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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-02-14 Info Packet~ - 1 ~_..®~,~ ~uilir. ~ • .wr®~~~ -•~a..~ CITY OF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET February 14, 2008 FEBRUARY 19 SPECIAL WORK SESSION ITEMS IP1 Council Meetings and Work Session Agenda IP2 Memorandum from the Interim City Manager: Yard Waste Bags IP3 Memorandum from the Director of Housing and Inspection: Request from Northside Neighborhood Association to enforce regulations pertaining to real estate signs on rental properties MISCELLANEOUS IP4 Memorandum from the Fire Chief: Fire Department Accreditation IP5 Memorandum from the Streets Superintendent: Snow/ice Control Budget: Winter 2007- 2008 to date with 52.1" snow IP6 Letter from the Recycling Coordinator to Edna Pixley: Energy Conservation IP7 Memorandum from the JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner: University of Iowa Football Game'Day Parking IP8 Agenda: Johnson/Linn County Public Leadership Group Informal Meeting February 21, 2008 IP9 Invitation: Corridor Day at the Capitol February 20, 2008 IP10 Invitation: Friends of the Animal Center and the Iowa City Animal Center will host a Spay/Neuter Summit - March 7, 2008 IP11 Invitation: Open House/Neighborhood Planning Forum - A Sustainable/Pedestrian Friendly Urban Eco-Village in Iowa February 11, 2008 IP12 Approved Minutes: Task Force on Violence Against Women: January 7, 2008 News Release: Snowplowing and Street Condition Update [Distributed at 2/19 Formal Meeting] DRAFT MINUTES IP13 Task Force on Violence Against Women: January 28, 2008 ~ - i -•n..i_ CITY OF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET February 14, 2008 FEBRUARY 19 SPECIAL WORK SESSION ITEMS IP1 Council Meetings and Work Session Agenda IP2 Memorandum from the Interim City Manager: Yard Waste By~igs IP3 Memorandum from the Director of Housing and Insp tion: Request from Northside Neighborhood,,Association to enforce regulations ertaining to real estate signs on rental propertied MISCELLANEO,CJS IP4 Memorandum from the e Chief: Fire Departm nt Accreditation IP5 Memorandum from the Stre is Superintende t: Snow/ice Control Budget: Winter 2007- 2008 to date with 52.1" snow IP6 Letter from the Recycling Coordina r to E a Pixley: Energy Conservation IP7 Memorandum from Nick VanderZwan: iversity of Iowa Football Game Day Parking IP8 Agenda: Johnson/Linn County Pu is L dership Group Informal Meeting February 21, 2008 IP9 Invitation: Corridor Day at the pitol Februa 20, 2008 ,~ IP10 Invitation: Friends of the Animal Center and th~lowa City Animal Center will host a Spay/Neuter Summit - Mar 7, 2008 ~. '~ IP11 Invitation: Open Hous Neighborhood Planning Fo'roum - A Sustainable/Pedestrian Friendly Urban Eco-Vill ge in Iowa February 11, 2008 ~~ ~. IP12 Approved Minutes: Ta k Force on Violence Against Women:`~~lanuary 7, 2008 DRAFT MINUTES ~. IP13 Task Force on Vjblence Against Women: January 28, 2008 r ~~~ ~`®'~~ City Council Meeting Schedule and -~..~_ CITY OF IOWA CITY Work Session Agendas February 14, zoos www.icgov.org • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Emma J. Harvat Hall 8:OOa Special Formal Council Meeting -Separate Agenda posted Executive Session -City Manager Interviews 4:30p-6:30p Meet and Greet -City Manager Candidates Public Library Room A • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Emma J. Harvat Hall Special Formal Council Meeting -Separate Agenda posted CANCELLED Executive Session -City Manager Interviews • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18 Presidents' Day -Offices closed Emma J. Harvat Hall 6:30p Special Formal Council Meeting -Separate Agenda posted Executive Session -City Manager Search Special Work Session -City Manager Search • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 Emma J. Harvat Hall 5:30p Special Formal Council Meeting -Separate Agenda Posted Executive Session - Pending Litigation - Property Acquisition Special Council Work Session • Historic Preservation Plan (reference agenda item 5a] No Dinner Yard Waste Bags • Real Estate Signs on Rental Properties • Agenda Items • Council Time • Upcoming Community Events/Council Invitations • Future Meeting Schedule 7:OOp Formal Council Meeting • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Coralville 4:30p Joint Meeting -CANCELED • SATURDAY, MARCH 1 Emma J. Harvat Hall TBD Special Formal Council Meeting -Separate Agenda posted Executive Session -City Manager Interviews • MONDAY, MARCH 3 Emma J. Harvat Hall 6:30p City Conference Board (Separate Agenda Posted) Council Work Session • TUESDAY, MARCH 4 Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:OOp Regular Formal Council Meeting All meetings are tentative and subject to change. ~ L VL-IM-VO ' "~®'~~ City Council Meeting Schedule and ~~ Irv OF IOWA CITY .Work Session Agendas February 14, zoos www.icgov.org -- __ • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Emma J. Harvat Hall 8:OOa Special Formal Council Meeting - Separate A enda posted Executive Session -City Manager Int rviews 4:30p-6:30p Meet and Greet -City Manager Candi Public Library Room A • SATURDAY, FEBRU Y 16 Emma J. Harvat Hall TBD . S cial Formal Council Meeting -Sep rate Agenda posted IF NECESSARY Executive Session -City Man er Interviews • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18 President Day -Offices close 6:30p Special Fo I Council Meeting Executi Session - Ci Special Work Se sion -City a • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 5:30p Special Formal Counc Executive Sess - Pendin Prenei Special Council 1 ^ Historic d Emma J. Harvat Hall Separate Agenda posted Manager Search Haver Search Emma J. Harvat Hall g -Separate Agenda Posted ition Session ervation PI (reference agenda item 5a] No Dinner Yard W to Bags ^ Real E fate Signs on Renta roperties • Agen a Items • Cou cil Time • Up ming Community Events/Co ncil Invitations • Fu ure Meeting Schedule 7:OOp Formal C uncil Meeting • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 0 Coralville 4:30p Joint eating -CANCELED • SATURDAY, MARCH 1 ma J. Harvat Hall TBD Sp cia! Formal Council Meeting -Separate Agenda poste E cutive Session -City Manager Interviews • MONDAY, MARCH 3 Emma J. rvat Hall 6:30p ity Conference Board (Separate Agenda Posted) Council Work Session • TUESDAY, MAR 4 Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:OOp Regular Formal Council Meeting All meetings are tentative and subject to change. ~~~.®t~J ~ ~m~'~,~ . ~~..~ CITY OF IOWA CITY IP2 MEMORANDUM Date: February 13, 2008 To: City Council From: Interim City Manager Re: Yard Waste Bags ~~~ Attached is a copy of a memorandum from the Public Works Director recommending that we change our approved yard waste bags from plastic to paper. I concur with his recommendation. I suspect there will be a mixed reaction as we have used plastic from the inception of our program and it is what citizens are accustomed to. However, it appears that only paper bags can fully meet our program needs. Citizens will still have the option to purchase an annual sticker for $20 which allows for one 33 gallon container of yard waste to be collected per week. This alternative will be actively promoted. city of Iowa city MEMORANDUM To: Dale Helling, Interim City Manager From: Rick Fosse, Public Works Director ~~ Date: February 12, 2008 RE: Yard Waste Bags Over the years our landfill composting operations have continually struggled with remnants of the biodegradable plastic bags used to collect yard waste. These remnants contaminate our finished compost product and cause wind blown litter problems at the landfill. After considerable research, troubleshooting and experimentation, we believe the best course of action is to change our yard waste bags from biodegradable plastic to two-ply paper. The attached memo outlines the background and basis for this recommendation. Please note that we have spent considerable time researching and experimenting with ways to continue to use biodegradable plastic bags. We did this because we believe that most users would prefer to use plastic bags rather two-ply paper bags. The plastic bags are simply easier to store and use, which is why we have used them since the inception of our program. However, regardless of the manufacturer, we have not found a plastic bag with a useful shelf life that fully biodegrades and thus have not found a way to overcome the problems with plastic in the composting operations. Dissatisfaction from the end users of our compost coupled with regulatory pressure from the IDNR are pressuring us to find a solution. With your consent we will begin the transition by working with local merchants/distributors of our bags and get the word out to our customers about the change. Cc: Dave Elias Jennifer Jordan Rodney Walls ~,! r i . ~®..