HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-12-17 Bd Comm minutesi
MINUTES
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 22, 1985
IOWA CITY RECREATION CENTER - ROOM A
MEMBERS PRESENT: Maxwell, Murphy, Walker
STAFF PRESENT: Carroll, Morris
SUMMARY OF RELEVANT DISCUSSION:
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Walker at 12:00 noon.
1. Bill Halstead A eal: Carroll stated that an appeal to the Civil Service
Commission was fi ed in the City Clerk's office by Bill Halstead pro-
testing his recent discharge from City employment, and a specification of
charges has been filed by the City. The City Manager approved the
dismissal and the City Coqncil affirmed the City Manager's decision.
Carroll stated that due to time constraints and conflicts with individu-
als' schedules, City Attorney Timmins proposed that the Commission sched-
ule a meeting prior to December 12 to take opening statements from both
parties and then reschedule the actual hearing at a later date, possibly
after the holidays. Carroll said she spoke with Halstead's attorney, John
Nolan, and he was in agreement to this arrangement. The Commission de-
cided to meet on December 3 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Recreation
Center - Room B and, if necessary, resume the hearing at a later date.
2. Certification of Fire Chief List: Certification of the Fire Chief list
was postponed until salary and benefit negotiations have been completed
with one of the candidates. Recommendations of the individuals to cer-
tify will be reviewed by the Commission at a later date. Carroll
briefly discussed the assessment center and interview performance of all
three of the candidates interviewed.
3. PoliceSer eant Assessment Center: The time schedules on December 5th
roug a were approved y the Commission for conducting the Police
Sergeant and Police Captain assessment centers. A meeting on December
9th at 5:45 was .scheduled to certify the Police Sergeant and Police
Captain lists. The meeting will be held in the Recreation Center - Room
B.
The Commission conducted assessment center exercises for Police Sergeant
candidate Tommy Widmer, one of 11 candidates for Police Sergeant.
The meeting adjourned at 12:45 p.m.
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Mayor's Youth Employment Program
Minutes
Board of Directors Meeting
November 20, 1985
Board Members Present: Joan Jehle, Keith Kafer, Mike Kennedy, Jan Liggett,
Ted Halm, and Doug Allaire.
Staff Presents Peg McElroy, Teresa Ulin
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I. Call To Orders Keith Kafer called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m.
II. Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the September 25 and October 9th
meetings were reviewed by the board. Mike Kennedy/Ted Halm moved to
approve them. MSC
II1. Financial Reports - September and October 1985: Peg reported that the
Summer JTPA account has a negative balance due to an outstanding claim.
Receipt of this claim from JTPA will remove the negative balance. All
accounting for the Summer Iowa Youth Corps has been completed. The funds
to cover the balance In the account will be transferred from the In -
School account. All local fund are initially deposited In the In -School
account and then transferred to the Summer IYC when the grogram is com-
pleted. In January the financial statements will be maintained on
Supercalc. Mike Kennedy/Doug Allaire moved to approve the financial
reports. MSC
IV. Additional Agenda Items
Mayor's Youth's State Iowa Youth Corps monitor from Des Moines, JoAnn
Callison, visited the office November 8th. A copy of her report was
read by each board member. This report will be used by the Office for
Planning & Programming in considering future grants to Mayor's Youth.
Ratings were given In 23 categories. Of these categories we received
'Exceptional' ratings in 26%, 'Exceeds Standards' In 61%, and
'Compliance' in 13'/..
Peg thanked Mike Kennedy for raising money for Mayor's Youth by parti-
cipating In the Iowa• City Striders Hospice Road Races. Sgt. Bill Cook,
Marlene Perrin, Bob Dvorsky, Keith Kafer, Renee Jedlicka, and Coralvllle
Mayor Michael Katchee also were Mayor's Youth celebrity runners. A total
of $549 was raised. This is enough to put a young person on our program
for approximately half of the school year.
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V. New Business
United Way Camoaion
United Way of Johnson County Is now In the middle of their campaign
which will continue Into December. They are progressing well toward
their, goal. Peg has pledge cards If anyone Is in need of them.
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Ford Foundation Grant
Jim Hencin has informed Peg of the availability of a grant from the Ford
Foundation. There Is national competition for awards that total $2.5
million for innovative state or local government programs that have
proved successful In meeting pressing social and economic problems. Peg
sees this as a possi:Dle funding source for a Joint youth -serving'
facility. She plans to apply for this grant and will speak with the board
at a later date regarding this.
Quarterly Report
Each board member has received a copy of the statistical report for the
first quarter of I°1' 1986. The period covered by the report includes the
Summer IYC and JTPA programs. The atta_hed narrative discusses events
that took place during that time.
Case Reoort
Peg discussed with the board their opinions on Intervention by Mayor's
Youth In family situations.
VI. Old Business
In -School Component Report
Peg updated the board on the progress of the In -School Component. With
20 youth currently working, placements have stopped until January. These
20 young people range in age from 14-19.5 and are half female and half
male. The year's first set of evaluations have proven to be excellent.
FY 87 Budoet Hearino
MYEP's budget hearing is scheduled for December 18, 1985, at the Dept.
of Human Services. Peg would appreciate participation by board members
if possible. The hearing consists of time for Information to be pre-
sented, as well as for questions to be asked. A letter -writing campaign
is currently underway. Supervisors, parents, human service workers, and
others are writing to our funding bodies on behalf of Mayor's Youth. Mike
Kennedy and Keith Kafer are Interested in speaking at the hearing. Doug
Allaire and Ted Halm expressed Interest if they are available.
Mike Kennedy expressed his congratulations to Peg on her organization of the
Iowa City Striders Hospice Road Races. He feels everything went well both the
day before the event and race day. Doug Allaire reported that United Way is in
need of volunteers to help with the money that is coming in from the Hospice
Event. Peg pointed out that an MYEP student is working at United Way 10 hours
a week on the Hospice protect.
The next board meeting will be held December 18, 1985.
Joan Jehle, Secretary/Treasurer
Teresa Ulin, Secretary
1:77Af<P
MINUTES
IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 21, 1985 4:00 PM
ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE ROOM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Buchanan, Cavitt, Cox (arrived 4:20), Drum, Grimes,
Pegnetter (arrived 4:10), Willis
MEMBERS ABSENT: Bovbjerg, Lyman
STAFF PRESENT: Eggers, Jehle, Tiffany, Craig
OTHERS PRESENT: Pat Forsythe, Executive Director Library Foundation
President Riley Grimes called the meeting to order at 4:05 PM. Minutes of
the Regular fleeting of October 24, 1985 were approved with the following
correction: page 2, sentence 3, "to talk to before November 21." Willis/
Buchanan. Disbursements of November 1 and November 15, 1985 were approved.
Willis/Drum.
The Director reported on the following:
1. Parking permits issued to Board members for meetings are good only in two
lots: Chauncey Swan and Old Library.' Trustees forced to park elsewhere
who get tickets should turn them in for payment by the library.
2. The library will have Local History Day on Thursday, December 19 to honor
Irving Weber on his 85th birthday. Weber will be at the library between
2-4 p.m. to greet friends and share his birthday cake.
3. The Mayor has requested a list of all library services. With a few
exceptions such as jail service, deposit collections, the Cable Catalog
and library produced information products, library services are listed
and described in the basic brochure, "Welcome to ICPL". This will be
sent with a cover memo.
4. In the past few years we have had several inquiries from the Friends or
the Foundation about using the list of current cardholders for fund raising
or membership recruitment. The Board needs to adopt a policy that describes
the parameters of such use.
President Grimes described his talk to the local Rotary Club and Board members
reported on their assignments to meet with City Council members. Grimes said
that the date for meeting with the City Council has been changed to Monday,
December 16.
Foundation President, Carolyn Cavitt, reported that three training sessions were
held this week for the 30 members of'the Endowment Committee. Fund raising can
officially begin on December 1, 1985 to qualify for matching the NEH Challange
Grant. Pledge Pay, a program for electronic transfer of contributors pledge
payments from their bank to the Foundation's account at the City will be available
starting January 1, 1986.
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MINUTES
IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
REGUALR MEETING
NOVEMBER 21, 1985
Page 2
The Board next considered two items postponed from the October meeting. A
policy to set the fines for circulative software and children's video at $1.00
per day was approved. Cavitt/Willis.
After discussion on the policy to limit use to individuals and on the recommended
limits on use by one individual, the Board approved the policy on rules for the
public access microcomputer which will support the circulating software collection.
Drum/Willis. The decision on when the software and equipment will be introduced
is pending.
Eggers reported that the two LSCA Grant applications are almost ready for
submission. The deadline is November 28. The grant application for $28,000 to
purchase a microcomputer -based source for MARC cataloging was prepared by
Technical Services Coordinator, Susan Craig. The $17,690 application to improve
library services to the disabled was prepared by Connie Tiffany. It was moved
by Buchanan and secondid by Cavitt to authorize the Board President to sign the
grant applications.
The Board reviewed the proposed response to the City proposal to alter the
library's budgeting and funding relationship with the City Council. The
question of who made the original. proposal was discussed but it was decided
that the Council's invitation to discuss funding sources with the Board
indicated their interest in pursuing the issue.
Draft d2 of the proposal was accepted as a working document on a motion by
Pegnetter, seconded by Drum. Unanimous. It was also agreed that the lists
of library -generated revenues and proposed revenues should be attached to the
proposal when it is sent to the Council.
Discussion of Agenda item 11B, revisions to Channel 20 policy, was postponed
until the December 19 meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
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Lollyp1geUtioan Jei e, ecor ers
07a 07
MINUTES
IOWA CITY RIVERFRONT COHMISSION
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1985 - 7:30 P.M.
IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY, ROOM C
MEMBERS PRESENT: Daly, Leo, Gerleman, Helmer, McGuire, Rausch, Wachal,
Wielert, Willis
MEMBERS ABSENT: Boutelle, Horowitz
GUESTS PRESENT: O'Brien, Ellis
STAFF PRESENT: Rockwell, Prestemon
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RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: I
1. The Riverfront Commission endorses and recommends that Council
seriously consider the concept of site development plans and land
disturbing activities regulation as promulgated by the Urban Environ-
ment Ad Hoc Committee.
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2. The Riverfront Commission recommends that the City place warning signs
on the Iowa Avenue bridge about the dangers posed by swift currents
and the Burlington Street Dam. The Riverfront Commission requests
that special attention be given to the aesthetic quality of the signs
and their placement.
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Willis called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m.
INTRODUCTION AND SPECIAL RECOGNITION:
Chairperson Willis introduced Mr. O'Brien, who will begin his term of
office December 1, 1985 as a Riverfront Commission member representing
Iowa City.
On behalf of the Commission, Chairperson Willis presented Mr. Rausch with
a plaque in recognition of his contributions during his three-year term on
the Riverfront Commission.
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 4, 1985, MINUTES:
Leo requested that her name be added to the list of members present. Leo
moved that the minutes be approved as amended; Daly seconded. The motion
passed unanimously.
CONSIDERATION OF FY87 RIVERFRONT BUDGET PLAN:
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Rockwell reviewed a memo to members dated September 27, 1985. The memo
listed the activities approved by the Riverfront Commission for FY86.
