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2002-11-04 Ordinance
Marian Karr From: Larry Bruse [lem84@mchsi,com] Sent: Friday, November 01, 2002 9:55 AM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Listen to Jean Walker Hello people! "Please do not vote to vacate Grand Avenue Court until a study is completed on the traffic flow in the area." That is the message from the people in that area. Seems simple to me to study options before making this dramatic change. I don't live in the area, but use the area often. Remember, haste makes waste...larry Bruse 54 Coll Ct Iowa City, IA 52246 Marian Karr From: Mel Sunshine [sunshine@ia.net] Sent: Friday, November 01, 2002 12:03 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Grand Ave Court I think it would be foolish to vacate Grand Ave Ct WITHOUT first have a proper traffic study. Melvin G Sunshine Marian Karr From: anthomas [anthomas@blue,weeg.uiowa,edu] Sent: Friday, November 01, 2002 12:31 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Grand Ave. Ct. We strongly urge the council to do a long-range traffic study in conjunction with the U of Iowa before vacating any part of Grand Ave. Ct. Losing any part of the traffic flow on the west side should not be done. If, in the future, Melrose is to be the only east-west arterial in this part of town, how can it be widened? What about the railroad bridge? There are many questions to be discussed. Sincerely, Ala nd Betty Thomas 1005 Tower Ct. Iowa City Marian Karr From: WalkersIC@aol.com Sent: Friday, November 01, 2002 1:08 PM To: cou ncil@iowa~city.org Subject: Grand Avenue Court vote Dear Council Members: I feel that the voting for the vacation of Grand Avenue Court has been scheduled with such extreme haste that it does not allow the ordinary citizens of Iowa City time for input. I think that such haste verges on the denial of the democractic process. If the Council cares about due process, instead of trying to rush these votes through by having the first vote in a Special Council Session October 29, the second vote in a work session on November 4 and the third vote on November 5, the votes should be only at regular Council meetings. As the first vote has already been taken, the second votes should be changed to the next regular meetings only, starting November 5. Thank you, Jean Walker 337-5201 Marian Karr From: David Baldus [david-baldus@uiowa.edu] Sent: Friday, November 01, 2002 3:23 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Grand Ave. Ct. Closure Dear City Council: Before you vote on the closure of Grand Ave. Ct., I urge you to support and review a study of the implications of closure for the residents of the area. I lived in that core, unity 30 years ago when the university and city planners wanted to put a Melrose Ave. by pass though the area that would have obliterated Grand Ave. Ct. and greatly increased traffic on Melrose Ave. The residents of the area were not involved in the original planning at all. It was only because of the intervention of city council members that the problem for the residents was resolved, while finding at the same time a reasonable solution for the traffic problem that was the ostensible reason for the plan. You leadership is needed again - at the very least to show some courtesy to the residents of the area who want a chance to be heard in a meaningful way. Sincerely yours, David Baldus 34 7th Ave. N. Marian Karr From: Jonathan Carlson [ndnative2001 @yahoo,com] Sent: Friday, November 01, 2002 4:00 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: vacation of Grand Avenue Court Dear Council members, I am writing to ask you to delay the vacation of Grand Avenue Court until the city and the University can develop a plan for managing future traffic flow in that area (including, if necessary, widening streets). I work at the College of Law /corner of Melrose & Byington), and I frequently use the University Fieldhouse. I'n addition, I frequently travel from the east side of Iowa City to the west side via the Burlington/Grand Avenue/Melrose corridor. In short, this part of town is where I spend the bulk of my comn~uting and working day. I have absolutely NO DOUBT that vacation of Grand Avenue Court will impede traffic flow in this area. With Grand Avenue Court closed, as it currently is, the traffic is much worse than normal. In particular, anyone coming from the east who is trying to get to the law school or day care centers must now block traffic at the Melrose/Grand Avenue intersection while waiting to make a left turn. It is dangerous and annoying. It is also more difficult for walkers to cross the streets at certain points. Before you vacate Grand Avenue Court, the city and the University should reach some agreement on future plans for managing the traffic flow in the whole area. As I understand it, the building project the University is currently engaged in will not, in fact, be disrupted by refusing to vacate the street. It is also my understanding that the completed building can be fully utilized, whether the street is vacated or not~ (If my understanding is wrong on these points, I might well have a different view.) On the other hand, I do NOT think you should require the University to preserve or move the Cannon/Gay House. Thanks for your time. Jon Carlson Iowa City resident Do you Yahoo!? HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/ ~X~ 'D~,... Page 1 of 1 Marian Kart From: Lesley Menninger [lesley@avalon.net] Sent: Saturday, November 02, 2002 9:35 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Grand Avenue Ct. Dear Council members: It is beyond my understanding why the council is in such a rush to do the University's bidding on vacating yet another street -now it's Grand Avenue Court- without taking time to study the effects on traffic and neighborhoods. The habit of the University, in my experience - and we've had a lot in our neighborhood- is to ignore neighbors in planning what the institution wants to do. Dee Vanderhoef is right. The traffic study needs to be made and a solution arrived at and future plans known before the street is vacated. Starting to build the Athletic Learning Center without going over the plans in advance with the city and consulting with the neighborhood is either bullying or not thinking the project through before beginning. UI officials say they had no intention of tearing down the Cannon-Gay-McCloskey House even without the city's insistence on a written document that it ~vill be preserved (for which many people thank you), yet it is my understanding that on the master plan the UI envisions a dormitory where that house no~v stands. I believe that without the public outcry and the city council's insistence that that house would have been demolished. I don't have the trust in UPs good will that Mr. Lehman, Mr. O'DonnelI, Mr. Pfab and Ms. Champion seem to. The University, again in my experience, does not consult neighborhoods, or the city it would seem, unless