HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-09-11 Correspondence314 North Clinton Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
September 1, 1984
To whom it may concern:
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MARIAN K. KARR
CITY CLERK (3)
The Delta Tau Delta Fraternity (322 North Clinton Street) has become
impossible to live near. In the paragraphs below I have outlined my concerns
about a situation that I feel is not only lowering the value of my proper-
ties but also making life unbearable for my tenants and others in the
neighborhood.
My tenants and my neighbors have really suffered because of the lifestyle
of the boys living at the above address. There have been times when some of
us have had to move from our bedrooms to other parts of our apartments to
get away from the noise --loud yelling, music, etc. A number of times I have
left my home and gone to my niece's home in order to get any sleep.
I have studied this situation carefully, and I know it is lowering the value
of my apartments. How can I rent to desirable students who want a quiet
place to work? The porches, streets, and alleys are not places to hold
parties at night when people want to sleep and want to be able to work the
next day. This summer there were crowds of students outside our windows,
including many girls. The groups must have come from all the fraternities
and sororities. To hold these parties in such a small place is ridiculous.
Let's look at a couple examples of the activities this past summer. On the
following dates there were parties with noise that you wouldn't believe
anyone could tolerate:
July 12 7 p.m. to 4 a.m.
July 13 7 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.
July 14 five or six hours at night
July 15 Loud noise starting up Sunday a.m. On this day I
took my guest and some of my tenants away for the day.
There was no way we could endure the devastating
noise.
July 24 Another loud party. One of my tenants, Mrs. Pollock,
called the police about 2:30 a.m. from her apart-
ment. Then she heard a voice above the din call,
"She's called the police, fellows, cut it; turn
everything off." Silence! Mrs. Pollock called the
police right back. The boys were tuned in to the
police radios and knew where their cars were.
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To whom it may concern
September 1, 1984
page 2
After these parties, empty beer cans and kegs were displayed on the side
porch where their parties are usually held --fall, summer, and spring. It
seems the idea of socializing is to stand around and guzzle beer, play the
stereo very loud, and shout and yell. Then when some of the boys need to
relieve themselves, they simply use the alley and yard and windows on my
house where one of my tenants sleeps. They have even used a car parked
under the roof of my house for this purpose. of course, starting early in
the evening, everything reaches a terrific crescendo by early morning
(4 or 5 a.m.).
The fraternity house has no screens'or storm windows. Most windows and
doors are never closed except in extreme cold weather. Thus their noise
is never shut inside. We who live at 314 North Clinton can never open our
windows because of the noise. Because there are no screens, air condition-
ing, and no place for outside activities, I feel the house should be closed
down especially during the summer.
Garbage is another problem. After these parties the plastic cups and
papers cover the alley; often there is broken glass in the alley. One of
my tenants reported that when she drove down the alley after one of the
parties, it was like driving over eggs inches thick. Much of the debris is
light and blows over on my yards and walks.
I dislike the unsightly garbage bin, too. Trash is often piled high
(uncovered, unsacked) on the bin as well as beside it and under it. On
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, August 24-27, I took some pictures of
the unsightliness. One is enclosed in the letter sent to the City Council.
Another incident involved some of my tenants who were moving in. They were
afraid of what I think were yellow jackets swarming over the garbage.
Thanks to the City and the Health Department, the housemother of the
fraternity and two boys sacked the garbage and swept up the debris. However,
the sacks were not the kind which were strong enough to hold the garbage,
and they broke open. Other boys came out and heaped loose refuse under
the lid, so again garbage was exposed so that it blew around and drew flies.
P strongly feel that the City of Iowa City and the Interfraternity Council
of the University have a very real problem and that they should work together
with the neighborhood to solve it to the satisfaction of everyone.
I shall be waiting to learn how you intend to solve this problem so that
I may make plans accordingly.
Sincerely,
oz y. Itemlllal' a,.
