Center
with the Recreation Division in the Department of Parks and Recreation
IP5 Memorandum from the Interim City Manager: City Organizational Membership Fees
IP6 Memorandum from the City Engineer to the Interim City Manager: College Street
Streetscape Project
IP7 E-mail from Mary Bennett: UNESCO City of Literature
IP8 Invitation: Regional Housing Summit for Johnson County -January 25, 2008
IP9 Approved Minutes: Task Force on Violence against Women -November 26, 2007
DRAFT MINUTES
IP10 Airport Commission: December 13, 2007
IP11 Housing and Community Development Commission: December 20, 2007
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~~.rr~~ City Council Meeting Schedule and
CITY OF IOWA CITY Work Session Agendas January 7, 2008
www.icgov.org
• MONDAY, JANUARY 7 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Special Budget Work Session (Overview)
• TUESDAY, JANUARY 8 **REVISED** Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p City Manager Search Process/Schedule (bring calendars)
Fees Associated with Moving a Structure (IP3 of 1/3 packet)
Combining the Senior Center with Recreation Division (IP4 of 1/3 packet)
City Organizational Membership Fees (IP5 of 1/3 packet)
Council Time
Special Budget Work Session
TENTATIVE FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS
• MONDAY, JANUARY 14 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p City Council Work Session
• TUESDAY, JANUARY 15 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Formal Council Meeting
• MONDAY, JANUARY 21
Martin Luther King Jr. Day -City Offices Closed
• WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23 Emma J. Harvat Hall
5:30p Affordable Housing Market Analysis
Boards/Commissions/Events
• THURSDAY, JANUARY 24 Emma J. Harvat Hall
8:OOa - 5:OOp Special Budget Work Session (Capital Projects)
• MONDAY, JANUARY 28 Emma J. Harvat Hall
8:OOa Special Budget Work Session (wrap up)
6:30p Special Council Work Session
• TUESDAY, JANUARY 29 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Special Formal Council Meeting
• MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p City Conference Board (Separate agenda posted)
Council Work Session
• TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Formal Council Meeting
• MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18
Presidents' Day -Offices closed
• TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 Emma J, Harvat Hall
TBD Special Council Work Session
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'""®'~~ City Council Meeting Schedule and
CITY OF IOWA CITY Work Session Agendas January 3, zoos
www.icgov.org
• MONDAY, JANUARY 7 Emma J. arvat Hall
6:30p Special Budget Work Session (Overview)
• TUESDAY, JANUARY 8 Emma . Harvat Hall
6:30p City Manager Search Process/Schedule (bring calendars)
~~ Special Bud et Work Session
NTATIVE FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDA
• MONDAY, JANUAR 4 mma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Ci Council Work Session
• TUESDAY, JANUARY 15 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Formal until Meeting
• MONDAY, JANUARY 21
Martin Luther 'ng Jr. Day -City Offices Clo d
~• WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23 Emma J. Harvat Hall
5:30p Affordable Housing rket Analysis
Boards/Commissions/ vents
• THURSDAY, JANUARY 24 Emma J. Harvat Hall
8:OOa - 5:OOp Special Budget Work Sessio (Ca tal Projects)
• MONDAY, JANUARY 28 Emma J. Harvat Hall
8:OOa Special Budget Work Session wr up)
6:30p Special Council Work Sess' n
• TUESDAY, JANUARY 29 ~ Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Special formal Counci Meeting `k
• MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p City Conference B and (Separate agenda poste~l,~
Council Work Se sion `~.,
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• TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 ~~. Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Formal Cou cil Meeting
• MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18
Presid ts' Day -Offices closed
• TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Emma J: Harvat Hall
TBD Sp cial Council Work Session
7:OOp formal Council Meeting
• WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Coralville
4:30p Joint Meeting
THE PAR GROUP
Paul A. Reaume, LLC.
Celebrating over 35 Years Service
To a National Clientele
To: Mayor and City Council, Iowa City, Iowa
From: Robert Beezat, The PAR Group
Date: January 3, 2008
Subject: City Manager Search Process and Schedules
IP2
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There are two elements of the search process which need to be discussed:
1. Evaluation and Selection of Finalist Candidates for Interview
2. Interview Schedule and Process
As far as the first item, the Evaluation and Selection of Finalist Candidates for
Interview, we are still in the process of soliciting interest of candidates in the City Manager
position in Iowa City. We have 48 applicants as of Wednesday, January 2, 2008. We hope to
augment that number over the next three weeks so that Iowa City will have a deep and diverse
pool of candidates from which to select candidates for interviews. We are also in the process of
evaluating and screening the candidates to determine their "fit" for the City Manager position in
Iowa City.
The recommended schedule and process for item #1 above is as follows:
January 23 The PAR Group overnights a report to the Mayor and Council providing
information on the top 10-12 candidates recommended for interview
consideration.
Also included with that report will be a suggested "Library of Interview
Questions" to be used in the first round of the interview process.
January 30 or 31 Consultant meets in Executive Session with the Mayor and Council to
review and evaluate the candidates and to facilitate the discussion toward
selecting 5 or 6 candidates as Finalists to be interviewed by the City.
At that meeting, the Mayor and Council will discuss with the consultant
the specifics of the dates and selection processes which the City will
employ toward the goal of selecting a new City Manager for the City.
As far as the second item, Interview Schedule and Process, there are many ways to
conduct an interview process for City Manager. Based on practices which most cities follow and
taking into consideration the broader level of input desired by Iowa City, we recommend the
Assisting in the Achievement of Excellence in the Public Service Since 1972
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following process and time frames. However, we recognize that every community has different
expectations and desires regarding an interview schedule and process, and so we are certainly
flexible as to what the Mayor and Council think will best fit Iowa City. We can finalize the
interview schedule and process when we meet to review candidates at the end of January.
There are usually several considerations in setting up a schedule and process. The main elements
are as follows:
• Availability and Time Commitment of the Mayor and Council. Most of our
clients find that taking a Friday and part of a Saturday to conduct the interview process
can be worked into their busy schedules. An alternative schedule is to split the first round
of interviews into two days. The first round of interviews could begin late Thursday
afternoon. Two or three candidates would be interviewed on Thursday. The remaining
two or three candidates would be interviewed starting around noon on Friday. The
Mayor and Council would then evaluate the candidates late Friday afternoon. The "Meet
and Greet" event would be held Friday evening. The second round of interviews would
be held on Saturday. A few clients we have worked with prefer a Friday through Sunday
process.
• Availability and Time Commitment of Candidates and Their Spouses. Most
candidates have full-time positions and they have busy schedules. Many candidates will
not make a decision regarding moving their family without their spouses coming to the
community. Spouses often also have jobs and need to schedule their time with sufficient
prior notice to visit the community. A one-trip process for both the candidate and her/his
spouse usually works best, but doing a first round of interviews of candidates one week
without spouses and then inviting the spouses for the second round of interviews is also a
possibility.
