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Home My WebLink About1983-07-11 Council minutesCOMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF COUNCIL ACTIVITIES July 11, 1983 Iowa City Council, special mtg., 7/11/83, at 7:30 P.M. at the Civic Center. Mayor Neuhauser presiding. Councilmembers present: Dickson, Lynch, McDonald, Neuhauser, Perret. Absent: Balmer, Erdahl. Staffinembers present: Berlin, Helling, Vitosh, Jansen, Karr. Council minutes tape-recorded on Tape 83-15, Side 2, 1129-1221. Moved by Dickson, seconded by McDonald, to approve the Class B Beer Permit and Sunday Sales for The House of Submarines, Inc. dba The House of Submarines, 12 South Dubuque Street and to approve the Class B Beer Permit and Sunday Sales for H.H.I.C. Corporation dba The Hungry Hobo, 517 South Riverside Drive. The City Clerk stated all the necessary papers were in order. The Mayor declared the motion carried unanimously, 5/0, Balmer and Erdahl absent. Moved by McDonald, seconded by Dickson, to adopt RES. 83-225, Bk. 78, P. 591, ENGAGING AUDITOR FOR YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1983, designating McGladrey, Hendrickson & Company. Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 5/0, Erdahl and Balmer absent. The Mayor declared the resolution adopted. Moved by Lynch, seconded by McDonald, to adopt RES. 83-226, Bk. 78, pp. 592-604, REGARDING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $550,000 IN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT REVENUE BONDS (PIPEYARD PARTNERS PROJECT) OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA, DIRECTING PUBLICATION OF t NOTICE OF INTENTION TO ISSUE, CALL A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSAL TO ISSUE SAID BONDS AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT. Atty. Joe Holland and Developer Jim Clark present for discussion. Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 5/0, Erdahl and Balmer absent. The Mayor declared the resolution adopted. f Moved by Dickson, seconded by Perret, to adjourn to informal session, 7:35 P.M. The Mayor declared the motion carried unanimously, 5/0, Balmer and Erdahl absent. t _C . OuQAA,u.ne,� MARY C. EUHAUSER, MAYOR i ATTEST:2? , , MAR -AN K. CITY CLERK i i Pj MICROFILMED BY `JORM MICROLAB j CEDAR RAPIDS -m MOINES r 1� J I s'7 MINUTES INFORMAL COUNCIL DISCUSSION JULY 11, 1983 Informal Council Discussion: July 11, 1983, at 7:40 p.m. in the Conference Room at the Civic Center. Mayor Mary Neuhauser presiding. Councilmembers present: Neuhauser, Lynch, Perret, McDonald, Dickson, Erdahl. Absent: Balmer. Staff present: Berlin, Helling, Jansen, Karr, Vitosh, Lundell, McGonagle, Showalter, Cassidy, Schmadeke, Hauer. Tape-recorded: Reel 83-21, Side 1: 433 -End, Side 2, 1-86. t. Executive Session: Moved by Perret, seconded by McDonald, to adjourn to executive session under Section 28A.5B, to discuss strategy with Council in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage the position of the governmental body in the litigation, and Section 28A.5G, to discuss the purchase of particular real estate only where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the govermmnental body would have to pay for that property. The minutes and the tape-recording of a session closed under this paragraph shall be available for public examination when the transaction discussed is completed. The Mayor declared the motion carried unanimously, 6/0, Balmer absent. The Council returned to open session 8:25 p.m. Transit Funding: Berlin stated that there is a problem with transit funding in making long- term projections. This year's current projections are gloomier than last year's projections. In answer to a question from Erdahl, Berlin said that the transit policy is flexible enough provided changes are made in a timely matter. The mechanism is in place for solving transit funding problems and must be implemented. Neuhauser noted that bus fare may be raised to 504 before the anticipated date of January 1, 1986. Vitosh said that UMTA wants a guarantee from Iowa City that Iowa City has money available for its local share of funding ($260,000). A transit reserve program or a signed statement that the City will be able to pay for the buses when delivered is needed by UMTA. Berlin said that the statement could say that the funds will come from a combination of general operating revenue, property taxes, reserves, etc. Lundell noted that the memo should state that the City's