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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-01-15 CorrespondenceMarian Karr 5 1 From: Chris O'Brien Sent: Friday, December 21, 2007 2:12 PM To: Kathryn Johansen; 'velvet-coat@mchsi.com'; *City Council Cc: Dale Helling; Joe Fowler Subject: RE: Ms. Galvin, The orange hoods are in place for contractors that are doing work on businesses in the downtown. This usually involves the repair of existing businesses or the development of space for a new business in the downtown. We allow these spaces to be used to try and help the process by allowing businesses in the downtown to bring in contractors and have them park with close proximity to where they are doing the work. I hope this answers your question about the "why" and we will certainly revisit this issue. I welcome any additional questions or comments that you may have and thank you for making us aware of your concerns. I can also be reached by telephone if you wish to speak with me directly. Chris O'Brien Parking Manager (319)356-5094 -----Original Message----- From: Kathryn Johansen Sent: Friday, December 21, 2007 1:51 PM To: Chris O'Brien Cc: Dale Helling Subject: FW: Hi Chris, Would you please respond to Michelle and cc City Council on your reply? Thanks! Kathi -----Original Message----- From: velvet-coat@mchsi.com [mailto:velvet-coat@mchsi.com] Sent: Friday, December 21, 2007 1:16 PM To: Council Subject: Dear Council members I just wanted to pass along feedback from my customers at Velvet Coat at 116 E Washington St. There has been frustration about all of the parking meters that have the orange no parking hoods on them this month. I know parking is always a perceived problem down here and I don't think this helps. I am unsure of the reason for the unusable meters but was wondering if the timing could be better or perhaps not so many meters at once. I know there has been much talk of reviving downtown so I thought this might be helpful. Thanks for your consideration. Best Regards, Michelle Galvin Velvet Coat 116 E Washington St Iowa City, IA 52240 319 887 7151 This correspondence will become a public record. 1 STATE 5 2 HISTORICAL ~~= ~ T- SOCIETYof ~;,/V~ ~.^~ i.., I0ri~ i I o` A Division Of The Department of Cultural Affairs , - ~~~ November 30, 2007 The Honorable Ross Wilburn « City of Iowa City 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Mayor Wilburn: After considering recommendations from the State Nominations Review Committee and the State Historical Society Board of Trustees, Cyndi Pederson, Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs has made a decision regarding the 2008 Certified Local Government (CLG) grant awards. I regret to inform you that we were unable to fund your CLG grant application for Intensive Survey of Near Southside Area. This year, we received 17 applications, requesting a total of $162,808 in grant awards. Unfortunately, only $66,800.00 was available. Limited funds and the overall excellence of the applications made this an extremely competitive grant round. We encourage you to resubmit your application fora 2009 CLG application (deadline August 31, 2008). You may also wish to pursue one or both of the following two Department of Cultural Affairs grant programs: 1. Historical Resource Development Program. The final applications are due in May 2008. Information about this program is available at http://www.iowahistory.org/grants/shsi grants/hrdp/hrdp.html 2. Iowa Community Cultural Grants Program. The final applications are due on February 1, 2008. Information and applications can be downloaded from http://www.culturalaffairs.or fundin iowa community cultural grant/index.htm To assist in revising the application, I will provide the preparer of your grant with a copy of the Preservation Office Staff and State Nominations Review Committee's comments. Meanwhile, if you have questions or if I can be of further assistance to your historic preservation commission, please do not hesitate to contact me by mail at the address below, by phone at (515) 281-6826 or by email at paula.mohr@iowa.gov. Sincerely, Paula A. Mohr Certified Local Governments Coordinator Cc: Tim Weitzel, Chair, Iowa City Historic Preservation Office Sunil Terdalkar, Planning and Community Development 600 EAST LOCUST STREET DES MOINES, IA 50319-0290 P: (515) 281-6826, EMAIL: paula.mohr@iowa.gov 5 3 Marian Karr From: NewsFromOVW@ncjrs.gov Sent: Friday, December 14, 2007 12:34 PM To: council@iowa-city.org@ncjrs.gov@ncjrs.gov Subject: FY 2008 Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) is pleased to announce the release of the FY 2008 Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program (Tribal Governments Program) solicitation. The following is a summary of the pertinent information about the solicitation: Eligible Applicants: Limited to Federally recognized Indian tribes, tribal consortia, and organizations acting as the authorized designee of Federally recognized Indian tribes. Program Purpose: The Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program (Tribal Governments Program) was created in Title IX of the Violence Against Women Act of 2005. The Tribal Governments Program is designed to fulfill the three goals of Title IX: (1) to decrease the number of violent crimes committed against Indian women; (2) to help Indian tribes use their independent authority to respond to crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking committed against Indian women; and (3) to make sure that individuals who commit violent crimes against Indian women are held responsible for their actions. Letter of Intent Deadline: January 30, 2007 Grants.gov Registration Deadline: January 30, 2008 Application Deadline: February 6, 2008 The solicitation and the accompanying Guidebook are currently available on the OVW Web site at www.ovw. us_doJ.I;ov_. Please contact Kimberly Woodard at either (202) 514-9677, or at kimberly.woodard c usdoi.~ov_ if you have any questions about the solicitation, or if you would like to register to participate in one of the scheduled pre-application conference calls. Kimberly Woodard Program Specialist Office on Violence Against Women Ph: (202) 514-9677 12/14/2007 -~1~~b~ 5 4 Marian Karr From: Irvin Pfab [irvinpfab@gmail.com] Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2007 11:33 AM To: Council Cc: i.pfab@theCrownConnection.com Subject: Complaint of inferior service from Mediacom Technical Support This correspondence will become a public record. On Wednesday December 7, 2007 I attempted to get assistance from Mediacom Technical Support. There was no representatives available for the entire time 40 minutes I waited on line. On Thursday, December 06, 2007 I called again and a representative finally came on line after about 30 minutes. I believe as a customer I have a right to demand better service from this service provider. What can be done to improve this service? Irvin Pfab 12/6/2007 MidAmerican _ ENERGY ~~~ OBSESSIVELY. RELENTLESSLY AT TOYA fO~YICt~ December 7, 2007 Ross Wilburn The Honorable Mayor City of Iowa City 410 E Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240-1826 Dear Mayor Wilburn: i-, ~ 5 5 ,. ... , ~ ~.; I r .. ;, , -~, During the next few months, contractors working for MidAmerican Energy Company will be installing automated meter reading technology in your area. Two to three weeks before installation, MidAmerican Energy customers will receive a letter notifying them that installers will be in their specific area. The automated meter reading technology will benefit local residents by eliminating the need for our customers with inside meters to provide monthly access to MidAmerican, virtually eliminating the need for estimated reads and/or customer reads and significantly reducing the follow-up appointments and telephone calls that occur with current meter reading practices. We're writing to you because council members, city clerks and administrators, staff and police departments are the individuals likely to receive questions from the public. Please share this letter with city employees you deem appropriate. All contractors will carry MidAmerican Energy Company photo identification. If you, a city official or resident question the authenticity of a person's identification, they should contact the MidAmerican Energy call center at 888-427-5632. Customers will not need to provide access to their homes or businesses during the changeover process for outside meters. MidAmerican Energy will make arrangements for inside meters to be changed over. The new electric meters will be generally the same size as the existing meters. However, the new electric meters will have a digital display instead of traditional dials. For the majority of MidAmerican's customers, the existing natural gas meter will look nearly identical with traditional dials, but with a transmitting device installed. While we will be directly communicating this upcoming work to our customers in writing, as well as through the news media, we would appreciate any assistance the city might be able to provide through a city Web site or newsletter to get timely, accurate information to your citizens. Enclosed is a sample of the door hanger to be left at residences and businesses. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our call center at 888-427-5632. This investment in the latest technology will help us to continue to manage costs and keep your electric rates stable. MidAmerican Energy customers have not experienced an electric rate increase since 1995. Thank you in advance for your assistance in helping us improve the safety and convenience of meter reading for your citizens and businesses while keeping rates stable.. Sincerely, Kathi Allison Project Manager, Automated Meter Reading Enclosure: Door hanger ._-_ ~ ~ ~.. . - - --~~ ...- i ~_ ~-; ~~ ~- ~;-~ Date: / / Time: Installation Technician Name: Meter#: Today, UPA, a contractor working for MidAmerican Energy, was here to upgrade your meter(s) with automated meter reading technology. The upgrade was completed on the following meter: D Gas O Electric (If your electric meter was changed, you experienced a brief power outage. You may need to reset your clocks.) The upgrade still needs to be completed on the following meter(s- for the indicated reason(s1: ~ Gas O Electric D Safety ~ Safety ~ Other Please call UPA at800-757-5910, Monday -Friday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to set up an appointment To learn more about automated meter reading, visit www.midamericanenergy.com and select Meter Reading. MidAmerican ~~1~~ E N E R G Y OBSESSNELV, RELENiLESSLV A? YOUR fO1YICL+ A Printed on mgded ~i1~ and recyclable paper D Access D Access ~ Other Urgent! Important Message. This correspondence will become a public record. Dear Councilors: Looking at your Legislative Agenda (below) - do we really need to EXPAND TIF? It can already be used to do anything you want; just call it economic development. How can we possibly expand upon that? Is expanding something that is already too broad a good idea? I hope you will reconsider this item. Sincerely, ---Rod Sullivan CORRIDOR BUSINESS JOURNAL Iowa City council to vote on legislative agenda At its formal meeting Tuesday night, the Iowa City City Council will vote on whether it will approve its draft of legislative agenda items for the session that begins Jan. 14. Legislative proposals to the Iowa City area legislative delegation include a Iowa State Housing Trust Fund appropriation, energy efficient utility programs, property tax credits for condos, increasing funding for micro-enterprise development, expanding the Iowa Earned Income Tax credit, tax restructuring rollback, enabling local governments to regulate smoking bans, support of local rail initiatives, increasing the hotel/motel tax and more. The agenda also includes an emphasis on preserving and expanding Vision Iowa funds and tax increment financing. 