-~ Date: January 7, 2008 CITY OF IOWA CITY MEMORANDUM To: Jon Thomas, Assistant Landfill Superintendent Dave Elias, Wastewater and Landfill Superintendent From: Jen Jordan, Recycling Coordinator Re: yard waste bags The Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center (ICLF) staff has steadily improved its composting program in the last two decades. Staff. has taken the program from aminimally-processed material that was used as an alternative daily cover to a quality soil amendment in high demand with citizens and local contractors. An ongoing issue is the use of a curbside yard waste collection bag that does not fully biodegrade. Alternatives are suggested below with a final recommendation of (1) encouraging citizens to purchase annual yard waste stickers to place on their own durable containers and (2) selling two-ply paper bags for citizens who do not care to use the annual stickers on containers. Background The ICLF began composting yard waste in 1988. Incoming materials, including leaves, yardwaste and branches from Iowa City and Johnson County, were ground, windrowed, minimally turned and used as alternative daily cover in place of dirt in the landfill. In the past few years, landfill staff has worked to perfect the compost recipe to produce compost as a viable soil amendment for residential and commercial use. The process has changed quite dramatically in that time: materials are now ground, watered to encourage microbial activity, windrowed and turned monthly to control temperature throughout the six to nine month process. The compost is now monitored for temperature and moisture content, tested with a Solvita test to determine stability, or the stage of "doneness", and then screened, cured, and sold. Over 7,500 tons of yard waste is processed annually; about 3,300 tons of finished compost and wood chips are produced. Compost is sold at $10 per ton; wood chips are free to the public. This income does not cover the cost of the compost program but does provide revenue towards a popular service and a waste reduction method for a material that the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) banned from landfills in 1988. The ICLF is proud of its compost product but the bags that the City uses to collect yard waste curbside are a lingering concern. The Streets Division (refuse/recycling) annually purchases about 60,000 EcoSafe plastic bags and distributes them to 17 local hardware and grocery stores for amarked-up resale to the public. (See Appendix A for a list of participating stores and Appendix B for a price overview of the bags.) This brand of bags is relatively inexpensive and provides Refuse about $56,000 annually in revenue from the mark-up. However, the ongoing issue is that the plastic bags do not fully biodegrade or compost as the manufacturers state they should. The results are a compost product containing plastic shards and asix-acre compost area littered with plastic trash. The Iowa Code states at section 105.3(10) ... Compost shall not be applied to land, sold or given away unless the size of any human-made inert materials is less than 13 mm (0.512 inches). The plastic bag remnants, even after screening, leave the finished compost in "borderline" compliance with the code requirement. At educational outreach events such as the Johnson County Fair, the annual KXIC Home and Garden Show and the Iowa City Farmers Market, potential customers immediately notice the bag bits in the product samples. Return customers praise the effectiveness of the compost in their gardens and lawns but lament the plastic bits that re-surface after every rain, even several years after the initial compost application. In addition, landfill staff has become increasingly frustrated as the blowing plastic debris has spread across the landfill, portraying a littered and unkempt environment despite efforts to meet DNR's litter control specifications. Yard waste collection in containers An important part of our yard waste collection method is encouraging citizens to use annual yard waste stickers on trash cans. About 10% of Iowa City customers purchase the annual stickers, priced at $20. This currently provides annual revenue of about $33,000 for Refuse. An increase in the number of stickers sold could drastically reduce the need for either biodegradable plastic or paper bags and replace the use of a "disposable" resource with a durable container purchased by citizens. As we currently see, some citizens may still prefer to use bags; the alternatives below can be utilized in this case. Yard waste collection in bags Refuse and Landfill staff have worked together in an attempt to solve the bag problem. Refuse's goal is to have bags be affordable and holdup at the curb for at least two weeks. The Landfill's goal is to find a bag that breaks down fully within the six- to eight- month composting process. A two-ply paper bag, or "Kraft" bag, would meet both of these needs. Research and experience in other communities, including Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, has documented that paper bags are a viable option for curbside yard waste collection and composting programs. They holdup at the curb and break down thoroughly during the compost process. Concern about "garbage" hiding in the Kraft bags has been raised but other communities report that contamination did not increase with the change to an opaque bag. Since storage space of the larger paper bags may be an issue for Refuse, pallets of bags could be stored at the garage at the landfill's newly-acquired property. Prices for paper bags are comparable to the current bag; ranging from $0.32 to $0.45 per bag. Recommendations Bags are purchased twice annually. Landfill staff recommends replacing the current EcoSafe brand bags before the next batch is purchased early in 2008. The recommendations include: • Encourage the use of $20 annual yard waste stickers on citizen-purchased durable containers • Purchase two-ply paper bags and distribute them through current retail outlets at $0.85 per bag. The price of the bags is in the range of $0.32 to $0.45 per bag. Pallets of bags could be stored at the garage on the Landfill's newly acquired property if there is not room at Refuse. Summary The Landfill feels that it is important that the current yard waste collection bags are discontinued. Because the bags do not break down completely, they remain in the compost product for years; this devalues the product and makes the landfill appear messy and unkempt. Encouraging the use of yard waste stickers on durable containers can help mitigate this problem. Replacing the current bags with two-ply paper bags would solve the composting issue at the landfill. Refuse and Landfill staff will work together to successfully implement the change to paper bags. In addition, staff will need to work with local communities to ensure that their bags meet the Landfill's specifications for breaking down. Cc: Rodney Walls, Assistant Solid Waste Superintendent Rick Fosse, Director of Public Works Appendix A: Current bag sales locations IOWA CITY CIVIC CENTER DRUG TOWN LENOCH &CILEK ACE HARDWARE FAREWAY (east side) FAREWAY (west side) HARTIG DRUG (3) HY-VEE FOOD STORE CORALVILLE HY-VEE FOOD STORE Appendix B: price overview of the current bags LENOCH &CILEK HARDWARE NAGLE LUMBER OSCO DRUG #2909 PAUL'S DISCOUNT PLEASANT VALLEY NURSERY WALGREEN'S DRUG LENOCH 8~ CILEK HARDWARE EcoSafe current er ba annuall bag sales 60,000 cost $0.39 $23,400 charge to stores $0.85 $51,000 revenue $0.46 $56,000 City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: February 9, 2008 To: City Council , ~ From: Doug Boothroy, D o sing an Inspection Re: Request from Northside eighborhood ssociation to Enforce Regulations Pertaining