fbrced to do so by alert and active neighbors such as those in the Melrose Neighborhood Assoc. or, in our case, those in Manville Heights who are still battling the UI about the intolerable noise and lights from the Newton Road Parking Ramp. We were stonewalled for almost two years before we could even get a meeting with representatives from the University and Iowa City officials were not helpful either. The fact that the University is an integral and important part of the Iowa City culture and landscape should not mean that it can be inconsiderate and unthinking of the effects of its planning on citizens' lives. Thc City Council members have the responsibility to those citizens to safeguard the community as well as work productively with the University. That is not "rude", it is prudent. Please postpone any decision about Grand Avenue Court until you have all the facts regarding traffic flow in the Melrose Ave. area. The University has said it is possible to build the Center without vacation of the road and it is, after all, their lack of communication and planning that led to inadequate consideration before construction started. Lesley Menninger 130 Ferson Avenue Iowa City, IA 52246 11/4/02 _t~_~.... Page I of l Marian Karr From: lC Institute [icia.cr@ldsces.or~l] Sent: Friday, November 0'1, 2002 9:02 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Grand Ave Court: don't §ive it away! I work at the Institute of Religion at 503 Melrose Ave, at the junction of Grand Ave and Melrose. When I started working here, I was warned about the intersection. Trying to head west on Melrose is a long wait. Turning east from Grand Ave on to Melrose is also difficult. I was pleased when I discovered the Grand Avenue Court shortcut. Bypassing the Grand Ave/Melrose intersection was the way to go, and I was on it, along with many other savvy locals. Now you want to close that little loophole. Bad idea, major congestion. And restricting traffic on Grand Ave: what are you going to do with the cambus routes? Rerouting mass transit would make it less attractive, creating more traffic in the area as people elect to drive rather than take the bus! Please do not vote to vacate Grand Avenue Court until a study is completed on the traffic flow in the area! Marita Stewart 840 Maggard St Apt 17 Iowa City IA 52240 339.4630 11/4/02 Marian Karr From: Mary Brandes [mbrandes@avalon.net] Sent: Friday, November 01, 2002 8:55 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: closing Grand Avenue and Grand Avenue Court To Iowa City city council members: I hope you will postpone deciding to close Grand Avenue Court and part of Grand Avenue until a more thorough study of traffic patterns has been conducted. Mary Brandes Marian Karr From: mg9425@aol.com Sent: Sunday, November 03, 2002 10:53 PM To: cou ncil@Jowa-city.org Subject: The Proposed Closing of Grand Avenue Court Dear Council Members: I am writing te support Jean Walker's position as set forth in the Iowa City Press Citizen dated November 2, 2002. Iowa City should not give Grand Avenue Court t© the State e£ Iowa without careful consideration of the long term pedestrian and vehicle traf£ic needs of the area. The interests of the city and the university are not necessarily identical. The need to rush to a decision has been caused by the UNiversity's lack of foresight in requesting vacation earlier and net because o£ anything else. In order for the Council to make an informed decision about whether vacation of Grand Avenue Court is advisable, a study should be done ef traffic patterns in the area taking into account the short, intermediate and long term needs ef the city. While it is reasonable for the University te pay for this study, the study itself should be done under the direction of City Staff and Council with neighborhood input considered. This would avoid potential conflicts of interest with the University. As an aside, I am disappointed that the University was allowed te arbitrarily close the Court du~ing construction without City Council permission. Sincerely, Hary Hurphy ~k~ Pagelofl Marian Karr From: AIJeanHood [ajhood@piano.inav.net] Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 8:39 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: closure of Grand Avenue Court I am writing to request that you delay the vote about the vacating of Grand Avenue Court until after the study about the situation is completed. What is the rush? Once the decision is made, there is no going back and many people living in the area will be affected. Surely you can wait until the traffic study is completed. Far too often, hasty decisions are made that we later regret. We lived in a University house during our first year in Iowa City, used that street a lot, plus Melrose and Grand Avenue. Please read the completed study with an open mind and then vote based on facts! Thank you. Jean Hood, 26 Rocky Shore Drive, Iowa City, Iowa 52246 11/4/02 Marian Karr From: Tom Baldridge [thomas-baldridge@uiowa.edu] Sent: Sunday, November 03, 2002 9:00 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Cc: WalkerslC@aol.com; mwidness@mchsi.com Subject: Grand Ave Court, Melrose Ave, & Cannon-Gay House Dear Councilors -- Do NOT so easily give up your one bargaining tool to the Uofi. I have heard the phrase, "I trust the university" attributed to some of you. Clearly, if this is an accurate quote, you have dealt with the university only as members of the council and not as ordinary citizens. When I still lived on Melrose Court, I was involved in the neighborhood dealings with UIHC about the construction of the "final phase" now the Pomerantz bldg. The people who dealt with us - bear in mind that in those days Irving Weber still lived in the neighborhood & attended this "information session" - were duplicitous at best! They told us things as facts, or were federal regulations, that were not true. When someone asked why their architect's drawing showed Melrose as a five-lane street, they denied that it was UIHC's idea - just the rendering of the architect. We asked, "What is the point in building a 5-lane street, not even a mile long, between two bottle-necks?" They would not give a credible response hue were still willing to donate land on the north side of Melrose to make to project possible without disturbing the south curb. After the neighborhood convinced the city planners to study the issue, a consultant from Minneapolis was hired & concluded that the best choice would be a 3-lane Melrose Ave. To my knowledge, the university never acknowledged that its scheme was flawed, or apologized. I don't know who got stuck for the bill for the consultant. You now are in a position to have a traffic study done BEFORE you give up the vacation of Grand Avenue Court. Don't abdicate it! This is, unfortunately, a perfect example of the arrogant manner in which the university undertakes projects. It makes its plans, keeping the details to itself, and then comes to the city asking you to