1 From: Rod Sullivan [rodsullivan@mchsi.com] Sent: Monday, December 10, 2007 12:08 PM To: Council Subject: <no subject> 5 7 Marian Karr From: HiIlValley8@aol.com Sent: Monday, December 10, 2007 11:00 PM To: Council Subject: "affordable" housing and the elite I recently read in the Iowa City Press-Citizen (December 10, 2007) about the Iowa City City Council and it's desire to include "affordable housing" downtown in the $150,000-$275,000 range with future development. What exactly do you people define as "affordable"? I hardly think any price beyond $175,000 could be defined as being affordable to the average person. In my opinion, the downtown area is becoming more and more geared for the elite and less and less for the working-class. I think my point is made when you consider the lack of ambition and actual action that has been taken over the years by the city council to improve REAL affordable housing for the citizens of Iowa City. People like Marc Moen are allowed to build hideous concrete, glass, and steel towers for the elite, which we're all forced to look at. I doubt there are any 'affordable" units for the common man in Plaza Towers. It's the same old story.....the rich screwing over the poor.....always have, always will. Rick Kaster Iowa City See AOL's top rated recipes and eas r~ways to std in shape for winter. 12/ ll /2007 5 8 Marian Karr From: Caroline-dieterle@uiowa.edu Sent: Friday, December 14, 2007 12:58 PM To: Council Subject: Letter in this week's packet Pleae disregard the letter regarding the revision of Chapter 8 that I submitted to the City Clerk's Office for your packet this week. Apparently once an item is file stamped, it can't be simply withdrawn. I attended the PCRB meeting on Wed. night (Dec. 12) and the points I raised in the letter have all been satisfactorily resolved. And for once, I'd have to say that government proceeded speedily! I was surprised and glad to find that the the revision of Chapter 8 was voted upon by the Council for the final time last Tuesday! - Caroline Dieterle 1 December 2007 Mayor Ross Wilburn and City Council members Civic Center 410 E Washington St Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Mayor Wilburn and Members of the City Council: It is my understanding that a revision of Chapter 8 of the City Code is to be undertaken to reflect the City Charter amendment regarding the Police Citizens Review Board approved by voters in the recent election. If that is indeed true, I would like respectfully to suggest that a procedure allowing the public to initiate a public forum in addition to the one required by the ballot irntiative be included. An example of such a procedure might be, " in addition to the required single annual public forum, the PCRB shall schedule additional public forums within 10 days following receipt of a written request signed by 25 citizens". Although one hopes the occasions for such requests would be rare, this provision could be extremely beneficial to all parties involved should a controversial event or series of events arise. A public forum would allow all parties to "clear the air", quelling rumors, and would facilitate communications between citizens and the police department. If the PCRB does not already receive reports of all formal, written complaints that are filed with the Police Dept. (rather than simply receiving some complaints itself), copying all of them to the PCRB, and forwarding the concluding dispositions as well, might give the PCRB a wider overall perspective on police/community relations. Additionally, the wording of Chapter 8 as it now stands does not appear to be the basis for the current practice of not allowing the PCRB to know the identity of the officers regarding whom complaints are filed, or the identities of complainants. If this practice is part of the contract with the police union, could this be renegotiated and modified? Other cities' PCRBs are not similarly restricted. In order for the PCRB to know whether there are repeated complaints against any officer(s) or by any one complainant, an identifying code number could be assigned to each officer (and to each complainant), so that the board may know over the course of time whether any patterns emerge -while identities would still be protected. Please consider these suggestions; they are well meant and intended to be constructive. I apologise if they've been discussed already, making this letter redundant. Sinc//erely, Caroline Dieterle 727 Walnut Street Iowa City 52240 c = C~~ ~~~ ~ ~~}-c.. % p ~ 1 . o~ _~ ~ ~ C17 01-15-08 5 9 December 13, 2007 To: Ciry Council Members From: Ken and Marybeth Slonneger Re: Preservation of Wetherby Cottage Members of Council: As mentioned in my December 3rd email, the Wetherby Cottage Project has been taken over by my husband and me as a way of saving it from demolition. We are in the process of purchasing a lot at the corner of Church and Governor Streets that will accommodate this small structure; it will have the new address of 611 N. Governor Street. While we are going forward with the purchase of the lot, planning the new foundation, hiring a contractor, and absorbing the fees and other costs of restoring the house, we are pleased that the State Historical Society of Iowa has deemed the project important enough to award us an emergency grant of $15,000 towards the costs of moving the house to Governor Street. Friends of Historic Preservation is still in place to receive the gift of the house from the present owner, Mike McLaughlin, and to pass the building on to us for a nominal fee. After restoration to its 1869 appearance (made known to us recently from a Wetherby family photo), our intention is to hold on to the house as long as possible to see if some entity comes forward with the ability to oversee it as a public venue for historical, cultural, and social functions in the community. We are asking if Council would be willing to absorb the costs of the police escort and traffic control fees that are required during the actual move of the house. Enclosed is a copy of the budget that accompanied the SHSI grant proposal. It does not include the cost of restoring the house. We invite you to stop by and see the work of the restoration when it gets underway this spring. A~ ~ F ;< <: JJ ~/ y~ /7 ; ~? C3 MarybeSkf~Slonneger ..--,, rya 1109 Davenport Street r--,, -': ~' Iowa Ciry, Iowa 52245 ~; ~ : w ,..~ ~-- j_~.' 'C7 ~' `~: _~_ . ~ .^. ~ O ~~ ~~' ~..,.! STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF IOWA FY08 REAP/HRDP Grants Part 5: Budget Form PROJECTED COSTS REAP/HRDP APPLICANT'S MATCH ROW TOTALS GRANT REQUEST Cash In-Kind Purchase of vacant lot 50,000 50,000 House movin estimate 12,000 3,000 15,000 Sewer and water hook-u 10,000 10,000 Electrical hook-u 1,500 1,500 Ca ent to stabilize house/frame 1,500 1,500 Movin ermit 85 85 Insurance-liability/casualty- 750 750 construction ° Excavation of old foundation & 350 a X30 ,~; ~ ~- ' brick, rental of truck, pallets, ~ ', ~=; _-- ~ ~ labor - 250 a da stora e _ ' , Dum ster/trash removal 300 ~ , . W Fill grade, fence area, plug sewer 200 2 ' ` ~ ; ~., --~ ~ line Mediacom -escrow 3,400 _ `" 3,401 ~; .~' MidAmerican -power lines full 2,400 2,40 ~ da -escrow Traffic Engineering Deposit - 500 500 escrow Police (minimum 2 2,500 2,500 officers@104.18/hr. x 12 hrs. - escrow Foundation -full basement with 3,000 6,000 9,000 floor Consultation by architectural 500 500 historian Electric/Plumbing/Sewer/HVAC 300 300 ermits Building Permit -Foundation, 535 535 Code Com liant: 60K Repairs/Restoration to temporarily 2,000 2,000 stabilize and winterize Cash In-Kind 81,400 4,420 TOTALS REAP/HRDP APPLICANT MATCH TOTAL PROJECT GRANT COST 15,000 85,820 100,820 Matching requirements for each one dollar of grant request are as follows: All units of government, tribes, &non-profit corporations -fifty cents, of which at least twenty-five cents must be in cash. Individuals -seventy-five cents, of which at least fifty cents must be in cash. Businesses -one dollar, of which at least seventy-five cents must be in cash. 'For further explanation please see MATCHING FUNDS on page 9 of the grant guidelines. 12 STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF IOWA FY08 REAP/HRDP Grants Special Grant Round - Documentary Collections Part l: Application Cover Sheet Applicant Section Name of Applicant: Marybeth Slonneger, Committee to Save the Wetherby Cottage Name & Title of Contact Person: Marybeth Slonneger Address: 1109 East Davenport _ City: Iowa City State: IA Zip: 52245 '~~~..°, --~--~ rr J~' --' r--" Email Address: mbslonn@mchsi.com ~`~~_-~ ~ `~~} _ r_,.., -.~ --, ~." Telephone (daytime): 319-354-8700 ~~~' r- ~~ ?> cv Type of Applicant: X^ Nonprofit corporation; unit of government; or American Indian tribe Individual ^ Business Applicant Profile: A private individual, Marybeth Slonneger, will purchase an unoccupied lot in the Goosetown Neighborhood where the Wetherby Cottage can be placed. Friends of Historic Preservation is the non-profit (IRC Sec. 501(c)(3)) organization who will take temporary ownership of the Wetherby Cottage. The current owner of the building, Mike McLaughlin, will donate the structure to FHP, who will handle this property transfer, but FHP will immediately sell the cottage to Slonneger for a nominal price. Committee to Save the Wetherby Cottage, a group of concerned citizens, are accepting donations to cover expenses associated with the move, stabilization, and long-term upkeep of the building. To date, $10,200 has been donated and a fundraising drive is underway. Contributed funds have been placed in a special account, earmarked for preservation of the Wetherby Cottage, at the Johnson County Historical Society, a non-profit organization. Slonneger will proceed with relocating and rehabilitating the cottage, upgrading it into a livable structure with a full basement. z Project Section Project Title: Moving the Isaac A. Wetherby Cottage Project Summary: The grant funds will help secure funds to hire a house mover to relocate the Isaac A. Wetherby Cottage from 935 E. Market Street, Iowa City, to a privately owned lot on the northeast corner of Governor and Church Streets, in order to save it from demolition. The current owner plans to donate the structure to Friends of Historic Preservation, who have identified the steps involved in relocation, restoration, and re-use of the cottage. Under criterion B, Wetherby Cottage may be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Once the cottage has been moved and stabilized, FHP will transfer ownership to Marybeth Slonneger. County where project is located: Johnson County Iowa General Assembly/Legislative District Numbers: House: 78 Senate: 39 U.S. Congressional District: 2 Ownership Section Does the Applicant own the historic resource? Yes X No If the applicant does not own the historic resource, the following information is required: ~-_-~ C.~ Name of Owner : Mike McLaughlin `_~ C7' ~_' ;,-~ ~ C`? r ' w ~- Address: 332 S. Linn St. _~`- ~Tl _ ,-- ~ ,`'~- ~ ~~_ City: Iowa City State: IA Zip: 52240 `-~%~ ~. r~s 0 Email Address:kmc985@aol.com Telephone (daytime): 319-631-3853 I give my permission for the applicant to carry out the project described in this REAP/HRDP grant application. Signature of Owner: Date: 2 STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF IOWA r' ._..