to Real Estat Signs on rental Properties The City has received correspondence from the Northside Neighborhood Association regarding the proliferation of real estate signs attached to rental properties. Although the current ordinance regulates real estate signs, it does not clearly prohibit these signs. I have discussed this matter with both Sarah Holecek and Jeff Davidson and we agree an amendment to the Zoning Code would be necessary to address the concerns of the Northside neighborhood. If the Council wishes to make this code amendment a priority, you should request the Planning Department add this to their work schedule. Please indicate at your February 19th work session if there is a majority that would like to proceed with a possible code amendment. Cc: Dale Helling Jeff Davidson Sarah Holecek Sara Greenwood-Hektoen Bob Miklo Jann Ream Marcia Klingaman Judith Pascoe IP4 Iowa City Fire Department "Serving with Pride and Professionalism Since 1872" ruar 11 2008 [,~~ DATE: Feb y "t ~~ TO: Dale Helling, Interim City Manager FROM: Andrew J. Rocca, Fire Chief ~( / RE: Fire Department Accreditation The Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) will be conducting an evaluation of the department's programs, policies, procedures, and services March 3-5, 2008. Afour-person team of peer assessors will be conducting the evaluation. Team members include: Dwaine Booth, Team Leader - Dunnellon, FL James Evans, Team Member -Orange, CA Martin Goughnour, Team Member -Canby, OR Kenneth Uzeloc, Team Member -Calgary, Canada The CFAI program is a comprehensive self-assessment and evaluation model for fire and emergency service organizations. The department has used the CFAI program to identify risks, determine fire safety needs, evaluate department performance, and as a method for continuous improvement of service delivery. While the CFAI Peer Assessment Team is conducting their review, they will need to schedule meetings with selected department directors and Mayor Bailey. These meetings will generally last approximately 30 minutes and will be scheduled in advance of the team's arrival in Iowa City. A tentative schedule of the CFAI Peer Assessment Team's activities follows: March 1-2, 2008 -CFAI Team members arrive in Iowa City March 3, 2008 -Introduction to the process 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM March 3-5, 2008 -CFAI Team conducts the evaluation March 6, 2008 -CFAI Team briefs department officials and departs Iowa City Elected officials, department directors, local media, and the public are invited to attend the introductory session on March 3, 2008, at 8:00 AM in the Fire Department's conference room. Thanks for your continued support of the department's goal to achieve accredited agency status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. AJR/bdm cc: Department Directors FIRE DEPARTMENT ~ 410 E. Washington Street • Iowa City, IA 52240 Phone: (319) 356-5260 FAX: (319) 356-5263 www.icfd.org Office of the Fire Chief Office of the Fire Marshal Battalion Chiefs Fire Training HazMat Public Education Fire Administration Fire Prevention Bureau Station 1 Station l Station 2 Station 3 (319)356-5256 (319)356-5257 (319)356-5262 (319)356-5258 (319)356-5266 (319)356-5265 City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM TO: Rick Fosse, Public Works Director FROM: Bud Stockman, Streets Supt. DATE: February 14, 2008 RE: Snow/Ice Control Budget: Winter 2007-2008 To Date with 52.1" Snow The budget data for the period 11/21/07 through 02/12/08 are as follows: • Overtime Hours: 0 3,430 hrs @ avg. OT wage $32.37/hr = $111,029.10 • Salt: 0 2,900 ton @ $67.48/ton = $195,692.00 • Concrete Sand: 0 3,940 ton @ $6.05/ton = $ 23,837.00 The total expense of the Winter 2007-2008 season to date: $330,558.10 ~~ ~ ~~y~ February 13, 2008 Ms. Edna Pixley 311 Kimball Rd. Iowa City, IA 52245 ut-'i 4-vo IP6 ~ r ~~ ~ .. ~®, - ~ '~ . CITY OF IOWA CITY Re: Energy conservation and other environmental initiatives in Iowa City Dear Ms. Pixley: Thank you for the information regarding other communities' measures being taken for energy conservation. It is always interesting to see what is being accomplished or considered in different areas around the country. Iowa City has implemented many successful energy conservation and environmental initiatives and we strive to incorporate these concepts into our day to day operations. A few of our notable projects and programs are outlined below. Energy efficiency and production LED stop lights for energy efficiency Landfill gas to energy project in the works Local Food City-sponsored Farmers Market Transportation Continuous expansion of the public transportation system Expansion of bicycle trail system throughout Johnson County Annual "bike to work week" Soy diesel and ethanol blend are used in the City fleet Stormwater South Sycamore regional storm water management utilizing constructed wetlands Water Works Prairie Park at the Water Plant Education component being planned at East Side Recycling Center Waste reduction and recycling East Side Recycling Center (waste reduction education) Proper disposal, reuse or recycling of numerous materials Household hazardous waste Electronic waste (including computers and cellular telephones) Tires Oil Yard waste Amending landfill permit to include food waste in compost program Encourage back yard composting 5 City-operated recycling drop-off sites Curbside recycling program Mobile recycling containers for special events such as Jazz Fest Sponsors Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity Restore (reuse for building supplies) Sponsors Salvage Barn (reuse for architecturally- or historically significant building supplies) Sponsors Furniture Project (furniture reuse for needy families) Sponsors and organizes Rummage in the Ramp Hosts education booths and gives presentations throughout the year Administration Member of US Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement (signed in April 2006) In process of joining ICLEI to set and work towards new sustainability goals We are also fortunate to have many non-profit agencies and other governmental agencies in the area which complement the City's efforts to move towards a more sustainable community. Please feel free to contact me at iennifer-iordan(a~iowa-city.orq or 319-887-6160 for more information regarding any of these initiatives. Sincerely, Jennifer Jordan Recycling Coordinator Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center 3900 Hebl Avenue SW Iowa City, IA 52246 ~fd-."...~.c~~C~ 'ACC _'~J Original correspondence included on the February 5, 2008 Ciry Council Consent Calendar. City Council of Iowa City, Iowa Re: Statement from Iowa City administration and council detailing measures being taken for needed energy conservation. ~ FYI: Fargo, ND landfill produces electricity- a wind generator and solar panels convert natural elements and methane gas from garbage. Las Vegas, NV: Geothermal heating and solar panels capture heat from earth's surtace and energy from the sun. Three miles from the Strip is a new 180 acre Springs Preserve which features an eight acre desert garden(annual rainfall- 4.5 inches) and two miles of trails through Las Vegas valley's diverse landscape. The preserve offers a variety of workshops. (springpreserve.org) Boston, MA: The annual Alt Wheels Transportation festival presents information on all forms of sustainable transportation. Oregon State University is studying how to use buoys off Oregon's rocky coast to generate electricity through wave power. (Iowa City/Jo~hn,,son County has the Iowa River and Coralville Reservoir and limestone cliffs~!