share on the memo should be 25 percent but the dollar figures are correct. Vitosh said that the $260,000 would probably be needed in FY85 perhaps in December 1984. She added that the reason staff brought this matter to the attention of the Council is that _ - - -- a -- P• MICROFILMED BY !.JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS•DES'MOIM r I MINUTES INFORMAL COUNCIL DISCUSSION JULY 11, 1963 PAGE 2 this is the first time that the local share money isn't already present in the transit reserve. Berlin noted that there is a special provision on leasebacks on transit equipment and the City's share of funding might be high enough to explore a lease -back option. Neuhauser said that the City will send a letter to UMTA saying that the City will have the money. Transit Fare Subsidy for the Unemployed: Neuhauser noted memos from McGonagle and Showalter. Erdahl said that if people are to get bus subsidies it should be through ticket distribution and not a qualifying pass or voucher. Lynch sees this program as an administrative nightmare unless handled correctly. Neuhauser said that the City has never adopted a program based on people having to demonstrate need except possibly for the elderly. She prefers that Job Service distribute a one year ticket for specific job hunting on a particular day. The Council discussed problems of abuse. Neuhauser wants to let Job Service make determination of eligibility. Gary Sanders said that the need for bus subsidy includes not only job hunting but also transportation to other social services and to generally provide transportation for day- to-day needs. Milwaukee County transit allows low-income people to sign up for passes which allow necessary transportation. Sanders advocates a low-income criteria rather than unemployment. Pat Gilroy, from the Crisis Center, supported that criteria. She added that the 2.7 percent unemployment rate is much lower than the actual Johnson County unemployment rate. Lynch said that he feels that any program must encourage people to get back into the mainstream. Sanders explained a variety of mechanisms including showing a food stamp identification card (1,000 adults hold cards in Johnson County) and he suggested limiting the program to off-peak hours. He feels that people shouldn't have to walk to Job Service to get a bus pass. Iowa City doesn't have food stamp abuse like large urban areas. He said that using social services is demeaning for the poor and they shouldn't have to fill out more forms. Gilroy said hours could easily be limited to 8:00-4:00 and still provide necessary services. McDonald agreed with the concept but expressed that it be easily administered and not open-ended. Erdahl said that allocating tickets is like printing money while using food stamp ID or tickets costs the City some ridership. Neuhauser said that she considered welfare the responsibility of state and county and it is inappropriate for the City to get involved. Erdahl said for the county to do the bus program there must be a transfer of funds while the City could us it at minimal cost internally. Lynch said that he considers it a human service function through human service agencies. Erdahl said 250 bus tickets would not cost $1,000 if the tickets were only used during non -peak hours. The Council agreed that McGonagle should work with Pat Gilroy and Job Service to develop a non -peak program with a ceiling on the amount to be spent. i MICROFILMED BY '..JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES -MOINES r J L MINUTES INFORMAL COUNCIL DISCUSSION JULY 11, 1983 PAGE 3 Swimming Pool Rates Neuhauser said she is not in favor of a swimming subsidy for the unemployed because the Rec Center cost is only 50C for adults. Gary Sanders asked about the Wednesday 104 swim and was told that it was phased out in 1977. Berlin introduced Al Cassidy, the new Parks and Recreation Supervisor. Wastewater Treatment Update Lynch reported that the committee recommended that site acquisition should proceed. Berlin said that the City has had discussions with two property owners (Stevens Development Partners and the Lehman family) re the proposed site and had relocated tenants in 1980 on one of the sites anticipating federal funding. An update on the site appraisal of $207,000 for the Lehman property and $284,000 has been made. Berlin suggested proceeding expeditiously with the purchase of the properties. The properties could then be leased out until construction