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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981-06-30 Info PacketCity of Iowa City MEMORANDUM DATE: June 19, 1981 TO: City Council FROM: City Manager RE: Informal Agendas and Meeting Schedule 7:30 P.M. - Regular Council Meeting PENDING ITEMS Economic Development Program Meet with Parks and Recreation Commission regarding parkland acquisition Meet with Resources 1 1981 981 970 MICROFILMED BY 'JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES ...7 a Monday June 22 1981 No Informal Council Meeting June 23 1981 Tuesday Conference Room 6:30 P.M. - Special City Council Meeting - Executive Session to interview to discuss collective bargaining and and evaluate the professional competency of applicants for the position of City Attorney. Monday June 29 1981 2:30 - 5:00 P.M. Conference Room - Tentative Agenda 2:30 P.M. 2:45 P.M. - Review zoning matters - Discuss Mobile Home Residential Zone 3:00 P.M. - Council agenda, Council time, Council committee reports Parks and Recreation Commission 3:25 P.M. - Discuss appointment to Report - Old Capital Center Partners 3:30 P.M. 4:00 P.M. - Progress - Discuss Airport Land Ownership Issues 4:30 P.M. - Executive Session 7:30 P.M. - Regular Council Meeting PENDING ITEMS Economic Development Program Meet with Parks and Recreation Commission regarding parkland acquisition Meet with Resources 1 1981 981 970 MICROFILMED BY 'JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES ...7 a COMMENTS ON PUBLIC HEARING IOWA WATER QUALITY COMMISSION June 15, 1981 BY: Honorable John R. Balmer, Mayor City of Iowa City, Iowa I am John Balmer, Mayor of Iowa City. I am appearing here today in response to Your solicitation for public comment on proposed amendments to Chapter 400 of the Iowa Administrative Code. i We all recognize that the state and Federal governments are in a financial bind in the funding of programs which all of us view as worthy. As a local government, we are very much aware of the problem of shrinking funds. For several years we have found it necessary to cutback or hold the line in our budget. Therefore we can appreciate your problems with limited state funding or with a Federal cutback. However, it is very difficult for local citizens to understand why the first response of state and federal officials is to transfer the financial problems to the local governments. Obviously the problem is not going to be resolved at the local level when local government already has experienced the lack of funding. I am going to offer some general statements and the City Engineer from Iowa City, Chuck Schmadeke, will later address the Commission as to the specifics of the proposed priority system. 1771 MICROFILMED BY `JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES D 2 Your staff is to be commended for the excellent job in preparing the notice of this hearing. The memo is presented in an understandable manner. Since 1972 our country has spent approximately $75 billion on the clean water program and despite much criticism, there has been a great deal of progress. This expenditure has improved and is protecting this country's waters and certainly has assisted us economically through some very difficult years. Iowa City also has expended a great deal of money in the last 15 years on clean water. We have done our best to protect public health with a greatly expanded and improved water treatment plant and now a massive water pollution control I program, part of which is already completed. In addition, we have continued to plan on a regional basis and anticipate success with a regional program for serving the University of Iowa and the City of University Heights. Financial support for this regional effort is even more important as some University users do not contribute to the cost of general city services through property tax revenues. Virtually all of the planning and construction which Iowa City has undertaken in the past 10 years has been directed toward implementation of the facilities plan. You and the federal government approved that plan and we expect to complete it. However, this will be possible only if all parties to this agreed i deal now fulfill their obligations. It is not reasonable for a City to meet its obligations, as dictated by state and federal agencies, and then later have the rug pulled out from under us. MICROFILMED BY 'JORM MICRO_ LAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES im r 3 Iowa City is prepared to continue to meet its obligations and do it in a timely manner, just as we have in the past. The proposals which you are currently considering are quite disconcerting. We have met our obligations on or ahead of schedule on every occasion. We have committed another City and the University to the expenditure. This required an increase in user charges and will eventually require a quadrupling of rates to fund the program. Now, as I understand it, in spite of commitments by the state and federal governments, you are considering scraping the program and placing the major burden of the program on our local economy, which even now sends more money to Washington than is returned to Iowa. Our recommendation is continue the program at the present level of funding, no matter how long it takes to complete. Water quality improvements will never be finished. Some of the plants built with federal funds are already worn out, overloaded, or do not function properly. It's just like our street and highway program; we are always repairing, rebuilding or building new. i The City is not able to increase the local level of funding. We have other unmet obligations and cannot devote all of our financial resources to a single program. Do not reduce the federal share and ask local governments to pick up the slack. The cities do not have the resources and you have already made a commitment for your share. While transferring responsibility to local governments may seem to help the national economy, the assumption of this burden by local governments will adversely affect the local economy to the extent that there will be a 97/ MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 1401NES 4 negative ripple effect nationally. The end result will be the same, the only difference is where the problem will begin. Use your influence in Des Moines and Washington and make this a vital program that will survive. We will do our share. I am convinced this program can continue at the present level of funding if we all work together and pledge our support to such a combined effort. Thank you. 97/ MICROFILMED BY ' JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS•DES I40INES S 1 i I, — COMMENTS FOR PUBLIC HEARING IOWA WATER QUALITY COMMISSION June 15, 1981 BY: Charles Schmadeke, City Engineer City of Iowa City, Iowa I am Chuck Schmadeke, City Engineer of Iowa City, appearing in response to the notice of public hearing for this date. My comments are limited to the i specifics outlined in the notice and represent Iowa City's reactions to them. First as the Mayor indicated, Iowa City is opposed to any reduction in the percentage amounts of the grant. While there may be some reason to support elimination of funding of step 1, curtailing of the extensive and expensive sewer system evaluation studies and perhaps a withdrawal of funding for rehabilitation work, we,certainly wish to endorse the establishment of time limits for completing step 2 work and penalites for unexcusable delays not caused by conditions beyond the control of the City. Iowa City has a record of meeting time requirements and, in fact, generally completing work phases ahead of the deadline. We plan to continue to do that E including making our new treatment plant operational and in compliance with all requirements at the earliest possible date. We believe our record so far speaks for itself. The alternatives indicate that Iowa's share of the $2.3 billion per year is only $30 million. It would appear that other states have inflated the needs survey and that the new formula being proposed by EPA more realistically represents MICROFILMED BY 'JORM MICRO_ LAB -CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES L.,. 