`,~~E 7l' ~~ U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement has ideas (Mayor of Seattle can be contacted). Des Moines, IA: Rain Gardens promote the benefit of natural storm water management- they collect storm water for irrigation via restored wetlands. (Also in Little Rock, AR) Anchorage, Alaska- computers are programmed to "hibernate" when not in use; saves energy costs and reduces C02 emissions. Query: What is Iowa City doing? A concerned citizen. Respectfully, ~~~n~ p. _ 3 1! ~~~~ Rd ~ ~~'~/~~ ~r February 15, 2008 Re: University of Iowa Football Game Day Parking Dear Resident: _~ IP7 CITY OF IOWA CITY 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826 (319) 356-5000 (319) 356-5009 FAX www.icgov.org Last fall, the City of Iowa City had become concerned with emergency access to residents' homes on your street during University of Iowa home football game days. Due to the width of the streets and the sheer number of parked vehicles on both sides of the street during football games, access may be limited to emergency crews, including but not limited to the Iowa City Fire and Police Departments and ambulance services. Upon investigation of Weeber Street, Wylde Green Road, and Talwrn Court staff is considering a recommendation to the Iowa City City Council to eliminate on-street parking on one side of each street during Iowa home football games. On-street parking is proposed to be eliminated during home football games at the following locations: the west side of Weeber Street from Edingale Drive north to Benton Street the west side of Wylde Green Road from Ashley Drive north to Benton Street and along the outer curve (east side) of Talwrn Court The specific sides of the street were chosen in order to maximize on-street parking and allow for easier emergency access from Benton Street. Staff will forward this proposal to the City Council for consideration at its March 4, 2008 Council meeting. Please forward to me any written input you wish to provide by February 26, 2008 and will include it in the Council information packet. If this proposal is enacted by the City Council, signs will be posted in the spring or summer of 2008 well in advance of the 2008 University of Iowa football season. This will only affect on- street parking on University of Iowa home football game days. Thank you. Sincere) , C ~J Nick VanderZwan JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner 410 E. Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 319-356-5254 nick-vanderzwan@iowa-city. org cc: City Council Dale Helling, City Manager Andy Rocca, Fire Chief Matt Johnson, Captain, Police Operations Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Gina Peters [gina.peters@ecicog.org] Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2008 1:20 PM Cc: Sandie Deahl; Mike Goldberg; Kelly Hayworth; John Yapp; Jeff Davidson; Janelle Rettig; Steve Atkins; Executive Assistant Mike Sullivan; City of North Liberty; City of Ely; City Clerk Tawnia Kakacek; City Clerk Susie Siddell; City Clerk Nancy Beuter; Marian Karr; Christine Taliga; Chad; Casie Kadlec; Carol Spaziani; Bernita Rozinek; Becky Shoop; Barbara Beaumont; Adam Lindenlaub Subject: Leadership Group Meeting Reminder -February 21, 2008 Importance: High Attachments: February08 AgendaEE.doc Just a reminder that the Johnson/Linn County Public Leadership Group will meet on Thursday, February 21, 2008, at 5:00 p.m., at the Howard R Green offices in Cedar Rapids. Please note the corrected attached agenda. (Rod says his evil twin, "Rob", will not be in attendance) See you on the 21st. Doug Douglas D. Elliott Executive Director East Central Iowa Council of Governments 700 16th Street NE, Suite 301 Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402 319.365.9941 319.365.9981 (fax) www.ecicog_o~ 2/ 14/2008 Agenda Johnson/Linn County Public Leadership Group Howard R Green 8710 Earhart Lane SW Cedar Rapids, Iowa Thursday, February 21, 2008 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. INFORMAL MEETING Work Session 1. Call to order - 5:00 p.m. 2. Welcome and Introductions Linda Langston, Chairperson -Linn County Board of Supervisors Rod Sullivan, Chairperson -Johnson County Board of Supervisors 3. Local Government Innovations Fund Proposal Vernon Research Group 4. Local Food Initiatives Laura Krouse Susan Jutz 5. Corridor Portal Project Eric Engelmann, Geonetric 6. Report on Corridor DC Trip Linda Langston 7. Other Business 8. Adjournment IP8 Agenda Johnson/Linn County Public Leadership Group Howard R Green 8710 Earhart Lane SW Cedar Rapids, Iowa Thursday, February 21, 2008 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. INFORMAL MEETING Work Session 1. Call to order - 5:00 p.m. 2. Welcome and Introductions Linda Langston, Chairperson Linn County oard of Supervisors Rob Sullivan, Chairperson - Jo son Cou Board of Supervisors 3. Local Government Innovations F d roposal Vernon Research Group d 4. Local Food Initiatives Laura Krouse Susan Jutz 5. Corridor Portal Project Eric Engelmann, Geonetric 6. Report on Corridor DC Linda Langston 7. Other Business 8. Adjournment Marian Karr From: rneades@iowacityarea.com Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2008 7:02 PM To: Marian Karr Subject: Corridor Day at the Capitol Please join us for Corridor Day at the Capitol! Meetings have been requested with Governor Culver and State Legislative Leadership. We will also receive an update from the Iowa Bankers Association and Iowa Chamber Alliance. University of Iowa President Sally Mason will be joining us for the day. So come network with fellow chamber members and support our lobbying efforts in the Corridor. Date: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 Time: 6:00 a.m. Coralville City Hall to carpool OR 8:00 a.m. meet us at the State Historical Building (Off HWY 235, in Des Moines at East 6th Street Exit 600 East Locust Des Moines, Iowa) Cost: $10 RSVP: Appreciated at rsvp(a~iowacityarea.com or 319-337-9637 University of Iowa President Sally Mason will join us for the day. Special thanks to our sponsors! Breakfast Sponsors: Hodge Construction Company, MidAmerican Energy Company and Quality Inn and Suites and Highlander Conference Center Premier Lunch Sponsor: KCRG-RV & Gazette Communications Lunch provided by: Panchero's Mexican Grill Small Business Sponsors: Corridor Chiropractic of Iowa City P.L.C., Greenwood and Crim PC, KZIA 2102.9 KGYM 1600 ESPN and the Workplace Learning Connection. Rebecca Neades Vice President & Director of Public Policy Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce 325 East Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 319-337-9637 office 319-321-9879 cell rneades a~iowacityarea.com www. iowacityarea. com SAVE THE DATES! February 11-13 -Federal Issues Trip February 20 -Corridor Day at the Capitol February 23 -Legislative Breakfast IP10 Marian Karr From: Holland Hotchkiss [hotchkiss@facf.org] Sent: Friday, February 08, 2008 1:07 PM To: Council Subject: Spay/neuter summit Dear Iowa City City Council, The Friends of the Animal Center and the Iowa City Animal Center are hosting aspay/neuter summit on Friday, March 7 from 9:00 to 4:00 at the Fire Department training center. Lunch will be served. The goal of the meeting is to address the problem of animal overpopulation in Johnson County. The group will explore ways to promote and implement spay/neuter surgeries county-wide. We hope to have representatives from most of the cities/towns in the County and welcome an Iowa City representative. This correspondence will become a public record. Holly Holly Hotchkiss Friends of the Animal Center Foundation P.O. Box 1345 Iowa City, Iowa 52244-1345 Phone: 319-887-6083 Fax: 866-224-4738 2/8/2008 V G- 1 Y-VD IP11 Marian Karr From: Soyawax@aol.com Sent: Friday, February 08, 2008 1:03 PM To: info@hooverassociation.org; annette.wetteland@lib.state.ia.us; info@hacap.org; info@crma.org; info@friendsof theimmigrant.org; mstoffregen@iowacityarea.com; Council; churchesunited@yahoo.com; welcome@chsfs.org; Janet@freedomfestival.com; civilrights@cedar- rapids.org; chamber@cedarrapids.org; catherinemcauley@quest.net; wjohnso@dhs.state.ia.us; president@accessiowa.org; lavrenzr@trinity.org; brmanard@solon.k12.ia.us; cilavely@regina.pvt.k12.ia.usnhobbs@marion.k12.ia.us; tmcgraw@aea10.k12.ia.us; Itiemann@gwaea.org; dwhitehead@ccs.kl2.ia.us; pvincent@cc-amana.k12.ia.us; dmarkward@cr.k12.ia.us; jbrady@cr-cath.pvt.k12.ia.us; linsey-abbot@uiowa.edu; marcella- david@uiaowa.edu; info@kirkwoood.cc.ia.us; benesh1@iastate.edu Subject: ASustainable/Pedestrian Friendly Urban Eco-Village in Iowa YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN AN EXCITING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROCESS; What: Open House/Neighborhood Planning Forum; ASustainable Urban Village in the Heart of Cedar Rapids hosted by Michael Richards, Oakhill Jackson Neighborhood ASSN President When; Monday February 11th 6:00 pm to 8pm Where; Jane Boyd