Olive Pearl Ritter
enclosure: Picture (sent only to City Council)
7/O
To whom it may concern
September 1, 1984
page 3
Copies of this letter are being sent to all those concerned:
City Council of Iowa City
2. Neal Berlin, City Manager of Iowa City
3. Mary Skourup, Student Activities, University of Iowa
4. William Triese, Interfraternity Council, University of Iowa
5. Harvey Miller, Chief of Police, Iowa City
6. Douglas Boothroy, Housing Division, City of Iowa City
7. Delta Tau Delta Fraternity (John Evans, President; Scott Schneider,
Recording Secretary; Gary Mathems, Pledge Educator)
8. Mrs. Vera Shang, Housemother, Delta Tau Delta Fraternity
P.S. After this letter was typed, I met with Mary Skourup, of the
University, and representatives of the fraternity --on August 31.
I think our problems can be solved if the fraternity will carry
through with the .plans as presented by their officers. We will all
cooperate.
17100
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DAT11September 4, 1984
TO: Neal Berlin, City Manager
FROM: Harvey D. Miller, Police Chief
19 -Complaints: Delta Tau Delta; 322 North Clinton Street
The Police Department has received a total of nine noise com-
plaints in regard to the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity since
January 1, 1984. In addition, we have received one complaint
directly attributable to Ms. Pearl Ritter. This alleged that
members of the fraternity egged her house on that date.
Ms. Ritter called me twice during this summer to ask advice on
how to deal with (1) beer kegs and debris in the fraternity lot
and, (2) recurring noise problems. I told her the legal way to
handle the problems and advised her to see me or the City Attorney
and file the proper charges. She never came in.
I agree a problem exists at the fraternity, and I agree with Pearl
that they apparently monitor police radio traffic and know when
we are on the way to the house. Some weeks ago I instructed the
dispatchers to not transmit noise complaints from fraternities
and sororities but to request a possible responding unit to tele-
phone the Department for instructions. I hope this helps. If
we hear the commotion, charges will be filed.
Below are the dates complaints in regard to Delta Tau Delta were
received:
January 29, 1984
February 2, 1984
February 23, 1984
March 2 -
March 10 -
March 31 -
April 5 -
April 16 -
July 24 and
July 27, 1984
710
city of Iowa Ci. i
MEMORANDUM
Date: September 5; 1984
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
Neal Berlin, City Manager
Doug Boothroy, Director, Department of Housing & Inspection Services
From: DAv..Lj Mal
ope, Housing Inspector
Re: x33222 North Clinton Street (Delta Tau Delta House)
1. July 17, 1984
Referred complaint - noisy party to Iowa City Police Department. Talked
to Ms, Mary Scrip and Mr. William Treese of the University of Iowa
regarding the noisy party.
2. July 23, 1984
Received another complaint regarding housing code violations at this
structure, inspected the house, noted violations of municipal housing
code, cited violations and sent the violation notice to Word Processing.
3. July 24, 1984
Receive violation notice from Word Processing, proofed the notice, served
same on Scott Braynard who accepted for Delta Tau Delta.
4. August 27, 1984
Garbage complaint received by Malone and inspected by him. Emergency
Order served on the house with follow-up on September 4, 1984.
5. September 4, 1984
Inspector Malone reinspects garbage, the alley is clean, closed the
emergency order.
6. Violation notice (exterior only) dated July 24, 1984 to be followed-up on
September 24, 1984.
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CITY CSF IOWA CITY
CHIC CENTER 410 E. WASHINGTON ST. IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240 (319) 356-SCCIC
NOTICE
THE CITY COUNCIL OF IOWA CITY
IS CONSIDERING AN APPOINTMENT
TO THE FOLLOWING BOARD:
UNITED ACTION FOR YOUTH BOARD
One vacancy - One-year term
September 11, 1984 - June 30, 1985
United Action for Youth is an agency which plans
and conducts an Outreach Program to locate youth
who are alienated from the traditional approaches
to youth services and helps them identify their
individual needs and facilitates meeting the same
in the best interest of the individual and the
community.