started. Acquisition would still be by the local bond process, just as the plan when federal funding was expected. Lynch said that the committee unanimously agreed that acquisition was necessary for both long- and short-range needs. Berlin mentioned the issue of odor control was the reason for purchasing an extra 300 foot strip of land over the original proposal. This will provide enough ground for long-term development. Staff will proceed with negotiations to buy the land. The committee should receive a report August 3 and the first phase of the project should be under contract close to the first of the year. Oiling of South Gilbert Court: None of the with theOilingbecause it wis ah low-cost e area. Berlin �andconsistent withoCouncil policy. Neuhauser said she has received a compliment on the Richards Street repair including the care the crew took with the surrounding tress. Berlin reported that Lorraine received a complaint of the number of streets under construction or being repaired in Iowa City. Space Needs: Lynch stated that he would like City staff to make recommendations to the Council on space Department and/or PoliT Fire ce Department are s. Perret said hneeded which at new iwould fallow eother City functions to move into the vacated space. This has previously been agreed on by the Council. Any new facility or remodeled facility should be handicapped accessible and have room for expansion. Berlin said the cost of moving the departments may prove to be prohibitive because of the site problem. McDonald said existing City property should be considered, such as the bus station/U Smash 'Em property. Neuhauser said that she MICROFILMED BY I .JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOl11ES _ r 'T a ,�i MINUTES INFORMAL COUNCIL DISCUSSION JULY 11, 1983 PAGE 4 L1 would like to consider the property for combined social services. If the U Smash 'Em building is salvagable, the structure could be sold to a social agency for nearly nothing and block grant funds used to rehabilitate it. Bicycle Licensing Policy Neuhauser suggested voluntary registration as an alternative. Perret agreed but wanted to know the record in other university communities. Helling reviewed information received from other college towns. A + representative of the Bicylists of Iowa said BIC is in favor of rescinding the ordinance and the state bike clubs are lobbying for statewide licensing. Dickson said most people can't even remember their license number. Council Time: 1. There is no meeting Tuesday on the zero lot line housing regulation. The matter will be immediately referred to Planning & Zoning. 2. Neuhauser said undergrounding along Rocky Shore Drive is too expensive. Berlin will look into the matter. 3. Lynch expressed his appreciation of the work and attitude of the hotel committee. The rest of the Council concurred. 4. Dickson complimented Fred Zehr and the Iowa Youth Corps on their upkeep, maintenance, and flood control work. She added that the grounds look very manicured. S. Neuhauser said that the Iowa Youth Corps did a great job of cleaning up the downtown mini -park area and now people are using it instead of shunning them. Meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m. MICROFILMED V 4 ..:JORM MICRO_ LAB 1 CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES'r ■ 1. i . EXECUTIVE SESSION JULY, 11, 1983 EXECUTIVE SESSION: July 11, 1983, 7:40 P.M. in the Conference Room at the Civic Center. Mayor Mary Neuhauser presiding. COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Dickson, Erdahl, Lynch, McDonald, Neuhauser, Perret. Absent: Balmer. i STAFFNf=RS PRESENT: Berlin, Helling, Jansen, Karr. Dan Hudson present for litigation discussion. I TAPE-RECORDED ON Reel #29, Side 1, 241-1834. Moved by Perret, seconded by McDonald to adjourn to executive session under Section 28A.5(b) and (g), to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage the position of the governmental body in that litigation and to discuss thepurchase of particular real estate only where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the governmental body would have to pay for that property. The affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 6/0, Balmer absent. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Moved by Perret, seconded by Dickson to adjourn, 8:25 P.M. The Mayor declared the motion carried, 6/0, Balmer absent. L 1 MICROFILMED BY tlr JORM MICRO_ LAB CEDAR. RAPIDS -DES MOINES -.r I i