HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-12-03 CorrespondenceI
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421 South Linn, Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 354-7641
HANDICARE • Early Childhood Development Program
November 26, 1985
To: Monica Moen
Jim Hencin
Iowa City City Council
Fr: Michael Carstens//]G
Ann Riley V
Re: Early releasee of CDBG monies
Handicare, Inc. requests the City Council of Iowa City release
Community Development Block Grant funds allocated to Handicare be
released in December of 1985. This release will allow Handicare
to construct a ramp to become handicapped accessable before their
temporary occupancy permit (60 days from above date) expires.
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MEMO
TO: City Council
FROM: Resources Conservation Commission "e,
DATE: November 18, 1985
RE: Study of the possibility of an Iowa City Municipal
Utility
The Resources Conservation Commission has made a short
study of how a Municipal Utility in Iowa City might affect
energy conservation in the community. The results show that
there could be substantial benefits and a study on the
details of a buy out is suggested. The report is enclosed
along with a presentation of the Osage Conservation Program,
which seems to be the leader in this state, and a copy of
the monthly news letter from the Osage Municipal Utility to
show what Iowa City's might look like.
In its meeting Monday, Nov. 18, the RCC voted to forward
these documents to the Council and it will be so recorded in
the minutes. However, for the sake of expediency, a copy is
being sent now before formal approval of the minutes.
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The Case for a Municipal Utility in Iowa City
The various proposed franchise ordinances with Iowa -Illi-
nois have included buy out provisions at 5, 10, and 15
years. Under Iowa law, the city can buy out the utility
only at times stated in the franchise or when the franchise
has run out. There is no franchise at present and the city
could consider buying the Iowa City facilities of Iowa -Illi-
nois. Not much has been said about this in the discussions
on the franchise, but the possibility should be considered
now in order to understand the significance of the provi-
sion.
What are the implications of a buy out and the resulting
municipal utility? To understand this, it is best to review
how well municipal utilities have worked in other places.
The Nation has 2600 municipally owned utilities, the midwest
has 1000 and Iowa has well over 100, including Cedar Falls
and Ames, the locations of the other two state universities,
and nearby Muscatine, so there is more than enough data to
compare.
Comparisons will be made in four areas: 1. Rates, 2. Pay-
ments to local and state governments, 3. Suitability for
economic development, and 4. History of energy conservation.
Nationwide, the average private utility rate was 33% higher
than the average municipal utility' rate for a typical resi-
' This includes cooperatives and regional publicly owned
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dential customer in January of 1983.2 In Iowa, the differ-
ence was 16%. Private utilities contribute substantially to
the areas they serve through taxes; however, municipal util-
ities also contribute to them. The national average of the
percentage of gross revenue paid to state and local govern-
ments in 1983 was 6% for private utilities and 8.3% for mun-
icipal utilities. In the midwest, the figures were 7.1% and
7.6%.3 The suitability of municipal utilities for economic
development is implicit in the rate advantages detailed
above; however, another important advantage is that the city
can set its priorities without having to fight with a second
bureaucracy. If it decides that economic growth is desired,
it can prepare an incentive package including an electric
power provision.
iThe fourth area of comparison is the reason why the
Resources Conservation Commission is analyzing the buy out
option. There are many examples of the ability and willing-
ness of municipal utilities to establish energy conserve -
tion programs. Columbia, MO; Palo Alto, CA; Austin, TX;
Memphis, TN; and Sioux Center, IA are all municipal utili-
ties which have received national publicity for innovative
utilities.
2 "Typical Electric Bills, January 1, 1983", Energy Informa-
tion Administration, Office of Coal, Nuclear, Electric,
and Alternate Fuels, U.S. Department of Energy, Washing -
tion, D.C. 20585, October 1983.
8 J. Kilmer, "Public Power Contributes More", Public Power,
Vol. 43, No. 3, May -June 1985, p 33.
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energy conservation programs. Possilly the most publicized
energy conservation program is in Osage, Iowa. Osage Muni-
cipal Utilities has managed to hold power consumption cons-
tant over the last ten years, a period in which their popu-
lation, commercial, and industrial activity increased and
national power consumption increased by more than 10%.4
Their peak load has decreased 15% since 1979. Their elec-
tric rates have dropped 13% since 1982.6 By comparison,
Iowa -Illinois' rate increased more than 20% in that time
period.' Osage has done this through a number of programs
such as aerial thermograms, infrared scanners for use by
users, incentive programs for users, and innovative load
management techniques. Compare this with the endless ICC
hearings, court actions, and state legislation to get our
utility to enact even the simplest programs. Iowa City is
in a better position to implement conservation programs as a
municipal utility than Osage. Iowa City has great potential
for cogeneration with the University's planned acquisition
of a new fluidized bed boiler. It has the possibility of
generating power from a low head hydro dam. It has much to
be done in weatherization, which can be encouraged through
programs developed within the utility authority. It has the
` J. Kilmer, "Public Power Costs Less", Public Power,
Vol.43, No.3, May -June 1985, p 28.
` W. D. Birdsall, "The Osage Conservation Program", Pre-
sented to the American Association of Housing Educators,
October 17, 1985.
` The Iowa Office of Consumer Advocate.
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possibility of using biogas from a landfill. The coordina-
tion of all of these possibilities is easily done by the
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city with a municipal utility; whereas, it would be diffi-
cult or impossible for a private utility or the City without
a municipal utility.
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IAside from the desirability of a municipal utility in
Iowa City, the question will be asked, how can the City
afford to buy out Iowa -Illinois' Iowa City facilities. The
answer to this question is quite simple. It could be done
either via general obligation or perhaps more sensibly
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through revenue bonds with the utility as colateral. The
end effect of the transaction would be to turn stock holders
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into bond holders. Very little else in daily operations of
the utility need change. The employees could remain the
same, equipment and facilities could remain the same, and
initial operations could be left unchanged. Immediate effi-
ciencies could be realized by combining the billing with
that of the other city utilities, combining legal staff, and
eliminating effort spent on regulations concerning private
utilities.
As can be seen from this short summary, a buy out could
be quite beneficial and should be seriously considered. It
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is a way of reducing the number of levels of bureaucracy in
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the deliverance of energy to users. The option is available
now, but will not be again for another 5, 10, or 15 years,
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depending on what type of franchise agreement is reached
with Iowa -Illinois.
The Resources Conservation Commission recommends that the
City start a study to determine the efficacy of buying the
Iowa City facilities from Iowa -Illinois. In the mean time,
unless a very favorable franchise agreement can be reached
with Iowa -Illinois, the franchise work should be halted.
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depending on what type of franchise agreement is reached
with Iowa -Illinois.
The Resources Conservation Commission recommends that the
City start a study to determine the efficacy of buying the
Iowa City facilities from Iowa -Illinois. In the mean time,
unless a very favorable franchise agreement can be reached
with Iowa -Illinois, the franchise work should be halted.
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THE 0 S A G E CONSERVATION PROGRAM
Presented To
AMERICAN AS90CIATION OF HOUSING MJCA7=
Octcber 17, 1965
BY
WiSIM D. BIRDSAIL
CSAGE MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
BOX 207
OSAGE, IOWA 50461
o7ieo-7, 1
THE
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An active conservation program by the local utility can have far
reaching effects on the financial health of the community. As a municipal
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utility 4;e have a real obligation to our customers because they are not
only purchasers of energy but the stockholders of the utility.
we have an interest in saving energy and money for the individual,
and we also have an interest in our community as a whole. Iowa is an
energy deficient state, most of the money spent on energy leaves the
local communities and the state. By reducing usage of energy we are
keeping mrre money in our city and state, making it available for other
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uses.
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We feel also that by reducing usage we make ourselves more attractive
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to industry and most of us are interested in providing more jobs.
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I'm going to review with you our reasons for our program, the
Program itself and the results to date. I believe you'll be interested
in some of the equipment and ideas we used.
The Osage Municipal Utilities serves the city of Osage with 2100
electric meters and 1500 gas meters. Cas is purchased from Northern
Natural Gas Company and most of the electricity is purchased from Dairyland
Power Cooperative; however, we have a diesel generating plant for use
during emergencies and shortages.
In 1974 after doubling our electrical generating capacity it was
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obvious t] -at if our growth continued at 7.28, we could need to increase
our generation capability by 1984, we set a goal of 38 growth at this
time which would delay construction by at least 10 years. We set this
goal in spite of annual growth of 11A in new meter installations and
growing industries. (Fig. 1)
It was at this point in 1974 that we started a very active conserva-
tion program. We have held our peak demand below the 38 growth curve,
with load management we are at the same peak we experienced in 1977,
this in spite of three of our fci:r largest industries increasing usage
during this period. During the :�riod 1970-1976 our load increased 448
but zero in the last eight years although we experienced growth of our
three largest industries during this period. (Fig. 2)
our gas usage has also decreased appreciably during this same period.
Based on degree days our residential heating customers are using 368
less gas now than ten years ago, we have a goal of 408 reduction. With
W to 900 out of every dollar collected from our natural gas customers
being sent out of state our conservation progiam`•is •keQping at least
$800,000 per year within our comnunity of 3800 people. In an energy
,deficient state like Iowa we need to keep every dollar possible within
our twins and cities—in the pockets of the consumers.
In reviewing our methods of reducing our electric demand I should
make it clear that all the methods which have worked for us may not
necessarily work for others, but some of the ideas we have used could
certainly be used by all others.
First of all there is no quick fix. A conservation program takes a
lot of perserverance and work. in the September 2, 1980 issue of the
Wall Street Journal there was an article entitled "Most Utilities Support
Censer.aticn With Much Talk But Little Action". Much actio:. is needed
by the utilities to make the programs successful.
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W food at first that tha people were unresponsive to this new
idea. we kept receiving complaints about increased rates, and we were
asked repeatedly what we were going to do about their high bills. We
had to convince them that the responsibility for the size of the utility
bills lies primarily with the customers, we deliver gas and electricity
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to the meter only. From there on it is their responsibility to control
the usage and the size of the bill, but we said we'd help them reduce
their usage with our program of consumer assistance. Ibis is one of the
primary keys to the success of our program. We feel that if an effective
program which emphasizes the customer's responsibility is undertaken,
they are going to make personal commitments without asking for a handout.
Some of the ideas and projects we have used are as follows:
1. we have insulation specifications for any new gas or electric heat
customers. No house or business has installed gas or electric heat
since 1975 without meeting our specs which require•'B"•of:.insulation in
the ceiling, 4" in the walls plus storm windows and doors. Most put a
least 12" in the ceiling. This has had a noticeable effect on air
conditioner usage as well and is one reason our electric load has held
constant.
i2. we've used many articles and ads in the local news media, always
emphasizing the value of conservation.
3. In 1978 we started a bimonthly newsletter which always had information
on conservation. We get the best readership through this media.
4. we have talked on insulation to any service group that would schedule
it. 1,L- reached 15 to 20% of all the adult population of Osage. This
was a 20 minute talk that seldcm err9ed in less than an hour because of
questions asked.
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5. For those who "just can't be using that such electricity" we provide
the use of a free test meter which will record individual appliance or
water heater usage. Something like this could easily be made in your
shop. This is a very effective tool, has made friends out of enemies
for us.
6. we joined other cities in Iowa for operation "Sky -Scan". We showed i
almost 1000 ad•„ts the aerial thermogram of their house or business. In j
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addition we us-:ilorthern Natural Gas Company's computerized au?it program
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and ran 250 of these in three days. We also have given out 3000 Home
Energy Savers Manuals printed for the Iowa Energy Policy Council.
7. In the spring of 1985 we contracted for a ground level infra -red
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scan of one side of each heated building -n our system. Energy data was
gathered during the time of the scan ^n a hard copy format and then
interpreted by trained employees for more than 700 interested home and
business owners. From this they were able to deOrmine:the need for
additional weatherization and should, if they follow through, save on
heat bills. At this same time over 200 customers requested further
assistance through an energy audit with our hand-held infra -red scanner.
8. We and the Cedar Valley Electric Co-op purchased at a total cost of
$11,000 our awn hand-held infra red scanner. We have offered free
energy audits since 1974 but had disacpointing response (about 18).
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with the scanner we are getting excellent results. As of March, 1985 we
had audited as a free service 379 of the homes and businesses. We will j
reach 509 with the 200 plus recently signed up; the average in Iowa is
presently 35. The response to this type audit is much greater than our
previous audit, owners are follcwing up, r--ily doing something t- correct
their problems. We insist that the owner accorrpany us during an audit.
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That way the individual can look through the scanner and see where the
problems are. We are showing the customer the high heat loss from his
water heater and as a result many water heaters now have extra insulation
jackets. (We estimate 40 to 501.)
9. We also use the infra-red scanner to locate loose or corroded
electrical connections on our distribution system. This is reducing
line loss and eliminating possible outages. We scan and repair at the
same time, then scan to be sure it was fi>:d.
10. We have changed the city street lighting which is furnished free.
Fluorescent, incandescent, mercury vapor, and metal halide lamps have
been replaced with high pressure sodium lights. Lighting costs were
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reduced $6300 from 1983 to 1984.