9 7/ 2 the actual needs of the various states. Under the EPA proposal Iowa would receive a 34% increase or $10 million. Iowa City supports alternative provision 1 which continues funding at the present level At this time we believe it would be inappropriate to endorse the 10% grant increase for innovative or alternative proposals until there is more definite information as to the possibility of such proposals being productive and in fact in the long run being beneficial to the program. Of the three proposals, the City supports proposal B which continues 75% funding. Even though Iowa City would have to wait several years for all of the funding and take into account inflation, the City still would be ahead financially with proposal B. And finally, I would suggest that there should be review and reconsideration by the IDEQ staff of the grant amount shown for Iowa City in proposals A, B, and C. The amounts appear to be inadequate to fund 75% of the remaining eligible facilties. It is possible that there has been a transposition of figures or some other discrepancy. Perhaps the cost of the outfall sewer may have been inadvertently omitted from the estimates. Thank you. MICROFILMED BY 'JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES i L — -j — --__ _aa1. 1 '- ..7, IN L — -j — --__ _aa1. 1 '- ..7, IN City of 10%%fa city MEMORAND Date: June 19, 1981 To: City Manager and City Council From: John Lundell, Transportation Planner Cathy Eisenhofer, Purchasing Agent A/) Hugh Mose, Transit Manager J�_V`Cili Re: Transit Equipment Acquisition It appears that recent developments concerning the Section 3 and 18 capital grants for the purchase of transit coaches will allow us to proceed on schedule with the acquisition of the equipment, rather than the rejection of the coach bids as was discussed on June 15, 1981. Neoplan USA has consented to accepting an alternative award of six coaches with wheelchair lifts and an option for a seventh at the same per coach price as they bid for seven coaches. They also will allow us to submit a change order deleting the wheelchair lifts should the Section 504 regulations be altered, up to the production date, at an offset or reduction in the price of each coach by $6,500. Therefore, our plan is to award the bid to Neoplan for six lift -equipped coaches with an option for a seventh. -When the 504 regulations are changed we will submit a change order deleting the lifts which will reduce the total project cost enough to allow us to purchase seven coaches as originally planned. This alternative will allow available funds for the Purchase of the University's Bionic Bus at this time. The Urban Mass Transportation Administration, Federal Highway Administra- tion, Iowa DOT and the University of Iowa have all agreed that this is the best direction to proceed. The Coralville City Council concurred with this plan at their work session held on the evening of June 16. The Federal specifications did allow for change orders to be submitted after award and transit manufacturers agree that the deletion of the wheelchair lift will be handled as a change order, if and when the 504 regulations are changed and no protest will be filed. We will submit resolutions to the City Council for their action at the meeting equipment, and bus sh30 ieltersds for the transit coaches Bionic Bus, cc: Michael Kattchee Don Schmeiser Dave Ricketts bj/sp MICROFILMED BY 'JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES 9I,z V:_ 0 June 15, 1981 Mr. Daniel Fitzsimmons, Staff Representative AFSCME/Iowa 1021 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 103 Iowa City, Iowa 52240, Dear Mr. Fitzsimmons: It is the City's intent that employees who park. in areas for which the City charges a fee, such fee shall be 50% of the monthly rate charged to the public who park in the Civic Center lot. Further, it is not the City's intent to institute parking fees where there are no fees currently. This letter of intent shall not be part of any collective bargaining agreement and shall not be subject to any grievance procedure. Sincerely yours, t. Dale E. Melling Assistant City Manager cc: City Council City Manager Finance Director Parking Systems Supervisor bjl/9 Director of Human Relations MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES •.7 973 V: - City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM DATE: June 26, 1981 TO: City Council FROM. City Manager RE: Material in Friday's Packet Memorandum from the Assistant City Manager regarding Council policy on legislative and political issues. Memorandum from the City Engineer regarding University Heights sewer project Memorandum from the Department Planning and Program Development regarding Urban Renewal Parcel 82-1b. Memorandum from the Broadband Telecommunications Specialist regarding Hawkeye CableVision rate increase for HBO. Police Department Report for May 1981. Minutes of staff meetings of June 10, June 17, and June 24. Article by Mary Neuhauser: "When elephants fight, housing for the needy may get trampled." _ Calendar for July 1981, The Energy Saver, June 1981 The Senior Center Post S i MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES I40INES w J city of Iowa+ cD MMMOR ANUN1 Date: June 26, 1981 To: City Council From: Dale Helling, Assistant City Manager Council Policy on Legislative and Political Issues Re: re ared in Attached please find a draft of a memorandum g clarification ich I have of your response to your recent direction involving policy on the above referenced matter. The attached memo contains two elements: 1, restatement of what I perceive Council A somewhat broadened policy to have been in the past as well as currently. om 2. A simple yet clearly defined mechanism Wtart information Boards and Commissions regarding p artfrbe i Y appropriately and efficiently communicated to the Council for consideration. changes Council may deem appropriate in 1 The attached draft is being submitted for your review and comment. I will be pleased to make any this matter is order to insure that your position regarding accurately reflected. tp5/1 MICROFILMED BY 'JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES L. ml City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: June 24, 1961 To: All Boards and Commissions From: City Council Re: Council Policy on Legislative or Political Issues The City Council is the body politic for the City of Iowa City. Councilmembers are responsible to the electorate to act as a body in establishing City policy and determining any public position of the City on legislative or political issues. Members of Boards and Commissions are appointed by the City Council. With the exception of the Airport Commission and the Library Board of Trustees, Boards and Commissions are advisory bodies to the Council. Therefore, the City Council takes the position that public stands by Boards and Commissions on legislative or political issues are taken only upon review and approval by the City Council. Approval by the Council's Legislative Committee on matters regarding legislative issues is sufficient for the above purpose. This policy should not be construed to prevent Boards and Commissions from discussing regulations, procedures or other similar matters with administrative agencies, nor is it meant to discourage Boards and Commissions from carrying out their normal functions publicly and openly. It is assumed that normal responsibilities include making public recommendations to the City Council on a variety of issues to include those of a legislative or political nature. The purpose of this policy is to insure that Boards and Commissions do not make policy statements or take public positions which fall solely within the realm of City Council responsibilities, but which might nevertheless be construed as representing the official position of the City of Iowa City. In the event that your Board or Commission wishes the City Council to take a public position or to approve or endorse your public stand on a legislative or political issue, this request should be clearly reflected on the record of the meeting at which you approve this action. You should then instruct your staff liaison person to immediately submit your request or recommendation, in letter form and addressed to the City Council, to the City Manager's office for inclusion on the next City Council agenda. In the interim, a copy of your request or recommendation will be made available to all Councilmembers so that informal discussion, if deemed appropriate by the Council, can take place at the earliest possible time. Your communication should include some indication of the degree of urgency which you perceive as necessary for receiving a response from the Council. This will facilitate the timeliness of policy statements as well as contacts with legislators during those times when they are in session. City staff will assist you in every way possible to achieve timely and effective communication with the City Council as it relates to these issues. All such communications will be coordinated through the City Manager's office and you may contact