• Need of the Mayor and Council to have Sufficient First Round Interview Time
with Each Candidate. We find that one hour structured interviews with questions
prepared ahead of time are sufficient for the elected officials and candidates to make
reasonable judgments about each other and whether both parties are interested in further
discussions.
• Desirability of a Second Round of Interviews of Top Candidates. We highly
recommend a second round of interviews for the top 2 to 4 candidates. The second round
of interviews are less formal and structured and give both parties the opportunity to get a
better understanding of each other before either party makes a decision.
• Communi~ and Staff Input into the Selection Process. The City wishes to have
City Staff and invited community members (more than likely those who participated in
the various focus groups used in developing the Recruitment Profile). Usually, a 1.5 to 2
hour session is scheduled with refreshments for those attending. Candidates usually
make a brief (3 to 4 minute) introduction of themselves and then mingle with the crowd.
Towards the end of the "Meet and Greet" session, City Staff and community members
can share their impressions and observations with the Mayor and Council in writing or
Assisting in the Achievement of Excellence in the Public Service Since 1972
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verbally. The "Meet and Greet" could be scheduled for Friday evening or Saturday
morning.
• Costs to the City. Bringing candidates and their spouses in for the same weekend
is usually the most cost effective for cities.
Taking these elements into account, we would suggest the following schedule and processes.
If the weekend of February 15 and 16 is not doable for the Mayor and Council, the interview
process can be scheduled for a subsequent weekend. We recommend not delaying the interviews
beyond the first weekend in March so that we do not lose interested candidates.
Thursday, February 14
• Candidates arrive in Iowa City and receive tours of City prior to their interviews.
Friday, February 15
• First round of interviews of top 5 or 6 candidates by the Mayor and Council.
• Interviews process is conducted in Executive Session.
• Interviews will be scheduled at one hour intervals.
• Interview process would begin at 8:30 AM with an interview orientation meeting between the
Mayor and Council and the Consultant.
• Interviews would then be scheduled on the hour with a one hour break for lunch at noon.
• The first round of interviews would conclude by 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM depending on whether 5 or
6 candidates are interviewed.
• Mayor and City Council evaluate candidates and select 2 to 4 candidates for further
consideration.
• Candidate "Meet and Greet" is conducted with City Staff and invited community members.
Staff and community members have the opportunity to convey their impressions of the
candidates to the Mayor and Council through written or verbal comments.
Saturday, February 16
Mayor and Council meet with Consultant to discuss input from Staff and community members.
Mayor and Council conduct second round of interviews with top 2 to 4 candidates.
Mayor and Council evaluate results of second round of interviews and select a candidate with
whom to initiate negotiations for appointment as City Manager at 'a future meeting.
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
IP3
Date: January 2, 2008
To: City Council
From: Dale Helling, Interim City Manager
Re: Fees Associated with Moving a Structure
Ken and Mary Beth Slonneger have requested that Council waive certain fees usually charged
by the City in conjunction with the moving of a building or structure. In this case, the building in
question is the Wetherby Cottage, a small house of some historical significance.
When it was contemplated that the Wetherby Cottage would be purchased by the City, moved
to City Park, and become a public amenity, Council agreed to absorb the fee ordinarily owed to
the City. At that time these fees were estimated specific to this particular structure and the
needed rehabilitation to present it as a public attraction. The house will now remain in private
ownership, and the permitting fees could vary significantly based on the owner's decisions
regarding improvements to, and future use of, the property.
Fees associated with moving a structure can involve varying requirements, including permits,
inspections, water and sewer disconnections and reconnections, police escorts, traffic
engineering services, etc. as well as costs to utilities other than those operated by the City. City
policy, set by resolution, exempts governmental agencies from these costs except that such
agencies must pay plan review fees, inspection fees, and all other actual costs incurred by the
City.
Many of the associated fees will vary depending on the size of the structure, the distance it will
be moved on City streets, the ultimate destination of the structure, possible landfill fees, and
necessary permits for repairs/restoration, electrical, plumbing or HVAC improvements, plan
review, excavation and foundation permits, etc. The latter fees can vary considerably. depending
on the amount an owner intends to spend on structural and cosmetic improvements.
There are certain fixed fees that apply specifically to moving a structure. These are set by
resolution and can only be changed by Council. These include the following:
^ Moving Permit - $85
^ Electrical Permit - $100
• Plumbing Permit - $100
• HVAC Permit - $50
^ Utilities (sewer and water) - $50
A decision by Council to afford any financial consideration in this case will likely be regarded as
precedent setting and similar requests are apt to be received in the future. If you are thus
inclined, I would recommend the following:
January 2, 2008
Page 2
1. Provide for reimbursement of fees rather than a waiver, with funds budgeted through the
historic preservation program.
2. Establish a workable definition of what structures are eligible and how that eligibility is to
be established and verified.
3. Determine what costs will be reimbursed. Limit these to an amount or category, such as
the fixed costs listed above, that will establish a fixed maximum amount.
If Council's direction is to provide for some specific reimbursement, we will prepare the policy
criteria and a revised resolution for your formal consideration.
cc. Eleanor M. Dilkes, City Attorney
Doug Boothroy, Director of Housing & Inspection Services
mgr/assUmem/wetherby 12-28. d oc
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
IP4
Date: January 2, 2008
To: City Council ~
From: Dale Helling, Interim City Manager
Re: Concept of Combining the Senior Center with the Recreation Division in the
Department of Parks and Recreation
Last spring, Council requested that the concept of combining the Senior Center operation with
the Recreation Division be explored. During the summer the Senior Center Coordinator and the
Director of Parks and Recreation, along with the Chairs of the Parks and Recreation
Commission and Senior Center Commission, met to discuss this concept. The Commissioners
felt that the current arrangement is working well, and preferred not to make any changes.
However, it was determined that perhaps getting more staff involved would be desirable in that
the staff are involved with the day-to-day operations and could provide a more detailed
perspective. It was also observed that the Parks and Recreation Department would be doing a
Comprehensive Master Plan in the upcoming year, and perhaps that would reveal options to be
considered in terms of cooperative efforts between the divisions.
A follow-up meeting was held in early December in which the Parks and Recreation Director
and the Senior Center Coordinator, along with their selected staff members, participated. They
focused specifically on possible shared services and cost savings. The results of these
discussions are summarized as follows:
Registration: Both operations use the same software company for registrations, and this
has resulted in some cost savings. The Recreation Division offers online registration, but the
Senior Center does not due to some special provisions that need to be worked out because
of two separate departments utilizing the same system. This will be further investigated to
see if the difficulties can be resolved, in which case the Senior Center could offer online
registration as well. This could result in some relatively minor savings.
Maintenance: It was recognized that some sharing of services already exists between the
two maintenance operations, especially as it pertains to the HVAC systems and the
expertise of Recreation staff who assist in system maintenance.
Current Programs/Activities: The Parks and Recreation Department already offers some
programs that appeal to the senior population, although not offered specifically to them nor
designed specifically for them. These include mostly aquatic activities such as lap swimming
and water exercise, but may also include arts activities, drop-in use of the recreation center,
and special events such as bus trips. The Senior Center also offers bus trips and arts
activities, but specifically for their senior patrons. Some people may view this as duplication,
but there really is not significant overlap. Many senior citizens prefer to participate in
activities with others of similar age, except in those cases where a family activity is involved.