Community Center, 943 Fourteenth AVE. (Behind Metro High School) Who; Present and future residents of Oakhill Jackson, New Bohemia and all interested city officials and citizens of Cedar Rapids For decades, the Oakhill Jackson community has been a neglected area of blighted housing, Industrial Brownfields with seriously neglected streets and public infrastructure. In our present economic era of high energy costs, this central urban village can now become one of the most vital neighborhoods in our City. The synergy of the OAKHILL JACKSON NEIGHBORHOOD and the New Bohemia Arts and Cultural District provides a rare opportunity to develop a culturally diverse, economically affordable model of urban ecological living. Come and join in with this dynamic and exciting community building process. AGENDA 1. Introduction of University of Iowa Urban Planning Graduate Students that have carried out a neighborhood enhancement and planning study as a joint effort with the Oakhill Jackson Neighborhood ASSN. 2. The U of I Urban Planning Team; Data and Insight; A Vision for a Core Urban Community a. improving traffic and sidewalks b. creating neighborhood services and amenities c. enhancing the sense of place and community within the Oakhill Jackson Neighborhood 3. An update on the progress of the Oakhill Jackson and Wellington Heights residents community vegetable gardens that will be planted this spring. Lynette Richards and Kathy Mc Carthy will also provide a report on the local healthy food access alliance project that is operating as a joint effort of Oakhill Jackson Neighborhood, Metro High School Students and Faculty and Kalona Organics. Obesity and diabetes from commodity based, processed food results in billions of dollars of disease care costs that hit low income people hardest. Instead of just handing out USDA commodity foods to low income families, 2/8/2008 Page 2 of 2 we're distributing fresh produce and seeds and teaching families how to grow real food in the central core of Cedar Rapids. 4. The growing connection between Oakhill Jackson and New Bohemia neighborhood development efforts; A Sustainable/Pedestrian Friendly Urban Eco-Village; A rare opportunity for intelligent urban "Smart" development For further information, please call Oakhill Jackson Neighborhood ASSN President; Michael Richards at; 319 213-2051 During this time of rapidly rising energy and food costs we will take major steps to build a very timely community resource: A Sustainable/Pedestrian Friendly Urban Eco-Village in Iowa Who's never won? Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music. 2/8/2008 IP12 City of Iowa City FINAL Task Force on Violence Against Woman Monday, January 7, 2008, 3:30 P.M. Emma J. Harvat Hall, City Hall Welcome and Introductions: Amy Correia, Iowa City Council Member, called the meeting to order at 3:35 P.M. She then asked everyone to introduce themselves. Those in attendance include: Abigail Volland, City Council Liaison Janet Lyness, Johnson County Attorney Sam Hargadine, Iowa City Police Chief Marcia Klingaman, City of Iowa City Neighborhood Services Coordinator Monique DiCarlo, Director of Women's Resource and Action Center Anne Barber, President, University of Iowa Panhellenic Council Beth Bewley-Randall, Executive Director of the Englert Theater, Member of Downtown Association Belinda Marner, Assistant Vice President for Student Services, Administrative Liaison/Parents Association, University of Iowa Ron Logsden, Transit Manager, Iowa City Chuck Green, Assistant Vice President, Director of Public Safety University of Iowa Bob Hartman, Domestic Violence Investigator, Iowa City Police Department Diana Harris, Chair of Council, University of Iowa Council on the Status of Women Kristie Doser, Domestic Violence Intervention Program Diane Funk, Rape Victim Advocacy Program Also present were Brianna Maras and Brian McClatchey with Cambus, and David Lesh from Congressman Loebsack's office. Review Minutes from December 17, 2007 Meeting: Correia asked if anyone had any comments on the minutes. Diana Harris noted a small correction on page 5, next to last paragraph, last line, where it says, "...the U of I consider looking at the greater issue of respect,..." by changing the last part of this sentence to, "and there is now a group working to create a respect campaign." Janet Lyness then noted that in the first paragraph where she was presenting programs in Johnson County that RVAP, Rape Victim Advocacy Program, should be added to the Sexual Assault Response Team. Bob Hartman noted that on page 2, last paragraph, it should be the Domestic Violence Intervention Program, and not the Rape Victim Advocacy Program that he goes with when speaking to victims. Lyness moved to accept the minutes of the December 17, 2007 Task Force meeting as corrected, seconded by Logsden. Motion carried 12-0; Funk, DiCarlo, and Hargadine not present at time of roll call. Discussion on December 17 Presentations: Task Force -Violence Against Women December 17, 2007 Page 2 Correia noted that at the last Task Force meeting they did not have a chance to discuss the information presented, and that she would like to start with this. Correia also noted that Hartman was able to send her the community mapping that was talked about previously, and she handed out copies to those present. Lyness noted that there are a lot of services and programs already in the area, and she questions if they need to add more programs. DiCarlo added that perhaps it's the coordination among all of these groups that needs to be addressed. She also noted that they need to educate the public about the responsiveness of the county and the local community through these various programs. Doser stated that one thing she sees in her program is that they are very responsive to crises, but they lack the resources to do anything preemptive. She added that their resources for education are extremely diminished from what they were ten years ago. DiCarlo stated that one of the things that the Johnson County Coalition Against Domestic Violence is looking at is gaps in services, or places where services need to be enhanced or strengthened. She added that she feels it would be important for this Task Force to touch base with this Coalition to see if there is a way to enhance what they are asking for, particularly as it relates to child welfare and criminal justice system responses. DiCarlo then stated that in regard to what the student groups asked the City to do, she feels that it is important to be able to check off these items to see if they are truly doing what the students have asked the City to do. Items such as insuring adequate police response and offering education programs were a few of the items student groups requested. DiCarlo stated that she would highly recommend this as a "checks and balance" for the Task Force. Correia stated that one of the things that was enforced for her at the last meeting is the criminal justice coordination -the Sexual Assault Investigation Team, the Response Team, the nurse examiners -and that those in these fields are aware of the services that are provided, but the general public is not necessarily aware of this. The discussion then turned to DiCarlo and Doser noting that a lack of funding in several of these programs does prohibit them having advocates available around the clock. They briefly discussed how advocates are typically available during the daytime hours, but are able to work directly with the Iowa City Police Department in responding to victims. Hartman then noted that 99% of the time, DVIP is available to go with him when he contacts victims. Correia then asked DiCarlo about the WRACMAC program, stating that the issue of getting men involved in being part of the solution and being supportive about ending violence against women is being addressed by some of the fraternity groups. DiCarlo stated that one of the things that has come out of these discussions is that there is a need for community-wide education in this area. She stated that perhaps a couple meetings held jointly with those who are working in programs, specifically targeting young men, would help to get the message out. DiCarlo noted that the Women's Center, as stated previously, is hosting a program along with DVIP on April 17th with