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Iowa City Riverfront Commission
November 6, 1985
Page 2
After a general discussion about past activities, Willis asked Rockwell
how much money the Commission spent on special projects in the last fiscal
year. She responded that the Commission spent approximately $250 for June
River Month activities.
O'Brien suggested that local organizations might make financial or in-kind
contributions toward a riverbank cleanup campaign, which could tie in with
the City cleanup in May in preparation for June River Month.
Daly stated that the planting of shrubbery and grasses on City riverbank
property would be an appropriate urban streambank erosion control
demonstration project for the Commission. O'Brien suggested that
organizations such as the Izaak Walton League might donate shrubs and
trees. Leo concurred saying the Riverfront Commission's role as a
catalyst should be explored rather than expecting City monies to be
expended on such a project.
Willis stated that the Commission should ask first for a budget for
ongoing activities such as the Riverfront Month, and educational bro-
chures, and then consider expanding into new activities. The Commission
requested that Rockwell investigate the costs of contemplated activities.
REVIEW AND COMMENT ON THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT AD HOC COMMITTEE (UEAHC
McGuire explained that the UEAHC had produced three documents: general
policy/philosophy, recommendations concerning land disturbing activities,
and recommendations concerning site development regulations. McGuire
stated that the recommendations are now on the agenda of the Planning and
Zoning Commission.
McGuire moved that the Commission endorse the concept of site development
plans and land disturbing activities regulation as promulgated by the
Urban Environment Ad Hoc Committee and recommend it for serious considera-
tion by Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission; Leo seconded. The
motion passed unanimously.
McGuire summarized the new activities of the UEAHC, namely, consideration
of regulation of construction in the 100 -year floodplain, and considera-
tion of ways to maintain the scenic qualities of entranceways and vistas.
A general discussion about construction on floodplains followed. A
consensus emerged that careful analysis should precede regulatory
restraints on residential development in the 100 year floodplain.
UPDATE ON RIVER REGULATIONS AMENDMENT TO THE CITY CODE:
Rockwell summarized a public hearing that occurred on October 22, and
informed the Commission about future readings.
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Iowa City Riverfront Commission
November 6, 1985
Page 3
REPORT ON RIVER WARNING SIGNS:
Rockwell recounted a site inspection of the east side of the river between
Burlington Street and Danforth Chapel. The only warning signs posted at
this time are two signs on the CRANDIC Railroad Bridge which read:
WARNING, TURN BACK, RIVER USE RESTRICTIONS AHEAD BY CITY ORDINANCE. It is
the City Legal Department's opinion that the warning language should be
specific to the dangers encountered in that area.
Leo moved that the Commission recommend to Council that the City place
signs on the Iowa Avenue Bridge warning about the dangers posed by swift
currents and the Burlington Street Dam, with special attention given to
the aesthetic quality and placement of the signs; Daly seconded. The
motion passed unanimously.
Leo moved that the Commission recommend to the University Facilities
Planning Committee that they consider placing aesthetically pleasing signs
along the riverbank warning people that swimming and walking on the ice
are prohibited in the area between the Iowa Avenue Bridge and the
Burlington Street Dam; Daly seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
REVIEW AND COMMENT ON RIVER REGULATIONS:
Rockwell reviewed a memorandum to be sent from the Commission to the
Johnson County Board of Supervisors and the Coralville City Council
outlining the procedures to be used to limit towing on the Iowa River.
A oeneral discussion followed from which two concerns. emerged: First,
that speed boating is not necessarily regulated through towing limita-
tions; second, that enforcement of regulations is an issue which must be
addressed by the local governing bodies requesting special rules. The
consensus of the Commission was to move ahead in contacts with and
presentation of information to the City of Coralville and the Johnson
County Board of Supervisors.
BENCHMARK UPDATE ON CDBG REGULATIONS:
Rockwell reviewed the Terrill Mill shaded park bench request for CDBG
monies. She informed the Commission that the request will come before the
City Council at the public hearing on November 12, 1985, and encouraged
interested Commission members to attend.
REPORT ON RIVER WATER QUALITY SAMPLING:
Concerns were expressed about the quality of water discharged into the
Iowa River from the Coralville sewage treatment facility. Rockwell stated
that water quality was checked at the point of discharge from the
treatment plant, and that the Iowa Department of Water, Air and Waste
Management (IDWAWM) will sample the Iowa River discharge point if a
complaint is filed.
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Iowa City Riverfront Commission
November 6, 1985
Page 4
Daly requested that Rockwell find out where and how often the IDWAWM
collects and analyzes river samples in the Iowa City area. Rausch
suggested that Rockwell also check on Dr. Don McDonald's monitoring of
that area of the river downstream from the Burlington Street Dam.
CONSIDERATION OF PLANS FOR URBAN NEIGHBORHOOD STREAM BANK CONTROL GUIDE:
Rockwell introduced Mike Ellis, a University of Iowa graduate student in
Geography, and explained that he is interested in helping to prepare the
urban streambank erosion control brochure. She requested the Commission's
guidance concerning their expectations for the brochure. Commission
members agreed that it should 1) synthesize the best of available
technology, 2) be tailored to the urban situation and specific soils and
hydrology in Iowa City, and 3) be targeted to neighborhood associations as
well as to individuals.
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Rockwell briefly reviewed the progress on contest publicity. The Commis-
sion expressed appreciation to the designer of the contest poster, Pat
Westercamp, and suggested more sites for poster and brochure placement.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned by acclamation at 9:25 p.m.
The minutes were taken by Greg Prestemon.
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{r( 11 MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 20, 1985
MEMBERS PRESENT: Riddle, Steinbrech, Willis, Martin, Jennings, Mitchell, Hradek
and Alvarez
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jordison
STAFF PRESENT: Carroll, Howell, Harvey and Moran
!GUESTS PRESENT: Anne Glenister, Project GREEN; Lyle Muller and Jeff Myers,
Iowa City Press Citizen; and Grant Hunget, Recreation Division
Intern
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION AND FORMAL ACTION TAKEN
Moved by Steinbrech, seconded by Hradek, that the minutes of the October 9 meeting
be approved as written. Unanimous.
Steinbrech gave an update on the selection process for the director and superin-
tendent of recreation. He reported that the selection committee had met November
18 to discuss both positions. The committee chose nine from seventeen applica-
tions for director to receive a questionnaire for further information. There is
a potential hold -over of two applicants that were considered in the previous
selection process. Finalists will be chosen the first week in December and it is
anticipated that interviews will be conducted before Christmas. Seventeen'addi-
tional applications were received after the most recent advertisement and recruit-
ment by Human Relations.
Steinbrech reported that nine applicants for the superintendent position were
selected from sixty-eight received. City budget restraints have put the position
on hold, and interviews will not be conducted until a determination has been made
on the position. It is anticipated to select a director, who will assist in
selecting the superintendent.
Willis asked if a formal process would be followed in determining whether to put
the superintendent position cn hold. Steinbrech replied that the City Manager
would make a recommendation to the City Council on the position.
Jennings asked if the selection committee was aware of the possible hold on the
position before the November 18 meeting and Steinbrech replied that they were not.
The Commission discussed the positions and selection process.
Moved by Jennings, seconded by.Alvarez, that the Parks and Recreation Commission
strongly supports the concept of continuing the recreation superintendent staff
position. Unanimous.
Glenister expressed her support of the motion.
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PARKS d RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
NOVEMBER 20, 1985
PAGE 2
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Carroll reported that an ordinance restricting parking to four hours, seven days a
week, in Terrell Mill Park had been recently passed. The ordinance was created to
prevent Mayflower dormitory students from monopolizing the parking lot day and night.
Carroll reported that the City Council had noted the upcoming Commission vacancies,
but had not received applications for the Commission.
The Urban Environment Ad Hoc Committee had recehtly passed a resolution amending
the membership to include a representative from the Parks and Recreation Commission.
It was requested by Commission members to add this to the December meeting agenda.
Carroll reported that the request from the Iowa City Rowing Club to build a boat-
house at Crandic Park is in the process of being reviewed by city staff.
Hradek reported that negotiations for Miller -Orchard neighborhood park are active
this week. A decision will be made by the end of December, and if negotiations
are unsuccessful, the CDBG funds will be reallocated.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Riddle opened discussion on the FY85 budget deficit for the Recreation Division.
Riddle said that after review of the budget comparison report by function for fiscal
year ending June 30, 1985, he concludes that the Parks and Recreation Department did
not spent the total budgeted amount. He expressed his confusion over the stated
deficit and the publicity given to it. He requested that discussion of the proposed
FY87 budget be deferred until after the issue is clarified.
There was discussion concerning the budgetary process and deficit.
Moved by Alvarez, seconded by Martin, that the Commission invite the Director of
Finance to the December meeting to outline the Recreation Division deficit and
proposed FY87 budget.
Willis said that the Commission should go to the Civic Center to meet with the
Finance Director during the day. Alvarez withdrew the motion.
OTHER BUSINESS
Riddle said that there comes a time in everyone's life when you need to sit back and
assess and evaluate what's happened and what is going on. You need to stand up for
what you think is right. He feels that things have happened that greatly concern
him, and Martin and Mitchell share these concerns.
Riddle read the attached letter of resignation from himself, Martin and Mitchell.
He added that they have seen so many negatives happen and hope to see some of the
negatives stop with what has been spelled out in the letter of resignation. It is
hoped that the Commission can move forward and create a place where people can step
in and move forward without any hindrances. He does not want to see the Commission
move backward again; there are too many things facing the community in its needs
and it is time to stand up for what is felt is right.
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PARKS 8 RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
NOVEMBER 20, 1985
PAGE 3
Anne Glenister stated that she would be resigning as the Project GREEN representative
at the conclusion of the meeting. She has served as the representative for ten
years and appreciates the acceptance of the Commission. She said that Project GREEN
at this time would like to have a member on the Parks and Recreation Commission in
an official capacity as a voting member. Glenister is ineligible because she is a
non-resident, and Project GREEN has asked her to resign to allow the appointment of
a Commission member. She expressed thanks from herself and Project GREEN for the
Commission's support.
Steinbrech said that although he doesn't agree with the action, he understands why
Riddle has done what he's done. He expressed appreciation on behalf of the Commis-
sion for Riddle's dedication and contribution.
Moved by Steinbrech, seconded by Jennings, that Willis be appointed as Chairman
until the January election of officers. Unanimous.
Carroll expressed appreciation on behalf of the Parks and Recreation Department for
Riddles dedication and accomplishments during his eight years on the Commission.
Moved by Mitchell, seconded by Martin, to adjourn at 8:10 p.m. Unanimous.
ee Harvey, Secret y
Parks and Recreatib Commission
1? 03 57
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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 recomnending 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. Thelong 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'sposition 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 defeeits 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 Cassady 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 fee; 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
to be a state and national city that others look to
for leadership and giving to the community.
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
in many ways and will always be proud to say we are long term
residents of the best of all cities -- IOWA CITY.