So they may sign up for an art class, for example, at the Senior Center. If, however, the
Recreation Division is offering a different art class that may be of interest to a senior citizen,
he or she may choose to sign up for that instead, or to sign up for both.
New Programs/Cooperative Efforts: The following possibilities were discussed as
opportunities to jointly offer new programs and work together to improve current operations.
January 2, 2008
Page 2
^ Work together to offer sports leagues and possibly other activities for those 55+ or
60+ in age. Examples might be a softball league or aerobics classes with an
established minimum age of 55 or 60 for participation.
^ Work with local Sports Authority to bring the Senior Olympics to Iowa City.
• Do a better job of promoting local trails for "walkability" and possibly establishing a
walking club for seniors.
^ Promote appropriate Recreation Division activities in the Senior Center newsletter
and activities of interest to seniors in the Parks and Recreation program guide.
^ Strive to make fees in each operation more comparable where appropriate, although
it is recognized that this may not be possible or desirable in all cases.
^ Schedule joint staff meetings on a regular basis to discuss program ideas, concerns,
needs for assistance, and to identify where possible duplication might be occurring.
As indicated above, there may be some additional economies and/or service improvements that
could result from a closer working relationship between the two divisions. If an organizational
change were to be made in which the Senior Center were to become a division within the
Department of Parks and Recreation, the Senior Center Coordinator would continue to function
at the Division Head level, which is consistent with the current classification of that position. The
Coordinator would simply stop reporting to the City Manager and instead report to the Director
of Parks and Recreation, as do other division heads within that department. Given the duties
and responsibilities involved, a downward reclassification would not be appropriate under those
circumstances. Any significant savings in this area would require a reduction in staffing levels
within the Senior Center Division, which would result in a corresponding reduction in service.
Staff will continue to pursue any economies that might be achieved from a closer working
relationship between the Senior Center Division and the Recreation Division.
cc. Terry Trueblood, Director of Parks & Recreation
Linda Kopping, Senior Center Coordinator
mgr/asst/mem/s rctr-rec12-28. doc
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Date:
To:
From:
Re:
January 2, 2008
City Council
Dale Helling, Interim City Manager
City Organizational Membership FeE_
Council has requested a summary of all City membership fees for various organizations to
which the City belongs. The following organizations and respective costs reflect annual
dues/membership fees/support commitments for FY07.
National League of Cities
Iowa League of Cities
National Civic League
Greater Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce
Iowa City Area Development Group (ICAD)
Convention & Visitors Bureau (25% of hotel/motel tax
revenue)
East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) -
General Assessment
East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) -
Solid Waste
Johnson Co. Council of Governments (JCCOG)
$4,993
$8,765
$325
$3,293
$100,000
$172,909
$19, 946
$31000
$360,121
In addition, the City has historically paid the annual membership dues for two professional
organizations for the City Manager and the Assistant City Manager:
International City/County Management Association (ICMA) $2,275
Iowa City/County Management Association (IaCMA) $400
Finally, Iowa City has agreed to join the Metropolitan Coalition. The membership fee for the first
six months (remainder of FY08) will be: $8687.33
With the exception of ICAD, these amounts may increase incrementally from year to year. Also,
various department and division heads, as well as other staff, may belong to their respective
professional organizations, thereby either making the City an ad hoc member of that
organization or, minimally, ensuring us access to specific information, studies, surveys, etc. by
virtue of that staff affiliation.
mgr/assUmem/membershipsl2-28. doc
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DATE: December 20, 2007
TO: Dale Helling, Interim City Manager
FROM: Ron Knoche, City Engineer ~,~
RE: College Street streetscape Project
On Tuesday morning the trees along College Street between Linn Street and
Gilbert Street were removed by the Forestry Division. This was the first
phase of completing the streetscape project.
Safety for city workers and the public alike was of the highest priority as plans
were made to close that portion of College Street to all traffic including
pedestrians. To notify those directly affected, the city sent letters to adjoining
property and business owners and made follow-up calls to ensure concerns
were met and access to businesses were available. The Downtown
Association was also notified of the project via a-mail.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
IP6
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Plans for the streetscape project are complete and will be bid this spring.
Thirteen trees will be planted when construction of the project is complete to
replace the nine removed on Tuesday.
IP7
Marian Karr
From: Merrill, Christopher [christopher-merrill@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Friday, December 21, 2007 11:47 AM
To: mary-bennett@uiowa.edu
Cc: Daly, Daniel L;questions@johnsoncountyhistory.org; Council; Ferrer, Hugh G; White, Pamela
J; Dale Helling
Subject: RE: UNESCO City of Literature
Dear Ms. Bennett,
Many thanks for this clarification, for the information about your holdings, and for the
good suggestion to include the historical society to the proposal--which, I'm afraid, has
already been submitted to UNESCO. So we can't change anything, but as we move forward with
what we hope wil be a successful bid for the Creative Cities designation and then enter
the network I can well imagine that we will find ways to work together. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Christopher Merrill
Christopher Merrill, Director
International Writing Program
Shambaugh House
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52242-2020
Phone 319-335-2609
Mobile 319-594-0263
Fax 319-335-3843
www.uiowa.edu/-iwp
www.writinguniversity.org <http://www.writinguniversity.org/>
www.christophermerrillbooks.com <http://www.christophermerrillbooks.com/>
From: mary-bennettc~uiowa.edu [mailto:mary-bennett@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Fri 12/21/2007 11:24
To: Merrill, Christopher
Cc: Daly, Daniel L; questions@johnsoncountyhistory.org; councilc~iowa-city.org; Ferrer,
Hugh G; White, Pamela J; dale-belling@iowa-city.org
Subject: RE: UNESCO City of Literature
Hello
Setting aside plots of land for "Church and Literary Purposes"
probably refers to the literary societies and lyceums of the day.
I thought it might be useful to add the State Historical Society of Iowa to your list of
local institutions devoted to cultural, historical, and literary endeavors. Our
collections include unpublished manuscripts and poetry, books by Iowa and midwestern
authors, and information about Iowa's literary and .artistic community.
Of note are the many records of women's clubs, including both the 19th Century Club
(founded in 1884) and the N.N. Club (founded in 1885), where women studied literature and
culture as a form of adult education. Both clubs still exist today.
These are just a couple of examples of how our stellar collections and service to the
public contributes to Iowa City's intellectural community. Please consider including the
State Historical Society of Iowa in your proposal.
Best wishes for the holiday.