vacate the street because "the street is too close to the building!" So, who is at fault here for poor liaison, poor planning? The university officials knew all along what plans they had and they knew, or should have known, that they did not own or control the street. The fault is wholly theirs, and there is no valid reason why the city council should be intimidated into rushing through this decision. Because the university is a state entity, it is exempt from local regulations, and university administrators have grown accustomed to having their own way. This does not fit my definition of 'good citizenship.' How many times have any of you attended a joint meeting of local service clubs to hear the president of the university proclaim how much the university values its amicable relationship with the city and how much it wants to retain it? Well, here's your opportunity to answer that implied wish. Give the university the chance to prove it is a 'good citizen.' Let it abide by local historic preservations regulations as other 'good citizens' must. Very truly, Tom Baldridge Marian Karr From: Mears [mearslaw@mcleod usa, net] Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 8:51 AM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Grand Avenue Court Dear City Council, Please do not give Grand Avenue Court to the University before conducting a traffic study. It is already hard enough to get through or around the University to my home on. Emerald Street. Thank you for your consideration, Miriam Marian Karr From: William Buss [william-buss@uiowa.edu] Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 10:29 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Grand Avenue Court Dear Mayor and City Council Members: This email is prompted by Jean Walker's Op-Ed in the Press Citizen last week. As someone who works in the Boyd Law Building (and occasionally drives there), I think she is entirely correct about the discontinuation of Grand Avenue Court while the traffic patterns in this area otherwise remain unchanged. The intersection of Grand Avenue and Melrose Avenue is a very bad intersection, especially for traffic turning left from Grand Avenue and the effect of such turns on other traffic at that location. Therefore, a decision about closing Grand Avenue Court should not be made apart from a decision about traffic in this area based on a careful and impartial traffic study (which should take into account all five existing river crossings). As someone with a very strong commitment to the University (as well as to the City}, I do not think the importance of City-University mutual cooperation requires or justifies an accelerated decision by the City about closing Grand Avenue Court as a special accommodation to the University. William Buss November 4, 2002 Marian Karr From: Peter Bloesch [peter-bloesch@uiowa,edu] Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 10:34 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city,org Subject: Grand Avenue Court study FROM: Peter Bloesch, 941 Aspen Ct., Iowa City, lA -- 319-351-4210 MESSAGE: Dear Council Members, I urge you *NOT* to vote to vacate Grand Avenue Court until AFTER a careful study is completed on the traffic flow in that area. I work in the Law Building and would be greatly affected by the traffic congestion which could easily result from vacating Grand Avenue Court prematurely. Also, I feel very strongly that NO PART of Grand Avenue itself should ever be closed off, since this is a major artery of traffic. Thank you, Peter Bloesch Marian Karr From: Sue Erode [susan-emde@uiowa.edu] Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 10:43 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Grand Ave. Court Please postpone the decision to vacate Grand Avenue Court and give it to the University of Iowa. Already at many times of the day it is nearly impossible to leave the Law Building and proceed up Melrose Ave. because of the great numbers of oars turning right onto Melrose Ave. That has become even more of a hazardous intersection since Grand Ave. has been blocked off. Sincerely, Susan Emde Marian Karr From: Joyce Barker I'Joyce-barker@uiowa.edu] Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 10:59 AM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Grand Ave. Court Obviously the only people that would think of giving Grand Ave. Court to the University with the notion that they would close it rarely or never travel to the west side of our city. Ail you have to do is go and watch traffic between 6-8 am and 3-5 pm. By closing Grand Ave. Court would clog traffic at the Melrose Grand Ave intersection. Some people go that way and there is no provision for them to turn left other than to wait for a gap in traffic. Ask Cambus and City bus drivers how long traffic can be backed up and how that can put them off schedule. Take a look at how much is on that section of the road and how it will need to be accessed. It also needs to be looked at how many staff work at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics plus how may patients and visitors that they have per day. Ail of them use those roads. There is basically only 3 ways to get to the hospital and the stadium. Grand, Melrose, and Hawkins. Do you really want to discourage 70 thousand fans from spending money downtown by making it harder to go that direction? How many students are enrolled in the law center plus the staff that works there. Ail of the employees and students either live in Iowa City or shop in Iowa City. Please take the time to research and ask people how they use that area before making a decision that would have such a domino effect on so many other things. Sincerely, Joyce Barker Joyce Barker Serials, Main Library joyce-barker@uiowa.edu _:k5: ""~,,,, Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Yolanda Spears [yolanda-spears@uiowa.edu] Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 10:45 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city,org Subject: Traffic Problem I believe that a study should be conducted about the Melrose & Grand Avenue decision. I work at the law school and find that the traffic on Melrose is very dangerous now that Grand Avenue is closed. I believe that you should think about the residents of the community and the people who work in the area for once. 11/4/02 Marian Karr From: Bekka Borg [borg@mail.law.uiowa.edu] Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 1 'I :14 AM To: council@iowa-city.org - Subject: vote NO to vacating Grand Ave Ct! Please do not vote to vacate Grand Avenue Court until a study is completed on the traffic flow in the area. I work near the Law School and Grand Ave Ct was my preferred route to work both because it was slightly faster, but also because it eased up congestion on Grand Ave and the Grand Ave/Melrose interchange. Now that Grand Ave Ct is closed during the building of the ALC, I am having to use the Grand Ave/Melrose interchange and let me tell you, that