- FY08 REAP/HRDP Grants ~~ ~ :ice. --tom ,--, ~ ~~ PART 2 : Project Description and ~ ~ ~ ~ Specific Project Scope of Work ~;`~~~-, ~~ `~;4~; r =,,~~ ~- .. s.7 Project Description: Within your discussion., be sure to (1jy specifically identify the historical resource and state its significance; (2)provide an overview of the activities you will complete; and (3) explain how the proposed actions will assist the historical resource. Describe how the project will have an impact on the local community (neighborhood, town, region, or however you choose to define that community) . (1) Specifically identify the historical resource and state its significance: Historical Resource: The Wetherby Cottage, located at 935 E. Market Street in Iowa City, Iowa, is the only extant building associated with an important figure in American art and photography, Isaac A. Wetherby. Preliminary assessments have determined the cottage would still be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, even if it is moved to a new location. Since this cultural resource is under immediate threat, it is imperative the structure be moved in a timely manner so a physical remnant of the story of Wetherby's life and contributions be preserved. National Significance: As a self-trained Boston painter and early photographer, who purchased his first camera two years after the announcement of photography, Isaac Augustus Wetherby (1819-1904) defined himself first as a painter but soon recognized the usefulness of photographs for his portrait work. He painted and photographed in the Northeast, Kentucky, Illinois and Wisconsin, before moving permanently to Iowa to farm and to run Wetherby's Gallery. Wetherby's skill in painting was honed from the age of 15 when he began seeking painting clients. His nearly 1,000 known portraits include Abraham Lincoln, John Brown, a Meskwaki Indian chief, and many others. His work has been collected in the New York Historical Society (NYC), Fruitlands Museum (Harvard, MA), Beverly (MA) Historical Society, Putnam Museum in Davenport, the State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City, the State Historical Society of Iowa, Des Moines, and in private collections. One of his paintings hangs in the Johnson County Courthouse. Wetherby's legacy includes being the first to record Iowa City in photographs when it was the capital of the state, including the earliest daguerreotype image of Old Capitol, taken in 1854. Many citizens were photographed by Wetherby in his Clinton Street studio, including Governor Samuel Kirkwood, Iowa Chief Justice William Miller, Civil War officers and soldiers, bankers, trades people, and many others. The priceless collection, housed in the State Historical Society in both Iowa City and Des Moines, includes 1,450 glass plate negatives, paintings, watercolor sketches, valuable trade cards and other ephemera. Just last month, Wetherby's great, great granddaughter, Jane Beattie, traveled from California to Iowa .City to present SHSI/IC with the only known Wetherby picture of the Lincoln Memorial that was viewed on the steps of Old Capitol while Governor Kirkwood spoke. The Wetherby name has always been known in Iowa City (a park and restaurant have been named after him and his images have been published in books and newspapers). In later years, he worked in Des Moines and Perry, and opened an art school in Northwest Iowa, in Rock Valley, extending his artistic legacy to all of Iowa. His artistic importance to Iowa approaches that of Grant Wood. 3 Using this same format, continue on additional sheets as necessary. Wetherby is a nationally significant figure in the world of photography and portrait painting, in part because his life is so well documented. Wetherby's original Daybooks in two volumes are in the Library of Congress; an early article appears in New York Historical Quarterly Bulletin, Vol. 25, April 1941, ~~Isaac Augustus Wetherby (1819-1904) and His Account Books." Michael R. Payne and Suzanne Rudnick Payne authored an article in Folk Art, Vol. 32, No. 1 (Winter 2007), 'The Business of an American Folk Portrait Painter: Isaac Augustus Wetherby." Marybeth Slonneger conducted extensive research on his life for Wetherby's Gallery, published last February, with funds from the State Historical Society of Iowa, Inc. Wetherby's life and career will be highlighted in an upcoming issue of the Iowa Heritage Magazine. An article written by Slonneger will be published in the Winter issue of the Photographic Historical Society of New England Journal and Wetherby has also been discussed in The Goldfinch, Winter 1994. He also appears in listings of the stereographic photographers of Iowa posted at the State Historical Society of Iowa's website: http://www.iowahistory.org Students at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, have created a website about Wetherby and the cottage at: http://classprojects.cornellcollege.edu/stewart/statehistorical/pages/isaacwetherbymain. htm Nomination papers to determine eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places will be submitted in late January 2008. Preliminary assessments indicate the cottage will be eligible for state and local significance under Criterion B. The Wetherby Cottage: Wetherby's cottage is modest in scale and appearance, dating from the mid-1850s, when it was built by a young Irish teamster named Patrick Doyle. Its continued existence helps to interpret life of a working, middle-class artisan life of one of America's earliest photographers. Wetherby built an additional room on the back of the cottage with the help of a local carpenter, August Hazelhorst. The lumber used was bartered from a lumber merchant, Peter Musser, in exchange for doing Musser's portrait. The Wetherby family owned the cottage into the 1940s. An original carte-de-visite photograph of this house dated 1869 has just recently come to light (see below). It shows a cottage with shutters surrounded by a landscaped yard and picket fence. Wetherby was out in his garden planting apple trees when he learned that Lincoln had been shot. ~ ~} r _ __ : C°? r-~ f .: -- ..~\ 1 l I i ~ ~ ~_ ,~ "~J ~ °°--t ~ ~~./ 4 ~ I _. "~ t~ The preliminary results and recommendations of the onsite visit and evaluation by architectural historian Marlin R. Ingalls state: 1. The house retains 'integrity of plan and massing. Its core appears essentially intact and as it was during Wetherby's occupation. 2. The construction methods and materials along with the building's wooden framing are consistent with a mid-19`h century construction date. 3. The house retains and presents a great deal of historic integrity from its period of significance. 4. The use of hewn timber sill beams, over-full-dimension lumber, hand-struck soft-paste bricks, local quarry faced stone, and cypress siding is consistent with some of Iowa's earliest vernacular buildings employing antebellum construction. 4 Using this same format, continue on additional sheets as necessary. 5. The condition of most of the framing elements is very good. The condition of the siding is exceptional. The house is solid enough to be successfully moved and retains sufficient material integrity to be restored to its original appearance. 6. The house, as it stands, is visually consistent with Wetherby's period of occupation. Ingalls concluded: As outlined in the above list The Wetherby House exhibits good integrity of its important original historic materials. The integrity of its original materials is important to the interpretation and preservation of its historic fabric. The loss or modification of some interior and exterior elements is to be expected ansL does ~~t seriously detract from its originality. The house still retains its vern`~~ular ~an, in- ground footprint, structural framing, massing, and materials consistent w~.t~}j1840~s te-r~ 1860s vernacular houses. The original framing, flooring, central chimney;'^a~e1 roof -----' ~ -,.-- sheathing are present. - -- W 1, --~ r ` `J r _~ (2) provide an overview of the activities that will be completed: fJ.~ ~ .. --.y ra The Patterson house movers (and two other experienced house movers) sugges~it will cost around $15,000 to move the building. The proposed site is located on the northeast corner of Governor and Church Streets in Iowa City, where a privately owned lot has become available. The building will sit on a partial basement with exterior doorway, as it is now, or have a full, enclosed basement. As soon as funds are available, Slonneger will apply for building and moving permits, have a new foundation built, and make arrangements with city staff and utility companies. A house mover can make preparations and carpentry work can start. Weather is certainly a factor in making. this an emergency situation. The current owner has agreed to delay any action on the structure for a few more weeks depending on weather conditions, but he does not want to be held up for months. It is critical to move the cottage as soon as possible if we hope to preserve it, hopefully by December 28, 2007. Steps include: 1) elevate structure and reinforce for moving, 2) secure brick noggin, 3) build new foundation, 4) move structure, and 5) stabilize and winterize structure. Reconstruction of the building will comply with the Secretary of the Interior Standards. (3) explain how the proposed actions will assist the historical resource. Describe how the project will have an impact on the local community (neighborhood, town, region, or however you choose to define that community). The preservation of the Wetherby Cottage will be good for the local economy by providing work for local contractors. Once the cottage is relocated, restored, and surrounded by appropriate landscaping, it will mostly likely be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The home will eventually return to the tax rolls as soon as Slonneger assumes possession from FHP. It will become a permanent economic asset in the cultural corridor in and around Iowa City, a destination for those seeking more exposure to the Wetherby story. Located on a main thoroughfare where those passing by can easily view the cottage without disturbing the inhabitants, this quaint building adds an appropriate accent to the corner, which is situated directly across the street from historic Oakland Cemetery. The character of 19"' century Iowa City, as represented in this small frame dwelling, will be evident in the original fabric and building methods. Hand-hewn beams will be preserved instead of ending up in a landfill, and previously disguised architectural features and embellishments will be highlighted again. Even if compromises have to be 5 Jsing this same format, continue on additional sheets as necessary. made due to lack of sustainable funding sources, saving this antebellum cottage will be an important achievement for preservationists in Iowa City and the rest of the state. Scholars and laypersons from around the nation will discover the significant role Isaac A. Wetherby played in spread of 19th century photography to the Midwest and the importance of his artistic expression to our cultural growth as a nation, especially as the population moved westward in the 1850s and 1860s. r-a C~ _.