Mary Bennett
Special Collections Coordinator
State Historial Scoiety of Iowa
1
Quoting "Merrill, Christopher" <Christopher-merrill@uiowa.edu>:
> Dear Mr. Daly, I'm very grateful for your mesage and for this
> especially interesting bit of information, which did not make it into
> the attached application but which will be useful for our bid. Indeed
> I will incorporate it into my formal presentation to UNESCO in late
> January. Thank you. I know that Mayor Wilburn wants to have the
> proposal posted online, and I've copied Interim City Manager Dale
> Helling so that he will have this document. Feel free to post it on
> the historical society site, if you like. Sincerely, Christopher
> Merrill Christopher Merrill, Director International Writing
> Program Shambaugh House University of Iowa Iowa City, IA 52242-2020
> Phone 319-335-2609 Mobile 319-594-0263 Fax 319-335-3843
> www.uiowa.edu/-iwp[1] www.writinguniversity.org[2]
> www.christophermerrillbooks.com[3]
> FROM: Daly, Daniel L
> SENT: Fri 12/21/2007 09:40
> TO: Merrill, Christopher
> CC: Mary-BennettC~uiowa.edu; questions@johnsoncountyhistory.org;
> councilC~iowa-city.org
> SUBJECT: UNESCO City of Literature
> Dr. Merrill,
> I applaud your efforts and those of others to obtain the prestigious
> international designation as a ?City of Literature.? Our prairie
> outpost richly deserves this accolade.
> Will the application be posted?
> Recently, I stumbled across what might another argument for the
> quiver. Perhaps you?d already uncovered it.
> Benjamin Shambaugh, in his ?Iowa City ? A Contribution to the Early
> History of Iowa? (State Historical Society, 1893, page 90) includes
> the following passage:
> ?In keeping with Mr. (Chauncy) .Swan?s policy the Legislative
> Assembly in July 1840, passed ?AN ACT to grant certain lots of land in
> Iowa City, for Church and Literary purposes.??
> It would appear that a dozen years before formal civic
> incorporation, our state bestowed it?s impramateur upon Iowa City as a
> home for literature, consecrated in law and real estate.
> I am not aware if this act obtained on behalf of writers and readers
> here any particular advantages. This may be a worthy subject of
> further investigation or speculation.
> It does represent very early acknowledgement for the importance of
> literature in the freshly founded city of Iowa City, Iowa.
> Please feel free to pass this along if you know of others who-might
> find it of interest.
> Thanks and best wishes in this very worthy enterprise.
> Dan Daly, member, Iowa Bibliophiles
> Links:
> ------
> [1] http://www.uiowa.edu/-iwp
> [2] http://www.writinguniversity.org/
> [3] http://www.christophermerrillbooks.com/
2
IP8
Friday, January 25 ~,~.
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8:30 AM -10:30 AM _.~~
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Brown Deer Golf Club ~ '-
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--- 1900 Country Club Drive
Coralville
Program
. Affordable Housing Market Study of Iowa City, Coralville,
North Liberty, University Heights and Tiffin. Eric Fulmer:
President of Mullin and Lonergan, Pittsburgh, PA.
. Economic and Social Impacts of Housing in Iowa. Heather
MacDonald, UI Professor of Urban and Regional Planning.
. A Local Response to Housing Needs. Members of an infor-
mal housing group representing businesses, nonprofits and
citizen interest groups.
Hosted by the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County
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IP9
City of Iowa City FINAL
Task Force on Violence Against Woman
Monday, November 26, 2007, 4:00 P.M.
Iowa City Public Library, Meeting Room A
Welcome and Introductions:
Amy Correia, Iowa City Council Member, called the meeting to order at 4:04 P.M. She
introduced her Co-Chair, Abbie Volland, UISG Student Liaison with the Council.
Correia then asked everyone to introduce themselves. Those in attendance include:
Kristie Doser, Domestic Violence Intervention Program
Anne Barber, President, University of Iowa Panhellenic Council
Belinda Marner, Assistant Vice President for Student Services, Administrative
Liaison/Parents Association, University of Iowa
Carole Peterson, Vice President, University of Iowa Student Government
Sarah Milani, University of Iowa Student Government Senator and Member of the
Panhellenic Community
Diana Harris, Chair of Council, University of Iowa Council on the Status of
Women
Monique DiCarlo, Director of Women's Resource and Action Center
Beth Bewley-Randall, Executive Director of the Englert Theater, Member of
Downtown Association
Chuck Green, Assistant Vice President, Director of Public Safety University of
Iowa
Janet Lyness, Johnson County Attorney
Marcia Klingaman, City of Iowa City Neighborhood Services Coordinator
Bob Hartman, Domestic Violence Investigator, Iowa City Police Department
Sam Hargadine, Chief of Police, Iowa City Police Department
Ron Logsden, Transit Manager, Iowa City
Alan Cosby, University of Iowa Interfraternity Council
Review Goals/Objectives of Task Force:
Correia noted that this first meeting is scheduled for an hour, basically to get the Task
Force going. She stated that for future meetings, they might want to consider one and a
half to two hour meetings.
Correia first reviewed the goals and objectives of the Task Force, and asked that
Members join in with any comments or suggestions they may have. She noted that the
Task Force has been tasked by the City Council to provide recommendations at the end
of six months that have the potential to reduce sexual assaults and other assaults against
women. The goals of the Task Force are to work to decrease the incidence of violence
Task Force -Violence Against Women
November 26, 2007
Page 2
against women; to promote accountability of perpetrators of violence against women; and
to support efforts of the members of the community, both men and women, to promote a
community climate that does not tolerate violence against women. Correia then asked if
anyone had any comments or questions about these goals. Chuck Green asked how they
would be able to measure or to know that they are having an effect in decreasing violence
against women. He stated that even from a law enforcement perspective, he is not sure
how they would do this. Correia responded that she believes over time they would be
able to measure this through law enforcement reports and that sort of thing. She also
noted that official reports of violence often increase with more community education
being done. Marcia Klingaman asked about the accountability portion of the goals.
Correia stated that some of this has to do with community conversations about putting the
responsibility on victims to not be victimized. She further explained that this has to do
with focusing on stopping the violent behavior, versus stopping the behavior of victims
so that they don't become victims. Kristie Doser added that accountability is also about
paying attention to how our community speaks to this issue, and how the community
speaks to perpetration in general. Doser continued, stating that this deals with how do
we, as a community, hold perpetrators accountable, what is happening in our system, and
what parts of our system are really effective, and what areas need to be improved. Janet
Lyness added that she would like to see the second goal include increased prosecution,
successful prosecution, of cases.
Monique DiCarlo stated that the goals and objectives appear to be duplicative to other
organizations or projects that are currently in process. Therefore, she suggested that an
objective should be to coordinate with other coalitions or groups that are doing anti-
violence work. Sam Hargadine asked about the promotion of these groups -how could
others find out what they are doing. Doser noted that she thought it was interesting that
shortly after this Task Force was announced, there was an editorial in the Gazette, which
specifically outlined creating these collaborations. She noted that there is a definite lack
of awareness, but that there are already strong collaborations in the community, and
coordinated efforts that are already happening. DiCarlo added that these coalitions need
to work on promoting their work so the community as a whole is more aware. Correia
added that this could be something that the City could help in also.