Jackson Katz in attendance. This is a program aimed at the "role of the bystander," and how to make a "cultural shift" in addressing violence in women's lives, but more specifically, the role that men have in doing this. Correia noted that this actually dovetails into what Harris talked about, the respect campaign. Harris noted that the respect campaign is just starting Task Force -Violence Against Women December 17, 2007 Page 3 to coalesce, but she knows that with DiCarlo involved in this project, the issue of involving young men will become a part of it, as well. Funk then noted that one of the things they have noticed in working with college level students is that a lot of these attitudes need to be addressed at an even younger level. Funk then responded to a question by Correia regarding programs in the schools, and Funk noted that they have a couple of programs they will be taking to Tate High School. She further noted that, again, funding has been an issue in being able to have enough staff available. Correia then asked a general question of the Task Force -where would the community look to find out about all of these programs and resources that have been discussed. DiCarlo noted that since the U of I has a "decentralized" campus, with everyone spread out, there is no one particular place that people would be sent to to obtain more information. She stated that the same is true in the community, and that it's hard to know which organization would have all of the information. This led to a brief discussion about how each particular program and/or organization could have links to each other's web sites, as an example. Doser then noted that the United Way has worked with the " 2- 1-1 Program," which is an attempt to have acommunity-based source. She noted, however, that she believes they need a "media attack" in order to get all of this information about the collaborative efforts out to the public. Doser noted that the PSA's that were done in local movie theaters was a big success, and that PSA's on the public access TV channels have done well too. She noted that if the City was involved in something like this, she believes it would have a huge impact. DiCarlo then suggested they invite the media to discussions so they can be part of the solution, as well. Lyness noted that once word got out about the assaults occurring and the publicity surrounding these attacks escalated, they have had a dramatic drop in the number of assaults reported. Hargadine then stated that he believes the web should be utilized fully. He noted that this would allow them to have a central place with all of the links to these various programs/ organizations, and he noted that too much information can result in an overload, where people no longer listen. Harris stated that in the fall of 2006, the University put up a sexual harassment web site, and the Council did a small survey of female students to see if they were aware of the web site. Harris noted that 94% did not know about the web site, and therefore, the challenge will be getting the information out that there is information available in numerous places. Green then asked about the City's web site, and whether or not you can find links to any of these programs/organizations there. He noted that the U of I does have links to all of these web sites. Doser then brought up the possibility of working with churches, neighborhood centers, residential assistants, or other groups to get this information out to the public. Volland stated that perhaps they could come up with a flyer to put in with water bills, as an example, with contact information listed for all of the programs and organizations they have been discussing. Logsden noted that when they do an insert in monthly bills, it costs around $400.00 to do this. Presentations on Transportation Services and Issues: Task Force -Violence Against Women December 17, 2007 Page 4 Logsden then addressed the Task Force regarding the Transit system. He then briefly touched upon the Cy-Ride Program in Ames, stating that Cambus will talk more about this type of program and their late-night program. Logsden then noted that the last free shuttle bus runs at 6:15 P.M., and that the U of I Student Government had previously asked that this bus run later. However, this was not approved. He then noted those regular bus routes that do run later throughout the city, especially in areas where student populations are high. Some of the transportation issues being discussed are late-night services for those who work downtown unti12:30 or 3:00 A.M. A possible subsidized cab program is being looked at, which would provide transportation for job-related travel to and from work, at hours where regular transit is not available. Logsden briefly explained the grant they hope to use for this subsidized program, noting that they hope to have this program up and running in the next few months. He noted that this program will be for Iowa City residents only. Logsden then spoke briefly about some of the possible grants through the DOT that may help them in providing an increase in transit services. Logsden then noted the handout on the Cy-Ride program, briefly explaining how this program works in Ames, Iowa. Logsden then responded to questions from Task Force members regarding the upcoming subsidized cab program. Green then spoke to the Task Force about the Night Ride Program that was launched September 28. He stated that the program ran until students left for winter break, and that it will start up again when they return for the spring semester. Green further stated that they will be evaluating the Night Ride Program this month. From September 28 to December 15, a total of 996 people rode in the Night Ride Program, according to Green. In terms of expanding this program to more nights of the week, Green stated that due to budget constraints, he doubted they would be able to do that at this time. Green stated that they will, however, be addressing these issues in upcoming discussions at the University. Green added that the monthly costs for this program have been around $2,000. Brian McClatchey with Cambus addressed the Task Force next. He stated that the Night Ride Program has been very successful so far. He agreed with what Logsden said earlier, that by running fixed routes you are advertising where people will be dropped off and when, which could cause problems. He also noted that the female-only service has been a big part of this program's success. McClatchey then handed out packets regarding the Cambus services that are offered. He briefly explained the various routes, including the SafeRide services. McClatchey noted that they have had approximately 15,000 riders in a year's time use this service. Brianna Maras with Cambus added that one way to get information out to the public is to put ads on the buses, such as how RVAP does this in order to reach out to students. McClatchey then responded to questions from Task Force members, explaining in more detail the SafeRide program and how it has evolved to where they are now. Funk made the comment that as a community they need to support programs that are female-only services, and that in the past, they have lost funding because the programs could not be female-only. McClatchey agreed, adding some history to how this type of stipulation has caused concern. DiCarlo stated that another concern would be that if they did catch the offender, and assaults therefore declined, Task Force -Violence Against Women December 17, 2007 Page 5 would this type of service go away. She noted the problems they have had in the past with awalking-escort type of service, where funding drops when the service isn't utilized as often. She believes they need to make a statement that despite usage rates, the City values safe resources and funding, regardless of the number of crimes committed and how many people are using the services in question. A brief discussion ensued about cost issues and the demand for services, and what to do when resources are short to begin with. The discussion then turned to the specifics of the late-night services, their boundaries, and how State funding through DOT may help meet some of these needs. DiCarlo asked Logsden about the cab program, and whether or not there would