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Ellen Martin
Jerry Mitchell
Fred Riddle
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MINUTES
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 13, 1985
SENIOR CENTER CONFERENCE ROOM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bill Coen, Henry Fox, Geri Hall, Bob Jackson, Marty Kafer,
Mike Kattchee, Ruth Wagner
MEMBERS ABSENT: Don Crum, Dorothy Whipple
STAFF PRESENT: Bette Meisel, Lori Benz, Donita Devance, Practicum Stu-
dents: Nancy Brienzo, Jackie Mayer
GUESTS PRESENT: Mary Slaymaker, Milo Pecina, Council of Elders; Sandra
Boutelle, Senior Center Commission Appointee; Mike Lawson,
MECCA
CALL TO ORDER/MINUTES/PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
The meeting was called to order by the Chair at 3:00 p.m. Kattchee moved for
the acceptance of the minutes of October 9, 1985. Fox seconded. Accepted,
unanimous voice vote.
The Chair introduced new Commission appointee, Sandra Boutelle. Boutelle,
Research Assistant at the Cardiovascular Center and Public Relations Chairman
of the Johnson County Chapter of the American Heart Association, has been
selected to replace Marty Kafer when her term expires in December.
BRAINSTORMING PUBLIC RELATIONS IDEAS:
Meisel asked Commissioners to share their ideas on. how to establish better
public relations and coverage of Senior Center activities by the Press -Citi-
zen and the Gazette. (See attached copy)
GOAL SETTINE DISCUSSION II:
± Commissioners discussed three areas that were identified in the October
meeting; developing a list of qualified people whose names could be submitted
when commission vacancies occur; volunteer recruitment and retention
strategies; and public transportation and elderly parking in the downtown
(Senior Center) area. Coen asked Commissioners to determine which of the
goats outlined at the October meeting could be realized in the short-term and
which were long-term goals which would require strategic planning by the
Commission and the enlisting of outside resources. Developing the list and
volunteer recruitment and retention were considered goals that should receive
some degree of immediate attention. Coen suggested that the Council of Elders
in conjunction with the Commission might begin a public education program to
encourage the use of public transportation in using the Senior Center. He
said that awareness of the problem and the beginnings of developing
strategies for the project could be done in the meantime. Wagner encouraged
Commissioners to take responsibility for their goals, to come prepared with
ideas for developing strategy and realizing the goal. There will be a fur-
ther discussion on goal setting in the December meeting.
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MINUTES
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 13, 1985
PAGE -2
REPORT ON COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY NEEDS:
Meisel reported that the proposal for the Volunteer Specialist was not well
received by the Committee on Community Needs. Despite the number of people
that would benefit from this position CCN members gave the Volunteer Special-
ist position a low to medium rating. Some members explained that they had
received negative calls about the Senior Center. Meisel asked Commissioners
in the future to take aggressive measures (phone calls, visits, letters,
etc.) to support the issues that are passed by the Commission. Without the
full support of the Commission, such efforts are a waste of staff time. Coen
reported that there was some support from Councilman George Strait. Hall
observed that Senior Center presentations have been made from the perspective
of the number of people benefitted rather than those who would suffer (i.e.
have to be placed in nursing homes, etc.) without the program. She postu-
lated that this is the crucial argument for agencies who serve far fewer
people.
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DINNER:
Coen thanked the Commission and staff for the fine contribution to the Volun-
teer Appreciation Dinner. Guest response was quite favorable; the speaker
was excellent, the length of the overall program was agreeable, and the
decorations were pronounced "the best ever." The budget report (not includ-
ing the.cost of the scroll framing and the speaker's travel expenses) totaled
$625.76. The budget is $700.00. It is expected that the final report will
not exceed that amount. The reason that there is no total for the framing is
that the workshop volunteers have agreed to perform tasks for other agencies,
for example, the Library has asked them to fix wooden toys that have been
damaged and the Adult Day Program has made a request for shelving. Hall
commented on the paradox of other agencies with volunteer recruitment mecha-
nisms benefitting from the services of the volunteers recruited by the Senior
Center. She suggested that we might find ways to utilize other agencies
volunteer resources as well.
COORDINATOR'S REPORT:
Meisel reported a problem that occurred during the Veterans Day holiday. No
Senior Center staff were in the building on the morning of November 11 due to
the holiday. Congregate Meals opens the building at 10:30 on holidays and
weekends. Senior Center janitorial staff is scheduled to come in at 12:30
and lock the building at 3:00. One of the pool players who had access to a
building key used it to open the elevator and game room before 12:30. Jeff,
who happened to drop in, reported that there were about 17 people playing
pool. The problem is that this creates a liability situation for the Senior
Center. If the pool players had been willing to designate a "responsible"
person to be in charge of the activities, staff would willingly check out
keys to them so that they could play. As it was there was no such person and
the full burden of some one getting hurt, becoming sick and not being found
by regular traffic through the building, etc. fell on the Senior Center.
Another problem is that the nurses decided to come in that day. The same
liability situation would have applied in this instance also. Meisel sug-
gested that Commissioners make a resolution to not allow services during the
morning hours on holidays and create a policy that stated that no senior
Aasa
MINUTES
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 13, 1985
PAGE 3
group may use the building during non -staffed hours without designating a
"responsible' person. In this manner the groups would still be free to use
the building as they wished but they must take responsibility for their group
and its use of the building., Services to the elderly could begin at 12:30
when Senior Center staff was on hand unless the agencies were willing to
assume responsibility for the building. Fox so moved. Hall seconded.
Adopted, unanimous voice vote.
One of the policies held by the Commission is that non -elderly, with the
exception of City agencies, could not use the building for their meetings.
The Commission has held that using the building as a polling place was a
civic duty and therefore have allowed its use as a voting site. The Demo-
cratic Committee of Johnson County has requested that they be allowed to use
the Senior Center for a Democratic Caucus. The Committee wishes to hold all
its Caucuses in the polling places to familiarize people with them. Meisel
asked the Commission's consideration of this issue, defining whether this,
too, was a civic duty or if this would open the door for other groups use of
the building. Jackson suggested that it might be in keeping with the Commis-
sion's desire to create a public relations network to allow the use of the
Senior Center for this purpose and to open it up in the future to other
ggroupsmaking decisions on policy and interpreting them as necessary.
Boutelie suggested that there would again be a liability problem and that by
opening the Senior Center to certain groups we would be setting a precedent
that might not be amenable to the desires of the seniors and that might cause
policy-making problems in the future. Fox agreed that there would be prob-
lems with this decision as a precedent. He encouraged Commissioners to
reject theproposal. Hall concluded that the Caucus usually drew a large
number of adults and children. With that many people, she felt some staff
would have to be available that night or come early for cleanup. She sug-
gested that there might be better places to hold caucuses ratherthan the
Senior Center. Hall moved to reject the proposal of the Democratic Committee
to use the Senior Center as a caucus site. Fox seconded. Motion failed; no
majority; Ayes - 2; Nays - 2; Abstentions - 2. Wagner moved that the pro-
posal be studied by a joint committee of representatives from the Council of
Elders and Senior Center Commission. The Committee would look into the pros
and cons of the issue and formulate policy for the future use of the building
for civic use. The Commission would study the Committee's conclusions at the
December meeting and offer its decision at that time. Kafer seconded. Motion
failed. Lacked majority; Ayes - 1; Nays - 0; Abstentions - 5. The Chair
appointed three Commissioners - Wagner, Jackson and Hall - to look into the
matter further and report to the Commission at the December meeting.
Meisel told Commissioners about response to the volunteer job description for
the Post mailing list. In two days it people responded to the Post article
whicif—ae ed for approximately eight hours a month commitment with no schedul-
ing restrictions. Lori called the respondents back and asked if they might
be interested in another volunteer activity at the Center, as this particular
position has been quickly filled. The overwhelming response was that they
didn't want to be tied down and had only responded to this inquiry because
there were no specific time commitments.
MINUTES
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 13, 1985
PAGE 4
Meisel explained that the City was looking into ways to effectively reduce
the overall budget. Each department has been asked to look into
for items that might be reduced or cut out entirely. its budget
Meisel asked Commis -
cuts. sioners to look at their copies of the budget and make recommendations on
CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT:
Coen reminded Commissioners that it was almost time to elect executive offi-
cers. He appointed Commissioners Marty Kafer, Henry Fox and Mike Kattchee to
serve as a nominating committee and cone up with a ballot of candidates in
time for the December meeting. Kattchee will serve as chair.
It has come to the attention of the Chair that there are a small number of
Senior Center Volunteers who are under the age of 55 who are not able to park
at the Center. Because there are so few of them, it has been suggested that
an agreement be made with Ecumenical Towers that would allow younger volun-
teers to park in the visitors lot, provided that they sign in at the Towers
desk. This arrangement has been made by other agencies for their volunteers
and staff. Coen will speak with the director of Ecumenical Towers, Phyllis
Farrell.
COUNCIL OF ELDERS REPORT:
The Council of Elders will be making a survey of user response to the lobby
furniture.
There have
o th of. EachirsaCOEcmouches
ember
will be responsible for talking to ten people, recording their sex, height
and feelings about the furniture.
There will be a Christmas tree decorating party on December 18, in the Senior
Center lobby.
There was a discussion of the egress after 5 PM memo sent by Bette Meisel to
agencies that use the building at night.
There was a discussion of the Phonic Ear System and the TV Phonic Ear System.
Council members discussed ways to promote use of the devices by demonstrating
them at the Host/Guide training sessions.
There was a discussion of the non-profit bazaar that would be held on Satur-
day, November 16, at the Sycamore Mall, in which the Eldercraft Shop would
participate.
unter
raser has asked
flavolg Thee oldone isibecoming badlyttattered. Thehe COE to lookCounciinto luofhEldersawinew
ll
look into getting another one donated to the Center or make a recommendation
to the Commission after finding the least expensive place to buy one.
On December 8 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., there will be a reception for Artist
Ruth Johnson in the Senior Center Assembly Room. Coffee and cookies will be
served. The Council of Elders encouraged Commissioners to attend.
o7o35R.
MINUTES
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
NOVEMBER. 13, 1985
PAGE 5
Bill Crawford recommended that the office space an the second floor (across
from Shared Housing) be designated for the use of the Volunteer Committee to
store records and to interview prospective volunteers. CoE must submit a
space application for the Commission to consider.
The Council of Elders, on behalf of all volunteers, would like to thank the
Commission for the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. A good time was had by
all.
DISCUSSION:
Meisel explained that the tablecloths had been laundered and put away for
later use. There was some concern that the tablecloths had been used during
the year by volunteers and other agencies and not properly cleaned.
It was agreed that the new agenda format time
9 9 ( guides for all discussion
sections) was an excellent idea and had helped to keep the meeting moving
smoothly.
i
The meeting adjourned at 5:06 p.m.
i
Submitted by
Ruth Wagner, Secretary
Senior Center Commission 4
Prepared by
Donita Devance
Senior Center Secretary
i
f � ,
I
is
MINUTES
I FORMAL MEETING
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1985 - 7:30 P.M.
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT: Cooper, Horowitz, Courtney, Perry, Jordan, Scott, Dierks
STAFF PRESENT: Franklin, Beagle, Boyle, Prestemon
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
1. The Commission recommends approval of a City initiated application for
annexation and rezoning to P of certain City -owned property including
Willow Creek Court, a portion of Willow Creek Drive and portions of
Highway 1 West former right-of-way.