DiCarlo then asked about the timeline of this Task Force and when they need to report to
the City Council. It was noted that this Task Force is of six-months duration, and will be
reporting to the Council in April.
Review Public Input:
UISG & Panhellenic Council Petition
Evaluations From Public Meeting on Safe Streets
Correia noted that the City Council received a petition from UISG in September. At the
end of September, a public meeting was held on "safe streets," where the public could
provide input. She then asked the UISG and Panhellenic Council if they would like to
review the petition and the process involved. Carole Peterson then gave an overview of
Task Force -Violence Against Women
November 26, 2007
Page 3
the "safe streets" meeting, stating that they were able to get quite a few comments from
the public at this meeting. Peterson and Anne Barber, also of the Panhellenic Council,
organized the responses. Barber noted that a lot of the responses indicated that the public
was not aware of what was already being done. Peterson stated that one thing she
thought was interesting was that people were stating that they should focus on
perpetrators rather than victims. Lighting was another issue of big concern, as are "night
ride" programs.
Correia asked if anyone had anything further to add, after reviewing the public
comments, on how they should proceed. DiCarlo stated that it seems important to
address the four objectives that were suggested in the petition. Peterson stated that the
Neighborhood Watch Program is something that has been mentioned again and again,
and that students have been contacting her about setting up meetings to start
neighborhood watch programs. Milani stated that she feels it's important, since they are
focusing on the perpetrator, that the second part of the petition, where it asks that the
resources of the Iowa City Police Department be increased, be considered very important
and that they discuss this as much as they can. DiCarlo stated that they should look at
comparable communities with universities and see what their policing force and budgets
are like, to give them a better idea of comparison. This would also include further
training for officers in the area of dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault.
The discussion then turned to whether the City has done a lighting audit recently. Correia
stated that not to her knowledge, but that the Council did receive a memo in September
regarding the street lighting policy the City currently has. She noted that this has to do
with street lighting, versus sidewalk lighting. Klingaman stated that staff is currently in
the middle of obtaining estimates from contractors to see what it would cost to install
pedestrian lighting. She stated that it would probably be six to eight weeks before they
have these results. Milani noted that there seems to be a trend of where these attacks are
occurring, and she questions if extra lighting, pedestrian lighting, could be installed in
these target areas. Klingaman stated that the bottom line is, there is no current funding
for pedestrian lighting, so staff needs to provide the necessary information to the Council
so they can then budget for something like this. DiCarlo noted that some years ago there
was a lighting study done by the University, and that there are perceptions of how safe
places appear. She stated that recommendations were made regarding landscaping, such
as shrubbery, and how these types of things can foster a "safe" or "unsafe" perception. It
was noted that Larry Wilson at the University was part of this study. DiCarlo noted that
there could be recommendations to the average citizen on things they can do to foster a
safe feeling, such as keeping bushes trimmed.
Correia brought up the City's traffic calming project and how neighborhoods can come to
the Council and request a review of their situation, and that perhaps something similar
could be done where neighborhoods could solicit help with safety features. Klingaman
noted that the biggest factor in neighborhoods is that the people who live there want to
have the extra lighting. She noted that many times people do not want the extra lighting,
and this can be a problem if the residents are not supportive.
Task Force -Violence Against Women
November 26, 2007
Page 4
Volland stated that it sounds like they are already in the process of drafting what they
want to work on: neighborhood lighting, neighborhood watch, coordinating services in
the community and working together, and increasing police resources. Doser stated that
they would need to get information to the various neighborhood centers, first of all, and
asked how they could do this in the best way to promote collaboration. Peterson noted
that transportation is important, as well. Lyness stated that her concern is also that they
don't focus so much on stranger attacks, though important, but that they need to
remember the other kinds of assault that are going on. Doser stated that they should look
at how other communities deal with these issues. Hargadine stated that he hasn't heard
anything that wouldn't help everyone -the community's safety overall -and that they
need to get the word out there, as these are all good ideas. DiCarlo stated that promoting
respect is another way to get the word out.
Draft Strategy to Meet Goals & Objectives:
Correia asked if the Members are in agreement that they organize their meetings around
these specific topics. Volland reiterated these: neighborhood lighting, neighborhood
watch, and the concept of neighbors knowing one another; services, coordinating services
being offered and finding gaps; increasing police resources; community education
campaign; and transportation.
Schedule Subsequent Meetings:
Correia then asked Members how often they would like to meet. After a brief discussion,
everyone agreed that every three weeks would be good. It was suggested that the
meeting time be set for 3:30 to 5:00 P.M. Correia stated that Members would receive an
email with the dates and locations of future meetings.
Correia asked what they want to discuss at the next meeting, and it was suggested they
look at what resources are already in place, so they are not duplicating efforts. Correia
asked that Members email either Volland or herself to let them know of organizations, or
related efforts, and that they will add these to the agenda.
The meeting adjourned at 4:41 P.M.
IP10
MINUTES
Iowa City Airport Commission
December 13, 2007
Iowa City Airport Terminal - 5:45 PM
DRAFT
Members Present: Howard Horan, Chair; Janelle Rettig; John Staley; Greg Farris
Members Absent: Randy Hartwig
Staff Present: Sue Dulek, Michael Tharp
Others Present: David Hughes, Harrel Timmons, John Yeomans, Turk Regennitter,
Peggy Slaughter, Russ Schmeiser, Tom Williams, Guy Williams,
Minnetta Gardinier
DETERMINE QUORUM:
The meeting was called to order at 5:45 P.M. by Horan.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE NOVEMBER 8, 2007 MEETING:
Horan asked Members if they had any changes, corrections for the minutes. Staley
moved to accept the November 8, 2007 minutes as submitted; seconded by Rettig.
Motion carried 3-0; Farris abstaining.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
Harrel Timmons noted that the runways are in good condition right now, with ice still in
some areas, but overall everything is fairly clear.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
a. Aviation Commerce Park -Peggy Slaughter addressed the Commission,
stating that on Lot 6 there has been some delay, stating that the buyer has
missed the Council meetings for December. She stated that a group that is
looking at lots 17, 16, and 15 has an upcoming meeting with a potential
user for their project. On lots 4, 3, and 2, the interested party is working
with their legal department on completing forms. Both of these projects
will most likely be ready for review at January meetings.
b. Farmers National Company -John Yeomans asked if they could move on
to the next item as his party is not present yet.
Airport Commission
December 13, 2007
Page 2 of 8
i. Merschman Seeds -Rettig moved to defer Item 4.b.i. until later
in the meeting, seconded by Farris. Motion carried 4-0.
Army Reserve -
i. Public Hearing -Horan opened the public hearing. No one
appeared, and the public hearing was closed.
ii. Consider a Resolution approving a 5-year lease with the Army
Reserve -Discussion began with Rettig stating that she agrees
with Horan in that she has no way of knowing what fair market
value is on this issue. Tharp noted that they were originally
renting for the same amount of money that the Guard was. He said
it equated originally to about 10 cents per square foot. Horan
asked for clarification on the exact area in question, and Tharp
noted this for him. Rettig asked why they are not using the
standard lease that they always use, which includes the City's
nondiscrimination clause. Tharp stated that they are using the
Federal Government's lease on this particular lease. Rettig stated
that she would like Dulek's opinion on this. Dulek stated that the
lease is what was presented to the City, and that the City ordinance
is still in force. She stated that she just did not catch this at the
time, but that they can bring it up in the negotiations.