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11. Although it had nothing to do with our utility conservation program
we participated in the Auto Audit Program sponsored by the Iowa Energy
Policy Council in August, 1982. We checked emnissions ot•419 vehicles
in one day, the largest number checked at one location in the two year
program.
12.• In the spring of 1983 we worked with the local schools on an energy
conservation program. An Energy Fair was held by the 5th and 6th grades
and 500 people showed up to see the kid's projects. This was an exciting
project, we showed our appreciation by awarding prizes to each partici-
pant--ice cream bars.
13. We instigated a voluntary electric load management program in 1979.
With state and WE grants supervised by the Iowa Energy Policy Council j
we have installed 650 load management devices desi:ned to cut off central
air conditioner compressors 74 minutes out of each half hour during Bach
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three to four hour period five to eight days each summer, and further
designed to cut off electric water heaters fcr those entire three to
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four hour periods. There was no incentive to those who allowed us to
install devices, it was strictly a voluntary program yet 759 of the
eligible people allowed us to install the devices.
Reduction in peak load was projected at 10 to 12%. Results were
even better with a 14.79 reduction, 49 of which was through conservation.
This program will likely delay additional equipment installation to the
year 2000 barring unforeseen changes such as a new large industry. We
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would welcome this "problem". These pr:crams have put us in the position
of being able to handle the utilities for new industries interested in
our city. This reduction of 14.79 is almost 1 .NW during peak periods.
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Cost of this load management equipment is $150,000 to $200,000. To
purchase base lcad _apacity from a coal plant today would cost $1,000,000
per M. This rn-ney remains in Osage.
Since starting our load management project we have been contacted
by at least 40 interested utilities and half of 'these have installed
iload management equipment. Because of this interest the Iowa Association
of Municipal Utilities had a Load Management Workshop in November of
1981 in Des Moines, where 140 interested people registered, 14 suppliers
had booths.
Our 1983 project was home weatherization for those least able to
afford it. Northern Natural Gas Corrany donated over $9000 to our
community for this project, the local JC's did the actual work, and the
Department of Social Service determined those eligible for us. We believe j
it makes more sense to reduce the consunpticn of gas permanently than
have federal, state or local aid given each year. j
4)e hope sen= _f these ideas can ::e used by others, it takes a
combination of many ideas for a successful program. we are convinced
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that demand growth rate will not return to 7.21, especially as rates
continue to rise. We believe now, our 1974 goal of 31 average growth
per year is high (even though this was almost of the 1979 Iowa Generation
Study projection). However, because of increased growth in our industries
(ane is new in 1985) we are experiencing a 91 increase in load so far
this year. This could increase further by the end of the year. Our
residential growth in the meantime has actually decreased 21 th_cugh
August of 1985 over the same period last year.
The question most asked is, Nliat has this program done to your
bottom line?" This is important and if the answer is a negative one the
board will be turned off. Our results have been most gratifying. Since
1979 we have not raised gas prices other .sn the exact amount our
supplier raised prices to us. This means, of course, that 1008 of the
gas increases received since 1979 have been collected and sent out of
state. In October, 1984 we lowered our rates 5:51'•and,•our supplier
lowered rates 31 in December, 1984, 4.48 in May, 1985. These reduction's
were passed on to the customs.
The last time we raised electric rates was in 1976 other than our
fuel adjustments which very month to month. In February, 1983, we
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lowered our electric rate 38 while most other utilities in our state
were raising theirs 10 to 304. In December, 1983 we lowered rates
another 51, and in October, 1984 28 for a 103 total. We are debt free
in both the gas and electric utilities and have adequate reserves. With
our prediction of no new generation before the year 2000 we are in
position to keep rates down, in fact, we are in hopes of reducing them
further.
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The above should be sufficient to sell board members and managers,
however, savings are much greater when we consider the dollars retained
within our cities. Looking at figure 14 attached, in 1984 we saved
$680,000 through conservation, or the difference between expected and
actuals
9a billing.
Using the same comparison we saved $580,000 in electric bills in
1984. The difference between our peak now, and the expected peak had we
continued 7.28 annual growth, is 5 megawatts. At today's prices it
would cost at least $5 million just to bring our generation capacity up
to the new peak. Using this figure and spreading the cost over 20 years
we have another figure of $250,000 for equipment we don't have to buy.
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Adding to this 10' interest on the capital investment and dividing by
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two for simple figuring we add another $250,000 per year. This again is
money that does not leave our community.
Adding these five figures give a total of $1•060,000• that remains
in our community. If an enployee is considered to be worth $20,000,
then we are talking in terns of 88 jobs, not new jobs in the cormemity,
but jobs not taken out of the city.
Being realistic about efforts we assured our program saving one
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half of the armunt for gas and electric billing and one third of the
capital and interest costs because there would have been conservation
caused by rate increases alone and other utilities have seen their peaks
reduced recently. Through this logic we get a total of $795,000 or 40
eaployees saved. This is for our small city of approximately 4000, For
the 40,000 population city we're talking 400 employees, and 1000 for the
city of 100,000. That city wouldn't try hard to keep this many jets?
It's difficult to get new industry today, we need to hold on to what we
have.
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7b try to put dam a conservation program on the basis thst it will
hurt business is entirely fallacious. 7b overcame this argument one
need only to read David Morris' book Self Reliant Cities. He points out
that the "...dollars spent on energy stays in the local economy much
more briefly than expenditures of other kinds. Studies of Washington,
D.C. and Carbondale, Illinois found that only 15 cents of every energy
d_!lar returns to benefit the local economy in any moaner." He further
_-aces "Investments that reduce the outflow of energy dollars generate
more jobs and they involve more business than money spent on new parer
plants or new oil wells."
We represent a small utility so the question naturally arises as to
ubether the same results _3n be obtained by a large one. Pacific Gas
and Electric, one of the largest utilities in the United States, has had
a very successful program and has been loaning weatherization money
interest free because they.find it cheaper than builaimtg•new power plants.
The intangible benefit received through our program is better PR.
Public opinion of most utilities is not high, but we have seen a decided
change in our utility: Certainly we have the chronic complainers, as we
al! have, but our incidence of complaints is reducing rather than in-
creasing. The people feel we really are trying to help them, that we
are not just an adversary. Conservation and load management do work.
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FIGURE
FIGURE No. 3:P/6k
a�fRVATIM i WAD XQVGM t SAVINGS
m GexGC
GAS
1984 Billing without conservation
S
2,300,000
Billing with 301 conservation (Actual)
1.610,000
$
680,000 (1)
EIE=IC
1984 Billing without conservation
$
1,970,000
Billing with 301 conservation (Actual)
1,380.000
$
580,000 (2)
CAPITAL COSTS WL7=n CONSERVATICH MID LOAD 4ANAGQ4NT
$5,000,000 _ 20 years
$
250,000/yr. (3)
INTEREST COSTS (AVERAGE PER YR.)
$5,000,000 X 101
2
$
250,000/yr. (4)
(1) $ 680,000
k = $
340,000
(2) $ 580,000
y = $
290,000
(3) $ 250,000
1/3 = $
82,500
(4) $ 250,000
1/3 = $
82,500
$ 1,760,000
$
795,000
$ 1,760,000
720,000 - Be
$
795,000
20,000
,
20,000 40
November 15, 1985
To: Mayor John McDonald
Members of the Iowa City City Council
From: Peter S. Fisher
Member, Iowa City Board of Adjustment
1211 Ginter Ave.
Iowa City, IA
Re: Proposed increases in Board of Adjustment fees
F o L E 0
NOV 15 1985
MARIAN K. KARR
CITY CLERK (1)
It has come to my attention that the Fee Study prepared by the City
Finance Department in October includes a recommendation to increase the
three fees related to Board of Adjustment actions: (1) the fee to apply for
a variance would be increased from $75 to $250; (2) the fee to apply for a
special exception would be increased from $200 to $250; and (3) the fee for
other actions, such as appeals of decisions of city officials or of findings
of the Zoning Code Interpretation Panel, woirld be increased from $75 to
$100. I would like to raise objections to all three fee increases.
First of all, it should be recognized that the Board of Adjustment is
unlike most other city agencies with fees, which are either providing a
service (such as parking or recreation) or are enforcing city regulations
via the issuance of permits. The Board is neither a provider of services
nor an enforcement agency, but is instead a quasi-judicial body with two
rather different functions: (1) to hear and decide appeals of citizens
where it is alleged that there has been an error in an order, decision, or
determination made by a city official in the enforcement of the zoning
ordinance, or by the Zoning Code Interpretation Panel or City Manager in
interpreting the ordinance; and (2) to hear and decide applications for
variances and special exceptions, where a citizen seeks relief from a
particular provision of the zoning ordinance.
I would argue that, given the quasi-jusicial nature of the Board, the
need to provide citizens with equal access to the Board and to the relief
which it is empowered to grant should be balanced against the city's
objective of recovering costs. While I am not contesting the general
principle that fees should be set so as to cover costs of administration,
when this principle is applied to the Board it produces a situation where
those with limited means are effectively denied access. The effects of the
high fees may well be to reduce the number of applications, but this is
accomplished by excluding those of limited means from any appeal, however
Justified, while others may continue to file applications, however
unjustified.
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In the case of citizen appeals of allegedly incorrect actions or
decisions of city officials, it seems to me inappropriate to charge any
feast all, and certainly not one as high as $100. A citizen aggrieved by
the failure of a city official to properly enforce the zoning ordinance with
respect to that citizen's neighbor, for example, must pay $75 or $100 for
the right to appeal that official's action and obtain proper enforcement,
while the neighbor violating the ordinance may well escape with a promise to
comply. At a minimum, this fee should be fully refunded in any case decided
in the applicant's favor. Elimination of the fee, it should be noted, would
have a trivial impact on city revenues, as there are very few appeals of
this sort (none in the past year). It seems to me that the time and effort
involved in filing an appeal is sufficient deterrent to frivolous appeals.
I suggest that the city council either (1) take no action on the Board
of Adjustment fees for variances and special exceptions until a proposal can
be developed for a sliding fee schedule or a two-tier schedule of some sort
that will preserve equal access to the Board on the part of all citizens, or
(2) leave the fee for variances at $75 and reduce the fee for special
exceptions to its former level, also $75. I also propose that the fee for
appeals of decisions of city officials be eliminated.
-OSAGE MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
720 CHESTNUT ST. OSAGE, IOWA 60461 P. O. BOX 207
(515) 732.3731
i. O C T O.B E R, - 1 9 8 5 NEWSLETTER
ELECTRIC RATES REDUCED AGAIN!
x The Board of Trustees has voted to lower electric rates effective with the
bills you receive on October 26. This is the fourth time in three years that
we have lowered rates! Previous reductions have totalled 108, this will be an
additional 2.78 reduction, for a total of 12.78 or. _$49•per year for the
average residential customer. ..This is mire than a month's. free electricity
each year.
This has been made possible because of the payment of the last of our bonded
indebtedness and adequate reserves for emergencies which are invested and
returning good interest. Nany.other improvements are also paying off; such as
the conversion to high pressure sodium lighting, much-reduced•unaccounted for
kilowatt hours, and an increase in the industrial load. Excellent cooperation
from our customers with our conservation and load management programs are also
of real. -assistance. .
NO GAS INCREASE A14TICIPATED
A number of customers have asked whether we expect to raise gas rates such as
those recently announced by other utilities. Northern Natural Gas Company
does not foresee any wholesale increases for another year, nor do we. This
year because of the :termer than •normal weather the first of the year, we are
operating at a deficit; however, we are able to rake up the cash shortage with
money from our reserve account.
The average Osage residential gas customer is paying between 12 and 138 less
for gas now than he did two years ago. Since 908 of the money collected for
gas is sent out of state, the reductions in gas prices translate into more
money remaining in our city to help our local economy.
LOAD MANAGFT047
We will be checking all of our experimental load management devices before
next spring, and replacing any found to be inoperable. It will be to our
advantage in the future to use the equipment during our summer peaks.
Osage was the first utility to install load management equipment in Iowa.
This was in 1980. Since then 34 other Iowa utilities have installed similar
ecuipircnt. There are over trio million of these control devices installed in
the United States. The list of utilities discovering that conservation and
load management are cheaper than building power plants is constantly growing.
THERIVMTAT SET BACK
Each year we are asked whethar it really pays to set thermostats don at
night. Tho nnswar is an absolute yes. You can save up to 108 on your heating
bill just by reducing the tpmperature 100 for eight hours.
STORM Wliv'MZ
Storm windows can cut heat loss appreciably. Hom-made storm windows can be
made by tacking or taping rtaatir sheeting riilLtLly over the windows or on the
wood window frame.
NEN,WINXWS A!M APPLIANCES
One of the newest advances in building construction is the improvement in
windows. Thermopane windows are now being installed that have twice the
insulating quality as conventional triple pane windows. There are others now
in an experimental stage that will be twice as good as those; they will be
almost as effective as 3" of fiber glass insulation!