the -Assistant City Manager if you need further assistance. be/sp MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 140INES 97f I --1 City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM DATE: June 25, 1981 TO: Neal Berlin and City Council FROM: Chuck Schmadeke, City Engineer elf RE: University Heights Sewer Project The University Heights Sewer Project will necessitate the removal of the paving on Benton Street from the Iowa River bridge to Michael Street. Benton Street from the Iowa River to Orchard Street will be reconstructed, as part of the Benton Street/Riverside Drive Project, to a paving width of 37 feet and realigned to provide a smoother movement -through the intersection of Riverside Drive. The existing paving on Benton Street from Orchard Street to Michael Street is presently 25 feet wide. The Engineering Division recommends widening this portion of Benton Street to 31 feet. This recommendation is based on the following criteria: 1) the transition from 31 feet to 37 feet is much easier to maneuver than a transition from 25 feet to 37 feet; 2) the minimum width on arterial streets has been established, not formally but through Practice, as 31 feet. Some examples are Scott Boulevard, Muscatine Avenue_ east of First Avenue, Dodge Street, Governor Street, and Kirkwood Avenue; 3) the Benton Street pavement west of Greenwood Drive is presently 33 feet wide; 4) the existing 25 foot paving does not have a curb section because of numerous asphalt overlays, so the driving width is 25 feet. The effective driving width is reduced to 21 feet when a curb is added. Benton Street warrants the classification of an arterial street. The existing traffic volume is 7500 vehicles per day and traffic will increase as development expands westerly. Thirty-one (31) foot wide paving will provide adequate capacity for traffic along Benton Street between Orchard Street and Michael Street. MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES 975 .._7 Date: To From: City of Iowa City MEMORANDYM June 22, 1981 (Neal Berlin, City Manager _ , �!� j Larry Chiat, Development Coordinator_%��7/ /' A �J ndrea Hauer, Planner Mif Re: Urban Renewal Parcel 82-�,�I1b This memorandum is intended to provide you with background information and land marketing alternatives for Urban Renewal Parcel No. 82-1b. As you know, this parcel was placed on the market last fall, with redevelopment proposals due on November 12, 1980. However, no proposals were received. I. Information Obtained from Prospective Developers: In order to identify the reasons why no redevelopment proposals were submitted last year, staff contacted and interviewed those parties who had expressed serious interest in Parcel 82-1b. There were three basic reasons cited for lack of proposals: (a)High costs of financing the prot: All of the prospective developers ndtcated that high Interest rates played a major role in their decisions not to submit proposals. Several parties stated that restrictive language in the Prospectus on the issuance of Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) was a deterrent to developing the parcel. However, the prospective developers expressed satisfaction with the written policy on I6s which has since been adopted by the City Council and felt that obtaining IRB financing for this project was no longer a barrier. (b) Lack of definite market trends in downtown: Many prospective developers felt that deve opment of Parcel 82-1b was too risky without the market support that Parcel 64-1 (the hotel/department store) would provide. Most said the continued development and success of other urban renewal projects, combined with greater certainty concerning the redevelopment of Parcel 64-1, will lessen the perceived risks of developing Parcel 82-1b. (c) Prospectus language: Height restrictions and design criteria were described by some developers as being limiting factors in developing the parcel. These issues are addressed in the following section. II. Proposed Changes for the Prospectus.- In rospectus: In addition to appropriate minor revisions and updating, staff proposes that the following changes be made in the language of last year's Prospectus: 1. Industrial Revenue Bonds: The City's IRB policy should be incorporated by reference. MICROFILMED BY 'JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 140INES 4— 976 2 2. Building Height: The applicable provision in last year's Prospectus states as follows: The new development must be at least three (3) stories and a minimum of 37 feet in height, and not greater than 52 feet in height. The proposed change is as follows: i 976 MICROFILMED BY JORM MICRO_ LAB -CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES The new development must be at least two (2) stories in height, excluding a basement. Preference will be given to those designs that meet or exceed a 37 foot height on the west wall. I The intent of the above change is to maintain the roof line on this block while allowing for creative and innovative design solutions. 3. Oesi n Criteria: The design criteria in last year's Prospectus were eva ual ted by both staff and Don Zuchelli. Mr. Zuchelli stated that the design criteria language "...was probably not prohibitive and, should be maintained especially in light of the section in the ` Prospectus detailing by what means a developer could request appropriate changes." r Staff concurs with this opinion and recommends that no change be made in the design criteria language. III. Land Marketing Alternatives for Parcel 82-1b: i There are four primary land marketing alternatives for Parcel 82-1b: 1. Place Parcel 8282=1b on the market as soon as possible. Placing the parcel on the market immediately will require a minimal amount of staff time. While a good deal of interest continues to be expressed in this parcel, it is not clear whether this interest will translate into development proposals, especially with the present high interest rates. A 90 day bidding period is advised. 2. Place Parcel 8282=1b on the market when interest rates decline. i I Placing the parcel on the market when interest rates decline would partially address the issue of market risk. However, this option also may mean delaying the development of Parcel 82-1b for an undefined period. 3. Place Parcel 82-1b on the market as soon asosp sible butrp ovide that the City would Agrxe to cond tionally designate, a develo er, Contin ent upon a timely closing of the construction financing for the hotel department storerp oject. 976 MICROFILMED BY JORM MICRO_ LAB -CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES This alternative would allow prospective developers to make their development proposals subject to the condition of a timely closing of the construction financing for the Parcel 64-1 project. Under the terms of the contract executed on March 16, 1981, Plaza Towers Associates has until February 16, 1982, to secure both construction and permanent financing. Under this alternative, the developer of Parcel 82-1b could receive conditional designation with the requirement that a redevelopment contract be executed within a reasonable period, i.e., 60 days, after Plaza Towers Associates secures a construction financing commitment letter. This alternative is designed to attract proposals from those developers who believe that there is a lack of market support for the redevelopment of Parcel 82-1b without the hotel/department store. While there is a relationship between these two parcels, it is not apparent that the redevelopment of Parcel 64-1 must precede Parcel 82- 1b. Therefore, it is not advisable for the City to encourage a direct linkage of these two developments unless market forces make this absolutely necessary. 