intersection should NOT have to deal with that much more traffic, it wasn't designed for it and can't handle it! It is hazardous and annoying to all who wind through it and need to turn. Thank you. Rebecca Borg Instructional Designer Law, Health Policy & Disability Center UI College of Law Marian Karr From: virginia melroy [virginia-melroy@uiowa.edu] Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 11:11 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Traffic Study Dear Council Members: I urge yeu te vote te NOT vacate Grand Avenue Court until AFTER a careful study is completed on the traffic flow in that area. I work at the Law Building and would be greatly affected by the traffic congestien which could easily result from vacating Grand Aven~e Court. Alse, I feel very strongly that NO PART of Grand Avenue itself should ever be closed. Clesing any part of Grand Avenue would have the effect ef paralyzing traffic flow going to the west side of the river. Thank yeu, Virginia Helroy 419 Church St. 338-1778 Marian Karr From: Reta Noblett-Feld [reta-nob[ett-feld@uiowa,edu] Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 11:53 AM To: cou nc[[@iowa-city.org As a member of the law school community, I know the importance of Grand Ave. Court as a means of access to the law school, day care centers and the Morman House and urge council memebers to vote against the closing of this important traffic artery. Reta Noblett-Feld Marian Karr From: Todd Pettys [todd-pettys@uiowa.edu] Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 11:47 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Fwd: Traffic probJem City Council: If no traffic study has yet been completed regarding the possible surrendering of Grand Avenue Court, I urge you to complete one before making an irrevocable decision. Todd Pettys ............... Text of forwarded message ............... X-Auth-No: Date: Mort, 04 Nov 2002 10:27:37 -0600 To: Everybody at Law <everybody@mail.law.uiowa.edu> From: virginia melroy <virginia-melroy@uiowa,edu> Subject: Fwd: Traffic problem - Time-sensitive message ............... Text of forwarded message ............... X-Auth-No: From: WalkerslC@aol.com Date: Sun, 3 Nov 2002 13:16:23 EST Subject: Traffic problem - Time-sensitive message This is a message from Jean Walker: Here is an editorial I've sent to the papers (see below for details). If we don't act now (****by Tuesday at the latest**** when the final vote will be taken), we will lose Grand Avenue Court for ever (which will increase traffic congestion at Melrose and Grand Avenues for everyone) and we will have very little bargaining power at all with the UI for an acceptable realignment of Melrose Avenue to alleviate present and future traffic problems in the area. If you don't do anything else, could you *please* take a moment (if you agree) and: 1. Read just the first paragraph and contact the Iowa City Council (instructions are in first paragraph) - your message might be as simple as "Please do not vote to vacate Grand Avenue Court until a study is completed on the traffic flow in the area." 2. Send this email to as many people in Iowa City who use Melrose Avenue and Grand Avenue as possible, including both those who live in the neighborhood and those who do not. Thank you! Jean Walker Long-time resident in the Melrose Avenue neighborhood Melrose Avenue/Grand Avenue Traffic Problems By this Monday November 4 (Tuesday at the latest) everyone who drives on Grand Avenue and Melrose Avenue needs to contact the Iowa City City Council to ask them to postpone the decision to vacate Grand Avenue Court and give it to the University of Iowa. Email to council@iowa-city.org; phone at 356-5000; or better yet, come to the Council meetings at the Civic Center on Monday and Tuesday evenings when the final votes will be taken (call the Center for details). HERE'S WHY: The UI wants a pedestrian campus at the east end of Melrose. Their plan is to close Grand Avenue Court and part of Grand Avenue itself - a major part of an important east-west arterial and the current access to the UIHC Emergency Room. That would leave Melrose Avenue as the sole part of the arterial. Melrose is only two lanes at its east end and widening Melrose in its current alignment there would be difficult due to steep elevations. ! Thus councilor Dee Vanderhoef suggested a six-month study of the area's traffic flow BEFORE the Council votes on vacation of the Court. This delay is of vital importance because the study might show that the best solution is to change the alignment of Melrose to a more northerly route taking it through part of the Court. If the Court is given to the UI before the study is done, THE CITY CANNOT RECLAIM IT EVER AGAIN because the UI is under State rather than local laws. Thus, by voting prematurely to hand over the Court to the UI, the Council would curtail the City's options for the best alignment of streets in the area. If Grand Avenue is not closed, the Court must be left open. The UI says that the Court is unimportant to local traffic, but it is used by many people going to the Law Building, the daycare centers, the cultural centers, the Mormon Institute, and Lucon Drive. With the Court closed, these people must go to the Grand Avenue/Melrose intersection, where they are held up in traf fic trying to turn east and, even more importantly, also hold up all the traffic trying to turn west. That's bad on a major arterial and as the traffic increases in the area this problem will worsen. On October 8, the Council voted 4 to 3 to do the study before vacation (Lehman, O'Donnell and Champion against). On October 22, Irvin Pfab changed his mind, proposing that the Council reverse as soon as possible its decision to postpone the vacation. (This process is being expedited at such speed that it verges on the denial of the democratic process.) One of the reasons for this proposed reversal is that the UI started building the Athletic Learning Center adjacent to the Court, WITHOUT THE CITY'S VOTE TO VACATE THE STREET and then said that when finished "the street would be too close to the building" - even though they could have built the ALC a little further west instead. However, when challenged, the UI said that they COULD complete the building where it is and still leave the street passable. So the vacation is not essential for building the ALC. The UI has a long history in this area of continuing to construct buildings and parking ramps that generate more and more traffic, at the same time as having City streets closed off. This results in increased traffic congestion for Melrose Avenue. Unfortunately, there are three Council members (Lehman, O'Donnell, and Champion} who, in this matter, appear to apply a blanket trust in the UI that borders on abrogation of their responsibility to look after the interests of the entire City rather than just the UI. They variously say "See, I trust the university" er "it would be rude (for the City to deny the UI's