Many new, improved appliances are coming on the market. Some refrigerators
are using 408 less electricity; 18 watt light bulbs giving as much light as a
75 watt incandescent and lasting 13 times longer are being sold. Some air
conditioners are now using half as much electricity, water heaters can be
aurchased with letter insulation, thus costing less to operate. If you don't
have a new high -.efficient water heater, we recommend that you add an insulating
-jacket. It could pay for itself in less than one year.
EMMGY AUDITS
wo are again offeringfre energy audits with the infra -red scanner to anyone
requesting it. Over fre of the nom:s and businesses in Osage have already
been checked and enough -,or,: have signed up to raiso this to 508. The state
average is less than 38, again proving, that the people of Osage are ahead of
tha pack.
I
Call us for this service. We will perform the audits. when the outside tenger-
ature is below 300, preferably even colder. We can show you where you can
improve your house or business to cut heating bills.
This service is for your benefit, you are under no obligation to anyone once
the audit is completed. The more gas conserved, the more money remains in
Osage,
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BULK RATE
U. S. POSTAGE
P A I D
OSAGE, IA 50461
Permit No. 10
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City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 21, 1985
To: Iowa City City Council
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From: Barry Beagle, Associate Planner]
Re: Walkway Proposal to West High School
In a letter dated October 20, 1985, Mrs. Carol Hunsicker of 904 Denbigh Drive
requested the City Council "look into establishing at least two walkways"
through the apartment complexes east of West High School. Mrs. Hunsicker
expressed a problem that exists with children not having a convenient pathway
to the school and the conflict this has caused with students "cutting
through" the apartment complexes. Some residents have extended snow fencing
between buildings to prevent students from passing through. With the flow of
students through the Mark IV/Pheasant Ridge complex, there may be a need for
a northern walkway in close proximity to Roberts Road.
As referenced in Mrs. Hunsicker's letter, a ten -foot wide walkway easement,
which extends to the east boundary of the school, does exist at the southern
end of Westwinds Drive (see attached map). This location is at the southern
end of the school grounds, far from the school building and receives limited
use.
The balance of this memorandum is intended to evaluate alternative locations
for a northern walkway easement between Westwinds Drive and the east boundary
of West High School. The cutting through problem appears to be most pro-
nounced at the location of the Cedarpointe Townhouses which provides the most
direct path between the high school and Westwinds Drive. It is in this area
that staff has concentrated its efforts to find the most suitable location
for a walkway or walkways.
The attached drawing shows the relationship between the high school and the
apartments to the east. Based upon this relationship, topographical condi-
tions and established paths, two potential walkway locations have been Iden-
tified by staff. Each walkway will be evaluated separately with respect to
cost, physical limitations, recognizability and convenience to students, and
impact upon abutting property owners/residents.
iASSUMPTIONS
As a basis for evaluating each walkway proposal, the following common ele-
ments are assumed:
1. An easement will need to be negotiated with the affected property
owner(s).
2. Each walkway has a minimum easement width of ten feet.
3. The walkway will consist of a four -foot wide, concrete sidewalk. Current
construction cost for a concrete sidewalk is approximately $3.00 per
square foot.
, 0
2
4. Based upon established patterns, it is assumed that the majority of
students will converge at the Westwinds Drive/Roberts Road intersection
before attempting to cut through to the high school. This assumption is
based in large part upon the existence of a hill and retaining wall
separating the apartments from the school grounds farther south and the
shorter distance between the school building and Westwinds Drive near
this intersection.
ALTERNATIVE WALKWAY PROPOSALS
Proposal No. 1:
This proposal locates the walkway between Buildings A and B of Cedarpointe
(see attached drawing). This location would provide the most direct route
between the school and Westwinds Drive. There are no exterior openings along
either of the facing sidewalls of the residences and the buildings are sepa-
rated by 24 feet. The slope along the alignment of the walkway is moderate
and should not present an installation problem. The walkway would be ap-
proximately 150 feet long and would have a total cost of approximately $1,800
to install.
A limitation with this location will be the possible relocation of a bank of
mail boxes serving the residents of both buildings. The cluster of mailboxes
is located adjacent to Westwinds Drive and centered between the two build-
ings.
Proposal No. 2• 1
Proposal No. 2 locates the walkway between Building A in Cedarpointe and what
will be a future dwelling on Lot 17 in Regency Gardens. Lots 14-17 of Re-
gency Gardens are presently vacant. With the construction of a dwelling on
Lot 17, the buildings will be separated by a distance of approximately ten
feet. This location is 125 feet north of Proposal No. 1 or 250 feet north of
the Roberts Road intersection. The slope is likewise moderate and should not
present an installation problem. The length of this walkway would be 143.20
feet and would cost approximately $1,718.40 to install.-
Limitations
nstall.
Limitations associated with this location include the narrow separation
between the two buildings and the ownership of the land. The buildings will
be separated by a distance approximately equal to the width of the required
walkway easement. Student traffic along this alignment would cause a greater
conflict with adjoining residences. Since the sidewalk is assumed to be
centered within the walkway easement, an easement will need to be negotiated
with two separate property owners.
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RECOMMENDATION
If the Council concurs that a walkway is needed and the City should assume
some or all the responsibility for installation, staff recommends that Pro-
posal between No.
the school leandd. This West Westwinds Drive,n wilon willl beovide a more direcath
highly recognizable pe
because of the buildings' separation, this location should have less of an
impact upon residents of the two adjoining buildings.
bj4/4
ai(O�Z
WEST HIGH SCHOOL
WESTWINDS
nn
Dear Council Members:
F o L E
OCT 2 21985
CITY CLERK
904 Denbiah Drive
Iowa City, IA 52240
October 20, 19B5
For the past year or so, we West High School parents have been asked by
the School to remind our children not to cut through the property of the new
apartment complexes east of the school on their way to or from school. For
the children to go the approved way --down the walkway in front of the
school, east on Melrose, and south an Mormon Trek-- is a full half mile
longer. Especially in the windy winter, carrying a heavy back pack, stu-
dents are hard to convince of the importance of taking such a route.
In our neighborhood, south of Benton across from Horn School, there is
a well-planned network of walkways between streets. When I spoke with Mr.
Edward Thomas, the developer, he said that these had been suggested by the
City when the area was being developed. The walkways have been convenient
for school children and have preserved good school -neighborhood relations in
this area.
I presumed that the City, having once found a good solution for the
v"cutting through" problem, would also have required such rights-of-way in
the sets of apartments and condominiums east of West High School. In fact,
Mr. Barry Beagle of the City Planning Department says that an easement does
exist through the Aspen Lakes development at the south end of the area in
question, but there is no walkway yet. Mr. Beagle did not have time to
search all the records for the area, but I imagine that another such ease-
ment must also exist further north, as many students go to West both from
Mark IV/Pheasant Ridge and from the homes east of Mormon Trek in the Mac-
Bride area and the apartments beyond, and several other students walk to the
bus stop in the Mark IV development.
In the interests of good neighborly relations, I would like to suggest
that the Council look into establishing at least two walkways in this area.
An extra half mile walk in bad weather is unpleasant for students, and a
steady stream of students across lawns is undesirable for residents.
Walkways are a friendly solution that the Council could implement.
Sincerely,
I.Aw'� " a
Carol Hunsicker
cc/Dr. Jerry Arganbright
Ms. Ellen Widiss
o?14fz i
CITY OF IOWA CITY
CMC CDM 410E.WAWI GTON Si. IOWA CV, IOWA 52240 (319) 356-500D
November 27, 1985
Ms. Carol Hunsicker
904 Denbigh Drive
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Ms. Hunsicker:
Your recent letter concerning walkways in the area of West High
is on the agenda for the City Council meeting of December 3.
Included in the material furnished to the City Council is a memo-
randum from the Planning staff concerning this subject. A copy
of this memorandum is enclosed with this letter for your informa-
tion.
If you have any questions concerning this matter, please contact
me.
Sincerely yours,
• Neal G. Berlin �
City Manager
n
Enclosure
air .�
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JlrKV] % .
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PVFD MOV � 1 9.1ggr., '
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1950 Calvin Ave. I•
Iowa City,Iowa, 52240 !
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November 17, 1985 I {
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Dear council Members;
As a concerned parent representing Horn Elementary School,
- I would like to express my interest in having walkways provided
i
in the easement areas leading from West High to West Wind Dr..;
The walkways provided to our elementary schools in this area ! '
have been a wonderful asset to the many families it serves. We,
hope,that the council will consider such a project to benefit f
present and future West High students.
Si cerely, ,
I
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Ann Murray �-
P.T.O. President
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at Horn Elementary �.
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CITY CF IOWA CITY
CMC CGNM 410 E. WAShNC'TON ST. K)WA Cf y, IOWA 52240,. (319) 356 5000
November 27, 1985
Ms. Ann Murray
1950 Calvin Avenue
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Ms. Murray:
I
Your recent letter concerning walkways in the area of West Nigh
is on the agenda for the City Council meeting of December 3.
Included in the material furnished to the City Council is a memo-
randum from the Planning staff concerning this subject. A copy.
of this memorandum is enclosed with this letter for your informa-
tion.
If you have any questions concerning this matter, please contact
me.
Sincerely yours,
Neal G. Berlin
City Manager
Enclosure
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Mark IV/ Willowcreek Neighborhood Center
2530 Bartelt Road 1C
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
354.2886
HECEIVED140V 191985
November 15, 1985
Iowa Cit' City Comcil
Civic Center
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
I
Dear Njatbers of the Council:
As Director of the Willarreek Neighborhood tinter at the Pheasant Ridge
AParbrents, -I am sulxdtting- this -letterin support of building
the Proposed sidewalks from West High School to Westwind Drive and Bartelt
FOad. Considering the comber of students living in these areas who walk to
hiestHigh School daily, the sidewalks would be dell used. hfidoubt�dly
students are cutlti�n�g through yards to get to school now, sidewalks could
be safer as we11_as more convenient.
I
awns you for your feel consideration of this Proposal. If I may be of further
assistance, Pleas feel free to raft ire at the Willowcreek Neighborhood
tenter (354-2886).
Sincerely, n '/' _ %{-/
Joan Vane Bern -
Director
a�6 c j
s
CITY OF IOWA CITY
}.
CMC CEN R 410 E. WASENGTON ST. IOWA CfiY. IOWA 52240 (319) 356-5000
November 27, 1985
Ms. Joan Vanden Berg
Mark IV/Willowcreek Neighborhood Center
2530 Bartelt Road 1C
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Ms. Vanden Berg:
Your recent letter concerning walkways in the area of West High
is on the agenda for the City Council meeting of December 3.
Included in the material furnished to the City Council is a memo-
randum from the Planning staff concerning this subject. A copy
of this memorandum is enclosed with this letter for your informa-
tion.
If you have any questions concerning this matter, please contact
me.
Siinc�erely yours,
Neal G. Berlin
City Manager
Enclosure
t1
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DLE
DEC 2 1985
- CITY CLERK
KEYSTONE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO.
GENE FISHER
PRESIDENT
!i
November 27, 1985
� City Council of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear City Council Members:
Keystone Property Management Company works with several
-- Homeowner's Associations located on Westwinds Drive in Iowa City.
Specifically, we are managing agents for Trailridge
Condominiums,Monterey Court,Cedarpointe Townhouses,Westwinds
Condominiums and Aspen Lake Condominiums.
One of our responsibilities is the maintenance of the common
areas of the properties. We are experiencing damage to the lawns
in all of developments mentioned as a result of pedestrian
traffic to and from West High School. In some cases, we have
erected temporary fencing in an effort to thwart this traffic but
the students have knocked these fences down and walked over them
to get to school. We have also seen evidence of people walking on
top of outside air conditioning units and had reports of them
crawling up and over decks to cross fences. This activity also
creates an insurance liability problem for the homeowner.
We are not entirely sure what action the City Council will choose
in alleviating these problems. The Iowa City School Board has
indicated that they take no responsibility other than making
students aware of the problem created with neighboring property
when they are trespassing. Several of the Homeowner's
Associations have requested fencing between school property
52I KIRKWOOD AVENUE, SUITE II • IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240 • 3I9 - 338.6288
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and their own. The School Board indicates that they will not be
installing any fencing, and feel that the City Planners should
have anticipated these problems and dealt with them earlier.
On behalf of the Homeowner's Associations that we represent, I
would request that steps be taken to either prohibit the
pedestrian traffic through private property or find a solution,
such as public walkways which will be amicable for all parties.
I have enclosed copies of past communications for your review.
Please keep my office advised of the progress made towards a
decision. I am certainly available for discussion should you wish
to call upon me.
GF/bb
Enc.
cc: Aspen Lake Board Pres.
Cedarpointe Board Pres.
Monterey Board Pres.
Trailridge Board Pres.
Westwinds Board Pres.
Very truly yours,
Eug ne Fne F
President
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and their own. The School Board indicates that they will not be
installing any fencing, and feel that the City Planners should
have anticipated these problems and dealt with them earlier.