7 S. Place Parcel 82-1b on the market when the status ofep nera�— retail office spacemarket, and more certain. at some future date, i.e. mid -1982, econom ctct c no dttt'ons, the downtown the hotel -department starerp ole-' ctis This alternative recognizes that there now are several major factors which may inhibit the submission of redevelopment proposals for Parcel 82-1b. By waiting until a future date, i.e. mid -1982, to remarket Parcel 82-1b, theCity would be in a stronger position to attract more and better redevelopment proposals than can be expected in 1981. This alternative will thus increase the likelihood that Parcel 82-1b will be developed for a land use and intensity which are consistent with the long-term potential of the site. IV. Recommendation: Our first recommendation is to choose alternative second choice. However, we would like to meet further discuss these alternatives. cc: Don Schmeiser MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES IN 4, with alternative 1 our with you soon in order to 976 City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: June 25, 1981 To: City Council i j From: Robert Pepper, BTC Chairperson & Drew Shaffer, Broadband Telecommunications Specialists S. j Re: Hawkeye CableVision Rate Increase for HBO On July 1, 1981, Hawkeye CableVision will be raising its monthly fee for Home Box Office from $6.95 to $7.95 (see attached letter from Hawkeye). Because we expect there will be questions from citizens about this rate increase directed to the City Council and to the Broadband Telecommunications Commission, we asked City Legal staff to examine the City cable TV ordinance (78-2917) to determine whether pay channel rates such as HBO fall under the the two year moratorium on rate increases. I As you can see from the attached City Legal staff opinion, since such rates are not regulated by the City they do not come under the procedures required for rate increases requiring City approval. i Therefore, such rates (pay channel rates) do not fall under the two year moratorium. In part, the reason for the exclusion of pay rates from City regulations resulted from the preemption and prohibition 1 by the Federal Communications Commission. The City, according to the cable TV ordinance, does have the capability to regulate the basic service rates charged by Hawkeye CableVision (the 29 channels included in the $7.95 basic monthly rate) and basic charges for installation and varied service charges. Under City ordinance, these rates do fall under the two year moratorium on rate increases and therefore cannot be raised until April 18, 1982. If you have any questions about this, please let either one of us know. tp4/6 i 977 MICROFILMED BY .ORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS•DES 140INES �L� N/ I rmawkeVe CableVisio Dear Home Box Office Viewer: HBO has just increased programming hours! Of course, this will be in addition to the uninterrupted movies and special sporting events which you have been enjoying each month. The result will be more family features and more than 90 original specials in 1981. In keeping with our commitment to provide the best possible service at the most reasonable price, Hawkeye CableVision only charged $6.95 for Home Box Office. Due to the increased costs associated with providing HBO, we must now raise our monthly service from $6.95 to $7.95, starting July 1, 1981. We are sure you will agree that HBO continues to be a terrific entertainment bargain at only 26C per day. Coming up soon, you will be able to watch some very special entertainment events on Home Box Office including: Coal Miner's Daughter, Fame, Bronco Billy, The Stunt Man, Life of Brian, i Urban Cowboy; and much, much more. We're sure {t you will enjoy them all. ! Call us at 351-3984 during business hours if we can be of service. Very truly yours, William L. Blough General Manager I WLB/prs 546 Southgate Avenue Iowa City. Iowa 52240 319-351.3984 A subsidiury of American Television & Communications, Inc. MICROFILMED 5" 'JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES 977 T T�� rM r. 1 Ta:r I City of Iowa City Date: June 23, 1981 To: Drew Shaffer, Robert Pepper From: David Brown, Assistant City Attorney Re: Raising Pay -Channel Rates ISSUE May Hawkeye Cablevision raise pay -channel rates without City approval? CONCLUSION Hawkeye Cablevision may raise pay -channel rates without prior approval of the City. DISCUSSION Section 14-76(a), City Code, requires City Council approval for certain specified rates. Pay -channel rates are not included in any of these categories. Pay -channel is considered an additional service as defined in S 14-61, City Code. S 14-76(b) requires that although these additional charges are not subject to City Council approval, they must be made public and filed with the City Clerk prior to their effective date. bdw2/1 MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS•DES MOINES 977 W/ i V i Police Department Report \1� May, 1981 j A. General d The Iowa City Police Department received 2534 citizen gener- ated requests for service during May, 1981, up .slightly from the 2444 received in April, 1981. The following activities noted some increase in May as compared to April: Category May 181 April 181 Criminal homicide 1 0 Assault 27 17 Larceny/Theft 161 155 r d Motor Vehicle Theft 18 9 — T Sex Offenses 13 12 78 Disorderly Conduct 266 241 -1q I All_Other Non_traffic: 11. - Suspicion 57 41 R Juvenile 27 22 0 Assist and Service 493 453 Fire 23 12 Silent Alarms 150 14 Civil Problems 13 Lost/Found Property 116 4 Animal Calls 104 82 Traffic Violations 84 70 Abandoned/Recovered Vehicles 4 0 i All other complaint categories remained consta or declined moderately. A total of 116 criminal arrests were made in citations written; and 2002 g s 451 traffic > parkin tickets ssued. B. Animal Control Animal Control Officers responded to 126 equests for service in May; collected $1671.50 in various revenu s and issued 75 pet licenses. The notification to owners of licensing provisions and the passage of the revised animal. contro. ordinance has had a very positive effect upon pet licensing i the City. Last year a total of 567 pet licenses were issued up o May with total revenues of $2530.75. Throw et licenses have been issued for total reven s of $13,349.75. Statistical reports are appended. i MICROFILMED BY .JORM MICRO_ LAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES MINUTES OF STAFF MEETING June 10, 1981 The following items will be included on the agenda of June 16: Public hearing on amending the FY 81 budget Resolution on amending the budget Resolution setting new landfill fee schedule Ordinance approving Regency Gardens Resolution approving preliminary plat of Regency Gardens Resolution authorizing an agreement with Edwin and Ethel Barker Resolution approving final LSRD plan of Emerald Court Apartments Set public hearing on ordinance amending the sign ordinance Set public hearing to convey property on Foster Road and St. Ann's Drive Resolution regarding certification of Iowa City's Fair Housing Ordinance Resolution regarding application for 25 additional units of Section 8 Existing Housing Appointments to CCN, UAY and Board of Library Trustees Resolution awarding Phase I of CBD Alley Paving Project Public hearing on the closing of Ashley Drive Resolution authorizing additional funding to the Airport for ADAP matching funds A memorandum and evaluation forms were distributed to the department heads. The City Manager advised the staff to get back to him with any questions regarding these evaluations. He added that there are some specific energy goals in the budget, and these should be taken into account when writing the evaluation. The Human Relations Director noted that when prepal•ing evaluations for employees it is important that the merit increases not be used as a substitute to make up for more moderate increases in previous years. This will be taken into account in the Hayes -Hill report. The City Manager gave a brief rundown on what the Management Advisory Panel is considering regarding reorganization. It is hoped that information con- cerning reorganization will be ready for the staff in a couple of wgeks. The City Manager encouraged the staff to submit any ideas to him. Pre ared by: /�th0.vH� Lorraine Saeger MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES L.,. 97y r Ir - MINUTES OF STAFF MEETING JUNE 17, 1981 Referrals from the informal Council meeting of June 15 and the regular Council meeting of June 16 were distributed and discussed. Items for the agenda of June 30, 1981, will include deferred items regarding PAD approval and preliminary plat approval for Regency Gardens, Parts I-IV; and a resolution for formal action on bids received for transit coaches. Police Chief Miller asked that the current signage on the downtown pedestrian plaza be reviewed in the interest of more effectively communicating the prohibitions of bicycles. The contributed to the success Director ofd her the NewpL Library projectl City staff who Mr. Bob Becker and Mr. Lee Bomblatus from Hayes -Hill addressed the staff with an explanation of the process and results to date of the current administrative classification study. Questions from staffinembers were entertained and discussed both during and after the presentation. Prepared by: Dale Hell j MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES I401NES V r Ir— Informal June 15, Council Meeting 1981 DEPARTMENT REFERRALS I .