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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-11-05 CorrespondenceMarian Karr From: Lisa Mollenhauer Sent: Monday, October 28, 2002 11:06 AM To: 'Lorena Hillis' Cc: *City Council Subject: RE: Alcohol Promotion Ordinance Ms. Hillis: The ordinance is available on our web site at http://www, icgov.org/alcoholsales.htm Thank you for sending your comments to the City Council. A copy of your email will be distributed to all seven Council Members on their next printed Formal Agenda Consent Calendar. All correspondence addressed to Council becomes a permanent public record. If you wish to communicate with Council Members immediately, please click here for additional contact options http://www, icgov.org/citycou ncil.htm. Lisa Lisa Mollenhauer Administrative Assistant to the City Manager (319) 356-5010 ..... Original Message From: Lorena Hillis [mailto:HillisL@ho.missoula.mt. us] Sent: Monday, October 28, 2002 10:59 AM To: 'cou ncil@iowa-city.org' Subject: Alcohol Promotion Ordinance I recently learned of the city's attempt to pass an ordinance to eliminate "Ali-You-Can-Drink" alcohol promotions. The latest info I had was prior to the city council vote. How might I find out if this ordinance was passed, and where might I find a copy of it? Thank you. Lorena Hillis Community Health Specialist Missoula City-County Health Dept. Missoula, Montana HillisL~ho.missoula.mt.us Marian Karr From: Rollins, Paul [prollins@groundround.com] Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2002 11:00 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: No smoking policy To Whom It May Concern: I am writing on behalf of the Iowa City Ground Round in regards to the no smoking policy implemented on March 1, 2002. We have seen a 20% decline in sales since this policy has been implemented, while the Coralville restaurants continue to prosper from this policy. I know we are not the only Iowa City establishment that is suffering from this. What disturbs me the most about this policy is that new restaurants in Iowa City can offer smoking for up to one year. This policy effects the current Iowa City restaurants even more than the smoking ban itself. It puts businesses like ours, that have been doing business in this community for twenty years, on an uneven playing field. I would like you to reconsider the policy of new restaurants in the Iowa City area being able to offer smoking. I understand that this is re-evaluated after one year to determine their liquor/food mix. My suggestion would be no smoking the first year, then re-evaluate their mix and determine if they should be able to allow smoking. I think this would make the playing field more level and give an opportunity for current establishments to compete with the new restaurants. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. Sincerely, Paul Rollins Regional Director American Hospitality Concepts, Inc. Cell: 563.590.8515 Fax: 563.875.8055 Marian Karr From: Mal4242 [ma14242@mchsi.com] Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2002 4:38 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: FW: Cable Regulation ..... Original Message ..... From: Ma14242 [mailto:ma14242@mchsi.com] Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2002 4:25 PM To: tom harkin@harkin.senate.gov; jill.rohret@mail.house.gov; Rose.Ma~y. Pratt@igov.state.ia.us; customerservice@mediacomcc.com Subject: Cable Regulation Dear Sir or Miss, We really need to enact legislation regulating the cable industry. Cable rates here in Iowa City have doubled in the last three years. Basic Cable used to be 19.95 through ATT. This included Comedy Central and The Cartoon Network, two of our favorite channels. After the takeover by Medicom, this service is now 41 dollars a month. Our cable modem used to be 35.99 a month through ATT, it is now 55 dollars a month. We do not understand how companies can come in and buy out the service, retain a complete monopoly by not allowing any competition, and continue to raise rates for less service. The basic cable we do get for 16 dollars a month (3 dollars less than what we used to pay for 60 channels) included channels 2-21, several of theses channels are home shopping channels, and several are news. 5 Our govermnet channels. For 16 dollars a month, we should get more than network television. We need to enact legislation to either allow competition, lower rates, or increase coverage in the basic packages. It is time to say 'No' to the profiteering gluttons who control our access to media through the coaxial cable. Thank you. -Nicholas Parker 647 Emerald St %13 Iowa City IA Marian Karr From: Lisa Mollenhauer Sent: Monday, October 28, 2002 11:50 AM To: *City Councit Subiec~t: FW: Scoff Blvd. From: Jeff Davidson Sent: Monday, October 28, 2002 11:50 AM To: 'vkyoder@aol.com' Cc: Lisa Mollenhauer; Beth PfohJ Subject: FW: Scott Blvd. Hello Vicki Yoder. Your message below was forwarded to me for reply. You can rest assured that we will keep an eye on the RochestedScott intersection after Scoff BIvd opens. It