2. The Commission recommends approval of an application submitted by Olin
Lloyd, Robert Barker and Carol Barker, and Lewis Negus for voluntary
annexation of 16.2 acres located at Highway 1 West and Willow Creek
Court.
3. The Commission recommends approval of an application submitted by Olin
Lloyd, Robert Barker, Carol Barker and Lewis Negus for rezoning from
County CH to CI -1 of 16.2 acres located at Highway 1 West and Willow
Creek Court.
4. The Commission recommends that the City Council revise the agreement
between Olin Lloyd and the City -to ensure that the water and sewer main
extensions will be completed in a timely fashion yet take into account
f seasonal constraints.
5. The Commission recommends approval of an application submitted by Johnson
County Farm Bureau for annexation of 2.81 acres located along Mormon Trek
Boulevard from RI -A (County) to CO -1 with the condition that only one
curb cut be made and that said curb cut be located within 200 feet of the
north boundary of the property.
6. The Commission requests staff assistance to review the development policy
for land west of Highway 218, particularly with regard to additional
costs incurred by the City resulting from extension of infrastructure and
City services.
7. The Commission recommends approval of a minor amendment to the Pepperwood
Place Large Scale Non -Residential Development Plan to permit all of the
uses currently allowed in the CC -2 zone.
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Scott called the meeting to order at 7:37 p.m.
OU s3
Planning 8 Zoning Commission
November 18, 1985
Page 2
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MEETING OF NOVEMBER 7, 1985:
Chairperson Scott suggested the following changes be made: correct the
spelling of the words "Amoco" and "where" on page two; add the phrase "and
should not be changed" to Scott's statement on page two; add the prefix "re"
before the word "read" on the third paragraph, page three, to Scott's state-
ment; insert "have" before the word "increased" in paragraph three, pa?e
three; and delete "conventions' and add the word "meetings" to Franklin s
statement in the section on Planning and Zoning Information.
Perry moved the minutes be approved as amended; Jordan seconded. The motion
passed, 7-0.
DEVELOPMENT ITEMS:
i 1. A-8401. Discussion of a City -initiated application to annex certain
C ty-owned property including Willow Creek Court, a portion of Willow
Creek Drive and portions of Highway 1 West former right-of-way, and
rezoning to P.
Franklin stated that the annexation applies to three tracts owned by the
k City. Two of the tracts are right-of-way and the third should be zoned
P. She stated that all annexations are reviewed by the Board of Supervi-
sors in compliance with the fringe area agreement between the City and
the County.
Horowitz moved that the application to annex and rezone to P be approved;
4, Courtney seconded.
fj Horowitz expressed concern that the environmental policies of the Compre-
hensive Plan be considered in the evaluation of annexations and
rezonings. Franklin stated that there are three facets of the Comprehen-
sive Plan which should be considered in determining whether the proposal
k conforms: the appropriateness of the annexation, the particular land use
category and the environmental policies.
1
Franklin suggested that concerns relating to entranceways could be dealt
with through performance standards for commercial and industrial uses as
well as for other uses.
Horowitz stated that, because this particular tract involves land that is
adjacent to an entranceway to the City, the Commission is relying in part
on policies promulgated by the Urban Environment Ad Hoc Committee.
Scott stated that all three of the annexations considered in this meeting
are in conformance with the short range and long range goals of the
Comprehensive Plan.
The motion passed, 7-0.
A V? 5150
Planning & Zoning Commission
November 18, 1985
Page 3
2. A-8501 & Z-8507. Discussion of an application submitted by Olin Lloyd,
Robert Barker, Carol Barker, and Lewis Negus for voluntary annexation and
rezoning from County CH to CI -1 of 16.2 acres located at Highway 1 West
and Willow Creek Court and Sunset Drive; 45 -day limitation period: Decem-
ber 23, 1985.
Franklin stated that the City is initiating the voluntary annexation of
this tract in order to implement the short and long range Comprehensive
Plan and to alleviate a problem with an inadequate septic system on the
Olin Lloyd property, as identified by the Johnson County Health Depart-
ment. The tract includes four properties and includes numerous auto
service and repair uses, the Iowa City Coach Co., the Gym Nest and a
carpet store. Earlier this year, Olin Lloyd signed an agreement with
the City which included the following items: voluntary annexation, a 12"
sewer easement across the south end of his property and the extension of
the public water and sewer mains along Willow Creek Drive as necessary.
Other property owners will be able to hook onto the sewer and water mains
at their expense. She stated that there are plans to install traffic
signals in the summer of 1986 at the junction of Highway 1 West and
Sunset Street provided that the City Council and the Iowa Department of
Transportation approve. She stated that signalization is warranted when.
there are five accidents in a year that might have been prevented by
signalization. Franklin stated that businesses with heavy trucks will be
unlikely to locate on the parcels because of the availability of more
attractive sites nearby.
Perry asked if the parcels in question are in the airport overlay zones.
Franklin stated that the parcels do not fall within the approach or clear
zones.
Horowitz asked why the IDOT and City Council have to wait until the
summer of 1986 to install the traffic signals. Franklin stated that the
traffic signals will have to be approved as part of the Capital Improve-
ments Program.
Perry moved that the annexation be approved; Horowitz seconded. The
motion passed, 7-0.
Perry moved that the City Council consider revising the agreement between
Lloyd and the City to install water and sewer mains in a timely fashion,
weather permitting, rather than within 60 days as the agreement currently
stipulates; Jordan seconded. The motion passed, 7-0.
Horowitz moved that the application to rezone from County CH to CI -i be
approved; Perry seconded. The motion passed, 7-0.
'70353
Planning 8 Zoning Cononission
November 18, 1985
Page 4
3. A-8504 d Z-8506. Discussion of an application submitted by Johnson
County 'arm Bureau to annex and rezone 2.81 acres located along Mormon
Trek Boulevard from RI -A (County) to CO -1; 45 -day limitation period:
December 13, 1985.
Beagle stated that the applicant plans to construct a 2,000 to 2,500
square foot office building to house the Johnson County Farm Bureau and
Farm Bureau insurance services. In order to develop the site, the appli-
cant is required to seek annexation, since the Johnson County Health
Department will not issde a septic permit for property adjacent to the
City and able to be 'served by municipal sanitary sewers. Beagle stated
that the annexation is consist with the Comprehensive Plan and the fringe
area agreement for Area 8, as well as with the commercial use designation
on the Plan map. However, while other municipal services are available,
the applicant will have to negotiate with the Ty'n Cae development for
extension of municipal sanitary sewer service to the site. He stated
that the parcel is a "remnant parcel" and that the requested office
rezoning is consistent with the adjacent uses. He stated that staff is
concerned about potential traffic hazards along Mormon Trek Road because
the site is in a depression and along a curve. Thus, staff recommends a
single curb cut within 200 feet of the north boundary of the property.
He stated that a portion of the parcel falls within the approach and
transitional zones of the airport overlay zone.
i
Courtney moved that .the application for annexation be approved; Jordan
seconded.
Perry stated that in the past the Commission has asked the Federal Avia-
tion Administration for an assurance that no problems exist with a change
in land use around the airport. He stated that the Commission and the
City Council should proceed cautiously on this and similar matters.
Franklin stated that the FAA will become involved with submission of an
LSNRO. Until then it is difficult to evaluate since the height of build-
ings is unknown. She pointed out that the property is not in the clear
zone and is not subject to use restrictions.
Beagle stated that he had communicated with Fred Zehr, Airport Manager,
about the application and that Zehr has raised no objections. Beagle
pointed out that the property is in a low lying area and separated from
the airport by land with a higher ,elevation.
Dierks asked about consideration given to possible expansion of the
airport. A general discussion followed from which a consensus emerged
that any expansion to occur will be on the east -west runway. Any large
expansion would necessitate a different location for the airport aue to
the proximity of highways on the north and east ends of the airport.
The motion passed, 7-0.
Courtney moved approval of the application to rezone on the condition
that the site will be limited to a single curb cut within 200 feet of the
north property line of the site; Perry seconded.
Planning & Zoning Commission
November 18, 1985
Page 5
Scott stated that as a result of the realignment of Mormon Trek Boule-
vard, the site is located in a depression at a lower elevation than the
pavement of Mormon Trek Boulevard itself. The site has over 646 feet of
frontage on Mormon Trek Boulevard and is located on a curve. Due to the
presence of the curve, the drop in elevation going from east to west
along the curb and the grade separation between the pavement and the site
itself, sight distance is constrained at the southern end of the site. In
order to mitigate any negative traffic impacts, both staff and the Com-
mission recommend as a condition of approval that the site be limited to
a single curb -cut located anywhere within 200 feet of the site's north
property line. The specific location of the curb -cut would be identified
at the time the applicant seeks LSNRD approval to construct the office
building.
The motion passed, 7-0.
SUBDIVISION ITEMS:
1. S-8514. Discussion of an application submitted by Frank Eicher for a
remised preliminary plat for Southwest Estates Subdivision, Parts 1-9, a
subdivision of 150.74 acres located north of Rohret Road and east of the
western Iowa City limits; 45 -day limitation period: waived.
Horowitz moved that the application be deferred until the Thursday, March
20 meeting; Perry seconded.
Scott 'stated that the deferral will enable staff to prepare an evaluation
of the Comprehensive Plan for the area west of Highway 218.
The motion to defer passed, 7-0.
Horowitz moved that the Commission request staff assistance in reviewing
the development policy for the area west of Highway 218, with particular
attention given to additional costs incurred by the City from increased
demand for city services and infrastructure; Perry seconded. The motion
passed, 7-0.
Scott stated that the request for staff assistance stems from the above
request for subdivision approval.
2. Discussion of a minor amendment to the Pepperwood Place Large Scale
Non -Residential Development Plan.
Franklin stated that the proposed change will permit all of the uses
encompassed in the CC -2 zone in the Pepperwood Place Mali. Staff takes
the position in favor of the amendment because there is no proposed
change in the physical layout of buildings or the parking requirements.
She stated that parking and traffic problems should not result because
any new use in the center will first be reviewed by the City prior to the
issuance of a building permit or certificate of occupancy.
.?.Q.53
Planning 8 Zoning Commission
November 18, 1985
Page 6
Horowitz expressed concern about possible traffic problems at particular
times of the day and gave as an example the possibility of a theater and
grocery store located in the same center. She expressed concern about
increased traffic volume in adjacent neighborhoods. Other Commissioners
did not feel that peak times for these two uses would necessarily be
concurrent and create such a problem.
Perry moved approval of an amendment to the Pepperwood Place Large Scale
Non -Residential Development Plan to permit all the uses in the CC -2 Zone;
Jordan seconded. The motion passed, 6-0-1, with Courtney abstaining.
3. Discussion of the 1985 Neighborhood Open Space Plan and Open Space Dedi-
cation Ordinance for the Developing Zone.
Jordan moved that the consideration be deferred until July 1, 1986;
j Cooper seconded.