Iowa City appointed members of Boards and Commis-
sions must be qualified voters of the City of Iowa
City.
This appointment will be made at the September 11,
1984, meeting of the City Council at 7:30 P.M. in
the Council Chambers. Persons interested in being
considered for this position should contact the
City Clerk, Civic Center, 410 East Washington.
Application forms are available from the Clerk's
office upon request.
17-31
TY
CITY OF I0VVA CI
CIVIC CENTER 410 E. WASHINGTON ST. IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240 (319)356-500C)
NOTICE
THE CITY COUNCIL OF IOWA CITY
IS CONSIDERING AN APPOINTMENT
TO THE FOLLOWING COMMISSION:
RIVERFRO14T COMMISSION
One vacancy - Three-year term
(Representative of the University of Iowa)
December 1, 1984 - December 1, 1987
It is the duty of members of the Riverfront Com-
mission to investigate, study, review and analyze
the riverfront needs and to meet such needs within
the City of Iowa City; to investigate and deter-
mine what rules and regulations are needed and
what policy should be established relative to the
riverfront in Iowa City; to study, investigate
and make recommendations relating to clearing,
planning and construction of riverbank areas and
for providing green areas and flood plains along
the riverfront.
This vacancy is for a representative of the Univer-
sity of Iowa. Iowa City appointed members of boards
and commissions must be qualified voters of the City
of Iowa City.
This appointment will be made at the September 11,
1984, meeting of the City Council at 7:30 P.M. in
the Council Chambers. Persons interested in being
considered for this position should contact the
City Clerk, Civic Center, 410 East Washington.
Application forms are available from the Clerk's
office upon request.
173.2-
City of Iowa Ci
MEMORANDUM
Date: September 7, 1984
To: City Council
From: City Manager/ e G.
Re: Waste Water Facility Study - Recommendations
The purpose of this memorandum is to present the recommendations of the
waste water facility study committee concerning the employment of an
engineering firm and a fiscal adviser. After an appeal by the City in
1983 to the Iowa Department of Water, Air and Waste Management and
subsequent failure to receive a federal grant for construction of Iowa
City's waste water facility, the City Council determined that a restudy of
the approved waste water facility plan was necessary to seek cost saving
alternatives.
The City advertised nationally in April 1984 for proposals. Requests were
sent to 100 major engineering firms. The City established the.following
selection committee, comprised of City, University and citizen representa-
tives, to review the proposals:
John McDonald, Mayor
Neal Berlin, City Manager
Chuck Schmadeke, Director of Public Works
Rosemary Vitosh, Finance Director
Don Schmeiser, Director of Planning and Program Development
Noel Willis, President, NNW, Incorporated
Richard Burger, Secretary -Treasurer, Burger Construction Co., Inc.
Michael J. Finnegan, Associate Business Manager, The University of
Iowa
Richard E. Gibson, Director, Facilities Planning, The University of
Iowa
Proposals were received from twelve firms. After review of the twelve
proposals by the committee, four firms were selected to be interviewed.
The four firms were CH2M Hill, Donohue, Metcalf & Eddy, and Parsons. CH2M
Hill withdrew from consideration and Donohue was eliminated by the
committee after completion of the interviews.
The two remaining firms, Metcalf & Eddy and Parsons, both are well
qualified to fulfill the City's request for examining alternative treatment
and collection systems as well as developing various financing options for
the City. Since the two firms were so close in apparent ability, a
verification process was adopted and Chuck Schmadeke and Harry Boren
visited a number of waste water treatment plant sites designed by the two
firms. The sites were located in Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Connecticut
and Ohio.
17W
Page 2
Based on the written data, the interviews, and the results of the verifi-
cation process, the committee unanimously recommends that the staff be
authorized to negotiate a contract with Metcalf & Eddy, Inc. to conduct an
alternative study of Iowa City's waste water needs and investigate alter-
native methods of financing.