—I MICROFILMED BY `JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES L_ W o REFERRED � � COMMENTS/STATUS, SUBJECT DAT1EE W Letter to Della Grizel from City Congregate Meals 6/15 Manager Manager that Council will address future problems re: priorities IT necessary.('} s Copies to Rev. Welch and Boar- of Supervisors. t Parks & Were several small trees on 6/15 Summit destroyed by the City? I Summit Street Trees Rec Public Check tracks in the street in 6/15 front of Aero Rental -they are RR Tracks - Maiden Lane Works several inches above pavement solutions. Still unclear re: traffic C7. "B" 6/15 Finance Review and consider alternatives. Signs in Ramp Review and develop planting plan 6/15 Finance for parking lots before resurfacin! Market Street City Lot Parks & To CBD cleanup crew. Mall looking Compliments 6/ 15 especially clean on night of Rec Saturday, June 13th. To interview 3 candidates for City City Mgr/ Attorney. Scheduled for 6:45 p.m. Special Council Meeting 6/15 Human Interviews at 7:00, 7:45 and 8:30 Relations June23 1981 MICROFILMED BY `JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES L_ * June 15, 1981 - page 2 DEPARTMENT REFERRALS MICROFILMED BY 'JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 1401NES 1 JCI_'" - 0 SUBJECT DATE RECD REFERRED TO DATE DUE ~ COMMENTS/STAT M � W Council Agenda Lorraine Item on June 30, 1981 Agenda to name new City Attorney. Statements to D.E.Q. 6/1 Lorraine Send copies of Mayor's and Ci y Engineer's statements to Council. Meet with Old Capitol 6/15 City Schedule meeting at Informal Manager Session for progress report from Old Capitol. Airport Land Ownership 6/15 City i Schedule time at informal meeting Manager to discuss proposal. Woodfields 6/15 Manager Letter to Ambrose. I I i I t MICROFILMED BY 'JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 1401NES 1 JCI_'" - Regular Council Meeting June 16, 1981 DEPARTMENT REFERRALS .y MICROFILMED BY 'JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 1401NES i O W DATE REFERRED DATE � CWMENTS/STATUS SUBJECT RECD TO DUE 0 W Letters of appreciation to Letter of appreciation 6/j6 Library Ostergaard and Hyman re service on Board City Letter to Library Board and New Library 6/16 Manager Staff re congratulations on new building, etc. ,ty Letter to Carol deProsse in 1 New Librar y 6/16 Manager appreciation of.her support and effort. Public Explore alternative to I Alley Traffic 6/16 Works eliminate heavy traffic in alley between Dodge and Lucas immediatel; N. Riverside Drive 6/16 Public Works What work is being done beside paving? What is pipe on con - r Human 6/23 Council Meeting 6/16 Relations No need for Anne to attend. Thermostat in Council Chambers 6/16 H&IS Raise to 160 MICROFILMED BY 'JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 1401NES i MINUTES OF STAFF MEETING June 24, 1981 Items for the agenda of June 30, 1981, include: Set public hearing amending Zoning Ordinance (regarding balconies) Regency Gardens Ordinance Resolution approving preliminary plat and PAD Plan of Regency Gardens Resolution regarding "Housing of Last Resort" Resolution adopting pay plan for administrative and confidential employees The City Manager advised that the City Council will appoint Bob Jansen as the new City Attorney at the next Council meeting. The Mayor and the City Manager will be meeting with Mr. Jansen later today. The staff was requested to furnish to the City Manager any information or concerns which should be related to Mr. Jensen. The City Manager advised that he had been reviewing the department heads' evaluations and that generally they are very good. Reorganization of the city departments was briefly discussed. The City Manager advised that not all departments would be involved. The Director of Human Relations reminded the staff of the scheduled presentation to administrative employees regarding the Hayes -Hill report at the Recreation Center tomorrow, June 25. The Human Relations Director reminded the staff that evaluations should be in by next Monday. The Police Chief asked the department heads to inform the staff that whenever they are in the Civic Center after hours they may be questioned by a firefighter or police officer. Employees should carry their City identification. The City Manager advised that R. Neumann was selected as the architect for the space needs study. Prepared by: Lorraine Saeger 97f j MICROFILMED BY `JORM MICROLAB CEOAR RAPIDS -DES 1101NES i When elephants fight, housing for the needy may get trampled By Mary Nouhausar Anold proverb says that when the elephants fight it is the grass which - gets trampled. The fight in Washington over whether to tum' over federal programs to the states in the form - block grants promises to trample a lot of grass. Mayors, governors, Democrats and Republicans seem to be more in- terested in protecting "turf" than See- ing that programs which serve the poor and needy survive. A case in point is the Community Development Block Grant Program. It was included -in the Housing and Com- munity Development Act of 1974, along with programs to provide subsidized housing for low and moderate Income people. The purposes of the act are to achieve the national goals of eventing or eliminating sibm, blight or deterioration, to benefit low and moderate income people and to see that everyone in the United Stateshas access to decent, safe and safikary housing. Individual cities design and carry out programs to meet those national goals. THE COMMUNITY Development Block Grant Program has enabled cities across the nation to upgrade housing and deterlorpting neighborhoods, as well as to provide for the special needs of the poor, the elderly and the handicapped. The block grant program has functioned in tan- dem with a program to provide decent housing for low and moderate income people, as well as the elderly and han- dicapped. In fact a city receives block grant funds only if it can show that it is at- tempting to meet the housing needs of those people. It must also show that at Wast 75 percent of the block grant programs will directly benefit low and moderate Income people. Iowa City has seen the benefits of the block grant program. Block grants have been used to rehabilitate older houses, to support housing code enfor- cement, to 'prevent flooding near Ralston Creek, to remove architec- tural barriers to the handicapped in public buildings and parks, to re- juvenate older parks, to provide a shelter for victims of spouse abuse and to remodel the old post office into a Senior Citizens' Center. Such projects are typical of the way block grants are being used In other cities as well. THE RECENTLY announced proposals by the -Reagan administra- tion will alter the program's orienta- tion. No longer will communities have to ow that yy ayOg �((forts to prride houg to and rllbderalc in people `a Iffy for block grants.fanddhey wW'not-have to use the block grants to specifically benefit the needy. Most significant of the proposals is to shift the funding for cities of less than a 541006 population to the states and to allow each state to totally design its program. Gone would be the national objectives of eliminating slums and blight, of assisting the needy, of providing decent housing for all. A state could substitute any other ob- jectives it wished.- Unless a stale specifically designed Its program to fulfill the 'original purposes of the Housing and Community Development Act, there is a real danger that the program would just be used to fund community projects ordinarily finan- ced through bond Issues or special assessments. SUCH A change would benefit those who really do not need special help. Without any required tie to a housing policy, communities could avoid the political hot -potato of providing de- cent, safe and sanitary housing for the poor. MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES Before transferring any funds to the stales Congress should insure that the national objectives will be met in any state program. It should also insure that there continues to be a tie between the housing programs and the block grant programs, that most of the block grant money will go to programs direc- tly benefiting the needy and that the poor and needy have a voice in deciding how the block grant funds are spent. Congress should guarantee that the 50 state programs could be run more efficiently than one federal program. Since many states have little or no community development staff, it will take time to gear up,just to design the program and it will take time and money to carry out the program. IT IS UNCLEAR who would actually be responsible for such a program, the governor or the legislature; without a specific designation such delermina- jli depend on e4gh still4" sc'on- sl� liwon