!` In response to reservations expressed by Horowitz, Scott stated that the
f Plan and Ordinance can be considered at any time earlier. He stated that
€( the Commission is deferring for the following reasons: first, because the
Commission is unable to come to a consensus about the best way to proceed
with the Plan and Ordinance as currently written; second, because the fee
t structure study given to the City Council, revisions in the storm water
and subdivision ordinances and recommendations by the Urban Environment
Ad Hoc Committee have combined to make the Commission believe that defer-
ral is the prudent option.
fiHorowitz expressed concern that the Plan and Ordinance will be delayed
for an excessive amount of time.
The motion passed, 1-0.
OTHER BUSINESS:
1. Planning and Zoning Commission Information.
Courtney stated that he, Jordan and Franklin had attended a meeting in
which changes in zoning for areas around the airport was discussed.
Courtney stated that two divergent views were expressed; one which advo-
cated zoning the land for airport -related industrial uses and providing
infrastructure and one which cautioned that zoning decisions should wait
for a proposed tenant. The group agreed that development should be
limited to uses which could utilize the airport. It was decided that no
immediate action should be pursued until the Airport Commission met with
the City Council.
Horowitz expressed thanks to the City Traffic Engineer for installing a
three-way stop at the corner of Dodge and Kirkwood. She stated that
traffic problems in the area have been reduced.
Perry asked staff if a banner sign can be hung between canopy supports.
Franklin said the banner signs are permitted only for special events.
APS3
Planning & Zoning Commission
November 18, 1985
Page 7
Dierks asked staff if a banner sign an the windshield of a van is permit-
ted. Franklin stated she would direct the above matters to the appropri-
ate City agency.
Scott stated that he and Boyle had participated in panel discussions at
the Iowa Chapter American Planning Association/National Association of
Housing and Redevelopment Officials meeting in Des Moines.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned by acclamation at 9:00 p.m.
Minutes were taken by Greg e �P//reestemon.
Approved by; �CE
arr�f/ih�KOrel up. our ney, Secretary
,2n3
MINUTES
BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
TRIANNUAL REVIEW MEETING
MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1985 - 1:00 P.M.
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS
PRESENT: Terry, Ehninger, Johnson, Twaler, McGuire
ABSENT: None
EXCUSED: None
STAFF PRESENT: Shaffer, Brown, Hess, Stewart
OTHERS PRESENT: Graves, Blough of Heritage, Cablecast Volunteers
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
None.
MATTERS PENDING COUNCIL -COMMISSION DISPOSITION:
Triannual Review, 5% franchise fee/NPO.
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION AND FORMAL ACTION TAKEN:
According to Bill Blough, current efforts (using the access channels them-
selves, and insertion equipment on the company's channels and other local
media) to publicize cable TV channel programming, are a positive step.
Blough sees no need for a cable TV channel to be used as a programming guide.
Susan McGuire will take Mike Sigrin's place on the renamed Access/NPO Subcom-
mittee dealing with access surveys, performance standards and equipment
problems. If the company continues to provide access in 1986, it is expected
that most of the three-quarter inch access equipment will be replaced with
"user-friendly" half-inch equipment. The company may purchase a micro-
computer to aid in the access effort.
The Commission voted 3-2 that 100% of the production equipment offered in the
franchise proposal must be available 100% of the time. Procedure in use of
the security fund to cure a default on the franchise by the company with
regard to provision of the full complement of access equipment (or any other
default) was discussed. Shaffer and a member of the subcommittees on access
and state-of-the-art will confer with Blough and LeValley on new equipment
the company plans to purchase in 1986.
The company is taking a wait and see attitude to providing Black Entertain-
ment Network (BET) on the Iowa City cable system. Graves agreed to survey
subscribers on whether they would like the company to provide BET. Heritage
has signed long-term contracts with the movie channels they currently offer
in Iowa City. Under no circumstances will Heritage drop HBO.
Examples of Heritage newsletters and handbooks will be provided to Commission
members. An answering machine will be installed on a special telephone line
in the home of Heritage's chief technician in Iowa City to improve the com-
pany's response in times of outages.
CR,R S`-
MINUTES
BRCADBANU TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
TRIANNUAL REVIEW MEETING
MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1985 - 7:00 P.M.
PAGE 2
The company will provide the BTC with a form to use to place messages in the
company's billing statements. There will be restrictions of this use with
reference to space, frequency and content. Although the company was "articu-
late and adamant," that they not provide itemized billing, the BTC first
voted 3-2, then reconsidered and voted unanimously that it is the position of
the BTC that the company should on a regular basis provide rate information
to subscribers via their cable bills. This information should include the
costs of basic service, pay channels and other details.
The company's log of technical complaints from subscribers is on computer and
those records are available for public inspection. Although the company is
willing to provide a breakdown of subscriber numbers for any period the BTC
wishes to know, Graves and Blough said the franchise fee is not based on
subscriber numbers, but on actual revenue received. Information from Heri-
tage on leased access policies which Graves was to have provided by August 1
is still not available. Graves argued that the financial structure of Heri-
tage is outside the jurisdiction of the City and the Commission. Blough
plans to present a written proposal for an ordinance change at the November
21 meeting.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER, INTRODUCTIONS AND OPENING REMARKS:
Meeting called to order at 7:10 p.m. Terry explained the format, to include
discussion of items under the headings of Programming, Service, Financial,
Technical and Miscellaneous.
PROGRAMMING:
Terry asked Blough for his feelings on having a Cable TV Programming Guide on
one of the channels. Blough said this idea had been preempted by what the
company feels is a more viable satellite programming service. Blough said he
is not sure what the status is of a programming guide being prepared by the
University of Iowa Library, Educational Consortium and others. Shaffer noted
that representatives of all the local access channels have been meeting with
BTS representative John Hess and Heritage Community Programming Director,
Paul LeValley, to try to coordinate efforts to publicize their channels, and
the Iowa City Press -Citizen has been cooperative in this endeavor. Blough
said this cross -publicizing is a positive step. Blough also said the com-
pany's ad insertion equipment adds to the ability of an access channel to
publicize a single program. Terry sunned up that he understood Blough to be
saying that there would not be a channel designated as a Program Guide.
Terry stated that the BTC subcommittee for the NPO (non-profit organization)
would be renamed the Access/NPO Subcommittee, and asked Susan McGuire to take
the place of former BTC member Mike Sigrin on that subcommittee. McGuire
agreed. Terry said questions dealing with access and surveys not be
addressed at this meeting would be handled by subcommittee. The charge of
this group will be to deal with surveys for access, equipment problems should
they arise and access performance standards and report mechanisms (from the
cable company or NPO). Shaffer said the performance standards documents have
been drafted and would be brought to the BTC for input.
APS -4
MINUTES
BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
TRIANNUAL REVIEW MEETING
MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1985 - 7:00 P.M.
PAGE 3
Terry asked Slough to clarify questions of the life expectancy of video
equipment the company uses for access, and to comment on whether the company
would be willing to invest in a microcomputer for use in access. Slough said
life cause expectancy
high amountent used ofuse offor thatccess is equipment difficultSlough saideifmtheebe-
com-
pany continues to provide access in 1986, that much of the present equipment
will have to be replaced, and a changeover to "user-friendly" 1/2 inch in
place of 3/4 inch equipment is planned. Slough said he would consider get-
ting a microcomputer and would be wiling to meet with Shaffer and draw up
life expectancy curves for the equipment.
Terry said Slough, Shaffer, La Valley, and a member of the City's Legal staff
should sit down and iron out what fits the 100% equipment availability stan-
dard set by the BTC. Following comments by Johnson, Ehninger, McGuire and
Shaffer on this question and that of use of the security fund, Terry called
for a show of hands of Commissioners who feel that 100% of the access equip-
ment means 100% of the equipment is to be available 100% of the time, -John-
son, Ehninger and McGuire voted yes, Terry and Twaler voted no.
McGuire asked whether there is a City form for life expectancy for equipment.
Shaffer said there is no standard form; life expectancy of video equipment
can vary considerably depending on its use. Shaffer said five years is a
good period of time, seven years is possible if one is very lucky. McGuire
asked Slough whether he keeps a "lemon file" on equipment repair. Slough
said he does.
Terry asked whether any comparison files were kept by the library on equip-
ment used outside the library and that which does not leave the library.
Terry said he has seen some equipment literally thrown into the back of a
station wagon, and noted it only takes one person being careless with a
camera to ruin it. Shaffer said the library keeps very good records and that
those people who are negligent with the equipment can be held responsible for
its repair or replacement (whether the equipment is owned by the library or
Heritage).
Graves asked if the Commission was proposing allowing the security fund to be
tapped. Brown said the Commission was referring to the provision in the
ordinance that the company supply certain types of access equipment. Brown
said further that what the consensus of the Commission was suggesting this
evening was that supplying that access video production equipment for public
use means supplying 100% of the equipment 100% of the time. Brown stated
that the enforcement provision provides that in a non-compliance situation
such as when a piece of equipment is down and the company has not repaired or
replaced it, the security fund provision could come into play, as it would
with any other default on the franchise agreement by the company. Brown
noted that written notice to the company from the City Manager would be
required before any security fund amounts would be expended.
Graves asked for a clarification on ownership of access equipment replaced by
monies from the security fund and described a hypothetical scenario. Brown
said as long as the company has provided the equipment it is required to
supply, it has met its obligation and ownership of a replaced piece of equip-
ment would not be in question.' The company would, however, be required to
.; R.S�4
MINUTES
BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
TRIANNUAL REVIEW MEETING
MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1985 - 7:00 P.M.
PAGE 4
replace expended security fund monies. Terry and Johnson expressed apprecia-
tion of the company's having provided more equipment than is actually re-
quired. Terry stated that the City Manager is notified of the necessity to
activate the security fund provision of the ordinance by either Shaffer or
the BTC Chair. Terry also said the security fund had not been used to date
and the threat of its use has only been made once.
Shaffer asked whether the company expects to purchase any new equipment early
in 1986. Blough said it does and that he would be willing to meet with
Shaffer to discuss those items. Terry said a member of the subcommittees on
access and state-of-the-art should join Blough and Shaffer for that discus-
sion. McGuire noted that some of the equipment provided beyond that required
by the franchise was acquired as a result of grant money from the company
having been spent wisely. Further discussion ensued the history and current
status of the grant money. Graves noted that a resolution of the 5% fran-
chise fee/NPO issue is needed before the company can comment on whether or
not the original $10,000 grant amount would be replenished and maintained in
an ongoing fashion.
The question of acquiring the Black Entertainment Network was discussed.
Graves agreed to survey subscribers in Iowa City on whether they would like
to get BET. Other programming choices were discussed such as VH -1, foreign
programming other than SIN, and stereo FM for HBO, Cinemax and the Nashville
Network. UHF channel 38 in Iowa City was discussed. Graves said if this
channel does a good job for the local market, the cable system will carry it.
If the signal is not good, if it does not provide something different in
programming than is already available, the cable system will not carry it.
The company is taking a wait and see attitude.
Terry asked whether the company might obtain an automatic playback director
machine for channel 26 such as the City uses for channel 29. Blough said it
was not a high priority nut the company could consider the possibility.