On behalf of the Homeowner's Associations that we represent, I
would request that steps be taken to either prohibit the
pedestrian traffic through private property or find a solution,
such as public walkways which will be amicable for all parties.
I have enclosed copies of past communications for your review.
Please keep my office advised of the progress made towards a
decision. I am certainly available for discussion should you wish
to call upon me.
GF/bb
Enc.
cc: Aspen Lake Board Pres.
Cedarpointe Board Pres.
Monterey Board Pres.
Trailridge Board Pres.
Westwinds Board Pres.
Very truly yours,
Eug ne Fne F
President
UU
DEC 3 1985
C[7Y CLERK
KEYSTONE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 'CO.
December 2, 1985
Enclosed please find copies of past correspondence regarding the ..
ongoing problem with foot traffic from West High School. This is
per our phone conversation today. I apologize for any inconvenience
this delay may have caused you.
If,,I,,/`can be of any assistance, please don't hesitate to call.
tAc y Boorman
Bookkeeper
Enc.
52I KIRKWOOD AVENUE, SUITE II • IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240 • 3I9 - 338.6288
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DEC 3 1985
C[7Y CLERK
KEYSTONE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 'CO.
December 2, 1985
Enclosed please find copies of past correspondence regarding the ..
ongoing problem with foot traffic from West High School. This is
per our phone conversation today. I apologize for any inconvenience
this delay may have caused you.
If,,I,,/`can be of any assistance, please don't hesitate to call.
tAc y Boorman
Bookkeeper
Enc.
52I KIRKWOOD AVENUE, SUITE II • IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240 • 3I9 - 338.6288
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KEYSTONE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO.
Sam-�ant�tsw mmb® .
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GENE FISHER
PRESIDENT
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March 12, 1985 i
Board of Education for the Iowa City School District
509 S. Dubuque St.
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
' Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:
i
Our office serves as the managing agent for the Trailridge Homeowners
Association, a condominium complex located at 702-802 Westwinds Drive
in Iowa City and adjacent to the West High School grounds. lie have
experienced a problem with student traffic crossing through the complex
either on foot or, in some cases, on bicycles. The problem has occurred
in prior years.but,with the very wet ground conditions, has been espec-
ially .intense this spring. Our concern is that this pedestrian traffic
is ruining the grassy areas between buildings that will surely cost hn
appreciable amount of money to repair. We are also concerned about the
liability created for the Association.
lie have observed students crossing through this area an a daily basis
since late February and we have had our maintenance staff there at i
various times to ask them to discontinue this practice. We have also I
had complaints from residents in the complex who have observed students
sitting on Association air conditioning units either eating snacks or
smoking cigarettes. Apparently many students go to the convenience store
on Mormon Trek to buy these items, again crossing the private property
for access.
Both Mr. Ed Hauth at West High and our office have been in contact with
the City Transit Offices regarding the rerouting of buses which serve
that area. This would alleviate the problem of stwdents getting off
the bus on Westwinds Drive to cross over to the school. We were able
to get the 7:50 a.m. route extended to West High, but the City has not
rerouted the rest of the daily schedule.
521 KIRKWOOD AVENUE, SUITE II • IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240 • 319 -338-6288
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The policing of this area by our staff has resulted in additional
expense for the Homeowner's Association. we have considered for-
mal complaint to the City Police Department and the issuing of cita-
tions to the offenders for trespassing.
On behalf of the Homeowner's Association we would request that the
I
School District erect a fence between West Iligh and the condominium
complex. It is our belief that the problem exists because there is {
no access to the school from the East. The Homeowner's Association
does not want to suffer any further damage to its common areas nor, w
does it wish to accept the liability created by the traffic to and
from school. Please respond as soon as possible or, if you wish,
make an appointment to further discuss the solution of this problem.
Very truly yours, .r �...
Gene Fisher fI w
President
GF/ka �.
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ccs Trailridee Board Members ;
Mr.' Ed Hauth
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IOWA CITY COMMUNITY
SCHOOL DISTRICT
DavieL. Cronin
Superintendent
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April 12, 1985
Gene Fisher
% Keystone Property Management
521 Kirkwood Avenue Suite 911
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
509 S. Dubuque Street
Io Wo City, IOWA 52249
(319) 338-3085
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Dear Mr. Fisher: i
a
Attached is a copy of the newsletter sent out by Dr. Arganbright that I
contains the article "Good Neighbor - Everyone's Responsibility." This is
the article I was referring 'to during our telephone conversation. This i
article can be'found on page 2. i
I hope with everybody's cooperation this problem can be eliminated.
I
Sincerely,
a
J aid L. Palmer
cutive Director of
lnistrative Services
c Dave Cronin
Jerry Arganbright
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TROJAN TABLOID
APRIL 1985
STUDENTS GAIN EXPERIENCE DURING TRAVELS
The Good Time Company choir singers gained invaluable experience
during their travels over spring break. The Good Time Company,
competing in the Young Americans competition in Burbank, California,
received the fourth place award. 'This award was received in
competition with extremely talented choir groups from across the
nation.'•"The Good Time Company singers, Directors Larry Kelley and
. .John'Stam,-and the parent and staff sponsors who helped make this
trip'possible,'deserve a hearty thank you and congratulations for
' representing Iowa and -West High in such a superior manner! Also, for
your'information,'at a date to be announced, taped excerpts from the
trip will be aired on the Iowa City local cable -television network;
I will keep you posted of the date when announced.
The Good Time Company was not alone'in traveling over spring break.
ff The,'advanced French; German, and Spanish students participated in
ovefi(ias•trips to -their respective countries. 'As 'part of the trip,
. •'" each 'student experienced a five-day family visit. Inconversations
-with-faculty'-and students,, there was common opinion these visits were
invaluable in better understanding the language and culture which
they have studied during their past four years an West High students.
CURRICULUH NEWS
The''International Club will be hosting an International Symposium an
i Friday, April 12, at West High. The purpose of the symposium will be
to acquaint students with current international political issues and
American foreign policies toward countries in Asia, Africa, and South
America. Keynote speakers include: President James 0. Freedman,
Professor Ascroft, Professor Snow, and Professor Rushton, all from
the University of Iowa. Parents are invited to attend the symposium
which begins at 8:20 a.m. and concludes at 12:35 p.m. on Friday.
i
During the week of April 15 - 19, the 9th grade English classes of
Bill Mitchell and Jan Leff will also present symposiums. This week
will be the culmination of a research unit; each student will be
required to give a five to seven minute speech on a science related
topic. Evaluations of the students' presentations will be conducted
cooperatively by both the ninth grade science and English teachers.
The students will be presenting their speeches in either the Little
Theater or the IMC, and parents are invited and encouraged to attend.
a16,7
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,GOOD NEIGHBOR - EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY
At West High, our goal is not only to provide a quality educational
setting for our students, but to be a "good neighbor" as one of the
community members as well. All of us appreciate neighbors who are
friendly, sensitive, and considerate of our property. We share these
common values at West High.
,t8ecently,-.it has-been brought to my attention some of our students
walk'acrose.the.private,properties east of the high school on their
waq„Eo.and.from school. Such foot -traffic can cause damage to
neply-laid.''sods ae.well`as reduce the privacy of the residence in
thie'hrea `We have asked our students .for their assistance in
helping us.De "a,good,neighbor'."., As .parents,.your support and
j jFeiaforcement in.,seefng,our students.do not cross private property
wheat' traveling to,or..from
school will certainly be appreciated. '
t PARENT MEETING.- APRIL 29
} In, March,. the administrators and counselors met with the parents of
nieith,and.tenth grade students to discuss various issues related to
seen-age•students. Feedback from parents at the meeting suggested we
an follow-up activity to allow -parents the opportunity to again
share information/ideas with other parents.
A follow-up meeting for all West High parents has been scheduled for
Monday evening, April 29, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Little
Theater. The format for the meeting will again allow parents to
:,attend a small group session on one of,four discussion topics. We
,talso,"plan to have an outside resource'person.available in each group
to.ehare hie/her expertise on that specific topic. Again, however,
C : .our primary purpose is to provide a small -group setting in which
parents can share.concerns, experiences, and,expertiee on the items
of discussion.: The four topics scheduled for discussion on the 29th
are:
f
1. Study Habits and Homework
- How do you monitor homework completion?
- How much homework is enough?
- How can I reinforce positive study habits?
2. .Substance and Alcohol Abuse
- What do the statistics say?
- What physical signs do I watch for?
- What about peer pressure; how do you handle it?
- What we will do if.....?
- What about end -of -year parties?
,2167.
-3-
3. Career and Educational Planning
- Planning a meaningful high school program.
- Selecting the "right" college.
The role of the parent.
Who decides?
4. Parenting
- What are typical teenage behaviors?
How do I say no, and mean it.
- Family and stress.
- Being a better listener as a parent.
Plan to attend on the 29th!
MUSIC IS IN THE'AIR
Por the first time, Iowa City's Annual Music Carnival will be held at
West High. The fun and excitement will take place on Friday,.May 17,
.from.4:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m., and on Saturday, May 18, from
11:00.a.m. to 11:00 p.m. In addition to the new site, the carnival
willsfeature several new events. Bring your family for a delicious
barbecued beef dinner to be served in the West High cafeteria from
5:30-7:30'p.m. nightly. Each night at 7:30 p.m. carnival
.participants will also be treated to a "musical showcase," a review
presented in the West High Little Theater featuring various musical
groups from the two high schools. Saturday evening's activities will
also include the awarding of a video recorder and camera prize to a
lucky .
winner.
Tke'mueic carnival is sponsored by the Iowa City Community School's
Music Auxiliary, which consists of students, faculty, administration,
and parents. All proceeds from the carnival will be used for the
benefit of elementary, junior; and senior'high school music students.
Be sure to mark May 17 and 18 on your calendar as a reminder to
attend this year's Annual Music Carnival at West High School.
FROM -THE DRAMA DEPARTMENT
West High will produce the '50'6 musical ye Birdie on April 25,
26, and 27, at 7:30 p.m. in the Little Theater. The show was
originally a gentle satire on the hero worship of Elvis Presley.
Today it Is still poking fun at these same characteristics, enabling
us to laugh at ourselves being portrayed on the stage. Many of you
will be able to say, "Remember when?"
a/6J
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�•My
November 13, 1985
City Council
Design Review Committee
Upon being a business resident of the City of Iowa City for over
a year now I feel compelled to inform you of a situation I
perceive as being unfair to permanent business residents of the
community. This is regarding the street vendors.
The current concerns I have, as a regular member of the business
community are:
1) Some of the carts, such as the popcorn and pastry cart
are quite nicely designed, extremely clean and food safe carts,
while other carts, such as the gyro wagon, are a mess. If I am
not mistaken the College and Dubuque Street area is an urban
renewal zone. Have these carts gone through design review
committee approval?
2) Secondly, the colorings and signage on some of the
carts comes to mind. I had to replace green signage at the cost
of approximately $3,500 from the top of my structure. Yet, I
look at these carts and they have multicolored umbrellas of red,
green and other colors, which are similarly categorized to the
color of my past signage. Is this appropriate? The taco cart
has an excessive amount of signage exposed, is there a code for
this?
3) Why is the restaurant industry being isolated by having
competition brought down to this area? Why aren't the carts
selling jewelry, perfumes, suits, etc., etc., rather than just
food items? Traditionally, the food business has a very low
profit margin. Every restaurant in the downtown area has a
capitol investment in their facility exceeding many thousands of
dollars and pays an extremely high tax base because Iowa City is
an educational community. I don't feel anyone is upset with this
as we have a 12 month a year investment, we have to pay for this
investment during slow times as well as busy. Are fees being
charged for licenses and permits to these street vendors
comparable?
HOLIDAY INNNOWA CITY
210 Dubuque Slnwl • lave City, lows 52240 - 31913374050
4
V 0 L E 0
Nov 18 198
MARIAN K. KARR
CITY CLERK (1)
al eo R,
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November 13, 1985
City Council
Design Review Committee
Upon being a business resident of the City of Iowa City for over
a year now I feel compelled to inform you of a situation I
perceive as being unfair to permanent business residents of the
community. This is regarding the street vendors.
The current concerns I have, as a regular member of the business
community are:
1) Some of the carts, such as the popcorn and pastry cart
are quite nicely designed, extremely clean and food safe carts,
while other carts, such as the gyro wagon, are a mess. If I am
not mistaken the College and Dubuque Street area is an urban
renewal zone. Have these carts gone through design review
committee approval?
2) Secondly, the colorings and signage on some of the
carts comes to mind. I had to replace green signage at the cost
of approximately $3,500 from the top of my structure. Yet, I
look at these carts and they have multicolored umbrellas of red,
green and other colors, which are similarly categorized to the
color of my past signage. Is this appropriate? The taco cart
has an excessive amount of signage exposed, is there a code for
this?