it is also unclear whether the program would be administered from the stale capital or by counties or regions. Some remember the regional bureaucracy set up to administer law enforcement grants. The commissions produced voluminous so-called plans and distributed the money to every lit- tle jurisdiction that was lucky enough to have a police chief sitting on the commission. Finally, Congress should grant the funds by a formula which includes need as a factor, as well as population. It should see that the funds are actually used to meet those needs. IF CONGRESS hurries into a program which transfers funds to the stales without insuring that the national, priorities of the original Hous- ing and Community Development Act are met, and mel in an efficient man- ner, the public reaction will be to get rid of the whole program. It will not be the mayors or the governors who will be harmed as much as the poor and the needy. Nsuhauser is an lows City Councilor. —is n1 T W TH F s' `/ � R 3 lOAM-Staff Mtg '(Conf Room) BAM-Magistrate 12noon-CCN (Rec Ct Court (Chambers) 1:30PM-Senior Ctr Comm (Conf Room) HOLIDAY 7:30PM-Riverfront 7:30PM-Formal P&Z Comm (Conf Room) (Chambers) i /o // 1 5 LOAM -Staff Meeting (Conf Room) 8AM-Magistrates Court (Chambers) i t1E 8AM-Magistrate Court (Chambers) BAM-Housing Appeal 4:30PM-Board of 3:30PM-Housing Conur Board (Conf Rm) Ad7'ustment (Conf Room) 7:30PM=Airport Co 1 (Chambers) 7PM-Parks & Rao Com (Conf Room) i (Rec Center) i ) /AM-MagistrateLOAM-Staff Court (Chambers) Meeting (Conf Room) BAM-Magistrate Court (Chambers) I' •30PM-In ormal Council Rm) (Conf •3OPM-Informal 7:30PM-Council 712RMFFor P&Z P&Z (Conf Room) (Chambers) �/ /3• LOAM -Staff Meeting 88AAM-Magistrate BAM-Magistrate 4PM-Broadband (Conf Room) Court (Chambers) Court (Chambers) Telecommunication Comm (Conf Room) 4:30PM-Resources Conserygtion Comm Li 4PM-Library Board (Lib. Mtg Room) (Law rary) Ma 7 8 zY 30 8AM-Magistrate SAM-Mag(Chramters) LOAM -Staff Meeting Court (Chambers) Court1:301314-Informal Council (Conf Rm) 7:30PM-Council 7:3OPM-Human Right (Chambers) Comm (Conf Room) MICROFILMED BY JORM MICRO_ LAB -CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES 0 the ENERGY SAVERnews JUNE 1981 CITY OF IOWA CITY NO.11 WATCH FOR THOSE RIPOFFS! SOME RGY FRAUDULENT Being fed up with high prices of energy and having a concern for conserving it, are two prime reasons why people are seeking ways to cut back their usage. However, a word of warning is being put out by the Iowa Energy Policy Council to watch out for devices which are fraudulent. The following are some examples. The molecu- lator, which one inserts into the car's fuel line to increase i gas mileage. Surge supressors that keep surges of electric current from running through the meter and running up the electric bill. A distributor- ship which is claimed to earn the distributor thousands of dollars a year. These and others like them have been investigated and declared as frauds by the Iowa Attorney General's Office. An Iowa Consumer Protection Division report states that fuel saving devices are misrepresented by one or more of the following: 1) Not telling the true percentage of fuel savings. 2) Stating that the device has been tested and approved by a government agency when it hasn't. 3) Saying a device was tested and proven to live up to its advertised expectations by competent private testing laboratories. 4) Use of false and deceptive private users' testimonials. 5) Blatant misrepresentation of the alleged applicable scientific theories of fuel savings which are not relevant to the device being sold. Not only may a device be a ripoff in one of these ways but it may be downright harmful to an automobile. Besides fuel savings ripoffs, there are two major problems with the various devices and systems available to reduce home energy consumption. They are: 1) Many such devices blatantly misrepresent their ability to cut down the home heating bill. 2) Many devices and systems are not cost effective to the home owner. Their costs cannot be recaptured in energy savings within any reasonable period of years. Another energy saving technique for the home is insulation. There are two common problems with insulation. Often a poor installation of insulation is one. The other problem is the health and safety factor; some insulation materials can give off harmful gases. Another insulation ripoff to watch for is that some of the contractors use defective sales or installation techniques. For example, they may short -fill the walls. This can be detected by an infrared scanner used by the Consumer Protection Division. (This unit is similar to the one owned by the City.) With testing techniques such as the infrared scanner the CPD can gain proof of a fraudulent device and then can take action to stop the sale of them. If you suspect that you've been ripped -off or suspect a fraud, contact the Consumer Protection Division of the Iowa Office of the Attorney General. Pedd le Power The bicycles provided for City employees are awaiting your use. Al but one are parked in the bike rack by the east entrance of the Civic Center. The remaining bike is located at the Recreation Center, and its key is available at the front office. The other keys to the locks are on the same board as the keys to the administrative carpool located in the Public Works Department on the ground floor of the Civic Center. The sign out sheet is located there also. Have fun, summer is here! Peddle your errands away! enerqy conservation vrogram,410 e. washington 319/356-5044 `%J� MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES V PAG E 2 Cure for Home Pollution Over the past few years there has been much advice on how to�-b "tighten up" your home by weatherstripping, caulking, ^^° replacing windows, etc. This unfortunately has created another problem. Home pollution. Actually, home pollution can occur in non -tight houses also, but the possibility of it gip, in air -tight homes is greater. ^� ' IND= ournooF6 What is home pollution? According to Popular Science Cap magazine, some types are: rZA Excess moisture. This can create high humidity causing H uncomfortable conditions. This results from bathing,„�, ,,,,n,,, ,,w„:..w.,:' ..:n...•.::.:•,D.:n.Y�.•.•• y nn erp •. poses'•.-an'MnmmYw..w..nn ur romn�wn cooking, and human habitation. Formaldehyde gas. Causes swelling of mucous membrane at low levels. At higher levels, causes coughing, constriction of the chest, and a sensation of pressure in the head. It is emitted from products such as particle board and chipboard found in many homes. Nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide. May cause headaches and dizziness at low levels. Nausea, vomitting, asphyxiation and death can occur at higher levels. It is produced mainly from gas ranges. Particulate matter. Caused by combustion of tobacco smoking, burning wood, and other fuels. When inhaled, these particulates get lodged in the lungs. For each of these problems there are individual solutions. However, it is possible to remove all these pollutants at once with one device. It is a unit that ventilates air -tight homes and saves heat at the same time. It is an air-to-air heat exchanger. A fan draws in outside air and draws out inside stale air. The cool fresh air is passed through a heat exchange core and heat from the outgoing stale air is transferred to the cool air. The system also works in warm weather by cooling incoming fresh warm air. Use of these exchangers in homes is very new, and there are not enough sizes available to fit all homes. If a unit is the right type for a house it is often expensive. While some units cost $250 the average cost is $500. According to one designer, the unit should cost under $500 or it won't pay off. If more of these units were sold the price could come down. If you believe your home to be polluted and want to invest in an exchanger, wait. Lawrence Berkeley Labs advises to contact the county health department in a large metropolitan area, or the state public health department in less populated areas to make sure that your home is indeed polluted. According to Popular Science magazine, the best solution to fighting home pollution is with mechanical ventilation. With the air-to-air heat exchanger, this is the best method of ventilation and saves heat energy also. Q, MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 140INES CNG UPDATE The first Compressed Natural Gas powered patrol cars of the Iowa City Police Department began roaming the town. Out of 10 cars to be converted to the CNG system, four are complete and on the streets. The remaining six will be ready to