} r- l n~ - ~LLa _, j- t" N C7 6 Specific Project Scope of Work: This section is a critical part of the application. Provide a step-by- step description of how the project will be carried out. Each major work element should clearly relate to budget line items. Include a timeline for each major work element. Step Number 1 - Mid-December 2007 Architectural feature - Original house and addition Approximate Date of feature - 1850-1860 Describe existing feature and its condition: The cottage is 11j storied with a T-plan resulting from a rear addition. The house has an end gabled roofline, a main entrance arranged along the eastern side of the house rather than centrally placed in the north wall. Its massing and plan are highlighted by its end gabled roof line, symmetrical front portal placement, and rear extension. ,~ _ 1 1 ~~ ~ 1 ~~ ~~._ ~ -S _ J ~_ ~~ ~_ ~~-f 1 ^ ~ _ ~ * ~__ ~, . _ i ..~ f ~ ~~ ~ r.' qd - . ~ d }~ ' ~ ~ s Photo no. 1 East Side Looking Northwest Photo no. 2 Siding on Addition Circa 1860, separation between original house and addition visible Describe work and impact on existing feature: Elevate structure off foundation prior to move while preserving original fabric. The excess weight of the brick noggin in the addition is problematic for a well-balanced load when moving the cottage. Carpenters will secure each section, protecting and preserving original fabric during the move. The divide between the two sections is visible on the west side as shown on the left in the photo above. Marlin Ingalls wrote, ~~In some areas the sills have suffered deterioration and will need to be supported for the move. The sistering-in of additional planks, taking care not to stress areas in poor condition, and an assessment of the condition of the sillsr~hould be made both prior to and at the time of the move. The floor joists are ~~iten n tied into the sill beams but sit in pockets. It is suggested that an effort to=_~i~e tea ends of the floor joist to the sill beams be made to prevent bowing and colla~sse-.-"' C~o~ts• estimated at $1,500 for carpentry required prior to moving the house. ~-~' - - -~ ~._' ~ c~ __.~ ; --a ~_ ~, `_{ ; Step Number 2 - Mid-December 2007 ~`' `' `~ Architectural feature - brick noggin ''} '~ Approximate Date of feature - About 1860 ~' ~,` Describe existing feature and its condition: The brick noggin within the rear extension represents a second construction phase and its bricks appear to have been made nearby or even onsite. The use of bricks set between the vertical studs is a construction method uncommon but not unknown in early Iowa City from the 1830s to the 1860s. Photo no. 3 Studs and Brick Noggin Describe work and impact on existing feature: Stabilize brick noggin between wall studs in southeast addition to original structure. Nail boards or plywood to studs prior to move. Budget figures for this task are included in the carpentry expenses for separating the house into two sections prior to the move ($1,500). Step Number 3 - Mid-December 2007 Architectural feature - new foundation Approximate Date of feature - 2007 Describe existing feature and its condition: Ground will be excavated and a new cement foundation poured. Attention will be paid to placement of plumbing, electricity, and other utilities. Adequate drainage will be achieved through proper grading and sloping similar to the original cottage location. Costs are estimated at $9,000. "~, ; ~,. F;~ r ,,. , . , ~ s:.~ s.:'ti,. ,~~ '~ i _. ~ F ~,S ~._ ~ mss'; ~ .-~:., - 4 ~ . •.. .. ~ _ ~ ~ N . ~~ i ~l 4.J .-`~ ~~}t ~~ ~_ e-~= !_"`~ r^- '~\7 ~~ Z ~,~ ~\ .~ Describe work and impact on existing feature: A new concrete foundation will provide a full basement and increase living space as plumbing, electrical, and heating can be installed. One mover suggests setting the house on top of the excavated basement and then dropping plumb lines to determine placement of foundation walls. This will help compensate for the fact that the cottage walls are probably no longer square. The foundation's exterior above ground surface should be covered with stone or brick to replicate the original foundation. Wiring and heating should be replaced during wall or plaster restoration. Any necessary grading work .should be completed without raising the height of the soil against the building foundation. Soil within 25 feet of the building will be shaped to slope away from the building. Completion of this work in conjunction with a positive collection and drainage system for roof drainage is critical. 8 Photo no. 4 Proposed site for relocation Step Number 4 - Mid-December 2007 Architectural feature - move cottage Approximate Date of feature - 1850-1860. Describe existing feature and its condition: The cottage rests in a large part upon its original stone cellar and later brick foundation beneath the rear extension. The foundation bricks were also made locally quarry-faced limestone foundation material was also obtained locally. This original foundation will be demolished due to the cost prohibitive nature of salvaging these elements (estimated at $5,500). ., ~~.,~ v _ ~~~ b ~ _ -_, .~a J 1 ,.: ~~.., -4 ~~ _ y~ i .r. ~::. .,~' ~ ~~ ~ ~~F. ,~ ~~ ! .r. Photo no. 5 Stone Cellar Masonry Photo no. 6 Brick Foundation Wall of South Extension The Describe work and impact on existing feature: Elevate structure off foundation and move while preserving original fabric. Expenses include $12,000 for the mover plus insurance, permits, technical assistance from utility and communication companies, and the support of various city departments. Budget includes funds for labor, use of truck, palettes for storage, and cost of debris removal for old foundation. Step Number 5 - Mid-December 2007 Architectural feature - Historic fabric protection Approximate Date of feature - 2007 Describe existing feature and its condition: With winter approaching, the cottage needs to be stabilized and mothballed until further restoration work can take place in 2008. r-~ anss ~ 1 ~: ~y -! ~.: r'° T r -~ Photo no. 7 Original window along west wall Describe work and impact on existing feature: Roofing will need to be repaired or replaced, and doors and windows will need to be 9 r secured. In particular, the one original window needs to be covered since it will serve as a prototype during restoration. There may be a need to install half round gutters and corrugated round downspouts will help protect the building from excess ground moisture and harmful splashback caused by moisture cascading from the roof and splashing onto the foundation, walls, and siding of the building. Gutter hangers should be roof deck mounted or fascia mounted. Costs are estimated at $2,000 for the most remedial work. Further action can be taken in 2008 when restoration activities resume. All reconstruction of the moved building will comply with the building, electrical, plumbing, and zoning ordinances of Iowa City as well as the State Energy Code. *--~ (~} ~; ~, t~ n-, ~~ _ t,~ ~, _ ^~ - Y~ ~~ ~~ ~ .. ;J=? t'~ 10 STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF IOWA FY08 REAP/HRDP Grants Part 3: Professional Involvement Name of Professional Involved in the Project: Marlin R. Ingalls, Architectural Historian and Historic Archaeologist Address: 515 E. Davenport Street City: Iowa City State: IA Zip: 52245 Email Address: marlin-ingalls@uiowa.edu Telephone (daytime): 319-384-0950 Attach Letter of Commitment from the above-named professional Attach Professional Credentials n.~ ~~-~ :: Part 4 . Photographs -= _-- -- Attach Labeled Photographs on Separate Sheet ~_'__` ~,, ~ f1 _ / ~~{_. _.. M 1 ~~ _~_~ ~; 1) North Side Looking South, photo by Marlin R. Ingalls, Nov. 2007 ~~ `~' _ ;%~. 2) East Side Looking Southwest, photo by Marlin R. Ingalls, Nov. 2007 <; 3) Southeast Corner, photo by Marlin R. Ingalls, Nov. 2007 4) North Elevation drawing by Marlin R. Ingalls, Nov. 2007 5) West Elevation drawing by Marlin R. Ingalls, Nov. 2007 6) East Elevation drawing by Marlin R. Ingalls, Nov. 2007 7) Northeast corner of Governor and Church Streets, photo by Charles Scott, Nov. 2007 8) Looking north from corner lot on Governor and Church Streets, photo by Charles j Scott, Nov. 2007 9) Site plan for Northeast corner of Governor and Church Streets, drawn by Marybeth Slonneger. (More complete plan available after surveyor completes work on December 7, 2007.) 11 STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF IOWA FY08 REAP/HRDP Grants Part 5: Budget Form PROJECTED COSTS REAP/HRDP APPLICANT'S MATCH ROW TOTALS GRANT REQUEST Cash In-Kind Purchase of vacant lot 50,000 50,000 House movin estimate 12,000 3,000 ~ 15,000 Sewer and water hook-u 10,000 10,000 Electrical hook-u 1,500 1,500 Ca entr to stabilize house/frame 1,500 1,500 Movin ermit 85 85 Insurance-liability/casualty- 750 750 construction Excavation of old foundation & 350 350 brick, rental of truck, pallets, stora e, labor - 250 a da Dum ster/trash removal 300 300 Fill grade, fence area, plug sewer 200 200 line Mediacom -escrow 3,400 3,400 MidAmerican -power lines full 2,400 2,400 da -escrow ---~ Traffic Engineering Deposit - 500 ~0 `- C_: escrow "- = `-'~ ~_ Police (minimum 2 2,500 2iS~1Q:_~ t•--'""' " officers@104.18/hr. x 12 hrs. - '-'~ °- ~ = escrow c.. - '~-°-`° Foundation -full basement with 3,000 6,000 9,8~= :- ~ -' ` floor ,- ; ~' -== ~.._:.~' Consultation by architectural 500 5~ ~`"'' historian t~ Electric/Plumbing/Sewer/HVAC 300 300 ermits Building Permit -Foundation, 535 535 Code Com liant: 60K Repairs/Restoration to temporarily 2,000 2,000 stabilize and winterize Cash In-Kind 81,400 4,420 TOTALS REAP/HRDP APPLICANT MATCH TOTAL PROJECT GRANT COST 15,000 85,820 100,820 Matching requirements for each one dollar of grant request are as follows: All units of government, tribes, &non-profit corporations -fifty cents, of which at least twenty-five cents must be in cash. Individuals -seventy-five cents, of which at least fifty cents must be in cash. Businesses -one dollar, of which at least seventy-five cents must be in cash. For further explanation please see MATCHING FUNDS on page 9 of the grant guidelines. iz Part 5, continued: Budget Explanation The total project cost of $100,820 is based on estimates of costs associated with permanently installing the house at a site and stabilizing it for the winter. A vacant lot was purchased for $50,000, and it will cost $10,000 for sewer and water hook-ups and $1,500 for electrical hook-ups. The HRDP grant funds will be used primarily to cover 12,000 of the $15,000 expense of hiring a professional house mover. In advance of the move, a new foundation with a full basement must be laid on a new site with proper grading and drainage at the cost of $9,000 (including $3,000 in HRDP funds). Carpentry work (estimated at $1,500) is required to stabilize and protect the structure during the move. As the structure is elevated and placed on blocks, some of the original foundation of hand-made bricks will be saved but most of the stone and brick will to be discarded ($350). An additional $300 is needed for debris removal and $200 will cover the costs of filling to grade, fencing the original site, and plugging a sewer line at the Market Street address. Insurance is required before the project is started at the cost of $750. The City of Iowa City may contribute a soft match for the moving, building, plumbing, electrical, sewer, and HVAC permit fees, and will also donate the services of the traffic engineer, police, forestry, and parks department during .and prior to the move, a total of $3,920. A professional architectural historian will serve as advisor for $500. The immediate goal is to spend $2,000 to stabilize the cottage after the move and mothball it for the winter. Windows will be secured and the exterior will be given appropriate protection as needed. The building permit requires that the building be permanently installed within 60 days of the move. More extensive restoration activities will take place in 2008 and 2009, hopefully with the assistance of grant funds, contributed labor, and use of materials from the Iowa City Salvage Barn. The estimated budget for restoring the cottage interior and exterior will range between $50,000 to $60,000. The move, which will be carried out in the early morning hours to minimize disruption to traffic, will require assistance from Mid-American ($2,400) and Mediacom ($3,400), who must remove or lower overhead wires. Double the amount of these funds must be placed in escrow and paid in full 48 hours prior to moving the house, by certified check. Friends of Historic Preservation will incur other costs not included in this grant request as they must gain title, take a quit claim deed, and other steps to secure the cottage. FHP will turn the deed for the cottage over to Marybeth Slonneger, who will carry out the grant activities and assume long-term responsibility for the structure. r~ L7 t`' -~ ~ __ `' r.r =.i ._~ ; -~ S I' { 1.: 1~ Part 6: Contract The contract appears on the next 4 pages. .Fill in the highlighted areas, print, and make a photocopy. Then have the legally-authorized representative of the applicant sign and date both copies. Include both copies in the application submittal. ~, C~ _ -;, .