is very possible that an all-way stop will be warranted here at some point in the near future. We will need to measure actual traffic conditions in order to make that assessment. All-way stops which are not warranted just trade one type of safety issue for another-- they become "roll-through" stops where vehicles do not actually stop, creating a new type of hazard for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vehicles. A traffic signal is not likely for several years, but will eventually be warranted. We will also be making some pavement modifications to the south intersection approach so that the truck turning is easier. I am not sure if that will occur any more this year or next year. Let me know if you have any questions. Jeff Davidson, Traffic Engineering Planning. ..... Original Message ..... From: Vkyoder@aol.com To: council@iowa-city.org Sent: 10/26/02 9:26 AM,, Subject: Scott Blvd. To the Council ..... I live close to Scott Blvd. & Rochester and have witnessed the traffic there around rush hour every weekday-to the point that I go a different route to get home. I was hoping for signal lights or at the very least a 4-way stop at that corner once Captain Irish opened up. All I see now are two stop signs on the North and South sides. Can you tell me if a 4-way stop is in the plans? If you are headed north on Scott and want to make a left-turn at Rochester, you have to pull up close to Rochester to see what is coming from your right. If you have to wait for a couple of cars and then (God-forbid) a semi, you haven't given the semi much space to make his turn. And if someone has pulled up behind you, backing up isn't an option and you look helplessly at the truck driver and mouthed the words, "I'm sorry." I also sat there long enough because there were two semis turning south and I couldn't see if a car was speeding along on the outside lane going straight down Rochester. So, I waited, and the young driver behind me laid on his horn obviously upset with my decision to wait. It is not too far our of my way, to go home another route, but I am concerned about the safety of the corner if only two stop signs are planned and felt the need to voice my opinion. If the speed limit is to remain 35 mph for both roads (and we know.tb.ey go 40), an accident at ~ne ~mersect~on coula easily result in the oss or ire. Thanks for this website that allows me to easily voice my concer....(and isn't it great to live in a country where intimidation to voice your concern is nonexistent!!!) Vicki Yoder 79 Heron Circle lC October 28, 2002 Iowa City City Council 410 E. Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear City Council: I wanted to alert you to some good news regarding the Mayor's Youth Employment Program (MYEP). Our Fiscal Year ended September 30, and I am proud to report that MYEP finished the year with a positive fund balance. More importantly, MYEP managed to bring over $160,000 in grants and federal money into the local economy. This does not include funding from local sources or local people. MYEP brought in $160,000 from outside sources. This money supported vital programs for area youth, and paid living wages to sevemt FTEs. We know that Iowa City is always promoting economic development. We are pleased to be doing our part. The Board and staff at MYEP are proud to have had this positive impact on the local economy. We felt that we should share our good news! Please feel free to give us a call at 341-0060 if you would ever like to learn more about MYEP. Sincerely, Rod Sullivan Director of Services Mayor's Youth Employment Program Cc: Linda Severson, JCCOG Proposal to restrict kind of coffee we drink is well - STUPIDI' '~ Wdtten by Mike Thayer ~.,!1 ::i , , Talk about big brother! Did you know that two Young kids have proposed an ordinance to restrict what kind of coffee you can drink? Yes folks that's right. Making a claim that some coffee sold in Iowa City is harmful to your health (like coffee is good for you?), Oliver Belcher, 23, and David Bumett, 25, have submitted a proposal that in short is pretty much a waste of taxpayer time and money, not to mention would be a government infringement on business operations. Making outlandish statements claiming that some of the current selection of coffees in Iowa City have adverse effects on the environment (what - does the steam from hot coffee contribute to green house gases?), these two guys state in their filing that some area coffee is, "injurious to the health, safety, comfort, convenience, welfare and happiness of the residents of the city of Iowa City. I can't even call this proposed ordinance well intended, these two guys have just got to be kidding! While I agree that spilling some hot coffee in your lap would be hazardous to your health, I also happen to think that the wonderful variety of coffees offered by hard working vendors and businesses in the area are pretty darn tasty, convenient to get, comforts my palette and makes an overwhelming number of folks quite happy! Personally, I like a little hazelnut flavodng and a tad of sugar. Here's what one of the authors of the proposed ordinance had to say according to an article run by the Iowa City Press-Citizen on October 25 - Proposal restricts coffee type~.. '"By restricting coffee, we are deciding to create a community standard," said Belcher, a junior at the University of Iowa from Raleigh, N.C.