go by the end of July. Over a two week period, these four cars have used about 294 equivalent gallons of CNG. Since CNG is much less expensive than gasoline, a savings of close to $230.00 was realized. When the CNG system was purchased, it was acknowledged that the CNG would not produce as much power on acceleration as with gasoline. Some police officers have experienced this while others have not. A common complaint about the CNG is that the tanks have to be filled up twice instead of once in one day. All in all though, the use of CNG as an alternative fuel source has been a positive one. We welcome any information or suggestions for the Energy Saver News. Please send them to the Energy Conservation Office in the Civic Center. SENIOR CENTER POST VOLUME I VOICE OF THE IOWA CITY/ JOHNSON COUNTY SENIOR CENTER .:,Space Allocations The Senior Center Commission received many applications from organizations and agencies for space at the Senior Center. The Commission evaluated all requests as to whether the service or activity suggested met the purpose and goals of the Senior Center. They then prioritized the requests to determine which groups would receive .full-time office space and which would be allotted space on a part-time or scheduled basis. Four groups were chosen to receive full-time office space in the center. They are American Association of Retired Persons, Johnson County SEATS, Iowa City/Johnson County Nutrition Program and Elderly Services Agency of Johnson County. Each of these groups will also receive utilities, furniture and use of other City equipment, services and spaces. The cost of these amenities will be paid by the City and County as part of the Senior Center operating budget. Other groups who have been approved to use Senior Center space on a temporary or part-time basis are: Visiting Nurse Association of Johnson County, Goodwill Industries Volunteer Services, Iowa City/Johnson County Arts Council, National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Johnson of the Senior View Construction Update As you read this article most of the major work on the Senior Center should be completed. We hope you've noticed the beautiful new plantings surrounding the building. Well, the inside looks just as beautiful. . July will be a month of inspection and correction. Finishing touches, for- gotten details, last moment changes and other bits and pieces which seemed unimportant before will enlarge now that we are at the end of the project. The telephone system will be in- stalled and the building will receive its first annual "spring cleaning" Furniture should be moved in late July or early August. We'll let you know next month how well this optimistic schedule is working out! County Department of Social Services, Mid -Eastern Iowa Community Mental Health Center, -Over 55 Project, Mid - Eastern Council on Chemical Abuse, Gray Panthers, Johnson County Chapter of American Red Cross, Department of Preventive and Community Denistry, Johnson County TaskForce, and the Council of Elders. In addition, two individuals, Benita Allen and David Morice received approval to conduct classes at the center. These recommendations . by the Senior Center Commission and the contract formalizing the arrangements will be submitted to the City Council for their approval. ' Thank You The Interim Editorial Board of the Senior Center Post would like to thank everyone for the outstanding favorable response we have had on our effort. Your enjoyment of the newspaper is greatly appreciated and we hope that we can continue a tabloid worthy of your perusal. The Board would also like to remind everyone• that if they have articles and items of interest they would like to have included in the Post, the deadline for submission is the last Friday of the second full week of every. month. So if you would have something for the month of August please submit it to the Senior -Center office, .c/o the Post Editorial Board by July 17. The Board reserves the right to determine appropriateness and edit content. Non -Profit Org. Center U.S. Postage rhe law, City/lohnson County PAID Senior Center Permit No. 162 410 E. Washington 77 � �• � , . as of .: r 1,. a • �; June 18 s irtrlr..i ..�+ �tio ,. r. I. Construction Update As you read this article most of the major work on the Senior Center should be completed. We hope you've noticed the beautiful new plantings surrounding the building. Well, the inside looks just as beautiful. . July will be a month of inspection and correction. Finishing touches, for- gotten details, last moment changes and other bits and pieces which seemed unimportant before will enlarge now that we are at the end of the project. The telephone system will be in- stalled and the building will receive its first annual "spring cleaning" Furniture should be moved in late July or early August. We'll let you know next month how well this optimistic schedule is working out! County Department of Social Services, Mid -Eastern Iowa Community Mental Health Center, -Over 55 Project, Mid - Eastern Council on Chemical Abuse, Gray Panthers, Johnson County Chapter of American Red Cross, Department of Preventive and Community Denistry, Johnson County TaskForce, and the Council of Elders. In addition, two individuals, Benita Allen and David Morice received approval to conduct classes at the center. These recommendations . by the Senior Center Commission and the contract formalizing the arrangements will be submitted to the City Council for their approval. ' Thank You The Interim Editorial Board of the Senior Center Post would like to thank everyone for the outstanding favorable response we have had on our effort. Your enjoyment of the newspaper is greatly appreciated and we hope that we can continue a tabloid worthy of your perusal. The Board would also like to remind everyone• that if they have articles and items of interest they would like to have included in the Post, the deadline for submission is the last Friday of the second full week of every. month. So if you would have something for the month of August please submit it to the Senior -Center office, .c/o the Post Editorial Board by July 17. The Board reserves the right to determine appropriateness and edit content. q 83 Non -Profit Org. Published by U.S. Postage rhe law, City/lohnson County PAID Senior Center Permit No. 162 410 E. Washington Iowa City, IA Iowa City, IA 52240 q 83 10 Helpful Hints to Home Gardeners By: Tom Lunkley 1. Plan ahead. 2: Mulch your garden; mulching By Kathleen Kelley, Executive - conserves soil moisture, reduces Director soil rot of fruits, inhibits weed Visiting Nurses Association growth, prevents spread of fungal In today's world of medical disease, etc. 3. Promote vigorous growth of support life indefinitely and scan our vegetables; water properly, at entire body layer -by -layer, we seem to least one inch per week (if no rain overlook what each of us can do to stay::...-; occurs). One heavy soaking is far healthy and min mi zi e. physical harm. better than several shallow The best way.to be safe and healthy is waterings• Fertilize where and to prevent accidents. when needed. 4. Eradicate. all weeds in and around factors that threaten our safety. Many the garden; weeds compete with of these are within our own control. crops for water and nutrients, l hence weeds are a luxury no your surroundings must come from you. gardener can.afford (especially in Friends, neighbors, health care a drought year). Weeds also serve professional or building managers can as- breeding places ,for insect encourage, instruct, and "fuss" about pests. 5. Stretch your garden space, where t space is limited. Stake or train { tomatoes and vine crops to grow up, The following list of suggestions'' instead of out. Succession plant ! where 'possible (i.e. follow short a safe environment for yourself and season crops with other crops). I Plant carrots,onions, in bands, } rather;'than singlerows;, plant safety and continuing abilities to be beans and peas in double rows. 6. Rotate crops. Crop rotation helps j, -...prevent • disease and •. insect problems. 7. Use all the produce you grow. Plan - to can, freeze, dry or store j surplus produce. 8.. Plant to improve your garden soil, by annual applications of manure, humus, -.or whatever your, garden lacks. i, 9. Control pests immediately; prompt " control of harmful insects helps prevent serious infestations. 