~ -- - ~-; - - ~' , . " ~~ . ~ t~~ a -~ _~~ - _ r _ - i', _.~.... ~l ,y^ i'~.; 14 T REAP HF2DP HISTORICAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF IOWA GRANT PROJECT Contract Number: (Number to be assigned by Starte]. Agency: STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF IOWA -= `v' Grant Recipient: Marybeth Slonneger `-) - Grant Amount: $ 15, 000 -' .;_ `.' Effective Dates: DECEIVER 20, 2007 - JUNE 30, 2008 „~ c,~ ,:_ :: IDENTIFICATION OF PARTIES (Article 1.0) ~± ---~ • This contract is entered into by and between the State Historical--Sadie 7 LL- of Iowa (hereafter referred to as ~~State" or "SHSI") and MarybetYr.=,~~ :, Slonneger (hereafter referred to as "Grantee"). 3;, i'~ • The SHSI Public Trust administrator or designee is the State official designated to execute any changes in the terms or conditions specified in this contract. • The Marybeth Slonneger is designated to execute any changes in the terms or conditions specified in this contract. • "HRDP" means Historical Resource Development Program as defined in Iowa Code Chapter 303.16, and Iowa Administrative Code [223] Chapter 49. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE (Article 2.0) • The purpose of the Historical Resource Development Program is to provide grants to preserve, conserve, interpret, educate the public about and enhance the historical resources of the state. • SHSI has been designated by the Iowa General Assembly to administer REAP/HRDP, and the grantee has been approved for funding. CONTRACTUAL REQUIREMENTS (Article 3.0) • REAP/HRDP monies are to be expended according to Iowa Administrative Code [223] Chapter 49 and FY08 grant guidelines (version published October 2007). • The Grantee must: • Give preference to Iowans and Iowa products and services in carrying out this grant. • Refrain from using REAP/HRDP funds to influence legislation or for any lobbying function. • Follow all local, state, and federal laws which bar discrimination against any employee, applicant for employment, or any person participating in a sponsored program, on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or physical or mental disability, and require compensation for employment at no less than minimum wage requirements, and provide safe and sanitary working conditions. These laws include, but are not limited to, Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. ..- ~ -~ --~-;,, _r~ 15 • Include the following statement in any printed lists of contributors, and in any promotions, publicity, or advertising :=; ~~ u r. "This project is supported in part by the State ~ -- Historical Society of Iowa, Historical Resource --='_; _ Development Program." f-,." "`" ~,~ _ ,' • Post signs provided by the State in a conspicuous place =~ ~_' `--F J-. at the project area where grant funds are used. The ~.~_ ~j sign must remain in place for no less than 36 months -_ after the contract has been completed. ~- ~'` • Write your state legislators within thirty (30) days of receiving your signed contract to tell them about the project: Copies of the letters must be sent to Grants Manager, State Historical Society of Iowa, 600 East Locust Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0290. FINANCIAL RECORDS • Retain all financial records, reporting documents, and all other records pertinent to the HRDP program for a period of three calendar years beyond the end of the grant contract. • Provide, at no charge, and make accessible to the State and to the State Auditor's office, all books, documents, account information, facilities, or other property belonging to or in use by the Grantee concerning the receipt of funds under this program. COPYRIGHT • Choose to copyright any books, publications, films, or other material developed because of grant activities, unless otherwise specified in the award notice or scope of work. The State reserves the right to borrow or use, without payment of a royalty fee, any materials developed through grant projects. PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS • Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, guidelines, and technical standards, including nationally accepted documentary collection standards. SCOPE OF WORK AND BUDGET • Follow the Scope of Work and Budget as presented in the Grant Application and as approved by the State Historical Society. DAMAGES • Hold the State harmless from damages in any action arising from the performance of work described in this contract. PHOTOGRAPHS • Provide photographs of the project work. Photographs must be taken at the beginning of the project, at various stages during work, and at the project's conclusion to document the nature of the work. Good quality, original, photographs should be mounted or printed on 11 `~ .:_-, _J 16 8~" x 11" paper. If digital photographs are submitted, please include a CD or DVD containing the images, as well as the printed copies. Along with the final report and request for reimbursement, the Grantee must provide at least five (5) color photographs of the project from its beginning to its end. FINDING OF NON-COMPLIANCE (Article 4.0) • The State may, for cause, find that the Grantee is not in compliance with the requirements of the HRDP program or the terms of this contract pursuant to Iowa Code 303.16, Iowa Administrative Code [223] Chapter 49, and published grant guidelines. At the State's discretion, remedies for non-compliance include suspension or return of HRDP grant funds. CANCELLATION DUE TO NON-APPROPRIATION (Article 5.0) • If funds anticipated for the continued fulfillment of this contract are at any time cancelled or insufficient either through the failure of the State of Iowa to appropriate funds, or through discontinuance or material alteration of the program for which funds were provided, the State shall have the right to cancel this contract without penalty by giving written notice of not less than thirty (30) days documenting the lack of funding, discontinuance or program alteration. In the event of termination of this contract due to non-appropriation, discontinuance, or program alteration, the exclusive, sole, and complete remedy of the Grantee shall be payment for services rendered prior to the termination. PAYMENT (Article 6.0) • The State will issue a payment for fifty percent (500) of the grant at the time of award. • At the conclusion of the project, the grantee must submit documentation of all project work and all expenditures to the State. Upon approval of all project work and all documentation, the State will provide final payment of grant funds. The grantee's request for reimbursement must be submitted with documentation proving project completion, documentation of expenditure of grant funds, and documentation of cash and in-kind match, as outlined in the contract budget. • The final report provided by the Grantee must include photographs of work completed and an explanation of how the work meets the standards for documentary collections projects. The final report must be made on forms supplied by the State Historical Society, and must include all information and documentation as outlined on the form. ,_, - ,_-:_ TIME OF PERFORMANCE (Article 7.0) ~\~~ `-' • All claims for HRDP funds shall be received by June 30, 2010. a`~ ,-~~ _ y ~ .__ __ - - ; .~ ~ '. ~.' ,. ~_ ~ - '~-, _-'. 17 SIGNATURES • Grant Applicants must sign and date two copies of this document as part of the REAP/HRDP FY08 grant application process. This document becomes a legally-binding contract upon signature by the State Historical Society of Iowa's authorized representative. For the Grantee: Signature of Grant Applicant's Legally Authorized Representative Marybeth Slonneger, 1109 E. Davenport, Iowa City, Iowa 52245 Date Signed by Grantee For the State: Gordon 0. Hendrickson, Administrator, Public Trust Division State Historical Society of Iowa Date Signed by State r~~ ~~ _~ ~ _ C `i% _- i `7 - :~ _ ~~ ~. _.~ .. - ~ ~? 18 dart 7 : ~I I?'~ I i I ~ I J ~~ (~ ~ I ~I ~c }~~ ~ I~I) ~ i i I c Ii; ~~ i'I.' . ., .+'~IIII III I', I'.' .. ,.: . ~,'I I.• _..,.U:II'~'~ ~:I ,}-.E~.'1 Il~r ! ?i' 1:;I1~ l+. I1+\\;I I11 :~::\ ,.1+!i 1~1~' ;II1'lll:ll iEl..ll I~ ,.IUI ?U \,IU :I!kj Icl ~l'lll~~~\ \\I?~? Ill: I~\~ f~t'1,~;:. t'•Il~ I+1Y f: I`,II'l:il:' '.Ilt'~~' I~;1':I'l: !11'~. \\~ ,il:' '1'llli:'~IIIIL' IEIi Il'•I~1+'•\II1~' IIIII+I'lllalll+ll . 1':Illllt'(' ((1 lll'(1~ Ill l' (lllc IIIIUPIilallllll 't~ 111 I-Ctilll ( Ili \~ 111111U1(1111 '~ (/1 1):1\ Illl'II (. 1rc ~uu: 1 nur ktu~inc.. ` I ti \! ' I~ 11111f I111~IIIC\1 ~I I ~ ~~~ 1 In(lni(lual I I I _ __. ( urlu,ralinn ~~ I 1 ~rrlc I'rnllriclrlr I ~ I I';u'InerJiil/ Il'I I.~lati nr I ru~l ~F~ ,I. _.. _ I (,u\crnmcnl ~(.~ ` !:. .I ... .. ~ VIII .. Iln ;+ ... „+II'I'• .' 1•.. I,r~•, ~? ='= - ..-- , , .,, .,. ,Il i'~ III ~ I ;`I 1. ;+~ (Ilhir ,,, ,.:~ -- -: I \rn l.ll `.rln It( ul;l ~, i ~I'': I'I I,+I 1, I • , Il .. r , ' i'Ic:n~ I.`,I?I:un _ . _..,_-, _ .. - --- ; --- ',-. i _ ;i: ` "rl•.~C\;I. II1,' II{\ j, ,.;L• -',I n I~•: _. nl l ~ti`.I - .. .-- _ ry __., ~ ~~\ ._~.. ( I. _-I, .. .?. it I i '~~ - ~ -`Y r __ _ (!I\ I I~ __.- - _ 1 .~.- `,..:.f ~\II l ,,'ll'I~, Il:i I1. 11, •Ilnl uI~I'. •, I~iI,+ I I I i ;`.I II\ -,II::I '. l`. :.I. ..lll.l . ~ ,? ~ 3`° I itlC ral I.IIIl11n\el (llcllllllCalinll \Il 111 11 ['1': _ ~ ~ ~ 1 ~= }~ - _ . _ -- - --_ - ~ ,__ _ ~ ~ ___1 III I:nI: _I '---- ~ ~ :. I I I i I ~... l i l .' I .. I I I I I .._. ~~u 111 .L. . ~ _' I. I I _. ; .. ( I11~~;+:,"•.: . `.!III.'. dill \I.c ll~,'.'. I1:'II I'.•\. LI,.. I ~' ~ l l I. • I1 inn I I i I I II ~, __. _._ .. .... II .. ~ ~I',II: 1 i:, (''. ;Ill.-:~.i l_l __-- L I .. ._ I I_ I i ~ l _: l_ I_: _~_~_I .. I I ..:I ~I, ~ I I .. ~ ' ~ ~ ( cl-tifir:uinr .Illcl lic •i::nl•(1 li, ~ cnllrlr I J - I ~ ' I I I "1 ~ ~ . ~ I I:, . I i ... i I •., I ~..I I ~ 1111' I L'. .... .. .. .. .. I . i.l I ~ !.I' ~ v J I III. r. .'I,.I .~I•:. .. . I ii I I I 1 I .. ... ..: II -. I I ~ . 11 .I I ..r ...'ll , I 1 ~ ~. .~~ I! ~ I,•.;I .II ~, .I I .I ~ .:1 ~ '.I ~ ,•.II '... 1. ,~ .. , L.,i.. LL I , .. . . 1 ~ ..,II It ,. ~ , IIII..:'I'.. ~ I.I_ I I ~I.. II .' I'i~ '.1.1~ i Fln (lf lir'i l u flnl~ IKrlrr In I'rllcnlurc "IL•1~U Cnl nlnr,• rlllai••j I.li i -111,1 ~ - - --'-- r, ~.:~ , CI:II. `I ;l1,IC ::I';: I III'. 