The discussion continued, with Members stating that fair market
value is the main issue for them. They noted that since this is a
five-year lease, doing a review of fair market value now makes
sense to see what they should be charging. Horan asked if the
Reserve is still planning to relocate. Tharp said they will in the
future, and that the Guard part of this unit will be leaving sooner,
as their new facility will be ready, probably in the next five years.
Horan then asked Dulek about the wording at the bottom of this
agreement, that states, "The Government may terminate any time
after 31 July 08," stating that this is only a 6-month lease then.
Dulek stated that basically the offer being made is that they, the
Government, can terminate the lease early. Horan asked the others
if they want to take this agreement. Rettig stated that she is willing
to table this issue until they have time to get a fair market value.
Rettig stated that she would like to give them a standard City lease.
Rettig also noted that this area of the Airport is prime area for
building future hangars and that they really should find out what
fair market value is currently. Dulek noted that in April of 2004,
Iowa Realty provided lease rates for Aviation Commerce Park and
perhaps this would help. Rettig moved that Item 4.c.ii. be
deferred until further review is done, seconded by Horan.
Motion carried 4-0.
b. Farmers National Company -
2
Airport Commission
December 13, 2007
Page 3 of 8
i.
Merschman Seeds -Discussion began with Yeomans addressing
the Commission regarding the contract with Merschman Seeds.
He reviewed the terms as laid out in his email to Tharp, asking the
Commission if they are ready to decide on this issue. Farris asked
about the access point that will need to be put in, and ~i'eomans
responded to questions regarding this. Turk Regennitter also
addressed the Members, further clarifying the areas of'the Airport
that will have plots and various agricultural displays. Regennitter
reiterated that they will have safety features in place, such as extra
personnel and barriers, that would keep people contained to the
display areas. Rettig asked if the various City departments had
been contacted regarding the access point. Yeomans stated that he
has been in contact with Ron Knoche of the City, and that Ron
does not see a problem with this. Horan asked for more specifics
on this access point. Regennitter stated it would most likely be a
galvanized 24-inch culvert, with a gravel drive over that, and then
a gated entryway. Rettig continued the discussion, asking more
questions of Yeomans and Regennitter in regards to access and
safety concerns.
The discussion turned to some of the various events that will take
place with Merschman Seeds, such as local farming events, fly-ins,
educational events, and perhaps even bringing in a portable-type
classroom to house their events. The proposed lease vwould start
March 1, 2008 and run through February 28, 2010, which would
include two growing seasons. Yeomans also shared the Iowa laws
regarding leases of this type. Discussion then turned to the lease
period, which is two years. Rettig then brought up some of the
upcoming projects that have been discussed by the Commission,
items that they were putting on hold until they sold some of the
lots to the north. She also noted that the Williams are present, and
asked if they had any comments regarding this proposal.
Tom Williams then spoke to the Commission, asking if they plan
on building where the old weather station was, as this area is full of
sand and it will blow onto the runway. Rettig asked Villiams how
long he has farmed the Airport ground. He stated that it has been
about 47 years, and that he would like to continue to do so. Rettig
asked if not farming the Airport land would hit him financially, to
which Williams stated it would. Gardinier then asked for
clarification on the grants that Rettig spoke of, to which Rettig
responded on how the grant process works. Rettig alsp noted that
grants would be forthcoming soon as monies are beint released.
Horan then stated that he would like to go ahead with this
proposal, that he feels it is a good plan and the money will be
beneficial to the Airport. Staley agreed, stating that h~ also
3
Airport Commission
December 13, 2007
Page4of8
supports this proposal. He stated that the economic benefit to the
city could not be overlooked either.
Horan then asked Regennitter for more specifics on the plantings
they plan to do. Yeomans then brought up that the Fame Bill has
not yet gone through, giving the Commission some scenarios of
what could occur. It was reiterated that "good farming practices"
are part of what this planned plot will be, and that this is a
commitment of Merschman Seeds. Dulek suggested that if the
Commission is agreeable to these terms, they could thin finalize an
agreement. Yeomans stated that Merschman Seeds redly needs to
know this evening whether or not the Airport wants to move
forward with finalizing such an agreement. Yeomans stated that
he will draw up the agricultural part of the lease and will work
with Dulek to finalize the agreement. Staley moved tp approve
moving forward with finalizing a lease, with the terms
presented, with Merschman Seeds, seconded by Farris.
Motion carried 3-1; Rettig in the negative.
d. Advanced Infoneering
i. Consider a Resolution approving a 1-year lease with Advanced
Infoneering -Horan asked if this is fair market value, and Tharp
stated that $8.00 per square foot for office space is in line with
current market. Rettig asked for information on the company.
Russ Schmeiser with Advanced Infoneering spoke to I+2ettig's
question, stating that they are an avionics-related comlpany that
does consulting type of work. He said that aone-year'lease works
great for them and he is willing to work with the Commission.
Farris moved to consider Resolution #A07-32, Approving a 1-
Year Lease with Advanced Infoneering, seconded ley Rettig.
Carried 4-0. Tharp stated that he would get the lease'to
Schmeiser in the next few days.
e. Hangar Expansion -Building H
ii. Consider a Resolution approving engineering services',contract for
expansion of hangar and office space -David Hughes Ispoke
briefly to this. Tharp stated that they do not have an agreement yet
on this. Rettig moved to defer Item 4.e. until the Jahuary
meeting, seconded by Farris. Motion carried 3-0; Maley
stepped out and so was not present for the vote.
f. FAA/IDOT Projects -Earth Tech -David Hughes -
iii. FY2009 AIP Application -Hughes briefly covered this with the
Members, responding to questions from Rettig on runway projects.
4
Airport Commission ',
December 13, 2007
Page 5 of 8
iv. Runway 7/25 -Staley asked when 7/25 will be fully o ~en. Hughes
stated that it would be about six weeks after they have good
weather.
v. South Aviation Development Study -Hughes stated th at they have
finalized comments on this and returned it to the City. ~ He believes
it will be going out this week. Once the City finalizes this, they
can move forward.
vi. South Taxilane Rehab -Hughes stated that he did not ' et a chance
to talk to Ron Knoche from the City regarding this pro ~ect, but will
soon.
vii. Jet A Fuel System / AvGas Upgrade -Hughes stated t
hat Jet A is
moving forward. The supplier recommended one add ~ to this, and
Hughes stated that he sent the costs to Tharp on this. ~$ 'harp stated
that it would be $4,300 for a water sensor, and Hughe~ further
explained this, stating that it is a safety item. Farris st ted that he
would like to see if they could get additional grant mo ey from the
State, and others agreed. ',
viii_ Terminal Apron Rehab -Hughes stated that this is op~ n and
marked, but they will have to do seeding in the spring.)
ix. Obstruction Mitigation -Hughes stated that the finally agreed on
an easement for MidAmerican. Due to the winter wea ~her, this
will most likely take place in the spring.
x. United Hangar -Hughes stated that they sent informat ion to the
FAA and he received some comments back on that. T ~ey should
have this ready for bids at the January meeting. ~,
Hughes then noted that everyone should have a copy off the historic
booklet. Farris asked if they have a .pdf file and Hug es will
check on this. They will be sending these out to all of the libraries
and schools, as well as to the University of Iowa and I wa State.