3) Why is the restaurant industry being isolated by having
competition brought down to this area? Why aren't the carts
selling jewelry, perfumes, suits, etc., etc., rather than just
food items? Traditionally, the food business has a very low
profit margin. Every restaurant in the downtown area has a
capitol investment in their facility exceeding many thousands of
dollars and pays an extremely high tax base because Iowa City is
an educational community. I don't feel anyone is upset with this
as we have a 12 month a year investment, we have to pay for this
investment during slow times as well as busy. Are fees being
charged for licenses and permits to these street vendors
comparable?
HOLIDAY INNNOWA CITY
210 Dubuque Slnwl • lave City, lows 52240 - 31913374050
4
V 0 L E 0
Nov 18 198
MARIAN K. KARR
CITY CLERK (1)
al eo R,
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November 13, 1985 -2- Design Review Committee
They are using a common area for seating, is any square footage
charge being figured and pro -rated out amongst these vendors
utilizing this seating? What about clean-up? We clean our
restaurants daily, if not more often. Do the street vendors
regularly clean up the street and their seating areas? Do they
contribute at all to the downtown clean-up efforts as the
businessmen do?
As it is now the time to prepare signing up for carts I think we
need to address these most vital issues. I don't necessarily
feel we are talking about a policy change in the laws of the City
of Iowa City. I feel we are talking about an equity factor
between the permanent as opposed to the temporary business
residents of this city. I don't think the value of these carts
is at stake, rather are they adding to the ambiance of the
downtown area, the way many of our businesses do?
Sinarely,
Robert G. Bray
General Manager
Holiday Inn --Iowa City
RGB:sg
,V7/40- .
CITY OF IOWA CITY
CIVIC CENTER 410 E. WASHNGTON ST. IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240 (319) 356-5000
c
December 17, 1985
Mr. Robert G. Bray, General Manager
Holiday Inn - Iowa City
210 Dubuque Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Bob:
At its regular meeting of December 3, 1985, the City Council received
r and placed on file your letter in which you express concerns about the
vending carts on City Plaza.
r The concerns you mention are matters which we take into consideration
when issuing permits. We have established certain criteria by which
each application is judged. If the appearance of a cart has deteriorated
during the season or if other difficulties are encountered, these are
( considered as negative points.
Before the new applications are reviewed for the spring season, we are
planning to revise the criteria in order to allow new applicants more
of an opportunity to be selected. We hope to encourage more of a
variety of products offered for sale, such as flowers or craft items.
However, in past years almost no applications have been received for
vending items other than food. (The ordinance governing the use of City
Plaza does not permit the vending of manufactured items.) We will also
consider the possibility of review of each cart's appearance by the
Design Review Committee.
The public's response to the vending carts has been very good, but the
City does not wish to offend the downtown merchants. We have, for some
time, been awaiting input from the Downtown Association and the Chamber
of Commerce regarding both sidewalk cafes and vending carts. The subject
has been discussed at a number of meetings, but no official recommenda-
tions have been forthcoming.
Your letter is appreciated, and your comments will be considered when
reviewing the new applications.
Sincerely yours,
4aIG�1n
City M
cc: City ClerkL/
41 /14 00
SOUTHGATE DEVELOPMENT
325 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
(319) 3374195
RECFIVFnIJOV ' 919R5
RECEIVED NOV 1 91985
November 18, 1985
The Honorable Mayor
John McDonald
410 East Washington St.
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Mayor McDonald:
The current zoning ordinance prohibits a monument sign larger than tweleve
square feet per face in the CB -10 Zone. Because of the unique circumstance of
being one of a few properties to have any yard area in the downtown location,
we are finding it difficult to design an attractive sign small enough to
comply with the ordinance yet large enough to scale with the size of the
building.
It would be greatly appreciated if you could recommend that the Planning and
Zoning Commission review this section of ordinance for a possible ammendment.
One possibility might be to allow a certain minimum size of signage with area
increases per foot of setback, very similar to current allowances for heights
of structures.
If you should have any questions or would like further input, please feel free
to contact me anytime. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
Sincerely,
Glenn R. Siders
r
RECEIVE^
NOV + 8 1985 '
915 E. Fairchild
Iow.?. rit.w, Toa 52240
j No"'errlber 17, 1985
John McDonald: Mayor
City of Iowa. Cit'+
Iowa. Cit'., Iowa. 52249
I
Dear Mr. McDonald
i
One of the rea.11_+ great things. about I,l;a• r_.ity is its bus system. It.
is a. Pleasure to be down to:l'n at the bus stop to see People hurrying
i
to a. bus and then headirg ouf all different di recti ors. I love
Public tra.nsPort..ation, Rut it is exPensive.
i
0'ne of the grcv.Ps most a.ffer_t.ed by a.ny Possible changes are trie senior
citizens. I think their increased contribution to the system, could
make a. great dea.l of difference, and in the long run, they wou.id
Profit most from it.
f �
My suggestion would be to charge seniors 25 cents. There are very few
to whom that would be a ha.rdshiP:.?.nd there a.re man_a who are well -able
to Pa.y. PerhaPs this could be extended then to cover them during
mornings and evenings as well as a. few might be travelling at those
times.
If I were not an elder myself, I would not mention this, The other
older PeoPle with Whom I have spoken all agree that keeping the bus
system oPerative is a. high Prior'•ity, lifter all, Paying 25 rents. Per,
� ride wcv,ld be r_hea.F•er than increased F'r•oPr>r•t.y t.a>-� for roa:n_a of tr'rFrrj. ;
I•ncrea.sed fares for other riders, ,.could only decrease the number of
Persons riding, and increase the number of cars down town.
I
Thard' you for all the efforts you are rri.?.k:in':+ t.o k:eer- this city
i
oPera.ting so well, in the i.'nterests .of all c'f !t:_.
MRrianne Mich.?.el
I
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a/70
U
November 17, 1985 RECEIVEDNOV
181985
i
Mayor McDonald
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, Ia. 52240
Subject: The Bail -Out (and/or Expansion) Of The Transit System
f
Dear Mayor McDonald:
i We fully understand the tremendous job you face in balancing the
books regarding the Transit System. However, as property owners,
we would like to explain some points of view that are felt by
many like ourselves.
A. Freedom of Choice.
There are mony choices to be made in our lives. We need to
realize that not all things are suitable for all people.
Therefore, we should expect to pay for our free choices:
- if you choose to own and operate a car, you have to pay all
costs connected with that choice.
- if you choose to ride a bicycle, you have to pay all costs
involved with that choice.
- if you choose to ride a bus, you should have to pay and
support that choice.
When the price of a car increases, the cost for a gallon of gas
raises or the cost of car repairs skyrocket, the people who don't
choose to own cars are not forced to pay for our expenses. Why
should we who elect not to ride the bus be forced to pay the
expense for those who choose to use that form of transportation?
If they choose buses, they should pay their own way.
B. Life Styles.
We all live busy lives. Not everyone can board a bus near their
home, ride directly to their worksight and return that same way
at day's end. Most people have other committments: children to
deliver and pickup or other needs to attend to. Bus riding is
simply not feasible for everyone.
C. Imbalance of Fees.
The most commonly employed method to pay for controversial.
elective services is to impose an increase on some mandatory item
in this case it's property taxes. In the case at hand - bus
riders - it seems the trend is to avoid asking bus riders to
support their own service (least some may find alternate
transportation means in protest). It seems more desireable to
just increase the tax of those who have little to barter back
with. A large percentage of bus riders are students - here for a
few years, then gone. Property owners are less transient, so
.' they end up paying the way for those temporary citizens.
Everyone lilies a free ride - but why are the ones who choose to
settle in one spot responsible for paying the way for everyone!
A171
D. Free Pus Service vs Pay Bus Service.
Free Cambus services allowed throughout the City are taking away
from the Iowa City "pay" transit service. Cambus should be
restricted to specific areas. so bus users have to use the Iowa
City Transit System. By paying and supporting our system,
valuable revenue would be channeled where it is needed.
E. Service Level Cuts.
How do you think the majority of the taxpayers would feel if they
knew internal city department cuts were being considered that
ultimately would result in a decrease in the services that
benefit people city-wide in order to support a service that
benefits a minority?
F. Recognizing Car Usage.
On one hand, your proposals are aimed at increased marketing of
the transit system, thus decreasing the use of personal cars,
given the same number of residents. There is a contradiction
here. The City is planning to build onto an existing parking
ramp to accomodate more cars, while simultaneously attempting to
reduce the number of cars. Notice the contradiction? Which do
we want?
Another proposal suggests raising parking ramp fees. To suggest
this, then it is assummed that you feel there is a potential for
increased revenue - meaning you acknowledge there is high usage
of cars. If you raise the ramp fee to support transit, you
chance a reduced level of usage - either from protest or from
switching to transit use. Either way, the potential for lost
revenue is there. So the purpose of the increase will have been
defeated. It is like robbing Peter to pay Paul.
G. Street and Bridge Surfaces.
One of your proposed options - Transit Expansion - would have a
negative reprocusion on street/bridge surfaces. To buy more
buses and expand the service to cover more areas will cause much
more deteriorization on our city streets and bridges. This in
turn will increase the level of repair and maintenance required
to keep current surface standards entact.
H. Good Business Practice.
It does not take a mathematician to conclude that you don't help
a business pay it's way by increasing the operating costs.
Besides the initial capital outlay to purchase more buses to
travel over more routes requiring more employees to operate them
j and more employees to maintain them will:
- increase employee wage and benefit costs
- increase cost to operate buses (fuel, oil, etc.)
j - increase maintenance/upkeep costs
Your considering this option without having proven ridership to
i warrant expansion of costs is outrageous. If it does not pay
it's own way now, providing more unused bus space is ludicrous.
The current deficit came as much from poor budgeting and/or
air/
i
r
management as from low ridership. Where did these unexpected
f high maintenance costs sneak in (especially since these buses are
so new that maintenance costs should have been easier •to plan
for)? Could it be due to inefficient management and supervision?
Can it be explained acceptably?Couldn't these costs have been
j controlled with proper control? Can they be corrected in the
Ii future. or will there be more surprises? Who slays after pumping
more money into the system, charging these costs to the
GtaxpayTrs, that there won't be a repeat performance? Then where
do we stand? Let's see action taken that involves cutting the
service level back and increasing the cost to users. In most all
routes, too many times there are nearly empty buses running. Let
the users adjust their schedules to accomodate the bus schedules,
not vice -versa. Schedules should be reduced to bring_ service
down to a profitable level. Sure inconveniences will be felt.
Don't we all have to accept that sometime in our lives? Common
sense dictates - Operate within your means.
I. Eliminate Waste.
- Reduce the large amounts of money paid out for feasibility
studies, many being repeatedly duplicated over several
years. Use that money to bail out desireable services that
need assistance.
- Require contractors hired by the city to be responsible for
their workmanship. If they do ineffective work, they should
have to make the needed corrections. Why pay contractors,
and then later use city personnel and money to correct their
mistakes? Put the money saved to better use.
We are not trying to appear that we know better than you how to
handle City Government. We are merely attempting to make known
to you the feelings and questions that many average home owners
share. It is becoming more difficult for every person to
maintain their life styles. So many factors are dictated to us
with no chance of rebuttal. Many factors are self -chosen.
Please be willing to make your decisions based on fairness to
all, even though that may not be politically popular. Please
i think twice before taking the most obvious path out of these
financial problems, property taxes. There will be inconveniences
to someone - no matter what you choose. And please think again
before imposing an additional burden on the majority to appease
the minority.
Sincerely,
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Kennedy
1302 Keokuk St.
Iowa City, Ia. 52240
cz171
� � I
INGEBORG H SOLBRIG
21 -November 1985� O L � D
City Clerk
for the City Manager
Civic center NOV 2 2 1985
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240 MARIAN K. KARR
CITY CLERK (1)
Dear Mr., City Managers
I am writing because of the Iowa City Transit
Svstem.• Unfortunately, in this country the auto industry
has not only destroyed efficient rail service, but also
inner city to suburb public transportation. Europe
is much more advanced than we are in this regard..
Public transportation serves mainly those with i.
a more moderate income, the majority of Iowa City
residents (Iowa City's heart, the university, pays
miserbale salaries), bub also those who do not case
to drive during the winter, no matter what age these
people might be, and other persons.,
Please find a mode of not only maintaining the transit
system, a good one for these parts of the country,
but also keep it to serve its main users, do not make
it too expensive. Iowa's tax payers are also burdened :^..•,
plenty enough, especially with property tax.
I haw a suggestion. Why donit you try to work
out something with the a9eaci0e supporting senior -
citizens? '"Could something be combined here, administrati-
vely,
dministratively, so that bothitraneport for the elderly and for the
general public transportation populati'on,can be
maintained? It is bad enough that some of us cannot
attend (p•t.o.)
Dr. In eborp Solbrip
1146 Pine Streel
lows Clty, IA 52716
' (31A) 351.1501
C2/7,Z.1
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i
any cultural tents at the Arts Canter, Bandchee.stc.,
during the main season for such off the uiatsr,
because there to no public transportation, and the
Iona City tad service, for thou of us willing to
pay, is alsoaa a nisenble state.