~ Let me get this straight. You boys actually want the government to tell me what kind of coffee I can or cannot drink? And gee, as if the government doesn't have more pressing matters. Here's what these guys want to force businesses to do and what they want you to drink: The proposed ordinance states that all brewed coffee sold in town must be brewed from coffee beans that are organic, fair-trade, shade-grown or a combination. Violators would be fined between $250 and $1,000 or be jailed up to three days. I can see the headlines now: Contraband coffee bust or, Coffee police arrest two - confiscate 100 pounds of Folgers. Or how about, Black market coffee scandal hits donut shop. Can we get serious here guys? If you don't like the coffee sold in stores, DON'T BUY IT. What's next? Are you going to tell me the sugar I put in my coffee has to be organically grown? Are you going to tell me the hazelnut flavoring I like is against the law?. These two coffee zealots have started a campaign called 'Brewing Grounds for Change.' I'm still hoping this is all a farce, but just in case irs not - well outlaw decaf if you want, but leave my regular coffee alone! YOU TWO NEED TO GET REAL. For more insight on this issue, go to www.mikethayer, com Marian Karr From: americanism Iamericanism@msn.com] Sent: Saturday, October 26, 2002 5:24 PM To: co u nciJ@iowa-city.org Subject: Coffee Bean Ban Dear Council, Coffee Bean Ban Initiative is the offspring of the radical environmental movement. The REM is a tool of the International Communists and is being used to eliminate private- property rights. The REM has gained many adherents due to the effectiveness of Communist propaganda in school textbooks and in the movies. The Endangered Species Act, Global Warming and Sustainable Development are all examples of how the REMs are eroding private-property rights. A news article described the proposed ordinance: T~e proposed ordinance states that ail brewed coffee sold in town must be brewed from coffee beans that are organic, fair-trade, shade-grown or a combination If you visit the Fair-Trade website http;//www.fairtrade.org.uk/you will notice that their logo is derived from the Yin-Yang symbol. A common trait among the REMs and other Communists is belief in Eastern religions and Earth worship. Gorbachev and Mitterand are good examples of this. A similar ordinance has or is being attempted in Colorado or California by REMs. May I suggest that you visit http://www.thenewamerican.com/focus/environment/and http:l/www,tbenewamer!can,comlfocuslpropertylindex.htm and www.jbs,org to delve more deeply into the International Communist Conspiracy. This way you will be better equipped to fight it locally then globally. A Communist catch-phrase is "Think Globally...Act Locally", I enjoy turning the tables on them. For Liberty, David Pfau Member of the American Legion 121 Harbor Rd. Madison,MS 39110-8127 americanism@msn.com 10/28/02 City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: October 23, 2002 To: City Clerk From: Beth Pfohl, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner"'~~' Re: Item for November, 2002 City Council Meeting: Installation of two NO PARKING LOADING ZONE 15 MIN LIMIT BETVVEEN SIGNS on the north side of Ernest Street As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of the following action. Action: Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A(18), signage indicating NO PARKING LOADING ZONE 15 MIN LIMIT BETVVEEN SIGNS will be installed on the north side of Ernest Street. Comment: This action is being taken at the request of the Alexis Park Inn. City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: October 23, 2002 To: City Clerk From: Beth Pfohl, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planne~ Re: Item for November 6, 2002 City Council meeting: Installation of a STOP sign at the parking lot driveway for Hickory Hill Park where it intersects with First Avenue As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of the following action. Action: Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A(5), a STOP sign will be installed at the parking lot driveway for Hickory Hill Park where it intersects First Avenue. Comment: This action is being taken as a result of the First Avenue extension to Scott Boulevard. The opening of First Avenue is anticipated in November, and the sign will be installed at that time. rngr/agd/bp-hickory,doc November 5, 2002 To Whom It May Concern: My name is Wanda Daniel and this is my husband Phillip Daniel. We reside at 2519 Clearwater Courts, Iowa City, Iowa. We both arrived in Iowa around or about 12 years ago. He's from Burlington, Iowa and I'm from Washington, Iowa. Who would have known we'd find love here in Iowa City. We have 4 children-- 3 