request)" or that the City has a great work relationship with the UI, omitting the recent 20 years of contention with the UI over the widening of the west end of Melrose. As you sit in the traffic hold-up at the Grand/Melrose intersection, remember that it could get a lot worse if the Court is permanently closed before a study is done and an alternative implemented. So contact your Council NOW to ask them to do the best for ALL of the citizens of Iowa City - before it is too late. Jean Walker is a member of the Melrose Avenue Neighborhood, where she has lived for 29 years. Marian Karr From: Norma Westphal [norma-westphal@uiowa.edu] Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 11:43 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Grand Avenue Court To Whom It May Concern: I hereby voice my objection to the vacating of Grand Avenue Court until a study can be completed on the traffic flow in the area. I travel from the east side of Iowa City to the law school every day to work. The temporary closing of Grand Avenue Court has caused me to travel on Grand Avenue to Melrose Avenue, and then to double back on Melrose Avenue in order to get to the law school. The traffic congestion at the top of the hill in front of the field house and again at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Melrose Avenue is terrible. This is partially due because people who have to turn left on Grand Avenue onto Melrose Avenue to travel east to the facilities that are along that part of Melrose Avenue have difficulty accessing Melrose because of traffice coming east on Melrose Avenue. This is compounded by traffic backing up behind the people trying to turn left because they cannot turn right onto Melrose Avenue. A traffic study is badly needed to determine the problems along Grand Avenue and Melrose Avenue. I would invite council members to traverse Grand Avenue and Melrose Avenue especially in the morning work rush hours, noon rush hours and evening rush hours. I would urge the council to NOT vacate Grand Avenue Court EVER! Norma I. Westphal Iowa Law Review University of Iowa College of Law 190 Boyd Law Building Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1113 (319)335-9132 Marian Karr From: Nancy Jones [nancy-lyn-jones@uiowa.edu] Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 11:39 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Closing of Grand Avenue Court Dear Members of the Iowa City City Council: I am writing to ask that you *please* delay any vacating of Grand Avenue Court until the University can complete a traffic study of the area. As someone who travels to the law school each day, I have encountered numerous delays and traffic entanglements since Grand Avenue Court was partially closed due to construction. I fear that these traffic complications will only increase if the city vacates Grand Avenue Court. Please remember in your deliberations that you have a responsibility to the citizens of Iowa City to make prudent decisions on the basis of solid information. A premature decision about closing Grand Avenue Court, before you have any results of a traffic study, will give the appearance that you are trying to garner the good will of University officials. I would hope that you would delay this decisions so you could garner the good will instead of countless University employees--not to mention other citizens who find themselves driving through the Grand Avenue-Melrose Avenue area. Please show that you are sensitive to your constituents by delaying this decision until you have more information in hand about traffic patterns and traffic use in this tangled traffic area. Nancy Jones Nancy L. Jones, Ph.D. Director, Writing Resource Center University ef Iowa College of Law Iowa City, IA 52242 voice: 319-335-9083 fax: 319-335-9098 e-mail: nancy-lyn-jones@ulowa.edu Marian Karr From: Eric Andersen [eric-andersen@uiowa.edu] Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 11:37 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Grand Avenue Court Council members: As one of many regular users of Grand Avenue Court, I believe it would be a mistake to agree to its permanent closure befere a plan is in place for dealing with the traffic preblems that clesure weuld create. Something would have te be dene at the Grand Avenue - Helrese Avenue intersection, but it's not at all ebvious that simply adding another traffic light would solve the problem. I enceurage }ou to be sure the long-term selutien has been identified and fleshed out before Grand Avenue Court is permanently closed, even if that means engaging in a further period of study. Sincerely, Eric Andersen 8 Arbury Drive Iowa City, IA 52246 354-0092 Marian Karr From: Nobbs, Newell [newell-nobbs@uiowa.edu] Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 11:35 AM To: 'cou ncil@iowa-city.org' Cc: 'Karen Nobbs' Subject: Grand Avenue Court Iowa City Council: Please do not vote to vacate Grand Avenue Court until a study is completed on the traffic flow in the area. My daily east turn from Grand Avenue to Melrose intersection, which I need to do because Grand Avenue Court is closed, does hold up traffic. It is a dangerous turn due to the line up of the cars in the west bound lane of Melrose obstructing my visibility of traffic. Any study done would help this intersection. So please do not vote to vacate Grand Avenue Count until the traffic flow study is done. Leave your option open until you have the study done! Thank you, Make it a WONDERFUL day! Newell :-) Newell-Nobbs@uiowa.edu <mailto:Newell-Nobbs@uiowa.edu> (319)356-0028 The University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics 200 Hawkins Drive Hospital Information Systems C100 Iowa City, IA 52242-1052 (319)356-2432 Notice: This e-mail (including attachments) is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. 2510-2521, is confidential and may be legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any retention, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this cormlunication is strictly prohibited. Please reply to the sender that you have received the message in error, then delete it. Thank you. Searching is half the fun: life is much more manageable when thought of as a scavenger hunt as opposed to a surprise party. Jim~y Buffet Page i of 1 Marian Karr From: LeonardSandler@aol.com Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 11:34 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Study of Grand Avenue Court November 4, 2002 Iowa City City Council: Iowa City, Iowa RE: Grand Avenue Court Study Dear Members of the Iowa City City Council: I am writing to ask that you not cede or transfer rights or ownership of Grand Avenue Court to the University of Iowa until a study is completed that confirms the project will not pose any effects detrimental to the environment, the already congested and labyrinthine traffic patterns, and the quality of life for those of us who work or live in the area. Thank you for your consideration