0£ course, as expanded route eysta from the one we
have now, hourly Sunday services, 25-4 charges during
non -rash hours to the elderly and handicapped (Ito -,I
place the elderly, who have carved society a llfo!tile,
into a social welfare category, butts memo this
cannot be avoided), acre buses to the fleet, and a better
adherence to the schedule, would be ideal. t
-^� Can you do it The batter the s Ston. t!N note wen
wouldM, There to no such thins u a cheap good
th .g)od things are always "expoullrep".but the
benefit nay came'!n another way, such as( acre and
"better" users of the eystsm. •It is just like do4
cheap or expensive clothes' buy ezpemdvs, good
quality and you have these fine clothes for years!
That makes thm,ju the end, less expensive..
Thank you for trying hard. Good management should
be able to come up with a good solution.'
Sincerely yours,
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Iowa City Council
c/o City Clerk
Civic Center
410 E. Washington
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Councilpersons:
423 Seventh Avenue
Iowa, City, Iowa 52240
November 21, 1985
RE CE I VED10 22 1985
I've lived in the Iowa City area since 1959, in Iowa City itself
since 1962. During that entire period, I've regularly used the
transit system.
I remember when the city took over the system from the private
company that formerly operated it. The private company had raised
the fare to 50c. As a result of the high fare, ridership fell. As
a result of the fall in ridership, the private company reduced
the schedule. As a result of the reduced schedule, ridership fell
more badly. The system was faltering badly.
The city instituted a 25c fare and a convenient schedule.
Suddenly, Iowa City had a model transit system. The system became
even more exemplary when Coralville and the University perceived
what the system was doing for Iowa City and, wisely, instituted
the Coralville system and Cambus, and coordinated those systems
with the Iowa City system.
Since then, we riders have undergone three fare increases,
amounting ultimately to 100%. With each fare increase, ridership
fell and the regularity of schedules was threatened. Now we are
almost back to the situation of the old days, when the survival
of the system is threatened. It all started with the first fare
increase.
Many of the benefits to the city of a reliable, inexpensive
transit system are obvious. Nearly every rider eliminates a car,
with its accompanying pollution, damage to streets, and
requirement for regulation, from the already congested downtown
area. Nearly every rider reduces pressures on -downtown, the
University, and major employers (including potential major
employers the city hopes to attract) for increased traffic,
parking, and regulation facilities.
At least one other benefit is not so obvious: the system's
enhancement of the city's attractiveness to others. During the
past twenty-four years, I have been in a position to help recruit
many desirable new citizens to the University and to Iowa City.
Inevitably, during a recruiting visit of a potential new faculty
member or administrator, two or three hours are set aside to tour
the city. I've seen eyes light up when I've been able to say:
"Iowa City has a model transit system. I ride it every day. For
-z -
ten years, I didn't even own a car. You get half—hour service or
better within three blocks of every residence in the city." It
used to be even more effective when I could add, for a
quarter." I don't mention the fare these days.
In my opinion, the city should adjust its priorities, radically
if necessary, even increasing taxes if necessary, to maintain the
transit schedule pretty much as it is and to reduce the fare to a
quarter. I believe also that the city, in communicating messages
about its attractiveness both to its own citizens and to
potential newcomers, could and should use the transit system
(with the reduced fare) to much better effect. That system is one
of the unique attractions of Iowa City.
Sincerely,
John W. Bowers
P/%.T-
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1
1025 Walnut Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
November 20, 1985
The Iowa City Council
c/o City Clerk
Civic Center
410 E. Washington
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
To Whom It May Concern:
This morning, when I disembarked from the bus at the North entrance
to University Hospitals, I was handed a flyer citing a list of options
for dealing with the projected $500,000 deficit facing the Iowa City
Transit Company for fiscal year 1986.
The following options appeal to me:
1. Expand route system; provide hourly Sunday service; charge
25 -cent non -rush hour fare to the elderly and handicapped;
add more buses to the fleet.
In addition to the above, I would not object to a fare increase
to 60 cents and monthly passes to $18.50. Having Sunday service
would make it worthwhile.
2. My second choice of options is: No changes in existing service;
increase transit levy 18 cents and transit's portion of the
general fund by 51 percent.
I hope a satisfactory solution can be found for the transit system.
The Iowa City Transit Company has been a source of civic pride to me for
the past fourteen years as well as a necessity and convenience.
�Sincerely,
Dianna Penny
c�
I
i
1025 Walnut Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
November 20, 1985
The Iowa City Council
c/o City Clerk
Civic Center
410 E. Washington
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
To Whom It May Concern:
This morning, when I disembarked from the bus at the North entrance
to University Hospitals, I was handed a flyer citing a list of options
for dealing with the projected $500,000 deficit facing the Iowa City
Transit Company for fiscal year 1986.
The following options appeal to me:
1. Expand route system; provide hourly Sunday service; charge
25 -cent non -rush hour fare to the elderly and handicapped;
add more buses to the fleet.
In addition to the above, I would not object to a fare increase
to 60 cents and monthly passes to $18.50. Having Sunday service
would make it worthwhile.
2. My second choice of options is: No changes in existing service;
increase transit levy 18 cents and transit's portion of the
general fund by 51 percent.
I hope a satisfactory solution can be found for the transit system.
The Iowa City Transit Company has been a source of civic pride to me for
the past fourteen years as well as a necessity and convenience.
�Sincerely,
Dianna Penny
c�
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RECEIVEONOV22 1985
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y.
Iowa City Transit has long been recognized as the best
transit system in Iowa and one of the bast in the Midwest. This
year, the City of Iowa City has experienced drastic cuts in
federal and state mass transit Funding, maintenance costs have
been unexpectedly high and insurance premiums for all cities
have tripled. As a result, Iowa City Transit is now facing a
projected $500,000 deficit for fiscal year 1986.
On Nov. 12, the Iowa City Council held an informal hearing
and was presented with a study of Iowa City Transit by
transportation planner Michael Kyte and Associates. Five
alternatives were proposed for balancing the deficit.
THE PROPOSED ALTERNATIVES (or MIX & MATCH)
0 Eliminate Wardway, N. Dubuque & Seventh Ave. routes
& Saturday & Evening service; reduce Midday service to
hourly; raise fares to 60 cents & monthly passes to
s18.50.
0 Eliminate Wardway, N. Dubuque & Seventh Ave. routes
8 Set. & Evening service; raise transit levy 18 cents
per 51,000 of assessed valuation & increase transit's
portion of the city's general revenue fund by 28
percent.
0 Reduce Sat. service to hourly; combine some night
routes; raise transit levy 18 cents.
0 No changes in existing service; increase transit
levy 18 cents & transit's portion of the general fund by
51 percent.
lb Expand route system; provide hourly Sunday service;
charge 2S -cent non -rush hour fare to the elderly &
handicapped; add more buses to the fleet.
THE SOLUTION
Is this what you want for your transit system? The city
council must make a difficult decision on this issue in the next
several weeks. Contribute to the debate. Call your city
councilors (listed below) or write them:
C/o City Clerk
Civic Center - 410 E. Washington
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Mayor John McDonald Bill Ambrisca Larry Baker
Kate Dickson Clemens Erdahl George Strait
Ernie tuber Darrel Courtney (councilor elect)
OIs
a
i
OIs
1422 Aber Avenue
Iowa City, IA 52240
November 20, 1985
Mayor John McDonald
CivicicenterClerk AFC
ton
IowaEast City, IAi52240 FAV�� NOV S'�s
Dear Mayor McDonald:
I am writing in response to the proposed alternatives to
solve the impending deficit in the Iowa City Transit System.
I am very much opposed to cutting any routes, or to reducing
midday service. Not only will these alternatives impact on people
who rely on the buses to get to and from work; they will also
affect school children who take the buses to and from non -
neighborhood schools. To reduce Saturday and nightly service, and
to raise the levy, is the most equitable solution for all
taxpayers.
Iowa City is justly proud of its transit service --certainly it
is the best I have encountered, and I have lived in seven major
cities over the last 20 years. Let's not do anything to make it
less efficient or useful, even if it means increasing the levy.
Thank you for your attention.
Sincerely yours,
Katherine Haylee
THE PROBLEM
Iowa City Transit has long been recognized as the best
transit system in Iowa and one of the best in the Midwest. This
year, the City of Iowa City has experienced drastic cuts in
federal and state mass transit funding, maintenance costs have
been unexpectedly high and insurance premiums for all cities
have tripled. As a result, Iowa City Transit is now facing a
projected $500,000 deficit for fiscal year 1986.
On Nov. 12, the Iowa City Council held an informal hearing Z i
and -was presented with a study of Iowa City Transit by
transportation planner Michael Kyte and Associates. Five ;fir"•,/v�•�
alternatives were proposed for balancing the deficit. �N'.,aY�
THE PROPOSED ALTERNATIVES Cor MIX & MATCH) �� v
Wardwny, N. Dubuque 8 Sevent outer
& Saturday & Even ay service to
hourly; rais cants B moat s to
S 7
Eliminate Wardway, N. Dubuque & Seventh Ave. utas
& Sa> an cervi --,� else nsit 1 vy 18 s
00 as es d va1J t n & eas t ns a
po 1. of he ci a genera revenue fund b 28
percent. bb ,AAS
Reduce Sat service to hourly; combine some night
routes; raise transit levy 18 centskty�yq�r(�;.r/
ch as 1r� exi ng se ce; ran tr ns y
1 1 e nt qtr nsl s ion of he n In b
5 per t.
0 xpa rou oonn s stem hoouu
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url de vice;
hrindi d; add morns uses Pathe f tht el ry 8
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Is this what you want for your transit system? The city
council must make a difficult decision on this issue in the next j
several weeks. Contribute to the debate. Call your city
"M c�nc�rs Clisted below) or write them:
ly c/o City Clerk
NON/ 25 19RR Civic Center - 410 E. Washington
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
M K. KARMR
CITY C yor John McDonald Bill Ambrisco Larry Baker
CITY CLERK (1) Kate Dickson Clemens Erdahl George Strait
Ernie tuber Darrel Courtney (councilor elect)
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PD AD
F L E 0
NOV 2 61985
CITY CLERK
3245 Friendship Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
November 22, 1985
Clemens Erdahl
c/o City cleric
Civic Center
410 E. Washington
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
I would like to put in my "twenty-two cents worth" about the
proposed changes in the city transit system.
I believe that reduction of service would work an extreme
hardship on many older persons, children, students, and others
in this community. We all need a way to get around, no matter
where we live. Why should use/ownership of an automobile be
required to enjoy access for everyone to every part of this city?
Reduction of service would also change the nature of this
community. You now have students able to live in parts of town
furthest from campus. You have a safe way for children to
share in community life. Most importantly, you have a way to
stop the isolation of older people from the rest of the community.
With no bus, people would need to begin to segregate themselves
into those areas that they need to frequent the most often --and
would be deprived of the diversity that comprehensive bus service
makes possible.
Is $500,000 too high a price for an integrated community?
Why is reduction of service uppermost on the agenda of
possibilities?
isn't community effectiveness more important than cost
effectiveness?
ikeel-Lly,
Don Arenz D
M
Decemh-t 2, 1985
City Council
City of Iowa City, Iowa
City Administration Building
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Re: Iowa City Bus Routes
Dear Council Members:
TELEPHONE
»8-9222
AREA CODE 919
This office represents the Ranshaw Family including KCK Partnership as
well as several other entities in the general area of Wardway Plaza.
On behalf of my clients, I object to a discontinuance of bus service
to this general area. It would appear that bus service to the area
might be reduced during certain periods of the day or that the area
may be consolidated with some other bus route than the one now being
used. In any event, this is an important commercial and residential
area which does need to be serviced by a bus route.
We ask that you consider the various choices available other than dis-
continuance of the bus service completely.
WLM/pld
11
DEC 2 1985
MARIAN K. KARR
CITY CLERK (1)
M
MEARDON, SUEPPEL, DOWNER 6 HAYES
WILLIAM L. MEAROON
bbl
LAWYERS
Decemh-t 2, 1985
City Council
City of Iowa City, Iowa
City Administration Building
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Re: Iowa City Bus Routes
Dear Council Members:
TELEPHONE
»8-9222
AREA CODE 919
This office represents the Ranshaw Family including KCK Partnership as
well as several other entities in the general area of Wardway Plaza.
On behalf of my clients, I object to a discontinuance of bus service
to this general area. It would appear that bus service to the area
might be reduced during certain periods of the day or that the area
may be consolidated with some other bus route than the one now being
used. In any event, this is an important commercial and residential
area which does need to be serviced by a bus route.
We ask that you consider the various choices available other than dis-
continuance of the bus service completely.