Hughes stated that he would like to draft up a letter fo Horan's
signature to send with these booklets. ',
g. Airport "Operations": Strategic Plan-Implementation; Budget and Airport
Management -Rettig asked about "fuel pump repairs." Tha stated that
a bearing went out and had to be replaced. Rettig then asked bout some
other line items, and Tharp stated that Accounting has change some of
their item definitions. Rettig questioned several repair items 'n the budget.
Tharp responded to the various items in question. ~
The discussion then turned to Rettig asking about the expired lease for the
Reserve Armory. She was under the impression that they we e on a
month-to-month lease, and Tharp stated that the lease expired in August,
and that the government wouldn't pay any money until a new, agreement
was reached. The government would then pay the back rent cue.
Airport Commission
December 13, 2007
Page 6 of 8
Members then touched upon the upcoming budget talks and v
projects they are looking at.
Horan stated that once they get the Willow Creek Study, he would like
them to meet and discuss what they would like to see happen. ~,
i. Consider a Resolution authorizing the Operations Spe ialist and
Chairperson to make purchases and sign contracts - H ran stated
that he does not see a reason to change anything here. Staley
stated that he still believes that there could be an emer ency
situation where this would come into play, and he refit rated the
wording on this. He stated that he feels $10,000 woul be a good
level, in terms of major damages, etc. Rettig stated that she sees
no need to change this, that they would be able to get enough
Members together in an emergency situation. Staley sked Dulek
for clarification on whether or not the City Manager uld have
authority in an emergency situation such as those desc ibed.
Staley moved to defer Item 4.g. until all Commissio members
are present, seconded by Farris. Motion carried 3- ;Rettig in
the negative. Gardinier then spoke briefly regarding ome
type of contingency plan. ~,
iii. 2007 Annual Report -Rettig asked how wide the runv{~ays are
going to be. She noted that it states "150" in the repo ,and it
should be "100."
h. FBO Staff Report -Timmons reiterated that he's glad to have the runways
open, and stated that they have been very busy due to the weathe and other
airport closures. Timmons then stated that they are looking at co tracting all
of their flight training operations to another entity. Once they ha e a final
contract, he stated that they would bring it to the Commission for review.
Horan asked Timmons what prompted his decision on this. Tim ons
responded, explaining the growth in his operations and why he b lieves this
would work well for his operations here at the Iowa City Airport, and his
other two locations as well. Timmons then asked if Tharp had re eived a
copy of the water protection proposal on the self-serve jet fuel. e explained
the various methods used to check for water, and stated that he c uld go either
way on whether or not they should have such a device. ',
i. Subcommittees' Reports -Tharp stated that the rest of the shelter) arrived and
is currently sitting in a garage, until they get some better weather.
Commission Members' Reports -Horan noted that he and Tharp~attended a
meeting with the City Manager and the realty people to get an up ate.
k. Staff Report -Tharp reiterated the CIP meeting in January, and sated there
are some preliminary meetings next week on this, as well. He al o noted that
6
Airport Commission
December 13, 2007 ''I
Page7of8
the newsletter is out again. He hopes to do these newsletters qua erly.
Members then briefly discussed snow and ice removal at the Airp rt.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR: January 10, 2008, at 5:45 P.M.
ADJOURN: Meeting adjourned at 7:50 P.M.
7
Airport Commission
December 13, 2007
Page 8 of 8
Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2007
Meet in llate
NAME TERM
EXP. 1/11 2/8 3/8 3/28 4/12 5/10 5/15 6/7 6 8 6/28 7/9 7/19
Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X X X X X O/E X X X X
Greg Farris 3/1/13 O/E X X O/E X X X X O X X X
John Staley 3/1/10 X X X X X X O/E X O E O/E X X
Howard Horan 3/1/08 X X X X X X X X X X X
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 X X X X X X X X X O/E O/E
NAME TERM
EXP. 8/1 8/9 8/13 9/5 9/13 9/24 10/11 11/8 12 13
Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X X X X X X X O
Greg Farris 3/1/13 X X X X X X X O/E
John Staley 3/1/10 O/E X O/E O/E O/E O/E X X
Howard Horan 3/1/08 X X X X X X X X
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 O/E X O/E O/E X X X X
KEY: X =Present
O =Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
--- = Not a Member
8
IP11
MINUTES
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
DECEMBER 20, 2007
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
Members Present: Jerry Anthony, Charles Drum, Andy Douglas, Holly J
Rebecca McMurray, Michael Shaw
Members Absent: Steve Crane, Marcy DeFrance, Brian Richman,
Staff Present: Tracy Hightshoe
Others Present: Bob Burns, Charlie Eastham, Andy Johnson
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL (become effective only after s
Council action):
A motion to submit a letter of support for the Trust Fund's funding request to
was made by Hart, and seconded by Drum. Motion carried 5:0 (Anthony abst
CALL TO ORDER:
Anthony called the meeting to order at 6:38 PM.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Anthony asked the Board is anyone had changes or corrections they would
the November 15, 2007 minutes. No comments were made. Drum made a ~
approval of the minutes, and Douglas seconded the motion. The motion ca
(McMurray arrived late and did not vote on this matter).
PUBLIC COMMENTS OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
STAFF/COMMISSION COMMENTS:
Hightshoe reported that the subcommittee established to review CITY STEP
still meeting. Previously, subcommittee members attended three public meeti.
gather input on community needs and they are currently investigating resourc
housing related community development projects in high need areas. She hop
meeting set up sometime early in January with various local funding sources.
committee did not pursue CITY STEPS changes at this point as the housing r.
analysis results will be presented in January. The committee preferred to revi
recommend changes, if necessary, at the same time.
DRAFT
Hart,
gate
ouncil
made to
>n for
5:0
priorities is
gs to
s for non-
s to have a
and
Shaw asked if there were any updates on the Big 10 zoning request and what' going on
with Planning and Zoning and the City Council in relation to that project. Dru said
Planning and Zoning acted on the proposal from Big 10, and voted 4:3 to not ecommen
Housing and Community Development Commission
December Z0, 2007
Page 2
it to the City Council, which resulted in the applicant withdrawing their re-zon ng
proposal. Shaw asked for clarification on what Big 10's action meant, and was told that
Big 10 can still develop under the current zoning code, but not go as large as t ey would
have liked.