Archiving of tapes by community producers was discussed. The company would
like to receive more input from the BTC avid other interested parties into the
selection process. This question will be placed on the list for future
consideration.
Terry asked what the company's plans are for future movie channel offerings.
Graves said the company has signed long-term contracts with the movie chan-
nels currently being offered and under no circumstances would the company
drop HBO.
SERVICE:
Brown addressed the legal question of attaching wires to trees on public
property. Under the franchise, Brown said, the company may trim tree
branches so that they don't interfere with wires, but according to the City
Code, Chapter 34, it is a criminal offense to attach wires to trees on public
property. Brown declined to comment on the question of Block 81 at this time
since a written legal opinion is being prepared.
.9,A 5-5(—
MINUTES
BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
TRIANNUAL REVIEW MEETING
MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1985 - 7:00 P.M.
PAGE 5
Heritage newsletters and handbooks were discussed. Examples will be provided
to Commission members.
Blough said an answering machine will be installed on a special telephone
line at the home of the company's chief technician in Iowa City. This should
help to alleviate the problem of access to the company by subscribers in
times of outages. Blough expects this to be completed by the end of October.
Where to find listings for the company in the Yellow Pages was discussed.
The company currently advertises the Community Programming Center as a sepa-
rate listing in the business pages under Heritage.
Use of the company's billing statement by the BTC was discussed. It was
agreed the BTC could use this space a limited number of times per year with a
limited amount of copy, and the company will have editorial control over the
content of the messages to be delivered. It was agreed that use of this
space on a quarterly basis would be reasonable. Blough said this would have
to be coordinated with the company's marketing people. Graves said a spe-
cific form could be provided for the City to use.
Itemized billing as opposed to one item billing was discussed. A show of
hands by Commissioners indicated that Terry, Johnson, and Ehninger want the
company to provide itemized billing, while Twaler and McGuire don't feel this'
is a top priority. Johnson noted that the company's representatives were
"articulate and adament" in their resistance to this item and the BTC was
split in their vote. Graves clarified that the BTC position is that the
company should on a regular basis provide rate information to subscribers and
this information should be sent in the billing statement. On reconsideration
of its vote an the previous questions, the BTC voted unanimously that the
company should provide rate information. This would include the costs of
basis service, pay channels, etc.
Regarding complaints/service calls, Blough said this information is all on
computer now and the records are open to scrutiny. The records kept in these
service logs refer to technical complaints only and do not include production
equipment problems or other types of complaints. The company makes a prac-
tice of calling ahead to subscribers to notify them that the repair person is
on the way to the subscriber's home to attend to a service problem. Blough
said some problems can be resolved without a visit to the home. The cost per
hour for the mobile technician is approximately $20 to E25 per hour.
Blough said he would like to make a proposal for an amendment in the area of
the extension policy. Terry asked Blough to put his proposal in writing so
that it could be addressed at next week's meeting.
FINANCIAL:
Terry referred to a question raised by former Commissioner Sigrin asking the
company to substantiate the franchise fee amount by providing subscriber
numbers. Blough and Graves stated that they could provide subscriber numbers
for any period the BTC would like, but that the franchise fee is not based on
subscriber numbers but on actual revenue received.
a01S-54
MINUTES
BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
TRIANNUAL REVIEW MEETING
MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1985 - 7:00 P.M.
PAGE 6
Slough said Heritage has one of the best data bases of homes in Iowa City
because they did not just use the City Directory but went out themselves and
personally surveyed the city, recording addresses and placing them in the
computer file which is constantly updated, removing addresses of old hones
torn down and adding new houses and apartments put up. Graves said he would
be willing to provide subscriber numbers, including number of basic subscrib-
ers, pay subscribers, total number of subscribers and what dates they had
service, for any period the City wants to know. Graves said the company does
not keep a graph for separate systems, but Blough said he sometimes draws a
graph for his own information and would be willing to provide a copy of his
1984/85 graph. Graves will write a letter with the information on subscrib-
ers for the period for which the franchise fee check is written. Terry said
Blough can present his written ordinance change request at the November 21
meeting.
Graves said he cannot provide information on leased access which he had
originally promised to provide by August 1, because he had turned the ques-
tion over to this supervisors and it had in turn been turned over to a Wash-
ington, D.C., law firm which has not yet responded. Graves said, however,
that the company provides a channel in Iowa City for leased access and that
the company would be very interested if someone came forward who. wants to
lease that channel.
Johnson noted that the Commission has interest in how the company is struc-
tured financially and how the BTC can know whether profits here are applied
elsewhere, or whether losses in other systems the company owns are picked up
here. Graves said that this is not the jurisdiction of the City or the
Commission and unless the company comes in for a rate increase this year,
which they have no intention of doing, the BTC has no need for any of this
information. Graves said further, that the company has provided and will
continue to provide a prospectus and annual and quarterly reports for the
entire, five -system, Cable Associates VII Limited Partnership.
Terry said several questions and ideas remain to be discussed for the
Triannual Review and these items will be addressed at the next regular meet-
ing of the BTC to be held Tuesday, October 22.
ADJOURNMENT:
Johnson moved and Ehninger seconded the meeting adjourn at 9:00 p.m.
R tfully ted,
Wm. Shaffer
Broadband Teleco unications Specialist
� as`�
MINUTES
BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 22, 1985 - 7:00 AM
PRESENT: Twaler, Terry, Ehninger, McGuire
EXCUSED: Johnson
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Shaffer, Stewart
OTHERS PRESENT: Blough and Graves of Heritage; Allaire of Access Iowa City;
Williams, BTS Intern
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
The BTC recommended that $335 be allocated from the FY86 budget to assist in
co -sponsoring the Access Iowa City/National Federation of Local Cable
Programmers regional conference to be held next spring in Iowa City.
MATTERS PENDING COUNCIL -DISPOSITION:
Triannual_Review, 5% franchise fee/NPO matter with Heritage Cablevision.
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION AND FORMAL ACTION TAKEN:
Heritage proposed several ordinance amendments to the Iowa City cable
ordinance as part of the Triannual Review. These were referred to legal for
comment. The BTC recommended $580 be added to the FY87 cable budget for
secretarial/minute taker assistance; $150 be added to the intern incentive
program; $335 be added for ;.ccess Iowa City (AIC/NFLCP conference support and
co-sponsorship and that additional funds be added to travel expenses
category. Ehninger pointed out some key phrases from a memo from Blough
concerning the 5%/NPO issue. Shaffer reported very high production output
for the last several months for the BTS office.
iMEETING TO ORDER:
Terry called the meeting to order at 7:10 AM.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
MEETING TO ORDER:
Terry called the meeting to order at 8:16 a.m.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Terry thanked Heritage for the banquet Commissioners attended the previous
evening as part of the Heritage sponsored annual conference of the Iowa Cable
Television Association. Ehninger and McGuire will be attending the confer -
�?'? Sf-,
■
11'
Broadband Telecommuniations Commission
October 22, 1985
Page 2
ence workshop on refranchising given by Graves and others and will write
reports for the BTC. Due to time restraints on Graves and Blough, considera-
tion of the company's agenda item would be given priority for this meeting.
MINUTES:
Acceptance of the minutes of September 17, 1985, moved by Ehninger, seconded
by Twaler. No corrections. Motion approved.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
None.
COMPANY'S PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT CHANGES:
Concerning changes in Section 14-78.(1)f of the cable TV ordinance Blough
read the Heritage proposal aloud. Following some discussion, it was agreed
the proposal would be referred to the City legal department for review. This
request for amendment to the ordinance will be considered a part of the
Triannual Review. Blough will submit a typed copy of his proposal with
copies to Commission members for the consideration. BTC will defer action
until legal makes its recommendation.
The nature of these proposed amendments concern the cable extension section
of the ordinance. Specifically, to allow the cable company to charge a
deposit to developers for putting cable into new subdivisions and to allow
the company to charge potential commercial subscribers for costs incurred in
installation over the first 300 feet.
CABLE TV BUDGET FY87:
The BTC reviewed the proposed budget for FY87 and amended several items,
following general discussion. Items amended include secretarial assistance
and intern incentive program. Terry recommended a sum of $580 per year be
added to the budget for secretarial assistance. This figure is above and
beyond BTS's use of the City's word processing center, which are costs
charged back to the cable budget.
The BTC recommended an additional $150 be added to the intern financial
incentive program. The BTC said the $150 paid for the spring and fall
semester intern incentive program should be paid for the summer session. This
will make a total of $450 per year for interns. The $150 stipend is paid
retroactively to one outstanding intern each semester.
The BTC also recommended increasing the daily lodging travel expenses in the
cable budget.
(Tiffany of the Iowa City Public Library arrived at this time, 8:00 AM) The
Library is requesting funds from the cable TV budget to fund an additional
1/2 time person for the AV Lab in the Library.
Most all other budget items were reviewed by the BTC, but no changes were
suggested.
.:?.?514
Broadband Telecommuniations Commission
October 22, 1985
Page 3
Archiving of community producers tapes by Heritage and the Library was
discussed. It was suggested that the Access/NPO subcommittee could help with
the selection process.
Shaffer said there is some budget carryover from the previous year, and the
BTC budget is currently operating in the black.
Doug Allaire presented a proposal from Access Iowa City (AID) for $335 in
funds from the BTC to aid AIC in preparing for the Spring Regional Conference
of the National Federation of Local Cable Programmers to be held in Iowa City
next May. Other sponsors of this event include the Iowa City Public Library,
Heritage and the U of I School of Journalism. The funds AIC is requesting
will be spent for mailings and printing costs. There will be two mailings to
approximately 2,000 members of the NFLCP,and will be done under a bulk
mailing permit. A sum of $20 from the NFLCP will be awarded to AIC as
start-up money, and advance registration fees will also be used. The $335
amount is approximately 10%, of the total required to pay the costs of the
conference. Twelve hundred dollars is the amount required by the Holiday Inn
for the use of their conference facilities. Moved by Twaler, seconded by
Ehninger to recommend to Council to allocate $335 for AIC/NFLCP purposes.
Motion approved, four aye, 0 no, one abstention. (As a member of AIC,
McGuire abstained due to potential conflict of interest.)
HERITAGE REPORT: Blough stated that the Iowa Cable Television Association
conTerence sponsored by Heritage at the Holiday Inn was a success. Ehninger
noted that Commissioners had received a copy of a letter from Blough to Nile
McDonald of Heritage dated June 20, 1985, which states in part: "Elaborating
on my suggestion concerning the franchise fee and NPO...we should concede the
5% and offer to provide access indefinitely." In addition, Blough suggested
a different hiring and oversight structure for the access operation in his
memo. Ehninger asked that this paragraph be made part of the minutes.
BTS REPORT:
Shaffer said the BTS office is producing and acquiring more programming than
every before. As many as 10 programs a month are being produced by the City.
This is largely due to the help of the interns. In addition, new programming
sources have been identified and acquired, such as the "Telecommunications
and Information Revolution" series from Columbia Law School in New York. The
BTS office is also getting requests from other cities for programming
produced here. Such programming is available to other cities on a "cost
only" basis. Shaffer is spending most of his time on preparing the Triannual
Review report, which he hopes to have distributed to the BTC members for
comment several days prior to their regular November meeting. Shaffer asked
that each BTC member with comments on this document contact him as soon as
possible when they are aware they have comments and suggestions they would
like added to the report.