WLM/pld
11
DEC 2 1985
MARIAN K. KARR
CITY CLERK (1)
M
MEARDON, SUEPPEL, DOWNER 6 HAYES
WILLIAM L. MEAROON
WILLIAM F. SUEPPEL
LAWYERS
ROBERT N. DOWNER
122 SOUTH LINN STREET
JAMES P. HAYES
JAMES D. MCCARRAGHER
IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240
THOMAS J. CILEK
MARK T. MAN ER
THOMAS O. HOBART
MARGARET T. LAINSON
ANGELA M. RYAN
DOUGLAS O. RUPPERT
Decemh-t 2, 1985
City Council
City of Iowa City, Iowa
City Administration Building
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Re: Iowa City Bus Routes
Dear Council Members:
TELEPHONE
»8-9222
AREA CODE 919
This office represents the Ranshaw Family including KCK Partnership as
well as several other entities in the general area of Wardway Plaza.
On behalf of my clients, I object to a discontinuance of bus service
to this general area. It would appear that bus service to the area
might be reduced during certain periods of the day or that the area
may be consolidated with some other bus route than the one now being
used. In any event, this is an important commercial and residential
area which does need to be serviced by a bus route.
We ask that you consider the various choices available other than dis-
continuance of the bus service completely.
WLM/pld
11
DEC 2 1985
MARIAN K. KARR
CITY CLERK (1)
M
a xt.
FoLE0
td0V Z l 1985
1G5xen PA - ""j C1rr CLERK
I am a resident of Forest View Trailer Court and a regular
rider on the North Dubuque bus route. I understand that this route
is one of those which you are considering eliminating as a means of
reducing the transit system deficit. I am writing to express my
opposition to eliminating this route.
Forest View, which is served by the North Dubuque route, is
home to many low income people. In the five years I have lived
there and ridden the bus, I have seen how dependent many of these
people are on the transit system for transportation. They ride it
to and from work everyday. They ride it to the supermarket to buy
their groceries. It is also important to their social lives; with-
out it, they would be isolated at home. Some of these people pro-
bably could not afford to own and maintain a private car.
I know that the North Dubuque route is not one of the most
heavily traveled ones. I would hope that, if you mist cut service,
you would not cut the route altogether. I hope you would look first
at doing away with some of the least -used times of service, such as
those at midday or later at night. I.ising these would be unfortunate,
but would be preferable to losing the route altogether.
I know you are probably inclined to look at this issue as one
of economics; of saving a few dollars. PLease don't see it only in
this light. If the North Dubuque route is eliminated, people will
be hurt. Some will simply be stranded. Think of these people as
you talk abort this issue.
148 Fres-1 View 04 -
a/84
i
UU
i lY�
FoLE0
td0V Z l 1985
1G5xen PA - ""j C1rr CLERK
I am a resident of Forest View Trailer Court and a regular
rider on the North Dubuque bus route. I understand that this route
is one of those which you are considering eliminating as a means of
reducing the transit system deficit. I am writing to express my
opposition to eliminating this route.
Forest View, which is served by the North Dubuque route, is
home to many low income people. In the five years I have lived
there and ridden the bus, I have seen how dependent many of these
people are on the transit system for transportation. They ride it
to and from work everyday. They ride it to the supermarket to buy
their groceries. It is also important to their social lives; with-
out it, they would be isolated at home. Some of these people pro-
bably could not afford to own and maintain a private car.
I know that the North Dubuque route is not one of the most
heavily traveled ones. I would hope that, if you mist cut service,
you would not cut the route altogether. I hope you would look first
at doing away with some of the least -used times of service, such as
those at midday or later at night. I.ising these would be unfortunate,
but would be preferable to losing the route altogether.
I know you are probably inclined to look at this issue as one
of economics; of saving a few dollars. PLease don't see it only in
this light. If the North Dubuque route is eliminated, people will
be hurt. Some will simply be stranded. Think of these people as
you talk abort this issue.
148 Fres-1 View 04 -
a/84
i
Mayor John McDonald
c/o City Clerk
Civic Center
410 Washington
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
_ _ I
F L E DD
ruuz7 1985
201: D Street
Iowa City, Ia. 5224PT: CLERK
November 25, 1985
i
Dear Sir:
I am a U of I student living in Iowa City on a very
fixed income. For that reason I ride the Seventh Avenue bus
everyday. I have been most impressed with bus service in
this town. It would be a shame to lose such effective
service. If cuts must be made, the following are my
suggestions:
Reduce midday service to hourly.
Reduce Sat. service to hourly.
Increase transit levy 18 cents & transit's portion of
the general fund by 51 percent.
Please consider these suggestions as I would like to
see the best service possible for the city.
Si ncerel
Steve bloom
ar87
I
Mayor John McDonald
c/o City Clerk
Civic Center
410 Washington
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
N
NOV ? 1 1985
2015 D Street (�
Iowa City, Ia. 5224?QTY CLERK
November 25. 1985
i
Dear Sir:
I am an employee of the University and take the bus
daily to and from work. (I ride the Seventh Avenue bus.)
Since we are new to the city, part of the reason we chose to
live in the city is because of the fantastic bus service you
have here. It would be a shame to lose such service. If
money is tight, my suggestions would not be to eliminate any
routes, but to reduce some of their services, such as
reducing midday runs to hourly, reduce Saturday service to
hourly, raise transit levy 18 cents and transit's portion of
the general fund by 51 percent.
I still would like to see no chances, but if changes
must be made, the above mentioned suggestions would seem to
be in the best interest of bus riders.
Sincerely,7�
Kathy Bloom
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DEC 2 1985
iC17L_CLERK,
821 7th Ave. S.
Iowa City, IA 52240
November 27, 1985
Mayor John McDonald
c/o City Clerk
Civic Center
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Mayor McDonald:
We are writing about the proposals under consideration by
the City Council to deal with the projected budget deficit of the
{&. Iowa City Transit System.
a As long time residents of Iowa City we support the bus
system and have watched it develop since 1971 to reach its
4 current excellent level of service for the population of Iowa
}€ City.
f
We support the following proposals to deal with the deficit:
1. An increase in the transit levy per $1,000 of assessed
valuation to such a level as needed to maintain the
current level of bus service.
I
i 2. An increase in the transit portion of the city's general
revenue fund to the level needed to maintain the current
level of bus service.
3. A reduction in service on lesser used routes durinq non -
rush hour periods to hourly service.
4. An increase is bus fares from 50 cents to 60 cents and a
proportionate increase in monthly passes.
We are opposed to the following proposals:
1. The elimination of any bus routes.
2. A non -rush hour fare charge for handicapped persons and
senior citizens.
■
We believe that bus service is an integral part of city
services in general and that it should be supported by all
citizens through both taxes and fares, as are parking facilities
maintained by the city,
Significant increases in bus fares combined with elimination
of routes will have an adverse effect upon bus ridership in
general resulting in the beginning of a downward spiral of
higher fares and reduced service leading ultimately to the demise
of the bus system as a viable alternative to automobile travel,
an alternative that is not open to all citizens.
Thank you for your attention to our opinions.
Sincerely,
Thom\a1s\nI H. Chariton
�� I '"
Cy this L. Charlton
Thho`mas H. Charlton, IV
r
9
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November 26, 1985
Iowa City Council Members
c% City Clerk
Civic Center -410 E. Washington
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Members:
The following ideas are in response to the Council's request for proposed
alternatives for the Iowa City Transit System.
1. Reduce bus service to hourly on Saturday all day.
2. Reduce service to every hour in the evening beginning at 6:00 p.m.
instead of 7:00 p.m.
3. Eliminate the last bus in the evening (the 10:00 p.m.)
4. Combine some night routes.
5. Instead of eliminating Wardway, N. Dubuque & 7th Ave., have
hourly service all the time to those routes, not just in the evening.
6. Reduce midday service to hourly on all buses.
7. Charge the Press Citizen a yearly fee for putting their newspaper
stands at the bus shelters.
8. Fix the air conditioners in the buses for summer use and more people
would ride.
9. Eliminate the special bus on the Court Hill route -it is ususally empty.
10. LowAr the bus pass and more people would buy them. Raising the price
discourages people from buying a pass and defeats your purpose.
Very truly yours,
Ronald and Celaine Detweiler
3246 Friendship
Iowa City, IA 52240
I
DEC 2
1955
CITY CLERK
-
Iowa City Council Members
c% City Clerk
Civic Center -410 E. Washington
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Members:
The following ideas are in response to the Council's request for proposed
alternatives for the Iowa City Transit System.
1. Reduce bus service to hourly on Saturday all day.
2. Reduce service to every hour in the evening beginning at 6:00 p.m.
instead of 7:00 p.m.
3. Eliminate the last bus in the evening (the 10:00 p.m.)
4. Combine some night routes.
5. Instead of eliminating Wardway, N. Dubuque & 7th Ave., have
hourly service all the time to those routes, not just in the evening.
6. Reduce midday service to hourly on all buses.
7. Charge the Press Citizen a yearly fee for putting their newspaper
stands at the bus shelters.
8. Fix the air conditioners in the buses for summer use and more people
would ride.
9. Eliminate the special bus on the Court Hill route -it is ususally empty.
10. LowAr the bus pass and more people would buy them. Raising the price
discourages people from buying a pass and defeats your purpose.
Very truly yours,
Ronald and Celaine Detweiler
3246 Friendship
Iowa City, IA 52240
I
A1/
LV 2
I� ¶ �,
UULL D November 26, 1985
CITY CLERK
Dear Iowa City City Council Members,
I am writing because of the serious nature of the transit
deficit and because of the willingness that council members
showed at the informal meeting on transit to learn more about
the matter. I have been an Iowa City Transit driver for
five years and have belonged to the Transit Employee
Particination Group since its intention in September of 1984.
This group recently sent city council members a nronosal for
dealing with the deficit, and I would like to elaborate on
a couple of noints brought un in the proposal.
First of all, I am concerned about the increasing role
of Cambus service in the city during a period of deep cuts
in federal and state funding for mass transit, Both
Saturday Cambus service and free service to Mayflower
Apartments were initiated in the past two years, even though
they are in direct competition with established city transit
routes, A pay -per -ride service can never compete with a
free ride service, and the transnortation planners for the
JCCOG should be questioned as to how this expansion of free
service can be justified when ICT is fighting to keep its
basic level of service.
We all realize that substantial changes must be made.
Should not these changes begin with a reduction of the free
ride service and not by penalizing property owners and/or
loyal bus Patrons? Cambus should Provide free bus service
only to students, as it once did,.and it should only run
while the university is formally in session, not during
semester breaks and on weekends as it does now. Too many
People ride Cambus daily to work and pay nothing. While
that is a nice public service on behalf of the city, it
certainly is not very cost effective.
Also, Cambus service to Hawkeye Apartments after 6:15 p.m,
on weeknights, a Practice that started before ICT had night
service, should now be onerated by ICT at night as a revenue
Producer. The city should also look into using city buses,
not Cambuses, for athletic events. There is no reason why
out-of-town football fans should be able to park free at
Hancher and then ride free on Cambus to the stadium on city
streets. I realize that this may disrupt the delicate
symbiotic relationship that exists between the university and
the city, but a :risis is at hand, and strong measures must
be taken.
I feel that an entire reevaluation of Cambus service is
necessary, including a long range plan to integrate the
services of all three local transit systems. It would be
quite nossible to consolidate operations in the large new
Iowa City Transit Facility, and not have the three duplicating
sets of mechanics, administrators, and maintenance personnel
that now exist --an unheard-of arrangement for a city this size.
A/ 91Z__
A
N
None of these Droposed measures would threaten the
area served by mass transit in Iowa City, unlike the
measures proposed by the consulting firm. But the
reorganization of Cambus service to complement service
Drovided by Iowa City Transit, not detract from it, would
help to greatly reduce, or even eliminate, the present transit
deficit. Offering free bus rides for everyone may be a
laudable goal, but in the age of Reaganomics it is not only
impractical, it is ridiculous.
Yours truly,
1, L &� Lr -a
dohn Soukup
1413 Franklin St.
Iowa City
I �
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November 29, 1985
02 Whiting Ave.
2 FowaZCity,
LS Iowa
Iowa City. Council Members L, L; ? 1;35
910 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa
CITY CLERK
Dear Memberst
iAfter
reading the newspaper about taxes and services, I feel '
that I would like to comment on the matter.
'
Cutting services is the right approach. Bus service is needed
but there are times when buses are nearly empty of riders. I
have been on my area bus when there has been only six to eight
people departing from downtown. Revise the schedules or elim-
inate some runs.
It seems that if all else fails, the property owner is faced
with the burden of increased taxes to make up deficits. The ;
example shown in the paper about the house with a valuation
of $51,781 and a tax bill of $518.79 failed to include the
amount for county and school tax. When those are added in, _
it nearly doubles the total amount of property taxation. And
who is to say that the schools won't be asking for more tax?
Mr. Baker, who apparently feels that the simplest way to get
money is through property taxation, stated "Property tax is
not necessarily a sacred cow." Perhaps his income is such
that he can well afford all increases. Those of us who are
on fixed retirement incomes, find it difficult to keep up.