and action. In anticipation of a favorable response, I remain, Sincerely yours, Leonard A. Sandier 409 Grant Street Iowa City, IA 52240 319-338-0514 11/4/02 Marian Karr From: Karen Nobbs [karen-nobbs@uiowa,edu] Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 11:28 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Vote on Grand Avenue Court Iowa CiTy Council: Please de not vote to vacate Grand Avenue Court until a study is completed on the t~affic flow in the area. I work at the Law School and if the Court is closed it will seriously affect my ability te travel to work. I believe further study is needed. Thank you, Karen L. Nebbs Haren L. Nobbs Head Catalog Librarian University of Iowa Law Library Iowa City, IA 52262 Page 1 of 1 Marian Kart From: Nancy Mashuda-Pohnl [nancy-mashuda-pohnl@uiowa.edu] Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 11:57 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Closing off Grand Avenue Court Please postpone the decision to vacate Grand Avenue Court and give it to the University of Iowa. I use this road twice a day to get to work at the Law Library. Now that it is temporarily(?) closed I am forced to go around the Field House and get onto Melrose at that very busy (and dangerous, therefore) intersection. Traffic from the West does not stop, so turning East is very tricky, to say the least. Please do not give this alley/road to the University in order for it to be closed, as many of us use it daily, unless you come up with an alternate route or put in stop lights at the intersection. The latter would really cause a great deal of congestion, I am afraid. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Nancy Mashuda-Pohnl 2115 Vincent Ave NE Solon 52333 Work 335-9037 Home 644-2199 11/4/02 Marian Karr From: Steve Bruell [bruell@cs,uiowa,edu] Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 12:25 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city,org Subject: Grand Avenue Court Dear Council Members, I am writing concerning the plan to vacate Grand Avenue Court. I strongly urge you to consider the following compromise. Instead of vacating the entire street as the University requests, vacate one lane of the street. The remaining lane could then be used to carry traffic from Grand Avenue to Melrose Avenue. This compromise would give the University part of what it wants and the affected residents part of what they want. In addition, it would give you time to conduct a traffic study as was originally proposed. If that traffic study shows that vacating the entire street is warranted, then do so. Thank you. Steve Bruell 354-6520 320 Lucon Drive Marian Karr From: Marilyn Jennewein [marilyn-jennewein@uiowa.edu] Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 12:16 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Please do not vacate Grand Avenue Court Dear Council Members: I urge you to vote to NOT vacate Grand Avenue Court until AFTER a careful study is completed on the traffic flow in that area. I work at the Boyd Law Building and would be greatly affected by the traffic congestion which could easily result from vacating Grand Avenue Court. Also, I feel very strongly that NO PART of Grand Avenue itself should ever be closed. Closing any part of Grand Avenue would have the effect of paralyzing traffic flow going to the west side of the river and would place patients in jeopardy who are traveling from the east side of the river to the University of Iowa Hospital Emergency Room. Sincerely, Marilyn Jennewein PO Box 2035 Iowa City, IA 52244-2035 ~ ~ Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: MSvare0228@aol.com Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 1:24 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Grand Avenue Court Iowa City Council Members: Please postpone your vote to vacate Grand Avenue Court and give it to The University of Iowa until more information about the traffic flow has been gathered. Thank You, Marlys Svare 228 Marietta Avenue 11/4/02 Marian Karr From: Amy Parker [aparker@nads-sc.uiowa.edu] Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 1:16 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Melrose/Grand Avenue Traffic Dear City Council, I would like to see a postponement on the decision to close Grand Avenue until a study for an alternative can be completed. I live on the west side of town near Melrose Avenue. I am a homeowner and resident of Iowa City, as well as a UI staff member. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Amy Parker 6 Cameron Court Marian Karr From: Virgina Stamler [vstamler@soliinav.net] Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 2:32 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Grand ave court closure Dear council members, PLEASE de the traffic survey before you vote! For someone coming from the East making the trip toUof Ihospital several times a week this is a necessary route. It is becoming very congested past the dorms and field house, so any closure would make it worse. I also suspect that Grand Ave is en the Uef I agenda for closure. A walking campus is not for every one especially around a hospital.! That concept was net made by a person with walking difficulties, Se please think carefully about the future before acting. Thank you Virginia Stamler 137 Pentire Circle Iowa city, Iowa 52245 Marian Karr From: Sandy Keller [sandra-keller@uiowa.edu] Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 2:26 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Grand Avenue Court Please do not vote to vacate Grand Avenue Court until after a study of traffic flow in the area has been completed. Grand Avenue Court is an important element in efficient movement of traffic in this area. This fact has been made all the more clear to me as I have had to take the longer route to the Law Building, contending with the heavy traffic at the Melrose/Grand Avenue intersection, instead of using the Court as I have for the 16 years that the College of Law has been in this location. Thank you for your consideration of this matter. Sandy Keller Reference Librarian University of Iowa Law Library Marian Karr From: emdee13@mchsi.com Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 2:27 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city,org Subject: grand avenue As a law school faculty member and a daily user of grand avenue and grand avenue court I ask that you refrain from voting to vacate Grand Avenue Court until a study is completed on the traffic flow in the area. Marcella David Iowa City, Iowa Marian Karr From: I~ob Ramsey [rramsey@soli.inav.net] Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 2:31 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Grand Avenue Mess There will be a huge traffic problem if you allow the University to destroy Grand Avenue. Traffic already backs up for blocks during rush hour, removing that little artery will cause massive problems. Please think for once. Bob Ramsey Presentation