Terry asked the Commissioners to provide written travel schedules so that
meetings can be set when as many Commissioners as possible can be present.
,,7spl-
Broadband Teleconmuniations Commission
October 22, 1985
Page 4
Agenda item 85 was tabled. The next meeting will be October 28 at 8:00 AM;
for a Triannual Review Special Meeting. The next regular meeting will be
November 19 at 8:00 AM.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion to adjourn made by Twaler, seconded by 'Ehninger. Motion approved.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 AM.
Respectfully submitt ,
Wm. Drew haffer
Broadband Telecommunications Specialist
�?;ZS-K
MINUTES
BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
TRIANNUAL REVIEW SPECIAL MEETING
OCTOBER 28, 1985 - 8:00 A.M.
IOWA CITY RECREATION CENTER, ROOM A
PRESENT: Terry, Ehninger, Twaler, McGuire
EXCUSED: Johnson
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Shaffer, Stewart
OTHERS PRESENT: Blough of Heritage
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COU14CIL:
The BTC strongly recommends that Council take action on the matter of the 5%
franchise fee/NPO. (Several previous recommendations were amended or de-
leted. Please see Old Business, these minutes.)
MATTERS PENDING COUNCIL -COMMISSION DISPOSITION:
5% franchise/NPO, Triannual Review.
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION AND FORMAL ACTION TAKEN:
Date, time and place of upcoming meetings was set. Shaffer and Terry
encapsulated Triannual Review discussions to date. Blough is to notify
Shaffer by the end of the first week of November whether it is possible to
break out financial figures for Iowa City only from the reports of Cable
Associates VII Limited Partnership for the Triannual Review. A 1986 rate
increase from the company is unlikely. Blough explained how he arrived at
the figures he provided for cash flow on building cable plant to Block 81.
The company says it will provide home shopping, fire alarm, meter reading,
etc., by cable when it is economically feasible and when consumer demands
justify it.
Heritage is in the early developmental stages of a project to provide state-
wide data transmission services to potential institutional clients. Due to
costs, it is not expected that the downtown INET will be expanded, but uses
for it such as electronic mail delivery within the City, and monitoring of
water and energy were discussed. The City's high schools have all been
wired. The schools' two-way capacity has not been activated as yet. A BTC
subcommittee will research the company's complaint/service logs to determine
the need for a performance test.
Previous recommendations were amended or deleted. Shaffer called for the
development of an Access blaster Pian. Blough presented a written request for
an ordinance change with regard to the extension policy. Action deferred on
this pending advice to BTC by City legal.
City Manager Neal Berlin is to be invited to address the BTC at its next
regular meeting to discuss the 5% franchise fee/NPO issue.
aRs34
I
MINUTES
BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
TRIANNUAL REVIEW SPECIAL MEETING
OCTOBER 28, 1985 - 8:00 A.M.
PAGE 2
MEETIRG TO ORDER:
Terry called the meeting to order at 8:10 A.M.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The next regular meeting was set for Tuesday, November 19, 1985, at 8:00 A.M.
in Council Chambers. A December meeting is not expected to be held. The
January meeting will be the 21st. Terry distributed copies of a letter from
Liberty Communications regarding their policy on descramblers. Ehninger
turned in her report on the refranchising workshop by Tom Graves at the
recent Iowa Cable Television Association conference in Iowa City. McGuire is
also preparing a report on this matter.
COMPLETION OF DISCUSSION OF TRIANNUAL REVIEW:
Terry and Shaffer gave a capsule report on what had and had not been covered
to date. Four items remain to be addressed. Programming and Service ques-
tions have been completed; remaining questions are primarily Financial and
Technical.
FINANCIAL: .
Terry reiterated Johnson's question whether the City of Iowa City is treated
as a separate entity for cost figures. Blough said if the company files for
a rate increase the company would have to break out separate financial fig-
ures for Iowa City. Blough said it is unlikely the company will file for a
1986 rate increase. Blough will get back to Shaffer with a yes/no answer by
the end of the week, as to whether it is possible to break out those figures
for the Triannual Review.
McGuire asked Blough for a clarification on the projections for cash flow on
building plant for Block 81. Blough said this report reflects costs of
laying 2000 feet of cable plant around the perimeter of the block. The cash
flow, Blough said, is 50 cents of every dollar of subscriber fees to retire
the investment. There was further discussion of how these figures were
reached, and technical aspects involved in providing service to this block.
TECHNICAL:
Johnson and Ehninger's report on state-of-the-art will be incorporated as
part of the Triannual Review. Terry and Shaffer asked Blough whether the
company is planning to provide home shopping, fire alarm, meter reading,
etc., by cable. Blough said the company will do this when the services
become economically viable and when consumer demand is there. The two-way
capability of the Iowa City system was discussed. Blough is to confer with
corporate in Des Moines and report the status of their plans in the area of
proposed two-way services to the BTC.
MINUTES
BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
TRIANNUAL REVIEW SPECIAL MEETING
OCTOBER 28, 1985 - 8:00 A.M.
PAGE 3
Blough described the Heritage statewide data transmission service, or
"Teleport," which ties other Heritage systems to a central computer in Des
Moines. Blough said he is unsure of the status of this system at this time,
but it is in the early developmental stages. Proposed clients for this
system include the U of I, Iowa State, UNI, banks and businesses and other
educational institutions. This will be an uplink/downlink operation.
The status and use of the Iowa City Institutional Network was discussed.
Blough will follow-up on. this and the costs involved, with chief technical
Kevin Satterlee. There was discussion of using the INET for electronic mail
delivery within the City of Council packets, to monitor water stations,
energy systems and other uses. Blough will also get further information on
this for the Triannual Review report. Blough said there were no plans to
expand the downtown INET at this time, primarily due to cost. All three of
the City's high schools are now wired. They have two-way capability but have
not activated it. There was further discussion of City/County buildings to
be wired and communication between schools and the City. Blough will report
back to the BTC on plans regarding the new County building.
Ehninger asked for a commitment to discuss further the plans for
state-of-the-art cable uses and the INET. It was agreed this should be done
sometime in the summer of 1986.
Terry asked for a resolution of the question of a need for a performance test
of the company. Twaler and McGuire will visit the company and review the
complaint/service logs to help determine whether there is a need for a per-
formance test.
OLD BUSINESS:
Terry moved to amend recommendation M1 of the July 16, 1985, minutes, calling
for verification by postcard from the company of a potential subscriber's
first request for service. The motion, seconded by McGuire, would substitute
the words "written notice" for the word "postcard." Motion passed unani-
mously.
Terry moved, Ehninger seconded to amend recommendation 15 of the July 16
minutes. Rather than the current wording that "the City should" (hire an
outside consultant in the event of a rate increase request), the recommenda-
tion should say that the BTC thinks it is necessary" (to hire an outside
consultant). The motion was approved unanimously.
Twaler moved, Ehninger seconded, that the recommendation that "an independent
consultant be hired to go through the procedures the company uses and the
Commission will then review and make recommendations regarding the entire set
of procedures," be deleted. It was agreed that most of the problems this
recommendation was designed to help resolve have since been addressed and/or
resolved independently, including equipment breakdowns, itemized billing, and
follow-up complaints. The motion passed on unanimous vote of Commissioners
present.
.;.ZSi4
N
MINUTES
TRIANNUAL REVIEWMSPECIAL IMEETINGMISSION
OCTOBER 28, 1985 - 8:00 A.M.
PAGE 4
Terry moved and McGuire seconded the recommendation of July 16 regarding use
of the company's billing statement by the BTC be deleted. Terry said in view
of the agreement worked out at the Triannual Review meeting of October 14
regarding BTC use of the billing statement, which is recorded on tape and has
ie mm
s incorporated
d into
the
minutes
ithat
ntthat
a this
sa moot issue This agreement wllberepreseedby signed document.
Motion passed unanimously.
Terry said he would like to send Council a message that the BTC supports the
strongly franchise
recommends that the Councilr takec action seconded by
this re, that the BTC
matter. Motion
approved unanimously.
Shaffer expressed his frustration at unsuccessfully attempting to resolve the
matter of the 5% franchise fee and NPO and that the matter is out of his
hands at this time. He noted that the City's previous Washington, D.C.,
counsel had offered to come of traveliandtlodgingrwith them, at no expenses. The Cityhhasenot
e to
the City other than payment
responded to this offer.
Shaffer suggested that an important tool in developing access is an Access
Master Plan, which Iowa City does not currently have. Ehninger and McGuire
will cooperate with Shaffer on this.
COMPANY ORDINANCE CHANGE REQUESTS:
Blough presented a written proposal designed to change section " of the
cable ordinance. Blough said this change is necessary to protect the cable
company from putting out large sums of money to install cable to non-contigu-
ous homes in contiguous housing developments. He said otherwise there is no
guarantee to the cable operator that a development will be completed in a
timely manner, if approved, the change would require an upfront deposit from
developers to the cable company to guarantee completion of the subdivision or
new housing area. Another proposed change would require the cost of building
the cable plant to potential commercial subscribers be borne by those commer-
thescurrent exte exer td she wension policy workedrns outtbytthe this
Cormissionlosal would invali-
date
would show
at
he
reviewedg the discussion
proposedt hangeseandtheservedeSaction untilhthetCommission
was city's Legal
ted
wouldtben
invalidated by the hproposed ether ech nge lino referenceatopsubdiivisions 1983
,
ard to
se
issue. Therenwas idiscussion happening
tcould be done tby Commission fee/NPO
Shaffer saidcommission
help resolve this issue. Twaler moved that City Manager Neal Berlin be asked
to attend the next regular meeting of the BTC to provide an update on these
issues. Motion seconded by Terry, and approved unanimously.
MINUTES
BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
TRIANNUAL REVIEW SPECIAL MEETING
OCTOBER 28, 1985 - 8:00 A.M.
PAGE 5
ADJOURNMENT:
i
Moved by Ehninger, seconded by Twaler, that the meeting adjourn at 9:58 a.m.
Motion approved.
Respectfully submitted, i
Wm. rew
Broadband TelecommunItations Specialist
i
i
i
i
i
aass�
1
MINUTES
BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
TRIANNUAL REVIEW SPECIAL MEETING
OCTOBER 28, 1985 - 8:00 A.M.
PAGE 5
ADJOURNMENT:
i
Moved by Ehninger, seconded by Twaler, that the meeting adjourn at 9:58 a.m.
Motion approved.
Respectfully submitted, i
Wm. rew
Broadband TelecommunItations Specialist
i
i
i
i
i
aass�
MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY NEEDS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1985 - 3:30 P.M.
IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY - ROOM B
MEMBERS PRESENT: Kubby, Parden, Becker, Lauria, Williams, Watts, Cooper,
Patrick, Leshtz
MEMBERS ABSENT: Kuhn, Strabala
STAFF PRESENT: Moen, Nugent, Hencin, Penney, Beagle, Einspanjer
GUESTS PRESENT: Ron Berg, MECCA
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL
1. CCN recommends that a portion of the 1986 CDBG funding contingency be
used for unfunded projects and that the City Council authorize the CCN to
consider and make recommendations on the unfunded projects as well as new
projects at their January meeting.