Metcalf & Eddy has assembled an experienced team to study Iowa City's
waste water needs which includes staff from Metcalf & Eddy, Inc., Arthur
Young & Company, and Fluor Construction Company. Metcalf & Eddy is a
multi -disciplined engineering and planning firm and is a leading authority
in the research, development, and design of waste water systems with over
75 years of experience in the study, design, construction, start-up, and
operation of waste water collection and treatment systems. Metcalf & Eddy
has designed over 175 waste water treatment plants. Metcalf & Eddy's
office in Arlington Heights, Illinois, which specializes in water, waste
water and solid waste systems, will provide client liaison and project
coordination.
Arthur Young & Company, an international public accounting, auditing and
consulting firm, provides professional services to a wide variety of
clients. Arthur Young & Company offers clients professional services in
various areas of expertise including system planning and development,
alternative financing studies, feasibility studies, organizational
planning, financial systems, accounting and cost systems, and specialized
cost analysis. Arthur Young recently completed a privatization study for
the City of Iowa City for waste water improvements.
Fluor was founded in 1890 as a general construction company. Fluor is
engaged on a worldwide basis in providing a variety of services to
municipal, energy, natural resource, industrial, commercial and utility
clients.
Metcalf & Eddy has gained the Committee's first preference rather than
Parsons because:
1. The "rapid filtration" proposal of Metcalf & Eddy for treating
stormwater overflow demonstrates their ability to develop site
specific innovative methods of treatment.
2. Metcalf & Eddy is currently designing the Des Moines waste water
treatment plant and has a contract to operate the Fort Dodge waste
water treatment plant. They are, therefore, familiar with the
personnel and requirements of the Iowa State Department of Water, Air
and Waste Management and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Region VII.
3. The Metcalf & Eddy Engineering Group responsible for selecting waste
water collection and treatment alternatives is located in Arlington
Heights, Illinois. This office is two hours from Iowa City thereby
insuring a smooth flow of information between the project team members
and City staff.
4. City personnel visited waste water treatment plants designed by
Metcalf & Eddy. Through the use of conventional treatment and proven
design and construction techniques, plant performance at each site
7V-1
Page 3
visited was very reliable. Each plant was custom designed to meet the
needs of the local community, indicating maximum design flexibility at
Metcalf & Eddy.
The project team of Metcalf & Eddy, Arthur Young, and Fluor is
familiar with both the waste water collection and treatment and the
financial aspects of the Iowa City program. Arthur Young conducted a
privatization feasibility study for the City and a Metcalf & Eddy
employee, Norman Miranda, is a former Iowa City assistant pollution
control superintendent.
6. Metcalf & Eddy appears to demonstrate more expertise in sanitary engi-
neering generally and in collection systems specifically.
The organizational lines of command and control appear more clear at
Metcalf & Eddy.
In addition, the Committee unanimously recommends that the City employ an
independent fiscal adviser to represent the City in all fiscal matters
relating to the project. This is important because of the number of
engineering, financing, and ownership options available and the need for
someone who represents the City to evaluate these options and provide
guidance. There are few firms with extensive experience in the multitude
of financing options which are available. Arthur Young, which previously
worked with Iowa City, now is associated with Metcalf & Eddy. The
Committee has discussed the project with representatives of Boettcher and
Company. Boettcher is a national firm involved in the public financing of
municipal projects and recently has worked extensively on private financ-
ing. The retention of Boettcher is especially attractive as it can be
accomplished at no significant additional cost above that of any bond
representative.
No specific plan is being proposed at this time for solving Iowa City's
waste water needs. Only after the completion of the detailed engineering
study will we know if a new plant on the existing site or elsewhere, reno-
vation of the existing plant or some other alternative will best meet our
needs.
At this time, the Committee believes, from the interviews, that there are
genuine opportunities for significant savings to the City in this program,
and further, that the review process undertaken is very much in the public
interest.
The matter will be scheduled for informal discussion on September 10.
Members of the Committee will be present at that time. The formal agenda
for September 11 will include a motion directing the staff to negotiate
contracts with Metcalf & Eddy and Boettcher and Company.
75-1