be a training program of sorts that cab companies could send their drivers to. She explained how they had a training program for those who took part in the walking-escort service, and she questioned if there was a grant source to help in this endeavor. Marner then stated that she has heard that students are not comfortable taking cabs, and Barber agreed, stating that cab rides can be "creepy" at times. She noted that she has used the Night Ride Program and much prefers this. Harris then stated that she would like to see this Task Force promote more bicycle use, and that she herself rides her bike all the time. She stated that one problem is being able to lock your bike in a covered area. She states that they should have more areas in public spaces, like the Transportation Center has. McClatchey noted that Ramp 2 has good parking for bicycles, as well. Discussion• Correia then asked Hargadine to address the latest assaults that have occurred in Iowa City. First, Chief Hargadine noted that it's been some time since they have had any assaults, and that the publicity seemed to help curb the number of assaults over the past few months. However, there were two assaults over the past weekend. Hargadine noted that they believe they had around four different individuals involved in the first set of attacks, and that these two recent ones appear to be the same person. He did note that one of the attacks this past weekend involved a knife, which past assaults have not included. Hargadine then passed around a composite sketch of the possible perpetrator in these attacks. It was noted that as students return for the spring semester, they need to be reminded of safety tips. Set Topic for Next Meeting: Neighborhood Watch. Adiourn• The next Task Force meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 28, 2008, at 3:30 P.M. at Harvat Hall, City Hall. The meeting adjourned at 5:03 P.M. City of Iowa City, Iowa -Official Web Site ~~ --your ti»k to Cttp Nn1r Page 1 of 1 nw>~ws jobs degartmencs vi~itars _ 7 city services 7 organization chart 7 city code 7 maps Good Evening! Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008 ~~ City Resources 414 East Washington Street, Iowa City; jA 52244 Ph: (318} 356-b~14 • City Channel i Library Channel News Releases + News Releases Senior Center N Snowplowing and Street Condition Update focal Media Tuesday, February 19, 2008 - 3:09:00 PM TV Originating Department: Engineering KFXA 28, Contact Person: Rick Fosse, Public Works Director KGAN, Contact Number: 319-356-5141 KWKB, KWWL City crews have been working around the clock since midnight Saturday to respond to PAN Ch. 18 our most recent winter storm. This storm, like the one before it, began with rain and ~' Print freezing rain followed by significant snowfall and falling temperatures. These Gazette, IC Press Citizen, conditions combine to produce snowpack and ice that bonds to the pavement and is Daily Iowan difficult to clear. Cold temperatures and additional snow forecasted for this week will Des Moines Register make recovery from this storm a lengthy process. Salt supplies are limited and • Radio temperatures below 15 degrees significantly reduce salt's effectiveness at melting ice. Kc~7, Motorists should exercise caution and allow extra time for travel until conditions KCRG, improve. KhiAK, KRUI, KSUI, Crews will work throughout the week to clear the ice where possible, reopen areas as KXIC, they drift and to remove snow piles where they interfere with sight distance. KzIA, Commercial snow glowers are reminded not to push snow from parking lots into the wsul, street rights-of-way because this compounds drifting and sight distance problems. wMT Cable Small quantities of a sand/salt mix are available at Upper City Park and Mercer Park ~ Mediacom Weather for residents to use on their sidewalks. Because of limited quantities, please take only what you need. E-Services If you have questions about snow plowing, please call our Streets Division at 356- ~ contact us 5181. * Subscribe to City Info. (ICGOV2U) r '~~'~" -""' " ti ... ~Ctty of~ ,~ G~ home ~ services ~ business ~ calendar ~ news ~ jobs ~ departments City of Iowa City - 410 East Washington Street -Iowa City, IA 52240 Copyright ©2001-2005 City of Iowa City. All Rights Reserved. Contact Website Manager Web Policies Email and other communication sent to the City of Iowa City are subject to the Iowa open records law. http://www.icgov.org/news.asp?ID=6100 2/19/2008 IP13 City of Iowa City DRAF'"I' Task Force on Violence Against Woman Monday, January 28, 2008, 3:30 P.M. Emma. J. Harvat Hall, City Hall Welcome and Introductions: Amy Correia, Iowa City Council Member, called the meeting to order at 3:40 P.M. She then asked everyone to introduce themselves. Those in attendance include: Janet Lyness, Johnson County Attorney Sam Hargadine, Iowa City Police Chief Marcia Klingaman, City of Iowa City Neighborhood Services Coordinator Monique DiCarlo, Director of Women's Resource and Action Center Beth Bewley-Randall, Executive Director of the Englert Theater, Member of Downtown Association Belinda Manner, Assistant Vice President for Student Services, Administrative Liaison/Pazents Association, University of Iowa Chuck Green, Assistant Vice President, Duector of Public Safety University of Iowa Diana Harris, Chair of Council, University of Iowa Council on the Status of Women Kristie Doser, Domestic Violence Intervention Program Karla Miller, Executive Director, Rape Victim Advocacy Program Carole Peterson, Vice President, University of Iowa Student Government Review Minutes from January 7, 2008 Meeting: Correia asked if there were any comments regarding the January 7 minutes. Hearing none, she asked for a motion to accept the minutes as presented. DiCarlo moved to accept the minutes of the January 7, 2008 meeting as presented; seconded by Lyness. Motion carried 12-0. Presentation -Police Chief Sam Hargadine, Neighborhood Watch Program: Chief Hazgadine addressed the Task Force regadding the Neighborhood Watch Program. He noted that Neighborhood Watch programs have different meanings to different people, and that his presentation will be from the Police standpoint. He noted that citizens are starting to realize that the street signs that are a part of these programs aze becoming tattered and old, and in many cases, the street crews are not able to put these signs back up. Hazgadine began his presentation by reviewing some common sense facts that he listed in his handout. He noted that people looking out for each other in a neighborhood is one way of keeping track of the comings and goings, who should and shouldn't be in a neighborhood, and that type of thing. Hazgadine noted that he believes that Iowa City has a strong neighborhood association network, with all of the neighborhood associations that are active. Block captains aze typically a part of the Neighborhood Watch programs, Task Force -Violence Against Women January 28, 2008 and they act as the liaison between the residents and the police. Crime prevention training is one factor that can really help in detemng crime in neighborhoods. Hargadine continued, noting that phone trees can help to spread information quickly in a neighborhood. He explained how citizen patrols could help in watching for suspicious activity in neighborhoods, as well. Hazgadine next spoke about the need for crime prevention officers, and how in order to set up neighborhood watch programs, you need crime prevention officers to do this. He spoke about the fact that regulaz patrol officers just do not have the time to do all of the crime prevention activities. The discussion turned to the need for a crime prevention unit in Iowa City. Hazgadine explained some of the training that these officers provide and how they can help neighborhoods come together. He explained how crime prevention is addressed through environmental design, with things like lighting, landscaping, etc. Chuck Green noted that the CPTED training, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, is now part of the U of I's overall review for safety in all new building plans. DiCazlo asked if it's just the plans that aze reviewed, or if once a project is complete a "real-time" review also takes place. Green stated that yes, that typically does occur as