We have to cut costs and budget properly in order to pay the
continual request for property taxation.
i say the bottom line is to hold taxes and cut costs so that
I can afford to live in my home and pay reasonable property
tax. I don't look forward to becoming a welfare recipient
which, in the end, would increase someone elses taxes to
support me. This is always a possibility if I can't afford
to pay high property tax along with fuel and food costs.
i
Your are out elected officials whom we must trust to search
every possible avenue of saving - not spending. We have to
abide by your decisions. Please make them wisely.
Resp/ect77ggu� ly,
E. I. Kral
A/ 93
Citizens understand the Iowa City transit system is running
deficits. We also understand this is a serious problem, and that
as City Council members, you must review the transit system to
determine how to remedy the situation. I and the people
represented by this petition protest the possible elimination of
the NORTH DUBUQUE - WARDWAY bus route. I feel our reasons for
this protest are very sound. The NORTH DUBUQUE loop of the route
services the northeast side of Iowa City. This is the only route
that services the entire area north of MARKET STREET to just
south of Interstate 80, ending at Forest View Tailer Court. For
those of at this end of the route (including the Trailer Court,
and several apartment buildings in the area, as well as scattered
private residences) the NORTH DUBUQUE route is a life line to
central Iowa City. The area is hazardous to walk in since there
are no sidewalks, and street lighting is very poor. Some of the
people represented by this petition are consistent users, more
specifically, for those who do not owner a car, this is the only
means within a reasonable distance to get to work, visit family
and friends, or to shop. Council members, please consider the
validity of thet(points in your decision making.
;NOA M A-NN/N6-
=OAIA- d/y//
36'3- COW
ai 9y4
■
TO: Mayor John McDonald and Members of City Council
DATE: November 20, 1985
RE: Possible Elimination or Reduction of Service for the
NORTH DUBUQUE - WARDWAY Transit Routes.
We, the undersigned, contest the possible elimination of Iowa
City Transit's NORTH DUBUQUE - WARDWAY route. For many people in
F the Forest View Trailer Court, apartments and scattered private
j( residences in the area, the NORTH DUBUQUE route is the link to
t the rest of Iowa City, particularly since no other City
transportation is accessible. With the area devoid of sidewalks,
kwalking is especially hazardous. By eliminating this route, the
F northeast area of Iowa City would be cut off.
NAME
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/r iia Zl xv-'r t.
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TO: Mayor John McDonald and Members of City Council
DATE: November 20, 1985
RE: Possible Elimination or Reduction of Service for the
NORTH DUBUQUE - WARDWAY Transit Routes.
i
> We, the undersigned, contest the possible elimination of Iowa
t City Transit's NORTH DUBUQUE - WARDWAY route. For many people in
the Forest View Trailer Court, apartments and scattered private
E. residences in the area, the NORTH DUBUQUE route is the link to
the rest of Iowa City, particularly since no other City
transportation is accessible. With the area devoid of sidewalks,
r walking is especially hazardous. By eliminating this route, the
y northeast area of Iowa City would be cut off.
NAME
n \/Ar,UfZ-
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ADDRESS
a-0 5o 7%yr-IP_ c on I07
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■
TO: Mayor John McDonald and Members of City Council
DATE: November 20, 1985
RE: Possible Elimination or Reduction of Service for the
NORTH DUBUQUE - WARDWAY Transit Routes.
We, the undersigned, contest the possible elimination of Iowa
City Transit's NORTH DUBUQUE - WARDWAY route. For many people in
the Forest View Trailer Court, apartments and scattered private
residences in the area, the NORTH DUBUQUE route is the link to
the rest of Iowa City, particularly since no other City
transportation is accessible. With the area devoid of sidewalks,
walking is especially hazardous. By eliminating this route, the
northeast area of Iowa City would be cut off.
NAMF.
ADDRESS n
d,5-'7 . �•�
Al llpwt, A,
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T0: Mayor John McDonald and Members Of City Council
DATE: November 20, 1965
RE: Possible Elimination Or Reduction of Service for the
NORTH DUBUQUE - WARDWAY Transit Routes.
We, the undersigned, contest the possible elimination of Iowa
City Transit's NORTH DUBUQUE - WARDWAY route. For many people in
the Forest View Trailer Court, apartments and scattered private
residences in the area, the NORTH DUBUQUE route is the link to
the rest of Iowa City, particularly since no other City
transportation is accessible. With the area devoid of sidewalks,
walking is especially hazardous. By eliminating this route, the
northeast area of Iowa City would be cut off.
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ADDRESS
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TO: Mayor John McDonald and Members of City Council
DATE: November 20, 1985
RE: Possible Elimination or Reduction of Service for the
NORTH DUBUQUE - WARDWAY Transit Routes,
We, the undersigned, contest the possible elimination of Iowa
City Transit's NORTH DUBUQUE - WARDWAY route. For many people in
the Forest View Trailer Court, apartments and scattered private
residences in the area, the NORTH DUBUQUE route is the link to
the rest of Iowa City, particularly since no other City
transportation is accessible. With the area devoid of sidewalks,
walking is especially hazardous. By eliminating this route, the
northeast area of Iowa City would be cut off.
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n NAME ADDRESS
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T0: Mayor John McDonald and Members of City Council
DATE: November 20, 1985
RE: Possible Elimination or Reduction of Service for the
NORTH DUBUQUE - WARDWAY Transit Routes.
We, the undersigned, contest the possible elimination of Iowa
City Transit's NORTH DUBUQUE - WARDWAY route. For many people in
the Forest View Trailer Court, apartments and scattered private
residences in the area, the NORTH DUBUQUE route is the link to
the rest of Iowa City, particularly since no other City
transportation is accessible. With the area devoid of sidewalks,
walking is especially hazardous. By eliminating this route, the
northeast area of Iowa City would be cut off.
ADDRESS
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City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 22, 1985
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: James Brachtel, Traffic Enqinee
Re: One-way Alley - Court Street/First Avenue/A Street/Second Avenue
As directed by Section 23-16 of the Municipal Code of Iowa City, this is to
advise you of the following action:
ACTION:
Pursuant to Section 23-143 of the Municipal Code of Iowa City, the City
Traffic Engineer will install signs so as to create a onerway flow on the
alley bounded by the streets Court Street/First Avenue/A Street/Second Ave-
nue. The alley will be made to be a one-way alley northbound from A Street
to Court Street. This action will take place on or shortly after December 6,
1985.
COMMENT:
This action is being taken after completion of a postcard survey of the
residents in the neighborhood which will be affected by this action. The
consensus of the responding neighbors was to install this one-way alley
traffic pattern.
bdw5/5
F o L E 0
NOV 2 2 1985
MARIAN K. KARR
CITY CLERK (1)
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City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 22, 1985
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: James Brachtel, Traffic Engineer
Re: All -Way Stop at Dodge Street/Kirkwood Avenue
As directed by Section 23-16 of the Municipal Code of Iowa City, this is to
advise you of the following action:
ACTION:
Pursuant to Section 23-160 of the Municipal Code of Iowa City, the City
Traffic Engineer will direct the installation of STOP signs at the intersec-
tion of Dodge Street/Kirkwood Avenue so that all traffic on Kirkwood Avenue
and Dodge ' Street. stop. This action will take place on or shortly after
December 6, 1985.
COMMENT:
The City Council has inquired about the possibility of creating a permanent
all -way stop at the intersection of Dodge Street and Kirkwood Avenue. This
intersection is scheduled to be signalized in FY8B as per the FY86 Capital
Improvement Program.
The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) has warrants for multi-
ple -way stop sign installations. The MUTCD states multiple -way stops should
ordinarily be used only where the volume of traffic on the intersecting roads
is approximately equal. The current traffic conditions do satisfy the war-
rants for multiple -way stop signs. However, traffic on Dodge Street is only
one-third to 40% of the traffic on Kirkwood.
When the Summit Street bridge was closed for repair, the traffic which used
Summit Street was added to the Dodge Street traffic and an all -way stop was
appropriate. With the Summit Street bridge reopened as an alternate, the
multiple -way, stop created unnecessary delay for Kirkwood Avenue traffic at
Dodge Street.
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F P L E 0
NOV 2 2 1985
MARIAN K. RARR
CITY CLERIC (1)
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�o the Mayor,
the members of the City Council
and the City Manager
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George Knorr
330 Kimball Road
Iowa City, Iowa $2240
Dec. 2, 198$
Please find enclosed a letter to Assistant City Manager Dale Helling,
about snow removal procedures on Kimball Road. The letter is self explanatory.
The present situation is dangerous to the children living on and near Kimball
Road and is not tolerable. I request the City to abstain from creating a
dangerous situation, which can be done without cost. However, a little bit of
good will is required.
Sincerely,
yours,
(George Knorr)
AA10
To the Assistant City Manager
Dale Helling
City Hall
Res Snow removal on Kimball Road
George Knorr
330 Kimball Road
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dec. 2, 1985
Dear Mr. Halling:
With this letter I confirm our telephone conversation of this afternoon.
The topic discussed was the problem of snow removal on Kimball Road by the City.
Kimball Road, due to lack of space has only one side -walk on its South -East
side, which is only three feet wide and which is located directly adjacent to
the attract. The aide -walk is used by all children living on Kimball Road, who
walk to Shimek ELementary School every weekday. It is also used by Junior High
and Highschool students who walk to the school bun stop at corner Kimball Road
and Governor Street.
During the current winter season the City snow plough heaped the snow of
one half of Kimball Road on the side walk. My neighbors and I patiently shoved
it off during Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. On Monday morning I
found that again the City snow plough had heaped tons of slush and snow on
my sidewalk, so that it could no longer be used. It was solidly frozen and I
was unable to remove it.
We both agreed that the situation on Kimball Road is special because the
sidewalk is directly adjacent to the street. However, the situation can be
managed by shoving all the snow from the road to the North -Dost side, where
there is no sidewalk. The technical means are available. The City has
demonstrated during previous years, that it can be Bono and you are aware of it.
However you told me, when the City restrained from burying the sidewalk, other
people on Kimball Road complained about added inconvenience of snow removing
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in their driveways. Therefore the City, most probably,
1) would not remove the snow from my sidewalk, even though the City put it
there in the first place.
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2) continue to heap snow from the street on the sidewalk.
I asked you to consider the danger our children would be exposed to, if they
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have to use the street. You answered that the children might have to use the
street 'if it turns out to be necessary.
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I an sorry, but I oppose your opinion vehemently. In fact, I cannot believe
that this is indeed your opinion, because it would be reckless and irresponsible
to expose little children knowingly to such a danger. This is only the more true
in view of the fact that a procedure, safe for the children, is possible.
If the City would continue to do nothing after the receipt of this letter, f
it would make itself liable to very serious and adverse law suits, in particular
if one child would be involved in a car accident on Kimball Road.
I therefore request you to reconsider this problem. I will also send copies of
this letter to the City Manager, to the Mayor and the members of the City Council.
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Very truly,
yours
V '
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(George Knorr)
a2(0
November 20, 1985
To Whom It May Concern:
It is with deep regret that we must tender our resignations
as members of the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission.
Many people have asked why we are resigning. We have
always felt it is our job to represent the interest of the
public, not politics, in our volunteer position. We also
realize and accept our position as recommending but not setting
policy.
There are certain things that have taken place in the
past few months that are of deep concern to us and hopefully
to the public. These are:
1. The "supposed" defecit (even though very small) for
FY '85.
2. The long length of time that has been taken to fill
the director's position. To have acting directors
and to have made no headway in hiring a permanent
director for a period of over one year is a major
problem for Iowa City.
3. The necessity of having 3 separate advertisements
for the director's job reflects poorly upon our fine
city and our present and past Parks and Recreation
Staff.
4. The process of having a selection committee that
can be unanimous in selecting a director but can
still be negated by the City Manager makes us wonder
why there should be a selection committee at all.
We see no problem with the City Manager making this
decision without a selection committee. However,
to have a committee to be used in such a manner seems
like such a waste of time.
5. The lack of leadership that presently exists with
both the director's position and superintendent of
recreation's position unfilled at a crucial time.
6. The freezing of our park acquisition funds with the
potential of having those funds used to take care
of defecits in other city departments.
7. The years of negotiating to acquire land to be
designated as Miller Park. We are no further along
now than we were 2 years ago.
S. The need for a dynamic, active, organized leader
similar to Al Cassadv to become the director. The
need for an excellent recreation and program background
is absolutely essential along with a similar parks
background.
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9. We feel it is absolutely necessary that Iowa City have
leaders in both the director and superintendents positions
to lead the public in one of our most important bond
issues ever. Our need for fixing City Park Pool properly
for the long term and the joint swimming pool -recreation
building with the school district are necessities that
Iowa City cannot do without if we are to continue i
to be a state and national city that others look to
for leadership and giving to the comtiunity. I
It has been our pleasure to serve the people of Iowa City.
We are extremely proud of what has been accomplished, but
extremely worried about continuing our excellent progress as
a Park and Recreation Department leader and national gold medal
winner. We will continue to serve Iowa City in the future j
in many ways and will always be proud to say we are long term
residents of the best of all cities -- IOWA CITY. j
Ellen Martin
Jerry Mitchell
Fred Riddle
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