2. CCN recommends that the City Council explore further the revolving loan
fund concept and that CCN is willing to assist the City Council.
CALL TO ORDER:
Lauria called the meeting to order at 3:35 p.m.
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF CCN MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 15, 1985:
Kubby motioned that the minutes be put on the table for changes; Cooper
seconded. Kubby stated that she does not remember voting no on the curb ramp
installation project as indicated on page 9 of the minutes. She stated it
was not important enough to change the minutes though. Leshtz stated that
his comment on page 8 regarding the elderly home services coordinator should
read that the $25,000 salary is much higher and the case load much lighter
than that of the county social worker. Lauria stated that there were some
protects that were missing votes. Moen stated that Systems Unlimited, North
Market Handicapped Play Area, and the Terrell Mill Park improvement projects
were all voted together as one motion. Lauria stated that there exists no
vote on the funding for the Shared Housing Program. He stated that the
Shared Housing Program should be added to the list and noted that it passed
unanimously for full funding. Motion was made to approve the corrected
minutes. It passed unanimously.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
There was no discussion.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Kubby recommended that the CCN might want to be conscious of the City Coun-
cil's investigation of the public transit system because it affects a large
portion of low and moderate income people. She stated that the CCN might
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Committee on Community Needs
November 19, 1985
Page 2
want to explore this issue and make some recommendations to the City Council.
Lauria asked the CCN if they felt this was needed. Lauria stated if the CCN
felt this was needed, then the next step would be to find a Committee member
interested in monitoring information about this problem and to present this
information to the Committee so that they can make recommendations to the
City Council. Williams stated that the problem with the present transit
system has to do with decreased ridership and that no recommendation from the
Committee would be able to change this problem. Kubby stated that she would
be willing to make a brief presentation at the next meeting to outline the
situation and possible alternatives. Lauria stated that a motion or a con-
sensus from the Committee is necessary to pass the idea. The consensus of
the Committee was to go ahead with the plan to investigate and make possible
alternative recommendations to the City Council. Karen Kubby volunteered to
take this on as part of her activities as a member of the CCN.
DISCUSSION OF OCTOBER 15, 1985 CCN RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY COUNCIL:
Lauria explained to the Committee the results of the City Council's informal
meeting on November 18. Lauria said that the Council has decided to accept
the CCN's recommended 1986 COBG budget in total except for the elimination of
the Ralston Creek Open Space Acquisition proposal. He stated that the City
Council also raised Systems Unlimited's budget to the full funding request of
$70,000. He said the primary reason the CCN didn't recommend full funding
for Systems Unlimited was because the Committee wanted to ensure they had
enough funds to absorb a possible 15% cut of COBG allocations from HUD.
Lauria said the proposed 1986 COBG budget now has a $110,000 contingency
fund. Hencin stated that the maximum allowable amount in the contingency
fund is 10%. He stated that he is aware that the $110,000 amount exceeds the
limit but he is confident that the City will come close to a 15% reduction of
funds. Lauria stated that he feels the Committee should request from the
City Council permission to look at the rest of the unfunded projects and also
new projects to make recommendations for their funding from the contingency
set aside at the January meeting. Lauria stated that by that time the
Miller -Orchard Parkland Acquisition project and others would be decided.
Parden moved that the Committee approach the City Council about recommending
funding of some of the contingency money for unfunded projects and also any
new projects; Patrick seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Kubby stated that the CCN might want to recommend that the City Council
actively pursue the economic development revolving loan fund. Williams
stated that a consultant service exists that recommends ideas for revolving
loan funds and that it only costs $5,000. Parden stated that she had disa-
greed with Kubby's suggestion adding that it should be left alone. Lauria
stated that the Committee just moved to look into the recommendation of
funding projects with contingency funds. Kubby restated that she is just
recommending the Council organize a group of people to gather information on
the revolving loan fund so that next year they will be able to approach the
CCN with more specific plans. Kubby moved that the City Council explore
further the revolving loan fund concept and that the CCN is willing to assist
the City Council in this. Williams seconded. The motion passed 5-4 with
Lauria breaking the tie.
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Committee on Community Needs
November 19, 1985
Page 3
Lauria stated that the CCN should defer until the December meeting the commu-
nication to those organizations not funded as to why they were not. He
recommended that the CCN members come prepared to the meeting with what
should be incorporated within the letters.
DISCUSSION OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD OPEN SPACE PLAN:
Barry Beagle provided the CCN with a brief background and information regard-
ing the proposed neighborhood open space pian. The Planning and Zoning Cao -
mission is now in the process of undergoing public hearings and soliciting
public information as to the formulation of an open space plan and ordinance.
Fundamental to the investigation was the division of Iowa City into three
zones. The inner-city zone consists of the downtown and multi -family devel-
opment, the developed zone consists of the balance of the developed portions
of Iowa City, and the developing zone which is the emphasis of the neighbor-
hood open space plan and ordinance. The plan further differentiates the
developing zone into 11 open space districts. Beagle said they made projec-
tions as to the density and future population of each of these districts.
They applied the open space standard of three acres per 1,000 which was
deemed necessary to serve the best interests of future inhabitants of these
areas. The ordinance is a regulatory tool which is associated with subdivi-
sion reviews as well as development reviews. As part of this, mandatory
dedication and/or payment of a fee corresponding to the amount of need being
generated by the particular development are established. Kubby asked if
there are guidelines within the ordinance as to whether dedi
land or money are required. cation of the
Beagle said that the City has the ultimate say
as to whether a fee will be submitted or whether dedication of land is pre-
ferred. Kubby asked if the ordinance was at the public hearing stage yet.
Beagle stated that the meetings are open for public comment and review but
this is being deferred until February probably. In the meantime, Beagle
stated that they would be comparing the existing ordinance to an impact
ordinance.
Lauria stated that the CCN should appoint a subcommittee to prepare the
Community Development Plan for the 1981, 1988, 1989 years. Hencin stated
that the plan needs to be completed by late spring. Lauria stated that the
Community Development Plan subcommittee should also prepare the CDBG funding
criteria or that the community development plan should be formed .first and
then the criteria based on this. Kubby asked what the process entailed.
Lauria stated that the subcommittee looks at data on current Neighborhood
Improvement Areas. The subcommittee should also look at priorities, the
types of funds, and that they should communicate with the City Council.
Lauria stated that it would be a good idea for the subcommittee to consist of
different members from last time. Patrick and Kubby volunteered for the
subcommittee. Lauria suggested that Leshtz or Strabala be approached as the
possible third member of the subcommittee. The subcommittee was approved
unanimously. Kubby will take the responsibility to remind the staff to
arrange the first meeting.
Committee on Community Needs
November 19, 1985
Page 4
APPOINTMENT OF CCN REPRESENTATIVE TO HUMAN SERVICE AGENCIES:
Nugent stated Leshtz is willing to serve with one other person but he recom-
mends someone else should take the position for the experience. Patrick
stated that she is willing to go the meetings because it helps to make deci-
sions on CDBG funding for next year. Lauria asked if others besides those
designated by CCN can attend the meetings. Penney stated that anyone can
attend. Nugent stated that Penney has a resource book on all the human
services programs the CCN has funded to date. Patrick and Becker said that
they would be interested in being representatives to the meetings. Kubby
stated that she might be able to back up either one of the representatives if
they can't make a meeting.
SYSTEMS UNLIMITED PROPOSAL FOR ACCESSIBLE HOUSING:
Nugent read a statement from Benny Leonard stating that said his proposal for
handicapped accessible housing is strictly informational and that he is not
seeking funding now but may be in the future. Lauria stated that Leonard has
not provided any statistics on the demand or need of this type of project.
Nugent stated that there is a demand for handicapped accessible housing but
she is not sure if there is a demand for this particular type of project.
Becker requested that Leonard be approached to provide statistics ca che-
demand -waiting list. Patrick asked if someone had said earlier that the
Capitol House unit is not fully occupied. Nugent stated that they are not
required to leave the handicapped accessible apartments open indefinitely and
so they have been filled with elderly people. However, now they are, starting
to get a waiting list of young handicapped people. Penney stated that it
might be a good idea to wait for a proposed project before requesting statis-
tics because this is a volatile area. Lauria stated that temporal statistics
would be needed then.
LIARTERLY REPORTS FOR MOVEMnaK. 1985:
1. Goodwill - Becker said the grant amount was $205,535 and that they have
spen 06,973. Becker said that there are 25 minor corrections to be
madeyet. Right now they have a new canopy over the entrance, new pav-
ing, increased accessibility, a new roof, and new heating and ventilation
systems. Lauria asked if Becker checked to see if they did all they said
they were going to do. Becker said yes.
2. Creekside Sidewalk Project- Williams stated that this project was allo-
cated 527200. Fe -stated Fe-statedthat bids were let on September 17 and a bid
for $17,991 by B&L Zimmerman was accepted. Other sidewalk repairs were
picked up since the bids left additional money. Lauria asked if these
additional sidewalk projects were part of the ones that CCN cut earlier.
Moen stated no. Lauria asked why they went to new sidewalk sites instead
of those proposed earlier and cut. Moen stated that the determination of
the new sites was not feasible with the time restraints; the option of
extension of a repair proposal approved by CCN was taken because it would
be completed within the time limit. Lauria asked if $5,000 has been spent
yet. Moen said yes. Lauria asked if unobligated monies would go back to
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Committee on Community Needs
November 19, 1985
Page 5
the contingency fund. Moen said yes. Lauria stated that he wants to be
sure that unspent sidewalk monies come back to the CCN first before they
go ahead with other sidewalk projects.
3. North Market S ware Park - Nugent spoke for North Market square project
an state iat t e work has been completed from 1985's funds.
4. MECCA - Nugent read a statement from Leshtz. MECCA hopes to be moved
into its new building by January 1986, one month ahead of schedule. The
electricity and plumbing have just been completed. Nugent also read a
letter from Ron Berg that said the CDBG allocation of $50,000 is primar-
ily being used for new flooring, kitchen and the telephone system. They
will be $8,000 short of funds because the phone system estimate was
$15,000 and the actual cost was $19,854; the kitchen equipment estimate
was $10,000 and the actual cost was $20,895; and the floor covering cost
was estimated at $25,000 and the actual cost was $17,396. MECCA asked to
be considered for more funds from any contingency funds yet available.
Lauria stated that if the City Council allows the CCN to make recommenda-
tions on the rest of the contingency funds, the Committee could look into
this project. Berg stated that the kitchen was so expensive because of a
$10,000 stainless steel table.
Lauria stated that the CCN members will be reviewing the final evalua-
tions of the 1985 CDBG projects. He stated that the CCN members should
look over and see evaluations and decide if .they need to be amended. He
also stated that they should be kept so that next year the members can
use them to determine if the projects use the CDBG funds in the manner
they stated they would. Lauria stated that the City Council expressed
its gratitude to the Committee for its work on the CDBG budget.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 4:55 p.m.
Minutes prepared by T. Einspanjer.
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