1 I, ' I ,:,,, K.:r.lu' 1~ 5 10 Marian Karr From: John Yapp Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2007 5:10 PM To: 'petrans@earthlink.net' Cc: *City Council; Kathryn Johansen; 'Cutler, Catherine [DOT]' Subject: I-80 speed limit Hello Mr. Petran: Your a-mail to the Iowa City City Council was forwarded to me for a response. The Iowa Department of Transportation sets the speed limit on the interstate system. That said, the speed limit is based on visibility (sight distance), the number and proximity of access points, the volume of traffic, curvature, and other factors that encompass the `design of the road.' I have copied a Transportation Planner with Iowa DOT on this a-mail to see if they can add any more specific information on the speed limit on the segment of Interstate 80 through Iowa City and Coralville. John Yapp, Executive Director Johnson County Council of Governments 410 E. Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 319-356-5252 (phone) 319-356-5217 (fax) john-yapp@iowa-city.org Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: James Petran [petrans@earthlink.net] Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2007 12:15 PM To: Council Subject: Interstate 80 Dear Council Members; Once again the front page of the Press Citizen carries a story about the increasing number of accidents happening along I- 80 through Iowa City and Coralville, this time making reference to the construction we have had to endure for what seems like the last decade. What has puzzled me for many years and particularity since the speed limit has increased, is why that limit is at 65 mph? When you go to Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, the Quad Cities,they all have reduced speed limits at 55mph. With all of the traffic entering the interstate in this town it's no wonder this is one of the deadliest stretches of highway in the state. And on any given stretch of interstate, whenever there is construction, the speed limits are reduced, sometimes to 45mph. This is quite literally a deadly situation that could be lessened by more reasonable speeds (and reducing noise pollution in the process). I hope you will at least address the issue and not wait until someone close to you is involved in an accident so close to home. thanks, Jim Petran IC This correspondence will become a public record. 5 11 Marian Karr From: Wagner, Doug [dwagner@vernonresearch.com] Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2007 4:44 PM To: Council Cc: Dale Helling; Koester, Erin Subject: Iowa City's budget and Voice of the Citizen(TM)-Vernon Research Group Attachments: Client list.pdf; Gov, Civic, & Political Research.pdf Mayor, Council and Mr. Helling: I was reading The Gazette online this afternoon and came across their article regarding Iowa City's budget issues. There are a couple of quotes that stood out to me. They are: "How to increase public safety staffing has been a major issue in the city of late. In particular, there is widespread public support for the hiring of more firefighters so a proposed fire station on the northeast side of town can be built." "Many current council members have said they are committed to figuring out a way to hire more fire and police personnel beginning in the next fiscal year." Listening to the public to gauge their sentiment is always a safe bet, but too often the "squeaky wheel" is heard more often than the man or woman on the street. That's why finding out the true opinion of your community is the best bet. You can do this two ways...you can talk to each of them individually, or you can engage them in a scientific survey to obtain their attitudes and opinions. Specifically, when it comes to the issues surrounding your budget, time is of the essence. We have a program, Voice of the CitizenT"', which can help you understand the community's priorities. By obtaining their opinions via a random sample, and engaging them with questions pertinent to the decisions facing the city, you can get a true reflection of your citizens' opinions in a scientific survey. And we can help you get this done within two months. By using advanced research methods, such as taxpayer threshold analysis, we can help you understand what residents' priorities are and the trade offs they're willing to make in order to maintain a specific tax level or avoid cuts in services or positions. Attached, please find a list of past and current clients, and some of the studies we've performed for public sector organizations. Douglas C. Wagner Manager, Business Development and Customer Relations Vernon Research Group 319-364-7278 ext. 104 888-710-7278 ext. 104 319-364-7307 (Fax) 1962 First Avenue NE, Suite Two Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-5330 Share your opinion by becoming part of Iowa's Opinion Panel! Go to http.//www.yernonresearc_h_.com/surv~s~twy/gtw r~l~n..._htm to register. `~ please don't print this email unless you really need to... IMPORTANT: Privacy Notice -- This message and any accompanying documents are intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this transaction is strictly prohibited. If you received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately and destroy the original transmission. 12/20/2007 a ~ • • ~ a A w • .- • w • • • J • i i •1• 11 VE R.NCJN 4 [ Our client list includes: Aegon AIISteel-Gunlocke Apache Hose and Belt Barjan Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce Cedar Valley United Way City of Cedar Rapids CIVCO Medical Instruments Emerson Electrical Company First National Bank Honeywell International Iowa State University John Deere Lindale Mall Mercy Hospital-Clinton Mid American Energy Mt. Mercy College Rockwell Collins SAGE Electronics Schwan's St. Lukes Hospital United Way of East Central Iowa Waterloo Industries W.L. 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Community Visioning Government polling regarding changes and/or issues identification Candidate polling/issue identification Special interest group polling/issues identification Taxpayer satisfaction baselineltrending Quality of life attributes for communities/regions Local special election issues Critical Needs assessment, local/regional Community Recycling Program attitudes/preferences Solid Waste Management Community attitudes Sports Stadium polling/issues identification Recreation and Nature Center polling/issues identification Community School Improvements polling/issues identification Community School's technology issues/attitudeslopinions Local option sales tax election feasibility/funding/attitudes/preferences County zoo interest/support Visitor event & attractions/preferences/visitor behavior Convention and Visitors Bureaus appeal/business-to-business/tourist groups/independent Public transit riders' profiles/attitudes Public parking users' attitudes/preferences Copyright ©2007 Vernon Research Group Cedar Rapids, Iowa s~~` Marian Karr From: David Redlawsk [redlawsk@ix.netcom.com] Sent: Monday, January 14, 2008 9:08 AM To: Council Subject: Budget To the Iowa City City Council, Having served as a city council member in another state, I recognize that budgeting and taxes are among the most difficult issues that City Councils face. I am writing to encourage you to provide the kinds of services and support our city needs to continue to prosper. This includes funding another fire station - sorely needed - as well as moving towards the joint communications center, and funding significant social service needs. While there is a lot of pressure on you to "keep taxes down" the reality is that we cannot get the services we need for nothing. I belive many in this community understand that taxes are necessary and would in fact reject a knee-jerk reaction that says we cannot raise taxes to pay for necessary programs, services, and facilities. I encourage you to do what is right for the community as a whole and not to knuckle under to the "no taxes" crowd. Many, if not most of us, recognize that we must pay our fair share to ensure the future of our community. Thanks for all the good work you do on behalf of Iowa City. Dave Redlawsk 26 Gallup Pl Iowa City 5 12 Marian Karr From: Dale Helling Sent: Thursday, January 03, 2008 1:36 PM To: 'Jacob Butler' Cc: Council Subject: RE: Snow Removal Jacob, Thanks for taking the time to forward your observations. I'll take these into account as we review our snow removal policies and practices. I appreciate your input. Sincerely, Dale Helling From: Jacob Butler [mailto:jacobbutler3@yahoo.com] Sent: Tuesday, January 01, 2008 9:10 PM To: Council; Dale Helling Subject: Snow Removal Hello and Happy New Year. Good day Mr.Ilelling and all council members. Thank you personally Mr. Helling for responding to my e-mail so swiftly. You asked me to follow up directly to you with any suggestions that I may have so I sat down came up with a few. 1.Drivers and snow removal personnel should be on the streets like a watchman manning his post when we know a major storm is on the way. Waiting until it has started to fall and calling them out (If this is how it is done), is not the best way to handle it. 2.The major streets (MAIN THROUGH WAYS) should be giving plenty of attention 1st. Especially those streets where the trucks & buss es need access.Those with hills or steep inclines, use heavy salt, where schools, hospitals, fire stations are as well. 3.I've noticed trucks riding around with their plows up while snow is coming down, the streets are covered and things are getting worse. I believe this is probably due to strict guidelines or directives from supervision & policy. If this is the case, it shouldn't matter what route that truck is assigned to or the fact that he may be out of salt/sand and is headed to go and get more. If they can't drop salt, they can at least open up the lane that they are driving in making traffic flow behind them a whole lot smoother. 4.When plowing the side streets, drivers should be instructed to OPEN THE ENTIRE STREET UP. Regardless of how many passes on BOTH sides they have to make. If it's a one way or two street, that's not important. What that means is curb to curb. Parking spaces if empty also apply. When you open up the curbs that gives the water runoff some place to go. Mainly the drains & sewers. If the lanes/curbs are not open, the snow that remains turns to ice, residents have headaches attempting to park on streets, and way too many injuries occur due to frozen snow & icy conditions. S.If the trucks/plows/spreaders are like any of the ones that I'm familiar with, the driver should be able to open up his gate a little bit more during heavy snow, increase the speed of his auger (faster pace), and turn up the spinner so that the salt or sand covers more of an area behind and around the truck. Rather than just dropping it directly behind the vehicle. 