LOW INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDIT PRESENTAION BY BOB B RNS OF
BURNS & BURNS, LC:
Burns, a local architect and developer, spoke to the Commission about the low income
housing tax credit program. He reviewed background information, history, an funding
scenarios for the low-income tax credit, which is used for multi-family housin .The
program, created in 1986, is the government's longest-running assisted multip e-family
housing program. It is administered under Section 42 of the Internal Revenue ode, and
credit is allocated every year to each state's housing finance agency, and in Io a's case,
the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA). States are allocated credit based upon popu ation, and
in 2007 Iowa received $1.97 per person, equaling approximately a $5.8 millio credit. He
said the program is popular on "both sides of the aisle" politically, and that bu finesses,
such as his, have grown-up around the program. Burns said the most difficult spect of
utilizing the program in Iowa City is finding a building site that the owner is filling to
sell, and which is zoned properly.
Burns went through the process of how a developer applies for the credit, the ualified
Action Plan and scoring criteria, how to calculate the credit for the project, the
responsibilities of the general partner and investors, and various monitoring re uirements
if awarded funds.
DISCUSS THE HOUSING TRUST FUND OF JOHNSON COUNTY'S ( TFJC)
REQUEST TO SUBMIT A LETTER OF SUPPORT TO THE CITY CO NCIL:
Anthony said the purpose of the request is for the Commission to write a lette to the City
Council in support of the Trust Fund's request for $53,000 (based on populati n). He said
the Trust Fund is one of the top two in the state in regards to fund longevity a d money
raised. Anthony added that last year the Fund received funds from North Libe y,
Coralville and Johnson County.
Andy Johnson, HTFJC Director, explained that the Fund's first priority is to b ing in new
funds to Johnson County and not to be competing for funds that local housing roviders
utilize. He said, so far, their primary source of funding has been the State Hou ing Trust
Fund. He explained that many housing trust funds around the county have ded Gated
sources of funding, but the state's housing trust fund and our local housing tru t fund do
not. He said the Fund is working on getting a part of the state's portion of the eal estate
transfer tax, which would guarantee $200,000 for Johnson County. As part of he
application process they are required to have local matching funds. He said th Fund has
brought over a million dollars of state and federal funding into Johnson Count over the
past three years. The Housing Trust Fund is looking for public funds from loc 1
governments, as well as donations from private entities. Johnson explained th t while the
Housing and Community Development Commission
December 20, 2007
Page 3
request is only for money this year, the Fund hopes that in the future it will be llocated
money yearly by the community.
Shaw asked Anthony if he would exclude himself from the vote because of his ties to the
fund, and Anthony said he would. Shaw asked why the request for funding w s denied
by the City last year. Johnson explained the Fund was a "new beast," there se med to be
confusion over the funding allocation, and at the time the housing survey was ompeting
for Council funding as well.
A motion to submit a letter of support for the Trust Fund's funding request to ~ounci:
was made by Hart, and seconded by Drum. Motion carried 5:0 (Anthony abst fining).
Johnson said on January 25 the Housing Trust Fund is hosting the Second Reg'onal
Housing Summit. He added that Mullin & Lonergan Associates, the consultan s hired to
complete the housing market analysis, will present their findings to the City C uncil on
Wednesday night, to the University community Thursday afternoon, and the p blic on
Friday. Heather McDonald will present the results of the statewide affordable housing
study at the Housing Summit as well.
DISCUSS HCDC COMMUNICATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS T THE
CITY COUNCIL:
Hightshoe touched on the Commission's previous questions about reviewing t me-
sensitive material, forming a consensus, and relaying information to the Plann ng and
Zoning Commission and/or the City Council. She reminded the Commission t ey the
need to follow the intent of open meeting laws in Iowa. She said a HCDC me ber could
present his or her personal opinion, but to represent an opinion of the Commis ion, the
issue must be voted upon by HCDC members. In order for the Commission to vote on an
issue, 24 hours public notice must be given, and the meeting must be held in a public
meeting place to allow the public the opportunity to attend. Email and telecon erencing
are not allowed under the intent of the open meetings law.
She said Commission members could register online to receive P & Z announ ements in
order to keep abreast of issues which might be of particular interest to HCDC. Hightshoe
stated she will email how to subscribe to City email alerts. Anthony stated th t members
could review the agenda and staff reports and if any item needs further discus ion the
member could contact Anthony or Hightshoe to include on the next HCDC ag nda.
Commission members agreed to proceed in this manner.
FY06 PROJECT UPDATES: DOWNPAYMENT ASSISTANCE AND T E
HOUSING FELLOWSHIP-AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING
Hightshoe said that our HUD representative contacted her recently about the ousing
Fellowship, Affordable Rental, and the Down-Payment Assistance Program. he
Housing Fellowship, which is a FY06 HOME project, had not withdrawn any funds.
Under the HOME agreement, THE would acquire two properties. As a site h snot been
found, HUD requests the project terminated. The $175,000 in HOME funds 'll be
Housing and Community Development Commission
December 20, 2007
Page 4
reallocated in the upcoming allocation cycle. The HUD representative also re uests that
the FY06 downpayment assistance program be terminated and the funds reallo ated due
to the slow expenditure rate. Only $1,000 of the $30,000 award has been spent . Since
July 2005, Hills Bank administered the program, announcement of the funds as sent to
all local bankers and staff met with the Housing Authority to discuss the avail bility of
the funds for their clients. She said the fund appeared to have too many regul ions
attached to it which made the application challenging for most potential home wners and
there were other programs the banks could utilize for first time homeowners. he also
reported that the City might see a three percent reduction in the CDBG and H ME
entitlement amounts so the funds that will be available for reallocation will m re than
offset the loss.
MONITORING REPORTS
VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION:
Drum reported that Sue Ellen Novotny, with the VNA, said the Association re eived
$2,500 of CDBG grant money. They have spent $1,173, while matching nearl $7,000,
to provide home health services for seven patients in the Iowa City area with ental
health problems.
IOWA VALLEY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY-FY07 & FY08 AFFOR>QABLE
HOMEOWNERSHIP
Hightshoe, reporting for Crane, said IVHH was allocated $117,000 in FY08 f
used $30,000 to purchase a lot on I St., with plans to purchase two more lots.
they purchased six lots in Whispering Meadows. Hightshoe stated one lot wa
from the original purchase due to failure to notify staff regarding the househo
selected and the necessary income certification. Habitat repaid the City forth
will be purchasing another lot in the same subdivision for a total of six homes
will be approximately $8,000 budgeted for each home for construction or lanc
expenses. Habitat plans to use the funds for building one stall garages. She s
homes won't have basements due to the high water table, so garages will be b
DVIP-FACILITY REHABILITATION
Shaw said he didn't have exact numbers on how much money went into each
the remodeling project, but carpet and screens were done and pluming work i
pending. Additionally, a local church did a "makeover" worth approximately
the facility's living room and kitchen. Shaw also said Bright Spaces did a ma
the children's space in the basement.
ADJOURNMENT:
McMurray made a motion for adjournment, which was seconded by Shaw. It
and the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM.
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