by Jean Walker to the Special Session of the Iowa City City Council 11/04/02 I appreciate being given this opportunity to speak. People in our neighborhood have been trying to come up with a compromise about Grand Avenue Court that would satisfy both the needs of the City, the neighbors and the University of Iowa. We would like to build on Dee Vanderhoef's suggestion that any necessary changes in elevation of the Court be made so that the UI's Athletic Learning Center can be completed in its present location. As I understand it, the City staff has said this is possible and it would not have any extra cost for the UI. We suggest that the Court be made one-lane, one-way going south, from Grand Avenue to Melrose Avenue. This would alleviate the traffic hold-up that occurs at the junction of Grand and Melrose. There is no need for traffic to go north on the Court because it is paired with Byington Road which already is one-way going north from Melrose to Grand. Converting the Court from two-lane to one-lane might also give more room between the ALC and the street. THIS WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM FOR THE UNIVERSITY IN 13UILDING THE ALC. Therefore, we ask you to revert to your original deferral of the vote on the vacation of the Court until the 6-month study of the area's traffic flow is complete. This deferment does not mean that the UI won't eventually get the Court, if the study shows that the Court is no longer needed for any proposed realignment of Melrose and/or Grand. Vacation and conveyance to the UI would not be a problem at that point. IT APPEARS THAT TWO SEPARATE ISSUES HAVE BECOME ENTANGLED - the completion of the ALC and the desire of the UI to have a pedestrian campus in that area. I think the Council should approach these issues separately. The immediate concern is the completion of the ALC. Once the study is done and if it becomes clear that the Court is not needed by the City, it can be vacated to the UI for their pedestrian campus. Before the final vote, it is imperative that, in addition to waiting for the study's professional consultation of traffic flow, the Council has all the facts, e.g., what the cost (IN ACTUAL DOLIARS) would be for either the UI or the City to make changes (IF ACTU~Y ~ so that the ALC could be completed in its cut'rent position. For example, does the Council know in actual engineering details what is involved? It's also imperative that the Council decides the outcome using FACTS rather than emotions, guilt feelings, or generalized feelings of goodwill toward the UI. THERE HAS OBVIOUSLY BEEN SOME MISTAKE(S) MADE THAT LED THE UI TO BUILD THE ALC IN THE WRONG PLACE. If the City made any errors in this matter, then it could rectify that by making the street elevation changes. If the UI made any errors it could either pay for the street elevation changes or make changes to the ALC to leave the street intact. A final note: because of the sudden reversal by the Council as regards having this vote now, before the study occurs, there has not been sufficient time for input of the city's population as a whole in this matter. Please defer the vote till after the study and everyone is clear about all the facts. Thank you. Prepared by: John Adam, Associate Planner, City of Iowa City, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, iA 52240; 319-356-5236 ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE VACATING THE TWENTY- THREE-FOOT WIDE GRAND AVENUE COURT RIGHT-OF-WAY, COMMENCING FROM THE NORTH RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF MELROSE AVENUE AND EXTENDING NORTHWARD FOR A DISTANCE OF TWO HUNDRED NINETY-FIVE FEET WHEREAS, the applicant, the University of Iowa, has requested that the City vacate part of Grand Avenue Court adjacent to Melrose Avenue; and WHEREAS, said portion measures two hundred ninety-five feet along the north-south axis, by twenty- three feet along the east-west axis; and WHEREAS, the City does not regard the street as a crucial part of the general or local traffic circulation system; and WHEREAS, the University of Iowa has requested the vacation specifically for the redevelopment of property on the west side of Grand Avenue Court, which redevelopment includes the improvement of portions of Grand Avenue Court; and WHEREAS, it is in the City's interest to vacate said public right-of-way, or portions thereof, that may be a benefit to and be improved as a result of redevelopment; and WHEREAS, the property adjacent to the proposed right-of-way contains a house listed on the National Register of Histodc Places and it is in the Ci{y's interest to protect the City's, the State's and the country's cultural and historic resources, WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended vacation of this right-of- way subject to the preservation of the house and grounds at the abovementioned property, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA: SECTION I. VACATION: The City of Iowa City hereby vacates the right-of-way legally described as follows: THAT PART OF GRAND AVENUE COURT iN GRAND AVENUE COURT ADDITION TO IOWA CITY, JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA (FINAL PLAT RECORDED IN BOOK 3, PAGE 101 AT THE Ordinance No. Page 2 JOHNSON COUNTY RECORDER'S OFFICE), LYING NORTH OF MELROSE AVENUE AND SOUTH OF THE NORTH LINE OF LOT 4 OF SAID GRAND AVENUE COURT ADDITION EXTENDED WESTERLY TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 15 OF SAID GRAND AVENUE COURT ADDITION, COMPRISING 6,785 SQUARE FEET, MORE OR LESS. SECTION II. REPEALER. All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict with the provision of this Ordinance are hereby repealed. SECTION III. SEVERABILITY. If any section, provision or part of the Ordinance shall be adjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a whole or any section, provision or part thereof not adjudicated invalid or unconstitutional. SECTION IV. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordi- nance shall be in effect after its final passage, approv- al and publication, as provided by law. Passed and approved this day of ,2002. MAYOR A'I-I'EST: CITY CLERK Approved by T:~PCD~lohn A~Active Files\VAC02-00003 ordinance.doc Ordinance No. Page It was moved by and seconded by that the Ordinance as read be adopted, and upon roll call there were: AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: Champion Kanner Lehman O'Donnell Pfab Vanderhoef Wilbum First Consideration 10129/02 Voteforpassage: AYES: Lehman, 0'Donnell, Pfab, Champion? NAYS: Kanner, Vanderhoef, Wilburn. ABSENT: None'. Second Consideration 11/4/02 Voteforpassage;AYES: O'Donnell, Pfab, Champion, Lehman. NAYS: Kanner, Vanderhoef, Wilburn. ABSENT: None. Date published Prepared by: Susan Dulek, Asst. City Attorney, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240; 319-356-5030 ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE TITLE14, ENTITLED "UNIFORM DEVELOPMENT CODE," CHAPTER 5, ENTITLED "BUILDING AND HOUSING," ARTICLE