6.I also see no reason why our very own lots where the trucks are stored, and employee parking shouldn't be cleaned. up after or even during a storm. Same thing applies, while going to get more ammo, 1 /3/2~OR Page 2 of 2 drop the plow while driving through the lots, a little salt here and there wouldn't hurt.If the road is bumpy or has major dips where the driver doesn't feel safe using the plow, he or she can still spread substance. If every truck that came in and our of the lot was instructed to do just that, no one individual would have to be assigned. We must take care of our own. Please forgive me if I sound a little harsh, that is not my intention. Neither sounding like a know it all, which I am not. I'm just saying that after having been employed and working in city government, in the field, and with the public before I was hired on here has equipped me in this arena. I believe all city employees should not just perform their jobs and do just enough to get by, but to treat our jobs and the people we serve with respect & honor, and that is why I am so concerned with what I see. I just believe that we can make some changes that would better serve our people. Thank you again for your time, and I look forward to an opportunity to meet you someday. Sincerely Jacob Butler ~--, --'.Pastor Jacob Butler ~ i~i~nnR Page 1 of 2 Marian Karr From: Dale Helling Sent: Thursday, December 27, 2007 12:10 PM To: 'Jacob Butler' Cc: Council Subject: RE: Snow removal Dear Jacob, Thank you for your recent email to the City Council regarding snow removal. Council members do not receive their emails direct. Your message will be forwarded to Council and received as official correspondence as part of the consent agenda for an upcoming Council meeting. All the City divisions involved with snow removal periodically review and evaluate their policies and practices and input from the public is an important part of the process. I welcome, and I continue to receive, public input regarding how we might improve on our efforts. If you would like to email to me any suggestions you may have in that regard I would appreciate it. However, I would recommend that any suggestions you have that relate directly to Transit operations be channeled through the Transit Manager. Thanks for your interest and concern. Sincerely, Dale Helling Interim City Manager From: Jacob Butler [mailto:jacobbutler3@yahoo.com] Sent: Monday, December 24, 2007 12:58 PM To: Council Subject: Snow removal Dear sirs & madams;. My name is Jacob Butler and I am a city employee in the Dept. of Transit Let me begin by saying that I am grateful to be employed by the City and it is a pleasure to work with & for some of the most beautiful people that are in Iowa City and anywhere else as far as that is concerned! This is not my first stint in city government. I was employed with .the City of Chicago in the Dept of Streets & Sanitation for the previous twelve years before relocating to Iowa. Part of my job as a driver included being on the snow removal team for the the last ten years and being one of the top guns or heavy hitters as we would call those who were on 1st call on working at times 60-80 hours a week just on snow. What I'm trying to say is that I have plenty experience and knowledge in this area and could offer my input to those who are in authority and in charge of snow removal in Iowa City. I've talked to people and heard of the policies that are in place here and that concerns me. Being a transit driver and being out there in snow storms I've seen the response and how we as a City go about it. It needs to be looked at and hopefully revised to improve and begin to insure the safety of the fine residents of this great town.I realize that this is not Chicago or any other large municipal town, but when it comes to the safety & protection of human life, economics should not play a part in how we as a city including our officials, respond to snow, ice, or any other emergency. That's what we treated snow & ice as while I was employed at Streets & San. an emergency. The main streets & thorough ways we tackled as if life Page 2 of 2 depended on it, because it did. Streets that led to hospitals, schools, police stations, bus stops & terminals, fire stations, all bridges overpasses etc. (because they freeze first). With all of the hills, inclines that we have here, those should be the very first things worked on by crews. Especially those downtown where we have bus routes (Jefferson, Clinton) for example.From my experience, having to call the police dept. who then makes a call to streets, is not in my opinion, the best way to handle road conditions when snow or ice has been predicted and is falling. There ought to be supervisor, formerly a driver with snow removal experience who has been there, done that, out on the streets monitoring conditions in the field, and having communication with the necessary personnel who would get out there and tackle the problems. Having a system in place where safety & smooth travel is the concern and not economics is the way that we should go and I would hope that you would take heed to my concerns. I would love to hear back from you. This is just a small tidbit of the info that I have and I would gladly share more if you would just give me a couple of minutes of your time. May God continue to keep you and bless you is always my prayer. Thanks you in advance... ~~ .You can reach me at Transit or on my personal mobile (319)481-7978 ~~Pastor Jacob Butler Marian Karr From: Gardinier, Minnetta [m-gardinier@uiowa.edu] Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2008 11:49 PM To; Regenia Bailey Cc: Council Subject: Snow removal Attachments: City of Iowa City snow removal.pdf L-_J City of Iowa City snow removal... Dear Mayor Bailey, I have attached a letter concerning the matter of snow removal. I hope that you and the City Council will give it some thought and consideration. Sincerely, Minnetta V. Gardinier 1527 Muscatine Avenue Iowa City, IA 52240 1 Minnetta V. Gardinier 1527 Muscatine Avenue Iowa City, IA 52240 Regenia Bailey, Mayor City of Iowa City 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 Saturday 5 January 2008 Dear Mayor Bailey, I am writing this letter to voice my anger and frustration with the City on the matter of snow removal. I have lived in Iowa City since summer 1998, and overall, I think that it is a gem of a place to live. However, its policies and actions on snow removal have considerable room for improvement. For the first time since moving here, I received a citation for a failure to clear my sidewalks over the holiday period when I was out of town. Now, I am not complaining about that citation per se; however, I am complaining about the time frame under which I received this citation and the "window of opportunity" (or lack thereof) provided to resolve the problem. I was visiting family in Syracuse NY from Dec 21-30. Upon my return on the evening of Dec 30 (after shoveling my car out of its parking space at the Eastern Iowa Airport), I had to clear my driveway to get my car in my garage. On Mon Dec 31, I used my snowblower again to clear my driveway along with the sidewalks around my house (Muscatine, Dearborn). In addition, I ran my snowblower down the sidewalks of each or my neighbor's homes. On Thu Jan 3, I received the citation for failure to clear my sidewalk, and the citation indicated that I had until Jan 3 to clear my sidewalk. On Jan 3, I went directly from work to my caucus site, and didn't even get home to get my mail until about 10pm. It is wholly unfair and unrealistic to set the due date without accounting for the time it takes for the citizen to receive the mail informing him/her of the citation and then giving time to remediate the situation. On Friday morning Jan 4, as I looked up and down Muscatine Ave and Dearborn St, with only a couple of exceptions, the sidewalks of my neighbors were cleared down to hardpack snow. So presumably, virtually the entire neighborhood (city?) must have been blanketed with citations for this infraction, if these citations were delivered equitably. I also noted that Dearborn Street itself still remained a thick snowpack. In general, it takes a day or two for a plow to even make a pass down this street. Coming from upstate NY, I still find this hard to believe -plows there have all streets, primary and secondary, cleared within hours. For me, the city should hold itself equally responsible for clearing its streets in a manner that it seems to also hold its citizens to for their sidewalks. On Saturday Jan 5, I chopped the ice/snowpack and shoveled it from my sidewalks. On Dearborn, the usual 5-7 foot grassy curb separates the sidewalk from the street. On Muscatine, only about 12-18 inches separates the sidewalk from the street. So the residents with sidewalks here are not simply shoveling snow, they are being required to shovel much of snow, sand, and salt mix deposited by the city's snowplows. Everybody complains about snowplows blocking in the ends of their driveways. That is minimal compared to shoveling 80-100+ feet of sidewalk that has had so much snow and muck plowed on to it by the City. Probably 90% of the sidewalk coverage on Muscatine in this area is really street removal crud that can't even be run through my snowblower. One shovelful of this stuff weighs about 10x more than the "clean" snow found on the Dearborn sidewalk and my walkway leading to the front steps of my house. This extra weight is due to snow/sand/salt mix that melts and packs the snow even harder. Shoveling snow is strenuous work, but shoveling this stuff is exceedingly demanding and not something that the City should expect these residents to do. Letter to City of Iowa City -Snow removal Page 2 of 2 In this particular area of the city due to the absence of any substantive buffer zone between Muscatine and the sidewalks, it seems wholly unfair to expect the homeowners to shovel off all of this crud deposited on our sidewalks by the city plows. Now I'm relatively sure that the city will simply quote the city ordinance that blindly states that homeowners have responsibility for clearing all sidewalks. But I ask you, do you feel it is fair and appropriate that these residents should continue to be required to shovel up the mess from the snowplows? I would propose that in situations such as this one, the City should clear these sidewalks. Again, I don't have a problem clearing walkways of bona fide snowfall, but it is a gross abuse to effectively require citizens to shovel up what is mostly dumped by city plows. In general, laws are made to benefit the society served. Over time, laws are reviewed and modified when problems are brought to light. I respectfully ask you and the City Council to give this matter careful thought and fair consideration. It is one that affects not only me, but also several other residents in this area. Sincerely, Minnetta V. Gardinier Cc: Mike O'Donnell, Mayor Pro Tem Connie Champion Amy Correia Matt Hayek Ross Wilburn Mike Wright 01-'15-0 S 5 14 ,~o~nson ,: ~ BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Rod Sullivan, Chairperson Pat Harney Larry Meyers Terrence Neuzil Sally Stutsman January 3, 2008 Mayor Regenia Bailey 410 East Washingtron Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Mayor Bailey: During the January 2, 2008, formal meeting of the Board of Supervisors, liaisons to cities were discussed for the upcoming year. Terrence Neuzil and Pat Harney were appointed to be the liaisons for your city. We would appreciate it if you would send meeting agendas and minutes to the Board of Supervisors Office. Please let us knOW if the Board of Supervisors can ever be of any assistance - we look forward to working with you. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, ~~~ Rod Sullivan Chairperson RS/jh O ~~ - J _ _ _ ~~ ` ~~ ~ ' v ' 913 SOUTH DUBUQUE STREET, SUITE 201 • IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240-4207 • PHONE: (319) 356-6000 • FAX: (319) 356-6036 5 15 Marian Karr From: RussUPS@aol.com Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2008 4:03 PM To: Council Subject: (no subject) I saw in the Gazette today and the article on the tax increase. Wow, am I baffled. Evidently Johnson County must be one of the few counties in the state that still has a booming housing market and isn't flooded with an over abundance of houses on the open market. It seems to differ with the national news and looking at our area real estate adds. There is a glut of homes on the market in this town and housing prices nation wide have been dropping like a lead balloon over the past months. I know this because I sold my house last March and it was tight then and didn't seem to get any better through out the year. Instead of tightening our belts in other ways it seems to Mr. Helling and the city officials relish the thought of the increased assessments. The state seems to do their part with the rollback but at the city and county level we continue to hand out wonderful raises and spend money like the present Bush administration. Where is the fiscal responsibility of Johnson County and the City. This isn't a very large community when you look at all of the property the U of I has that isn't subject to tax. This town is also highly populated by retirees on FIXED INCOMES that some of you obviously don't realize. There is NO way a home has increased by 7.5% this last year. Russell Haught Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape in the new year. 1/8/2008 ~~ January 10, 2008 To: Dale Helling, City Manager and Members of the Iowa City Council Re: Snow Removal in Downtown Iowa City Partnering for a better tomorrow • Downtown Association of Iowa City Many of us who work in Downtown Iowa Ciry are shocked to know that our downtown area is not a priority to the City when it comes to snow removal. We find this absolutely astonishing when you consider the number of people who work and shop here, including city employees. This is the largest retail and commercial area in Iowa City. This is the heart and soul of our community. Yet we are not a priority when it comes to snow removal. This December epitomized the frustration that many businesses felt about the lack of concern for the economic well being of our downtown. During the last few days of holiday shopping, it was nearly impossible to navigate through the streets and intersections. On-street parking was inaccessible due to the amount of snow that had not been cleared. On Sunday December 23, Iowa City received about 6-8 inches of snow over night. It was at least 24 hours before efforts were made to clear the downtown area. For many merchants it was too little too late! By this time many potential customers had given up shopping because of their difficulty maneuvering the streets and parking. And this being the last shopping opportunity before Christmas! Another important issue that needs to be addressed regards the Americans with Disabilities Act. For those who are handicapped, it has been impossible to navigate downtown. The intersections and street crossings were impassible and remain impassible. There is also the delivery truck issue. Anyone who makes a living delivering packages, alcohol or food stuff to restaurants faces a dilemma. It is nearly impossible for them to get to their destination because of the snow that is blocking the loading zones and sidewalks. If our downtown is going to survive and prosper, then we need a commitment from the city that they will keep the streets, loading zones and on-street parking areas clear of snow and ice and will do so in an expeditious manner. We welcome any opportunity to work with the city manager, city council and the streets department to rectify this problem. Craig Gustaveson President, Downtown Association of Iowa City 325 E. Washington Street • Suite 100 • Iowa Ciry, IA • 52240. 354-0863 • dtaiowaciry@gmail.com January, 2008 Signatures in support of letter to Dale Helling, City Manager and City Council Members. January 10, 2008 Subject: Snow Removal in Downtown Iowa City ~~ ~~ _~ ~ ~ _~ U ?~ ` ,J i ~ ~~~ xE~IVxN To: Partnering for a better tomorrow • Downtown Association of Iowa City ~e~s ~1P~s S~C~, ., s /' i Email or Phone ~~~:~ ? ..7.3 ~~ ~_~~ ~~~' ~/~ ~~~~~ ~sl-/ ~~ ~~l -17OU 3~r-~~~y 3~%~~~~o 3% jl - ~ -7 X31; ~~/ -/~~'~~ ~~ 3~~53~ 325 E. Washington Street • Suite 100 • Iowa City, IA • 52240.354-0863 • dtaiowacity@gmail.com N BUSINESS ,- January, 2008 Signatures are in support of letter to Dale Helling, City Manager, and City Council Members. January 10, 2008 Partnering for a better tomorrow Downtown Association of Iowa City Subject: Snow Removal in Downtown Iowa City RETURN TO: NAME .~-~ --~ fit/ s a. ~.~' G ~~ " ~~ 1 ~-~c;.~, ~.,; i. ~, BUSINESS/PRIVATE CTITZEN ~L ~~ 7iC~v ~ n p ~--Z ~~ ~~ ~~ ~l/ ~C Email or Phone (Optional) ~; ~ aj 3.~ ~ 3 v-7 `'t 'P I c. }?u~ i Y~eSS ~ , ~ ~:~ a~~~'r ..ev r ~ ., ~ ~ s~s~.~~~.a~~~~ ,~ ~ Iq _ 3~ /-- ~~~~s ~-`~ 3, ~ 3So~ 3~`'iT`-~~(- 1l`~a. ~~~ _~~~g a-a~U- ~~ ~~ cz~ 3`4.~3~,y33~. .319~34~.~~~ ~I Z-Z~v-Zt~~3 31 ~ -33 ~~Z1~~ ~ ~~~ _- ~;~ s'(~ ~ 325 E. Washington Sheet • Suite 100 • Towa City, IA • 52240. 354-0863 • dtaiowacity@gmail.com ~ ~/J January, 2008 Signatures are in support of letter to Dale Helling, City Manager, and City Council Members. January 10, 2008 Subject: Snow Removal in Downtown Iowa City t., ~ e~ r~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ,~ ~L ' ~ ,~ , G~~ ~~ ~~~ ,^ ;:: r RETURN TO: Partnering for a better tomorrow • Downtown Association of Iowa City BUSINESS/PRIVATE CITIZEN F.,mail or Phone (Optional) _ _~ t ~t~CSTi N~ c,t ~ Kt: s ~~~~ i ~. ~ ~ r~~ ~a~q e ~ .~~ ©~~ ~ ~~~~~ ~~n~~~V~~~c o w ~- ~ ~ vi ycc,~ ~~. ~GT~~~ ~~~v ~S ~~ ~. ~ 325 E. Washington Street • Suite 100 • Iowa Ciry, IA • 52240 • 354-0863 • dtaiowaciry@gmaiLcom January, 2008 Signatures in support of letter to Dale Helling, City Manager and City Council Members. January 10, 2008 Subject: Snow Removal in Downtown Iowa City _'~ 7 .~~ mac` ~~ --~~~ 6~--I~- RETURN TO: Partnering for a better tomorrow Downtown Association of Iowa City BUS ESS / ~ i Z /-i?2~ . ~` r~ ~~~~~ ~ ~ C ~~. ~~~i~ ~ ~~ E2mail or Phone ~J~~ ~'~f~~Z 33 ~-~~`~ ~ ~"8 - i z ~ z ~q~- 3~~3 ''f'1nt~~ ~..~: r ~'T~ l~ lam ~ - (~ 1 ~ ~~ ~ ~ Q~~l~ 3~a 32i - $t5 ~~. ~y~~~r~~ ~~e1~ ~~'~~3~~ 0~ ;~~i ~~ S1S~- 3 ~ ~-~~~~ Y~v Sr~v~S S z~' ~ ~,),~s~A,P~,o BA,/Ir :t~-+SS3 SS b'3ly/ ~7-?~(do 325 E. Washington Street • Suite 100 • Iowa City, IA • 52240. 354-0863 • dtaiowacity@gmail.com ~f~.l N~- ° M Dti'.~~ ~nlU~`1 r4 ~1~~~,~~1 ~~nl ~~~~ s~~~~~~ January, 2008 Signatures in support of letter to Dale Helling, City Manager and City Council Members. January 10, 2008 Subject: Snow Removal in Downtown Iowa City ,,- !`~~ .. _~~:~c ,. xETtrxN To: Partnering for a better tomorrow • Downtown Association of Iowa City BUSIN S Email or Phone ~~,~G~~ V ~~-S.~Ct, t~l CL O 2~J1 5 (' 1, v~-E-r~ ~n ~~1~~ c /t ~~ X11 7~-~ ~/G1il/~~S ~~ ,S S~~ ~~ ~-- ~~ l / ~{ ~~ 325 E. Washington Street • Suite 100 • Iowa City, IA • 52240.354-0863 • dtaiowacity@gtnail.com RETURN TO: January, 2008 Signatures are in support of letter to Dale Helling, City Manager, and City Council Members. January 10, 2008 Subject: Snow Removal in Downtown Iowa City NAME Partnering for a better tomorrow Downtown Association of Iowa City BUSINESS/PRIVATE CITIZEN -q_~/ .~~~G~ ~~~ ntl4~~f2.~ ~~ 5 ~C~ti~1: , l~P~~ ~ ~E~A+~ ~„z.r7~.v~ a, 1 -~'~' ~--i -ZC.-2~ ~Prcti i t ~ e ~- i ~ (.i~ ~, Email or Phone (Optional) (a3i - 532 35~c - ~ ~ ~a 3"3 "7 - 2 ~e `d l 325 E. Washington Street • Suite 100 • Iowa City, IA • 52240.354-0863 • dtaiowacity@gma.il.com January, 2008 Signatures in support of letter to Dale Helling, City Manager and City Council Members. January 10, 2008 Subject: Snow Removal in Downtown Iowa City S~S CL, ~1G C ~ f/er~~, ~ ~ Sao `~i .~~c~N~~ 3~ - ~/2/ Z ~ ~ ~s ~~ s ylS~~ ~~~~~~~ RETURN TO: Partnering for a better tomorrow Downtown Association of Iowa City BUSINESS Email or Phone -~~~~,~~ ~ ~~ G~~~ 3~ ~- ~ u~ ~ 325 E. Washington Street • Suite 100 • Iowa City, IA • 52240.354-0863 • dtaiowacity@gmail.com I i ~ ~ (i ~ ~ ~°~ FREE TAX HELP FREE TAX HELP Don't pay a fee to get your refund. The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program provides trained volunteers that will help you file your taxes. This service is available for free to people who earned less than $40,000 in 2007. E-filing is available, and translation is available at some sites. "You Earned It. Now Claim It!" The Earned Income Credit is a program for working people, and provides a cash refund if you are eligible. The government could owe you money even if you don't owe any taxes! Families with child care expenses may be eligible for a child care credit. Locations and Dates: University of Iowa Tippie College of Business VITA Program No appointment necessary Westside Eastside Central Nora Liberty Cor~tlvlile Gerttraf Southeast bra City Iowa Chat Iowa C#y Iowa Ci#at bwa.City Pheasant Ridge Lucas Iowa City Penn Elementary Northwest Iowa City Grant Wood Center Elementary Public Library 230 N. Dubuque St. Junior High Public Library Elementary 2651 Roberts Rtl. 830 Southlawn Dr. 123 S. Linn St. Mondays 1507 8th St. 123 S. 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Las familias que tienen gastos de cuidado de Winos ("child care') pueden recibir un credito por sus gastos del cuidado de Winos. Lugares y Fechas Programs VITA de la Facultad de Negocios de la Universidad de Iowa No necesita hacer una tits Westside Eastside Cen#ral North Lll~rty Coralville Central Sou#heast Iowa City Iowa City Iowa City - Iowa.City Iowa City Pheasant Ridge Lucas Iowa City Penn Northwest Iowa City Public Grant Wood Center Elementary Public Library Elementary Junior High Library Elementary 2651 Roberts Rd. 830 Southlawn Dr. 123 S. Linn St. 230 N. 1507 8th St. 123 S. Linn St. 1930 Lakeside Dr. Domingo Domingo Domingo Dubuque St. Lunes Miercoles Sabado 1-4pm 1-4pm 1-4pm Lunes g_gpm 5:45-8:45pm 2-5 pm 6-9pm Febrero 10 Febrero 3 Febrero 24 Febrero 4 Marzo 10 Febrero 27 Marzo 1 Febrero 17 Febrero 10 Marzo 2 Febrero 11 Marzo 24 Marzo 5 Marzo 8 Marzo 9 Febrero 17 Marzo 9 Febrero 18 Marzo 31 Marzo 12 Marzo 29 Marzo 30 Febrero 24 Marzo 30 Febrero 25 Abril 7 Marzo 26 Abril 5 Abril 6 Abril 6 Marzo 3 Abril 14 Abril 2 Abril 12 Abril 13 Abril 9 *Tenemos traductores *Tenemos traductores *Tenemos traductores *Tenemos traductores *Tenemos traductores *Tenemos traductores de espanol de espanol de espanol de espanol de espanol de espanol Estos lugares estaran cerrados desde el Sabado 15 de Marzo hasta el Domingo 23 de Marzo por vacaciones de primavera EI Programs "VITA" de la Asociacion Americana de Personas Retiradas 'HARP" Solo con tits. Este servicio esta disponible pars las personas mayores y otros residentes con pocos o moderados ingresos. Puede Ilamar a partir del Martes 15 de Enero pars hacer su tits al 356-5220 Citas disponibles los Martes y Jueves: 8:30am - 4:OOpm De15 de Febrero al 15 de Abril Segunda Piso en Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center 28 S. Linn Street, Iowa City, IA Lo que necesita traer consign: • Prueba de identidad (una identification con foto) • Tarjetas del ITIN o Seguro Social (o camas de verification del Numero de Seguro Social, otorgado por la Administration del Seguro Social) de usted, de su conyugue y de sus dependientes. • Declaration de su salarios y ganancias de todos sus empleadores y declaraciones de intereses y beneficios de su banco(Las planillas W-2, W-2G, 1099, 1099-R). • Copia de re-embolsos Federates y Estatales recibidos el ano anterior • Cualquier otra information importante acerca de sus ingresos y gastos: cantidad total pagada en Cuidado de Ninos (Guarderias); numero de identification de su proveedor del cuidado de Winos. • Numero de ruts de su Banco y su Numero de Cuenta si desea que su re-embolso sea depositado en su cuenta de banco. • Para una declaration de Impuestos Conjunta hecha electronicamente, ambos esposos deben de estar presente y firmar las formas requeridas. Para mss information favor de Ilamar al: 2-1-1 or 1-866-469-2211 (esta es una Ilamada gratuita) Lo Ayudamos con su reclamacion de impuetos Gratuitamente