here and 1 in Burlington, Iowa. The reason I moved form Chicago, Illinois to Iowa was to give my children a chance to live in a safe, comfortable, and healthy, environment. August was supposed to be one of the most important months and or time of our life. August 3rd, 2002, we wed. August 13th is my birthday. Then came August 23rd, the day of the flood, which ruined our honeymoon, many household items and our entire basement. Now we realize that this occurrence, the flood, was unexpected. I use the word unexpected very lightly, because we've always complained about water every time there's a hard rain. The water would fill up in the hole in the basement where the window is and also the drain. Also, water would seep in along the wails or perimeter of the basement causing mildew which had risen up along the walls at least 3 to 4 feet off the ground. This has been a major concern involving our housing situation and the way my family and I have been treated through out this whole ordeal. We have been patient. We have been respectful. We have tried several times to communicate with our landlord, which is Saratoga Spring, Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship. We have verbally expressed concerns and damages. Their response was, "Wanda, thank you for being patient but the other apartment had worse flood damage therefore their apartment is a priority." Five families were displaced including mine. We'd like to thank the Red Cross for being the only organization that provided help, food, shelter, etc.., for the weekend. During those days clean up had not started. Mud was everywhere. Mildew was concentrated, spores, bacteria--it was a disaster. In our opinion the flood could have been prevented if the builder had constructed a water barrier. So therefore we have poor construction, poor drainage, and poor listening skills. As a result we have several items destroyed, damaged such as albums, winter clothing, furniture, chairs, shelves, a whole drum set, rugs, a toilet not in use, a shower not in use, we have no window at all, no dry,vail, small uninvited critters. Weeks have gone by with no courtesy call from the landlord, no inspector, no worker, no landlord visits. No nothing. Now we're getting angry and disappointed! This is really affecting our family mentally, emotionally, and physically. Meanwhile our children are asking questions and we have to try to go about our daily routines. We have had to use Clorox bleach daily to sanitize, to cut down on mildew. Weeks go by. We had to talk to someone. Because we know we have every right to know what's going on or the progress that is being made. We call our Section 8 worker. We explained to her how we felt and what's going on and she acted as if she understands my disappointment and us wanting some answers. By the ~vay she is fully aware of when this happened and our concerns. Now we are desperate. We need some help so that is why we called her thinking maybe she can get some answers. The landlords told her the same thing they told us. We feel helpless, ignored, disrespected. We can't believe how insensitive our landlord has become toward us. After all she has communicated with others every other day. She still has not made an attempt to call or talk to us as a tenant. We deserve to have adequate, safe, fair housing. We have rights! We understand that Io~va City has fair equal sources that can help someone like us. We have to know the sources and use them! Cc: Mayor Emie Lehman and City Council, Iowa City of Ioxva City Steve Atkins, City Manager, Iowa City Karen Franklin, Director, City of Iowa City Planning and Zoning Doug Boothroy, Director, City of Iowa City Housing and Inspection Services Maggie Grosvenor, Housing Administrator, City of Iowa City Public Housing Authority Marcia Klingeman, City of Iowa City Neighborhood Services Planner MaryAnn Dennis, Director, Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development POPULAR APPA POLICYMAKERS' WORKSHOP COMING TO IAMU The impact of a national APPA conference forces affecting electric utilities and discusses will be available in your own back yard how public power fits into the new market. when IAMU presents the "APPA Course highlights include: Policymakers Workshop: Governance in the ~ Duties and responsibilities 21~ Century." IIr The evolving energy market [~r ~ublic power's role ,, The featured instructor of this all-new [~r Competitive Governance workshop will be Jeff Tarbert, Sr. Vice [gr Business strategy development President of the American Public Power [~r Competitive policies, performance and Association. Dr. Tarbert also conducts the accountability Dr. ]eft'Tatbert popular national version of the APPA [~ Evaluating board/management performance Policymakers Workshop, and much of the Iowa issues, including: same material will be covered. 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It examines regulatory and market information, contact IAMU. 800/810-4268. Newsletter delivery problems? Let us know! Not receMng the Newsletter? Contact Iohn Burnett at IAMU with Address change?