seeing the finished project will show any additional safety problems. The discussion turned to the need for more applicants for police officer positions, in addition to budgeting concerns. Green noted that this is a problem all across the nation, not just in the Iowa City azea. Green further stated that fewer people aze opting for law enforcement careers, and that the better educated, younger population wants to move up quickly to higher positions. Hazgadine stated that the conversation leads him to segway into why they are unable to "just go do this." He noted that everyone is in agreement that crime prevention is a very important part of police departments, but that it's always the first thing cut when budgets aze being looked at. Hazgadine then reviewed the Iowa City Police Department staffing numbers that were part of his handout. He reviewed the changes in personnel, and how the numbers have changed over the yeazs. The discussion turned to how Iowa City has grown over the past 20 yeazs, in particulaz, and how the public safety needs have not kept up with this growth. Hargadine then stated that in a study he did, he found that Iowa City is approximately 15 officers behind, in regards to the number of personnel the Police Department should have. He further explained how crime prevention officers aze very much needed in a community. Dsscussion• Green then stated that he wanted to make a few corrections to the population and per capita numbers in the handout from Hargadine. He explained how the population numbers for Iowa State do not include faculty, staff, and students, whereas the U of I number of 40,000 does include all three. He further noted that the U of I has 34 positions for officers now, but not all of these positions aze currently filled. Green stated that they have found in doing studies that the optimum number is 1.5 per 1,000. 2 Task Force -Violence Against Women January 28, 2008 The discussion turned to the staffing shortfalls in the Iowa City Police Department. Hargadine responded to questions from Task Force members. A question was raised about whether the militazy is responsible for shortages in police recruits. Both Hargadine and Green responded to how they handle these issues. The issue was also raised about returning military personnel becoming interested in policing careers. DiCazlo stated that she is also looking at the stats provided by Hargadine on domestic assaults and sexual assaults, and the information that he shared in relation to the policing shortages. She noted that an issue brought up by the students was that they felt there weren't enough people on the streets. Hazgadine stated that he would agree -it's not a perception but a reality. He then explained how he worked with surrounding policing agencies during the past year of "groper" attacks. DiCazlo stated that she believes they should prioritize these assaults. She understands that the Police Department needs more staff, but she questioned the crime prevention point. DiCazlo then spoke about increasing the arrest and conviction rates on these types of assaults, and how this would be a major deterrent. Green noted that you have to have the education and the crime prevention in order to make this all work. He further stated that having more officers is not the only way to address this concern. Miller then stated that she has seen a change in that people aze stazting to support the victim. She noted the increase in reports locally when other victims came forwazd. She stated that she would like to see all of them, both individually and collectively, supporting those victims that do report their crimes. The discussion turned to the efforts of the various groups represented in the Task Force all working together toward educating the public in these efforts. Correia then asked Klingaman about the previous Neighborhood Watch Program and how that worked in the past. Klingaman explained how the neighborhood services worked with this program, stating that most azeas had 15 to 20 households involved in the actual program. She noted the difficulties with keeping people interested and active in the programs. Hazgadine noted the relationship of community police officers and neighborhood groups. The question was then raised about azeas where student population is large, and whether these azeas become involved in neighborhood watch type programs. Klingaman responded, noting those areas that are highly populated with students. She stated that neighborhood associations could help with this participation. Doser stated that she is concerned about how aze they educating or talking about how to be a helpful or appropriate citizen to a neighbor, a friend or a colleague who might be in danger. The discussion then turned to the community policing idea, and whether this concept could be used in residence halls. Hazgadine stated that it absolutely could, and that a neighborhood can be many things, whether it's a block of homes, an apartment building, or a sorority house. DiCarlo then discussed an upcoming meeting of the Campus Anti-Violence Coalition; stating that pazt of this discussion will be what do they want to propose for a 3 Task Force -Violence Against Women January 28, 2008 reapplication process. This led to a discussion of a possible position being opened up for a domestic violence type investigator or advocate. Lyness briefly discussed how this type of position has been very helpful in prosecuting assault and violence cases in the county. Green and Hazgadine both addressed the increased need for crime prevention personnel in their respective departments. Doser asked if advocates could be trained to help in the area. of crime prevention, or other professionals who could be trained to provide assistance. She stated that collaboration among these various groups is definitely needed. The discussion turned to the vazious businesses that could be given education and training on possible domestic abuse/violence signs. The members talked about how the businesses can help, as in the recent case, by putting up sketches of suspects and actively taking part in discussions. Lyness noted that education could include looking out for one another by not letting someone walk alone at night, or educating people on what they should do if they encounter a domestic abuse situation. Several brought up the topic of citizen patrols. Doser talked about some training that a colleague went through for a citizens' patrol which included riding with police patrols for training. It was also noted that some of the fraternities at the U of I have started something similaz to this. Hargadine noted that he believes this is a good idea, but he would prefer if the individuals had some training beforehand. Lyness stated that the concern comes from the liability issue, and people trying to handle a situation themselves. Peterson stated that Cosby could better address this issue if he were present, but she believes that some of these fraternities aze walking around the downtown neighborhoods, looking for suspicious things. She stated that if they see anything, she believes they aze contacting the police. Green stated that the UIPD has not heard from any of these groups, and Hargadine stated the ICPD had not been informed of anything either. Hargadine turned the discussion back to the "groper," stating that it is possible that this individual, or individuals, has been arrested for some other crime. Set Touic for Nezt Meeting: Correia asked Klingaman if lighting could be the topic for the next Task Force meeting. Klingaman stated that they aze not ready yet on this, and she suggested they put this as the following meeting's topic. Green stated that he might have an update on the "night ride" program. Members asked Green for some specific information, especially regarding summer programs. Hazgadine asked where they aze in terms of their goals. Correia stated she and Volland would prepaze a report on where the Task Force is for the next meeting's agenda. Correia asked Peterson to check with Cosby on the community patrolling efforts. She was also asked to check with Milani on sorority efforts. Adiourn• The next Task Force meeting is scheduled for: Monday, February 18, 2008, 3:30 P.M. at Harvat Hall, City Hall. The meeting adjourned at 5:00 P.M. 4