E, ENTITLED "HOUSING CODE" TO REQUIRE THAT ALL LANDLORDS AND TENANTS EXECUTE AN INFORMATIONAL DISCLOSURE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM AND BY DELETING THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE CITY PROVIDE WRITTEN NOTICE OF HOUSING VIOLATIONS BEFORE ISSUING A MUNICIPAL INFRACTION. WHEREAS, Resolution 01-353 established a Neighborhood Housing Relations Task Force (hereinafter "Task Force") to fulfill the goal of improving peaceful habitation in Iowa City and appointed eleven individuals representing the interests of tenants, landlords, and neighborhoods to serve on the Task Force; WHEREAS, the Task Force met fifteen times between November 7, 2001 and May 22, 2002; WHEREAS, the Task Force held one public forum to elicit comments from the public on its proposal; WHEREAS, the Task Force submitted its "Proposed Initiatives/Report of Task Force" (hereinafter "the Report") with the City Council on June 27, 2002; WHEREAS, in addition to proposals to amend policy, the Repod recommends code amendments requiring that landlords and tenants acknowledge, among other items, the maximum occupancy of the rental unit, and that the City not be required to provide written notification to owners and landlords of housing code violations before issuing a municipal infraction; WHEREAS, tenants are not always aware of the maximum occupancy limits of their rental unit; WHEREAS, landlords are not always aware that the persons who actually occupy the rental unit are different than those who signed the lease or that the police have responded to repeated disorderly house and loud party complaints; WHEREAS, staff anticipates that it will take approximately three (3) years to determine the maximum occupancy for each of the approximate 15,000 rental units; WHEREAS, the current ordinance provides that the City must provide a written notice of a Housing Code violation; WHEREAS, oral notification will allow the City to act on Housing Code violations in a more timely manner and will aid in fulfilling the Task Force's goal of improving peaceful habitation in iowa City; WHEREAS, state law does not require the City to serve a written notice of violation prior to issuing a municipal infraction; and WHEREAS, it is in the public interest to adopt this amendment. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CITY, .IOWA: SECTION I. AMENDMENTS. 1. Title 14, entitled "Unified Development Code," Chapter 5 entitled 'Building and Housing," Article E, entitled "Housing Code," Section 3, entitled "Definitions," is hereby amended by adding a new definition as follows: Tenant: Any occupant of a dwelling unit who is not an owner or operator of said dwelling unit or who is entitled under a rental agreement to occupy a dwelling unit to the exclusion of another. Title 14, entitled "Unified Development Code," Chapter 5 entitled "Building and Housing," Article E, entitled "Housing Code," is amended by adding a new Section 22 to be entitled "informational Disclosure and Acknowledgement Form" as follows: Beginning with written or oral rental agreements entered into after the effective date of this ordinance, the owner or operator and all tenants, excluding minor dependants of a tenant under the lease, shall execute an Informational Disclosure and Acknowledgement Form, which is prepared by the City Department of Housing Inspection Services, that provides the following: a) The maximum occupancy limit of the dwelling unit as established by the City if said limit is available. The maximum occupancy limit is available for purposes of this section if it is on the Housing and Inspection Services web page on the City web site at the link entitled "rental permit." Owners, operators, and tenants may access said limit via the intemet or by telephoning the Housing and Inspection Services Department or by visiting Housing and Inspection Services Department personally. Owners, operators, and tenants have the affirmative duty to determine whether the maximum occupancy limit is available. Ordinance No. Page 2 b) The names of the tenants, pursuant to the rental agreement, who may occupy said unit. c) Acknowledgement that the owner, operator, and tenant are responsible for complying with the maximum occupancy limits prescribed by the Iowa City City Code and that violation of the maximum occupancy limits can result in a fine to the owner, operator, and/or tenant. The Informational Disclosure and Acknowledgement Form shall further contain a statement that nothing in the document shall prevent an owner or operator from limiting the number of tenants in a dwelling unit to less than the maximum allowable occupancy permitted by the Iowa City City Code. d) Identification of specific non-habitable spaces and rooms that cannot be used for sleeping purposes. e) Acknowledgement of allowed parking, if any, and acknowledgment that there is no parking on the grass or on the public sidewalk. f) Trash and recycling requirements, but only if the rental property is four (4) dwelling units or less. g) A recitation of the language of Iowa City City Code section 8-5-5, the crime of disorderly house. h) City web site address. i) Contact information for the City of Iowa City neighborhood services coordinator. j) Information on where to locate the Iowa Residential Landlord Tenant Law (Iowa Code chapter 582A) including a web site. k) Who is responsible for snow removal and lawn mowing. The Owner or Operator shall provide a photocopy of the executed Informational Disclosure and Acknowledgement to the inspector upon request. Title 14, entitled "Unified Development Code," Chapter 5 entitled "Building and Housing," Article E, entitled "Housing Code," Section 14, entitled "Notice of Violation" is hereby deleted in its entirety. SECTION II. REPEALER. All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict with the provision of this Ordinance are hereby repealed. SECTION III. SEVERABILITY. If any section, provision or part of the Ordinance shall be adjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a whole or any section, provision or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional. SECTION IV. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall be in effect after its final passage, approval and publication, as provided by law. Passed and approved this __ day of ,2002. MAYOR ATTEST: CiTY CLERK Approved by City Attorney's Office s ue/ord &~'es/nb' ord lease&no[ice.doc Ordinance No. Page. It was moved by and seconded by that the Ordinance as read be adopted, and upon roll call there were: AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: · Champion Kanner Lehman O'Donnell Pfab Vanderhoef WIIbum First Consideration 10/22/02 Voteforpassage:AYES: Vanderhoef, Wilburn, Champion, Kanner, Lehman, O'Donnell, Pfab. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. Second Consideration 11/2/02 Voteforpassage: AYES: Pfab, Vanderhoef, Wilburn, Champion, Kanner, Lehman, O'Donnell. NAYS: None. ABSENT: NOne. Date published