10. Following the harvest, remove diseased or infected crop residues; compost or turn under remaining debris. ATTENTION VOLUNTEERS AND HELPERS! The Senior Center staff would like to thank all those who have clipped and set the "volunteer" slip in to them in- dicating that you would like to be a part of the activities at the Senior Center. However, many more volunteers are needed Tor programs that are beg- ging for -someone to look after them. Please find some time and clip out the slip lielmf, with your name and preferred area of interest. '-------------------------------------- NARFF Conference at Okoboji By Leo P. Cain The Iowa Federation of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees held their annual state convention at the new inn at Lake Okoboji, June 2-4. Mr. George E. Auman, Director of Field Operations, in Washington, D.C. and Mr. Arlo H. Hegge, Field Vice President for Region V, were among the distinguished representa- tives. .Thirteen officers, 97 dele- gates, 3 alternates and 59 guests were present. The Iowa City Chapter #878 contingent' was: Ms. Doris Jones, Chapter President; Ms. Irene Welsh, Chapter Vice President; Dale and Martha Barker; Eugene and Jeanne Weiner; Leo and Kay Cain and Mr. and Mrs. Ed Mann. The first day was a legislative session at which the many proposed changes in Civil Service and Social Security benefits were discussed. The outlook, is not bright. The first social event was a 6:30 fish fry. This was held on the beach. This was fol- lowed by the President's reception in the Lakeview Room. Wednesday AM was devoted to the regular business of the organization. At noon there was a two-hour boat ride around the lake. Lunch was served on board. The afternoon was devoted to a question and answer session. That evening was the annual banquet at which Mr. George Auman was the principal speaker. The dire position of the Federal retiree under the present administration seemed to dominate the thought -of the evening. The food and entertainment, however, were excel- lent. Thursday AM was devoted to•fin- ishing the business meeting and the election and installation of State officers. Of the local representa- tives, Mr. Dale Barker was re-elected First Vice President of the Federation and Leo Cain was re-elected Field Officer for the first district.. Although NARFE is primarily an advocate for Federal retirees the aims and concerns of this group has much in common with other retirement groups and any gains that can be made cannot help but aid all older citizens. Older people are being- asked to beara disproportionate burden in this scramble to balance •thebudget. I think it 'is time that Civil Service annuitants, social security and military pensioners join together to resist this attempt to reduce (unjustly) our benefits to the point that we have to spend our twilight years in poverty. The cuts are being made on those who can least afford it. - VOLUNTEER Name Phone: Address: city Zip What program or activity would you like to volunteer for? What would you like to dol If you have no preference on program or activity please check here. When would you be available? -------------------------------------------------------------------------- New Angle on Rent Rebates By: Lee Poynter Elderly persons whose usable annual income is less than $10,000 and are renters are eligible for a rent rebate. Many elderly know about this and are filling out the necessary forms. What many elderly don't know is that part of the cost of a nursing home stay (21%) is considered rent and is subject to the same rent rebate mentioned above. Young people who have parents in nursing homes should check this out before October 31. An important question that will come to everyone's mind is how will the rent rebate affect both Title 16 and Title 19. According to 'the Social Security Office, the rebate is not considered income and therefore will not affect SSI. However, Social Services considers the rebate a resource and, therefore, those receiving a rebate must report it to their Department of Social Services. For more information, call' the Senior Volunteer Program at 338-5188 or . stop at 60 Plus Place, 1064h Williams in Towncrest. W. H" Safety Does Begin at Home By Kathleen Kelley, Executive - Director Visiting Nurses Association In today's world of medical technology that can replace body parts," , support life indefinitely and scan our entire body layer -by -layer, we seem to overlook what each of us can do to stay::...-; healthy and min mi zi e. physical harm. "if - The best way.to be safe and healthy is to prevent accidents. At each age there are external., factors that threaten our safety. Many of these are within our own control. The motivation to maintain safety in your surroundings must come from you. Friends, neighbors, health care professional or building managers can encourage, instruct, and "fuss" about safety, but only we, as individuals, can implement and maintain a ,safe environment on a day-to-day basis. . The following list of suggestions'' is provided as a guide for maintaining a safe environment for yourself and others around you. The pay-off is very . real and very important to you - your safety and continuing abilities to be independent and in. control of your life. While some suggestions may be �. =t contrary to your past preferences you must make the choice of what is most important to you. GENERAL I. Banisters or rails on all stairs. 2. Stairs, halls, doorways free of all clutter. 3. Safety grips on. stairs (treads, grip strips). 4. Carpets should have no holes, " turned edges or wrinkles. 5. Throw rugs with rubber backs and never at stair landings. 6. Hardwood and vinyl floors should not be waxed or polished. 7. Well -lighted stairs and hallways. •.-: 8. Reduce low wattage rather than covering lights - FIRE hazard. 9. Remove electrical cords that have worn, frayed cords, or broken prongs. 10. Electrical cords should not be routed under rugs, furniture, doors. 11. Electrical appliances unplugged when not in use and never used near water. 12. Electrical circuit overload and multiple extension cord use should be eliminated. (Continued in next col.)3 13. Smoking in bed and overstuffed furniture should be avoided. Deep ashtrays should be used and ashes placed in metal canister rather than trash. 14. Arrange furniture to avoid trip- ping and choose furniture that provides no obstacles. 15. Keep emergency phone numbers visible and have a defined emer- gency plan for exit and obtaining assistance. 16. Avoid bare feet, loose shoe strings, slick soled shoes. .1, 17. Keep rubber tips of canes, t, walkers, etc., clear of dirt, debris and replace when wear is evident. 18. Assure good ventilation when using heaters, chemicals, paints or running waters, or temperatures are unusually high. Many other guidelines are available for kitchen and bathroom ':.safety. Any reader interested in having,further assistance in assessing your environmental safety should _- contact Visiting Nurse staff members -at ..various Congregate Meal sites and ;,;:,retirement housing or telephone 337- k'-:� In a later issue we will explore some of the internal factors -that may influence safety. jv Medicare>and Sliioolemental'.Inslurance t:` By :Thea Sando, Senior Volunteers "rogram' Do, you 'have any .questions about Medicare or supplemental insurance? f You have a lot of company but there may [ be some answers. Those who ,attended the,, recent`workshop on Medicare received some helpful hints. The National American Association of Retired Persons recently held a worksfiop, on theirVolunteer. Medicare f Assistance Program. It was attended by about200 ,persons, some agency - personnel but mainly elderly people who wish to volunteer in this program. There were '20' retired persons from Johnson County. Panel members included t.. Barbara Quaintance; Director of the RP program in the national office; torney Tony Schrader from the State office of the Insurance Commissioner; and representatives from the Health Care. Financing Administration, and Blue Cross -Blue Shield. By the time the conference was over many had exchanged ideas and all agreed there was a need for this program which would i,: obviously be of high quality. Some are acquainted with the Income Tax Aid ` program and know how it has grown. - ,_Because the visiting panel members found that 'the commitment of the ` participants, especially from the elderly to volunteer, the AARP will P; AWaunch a program in eastern Iowa with a h . hree-day workshop for volunteers in 6p r early fall. - In Johnson County the service will �•be carried by the Senior Volunteer Services and be available at the Senior Center when it opens. Until then call 338-5188 and get an appointment (open Monday through Friday, 10-4). Since each person's situation is a little different the volunteer can help you or some member of your family contact source of assistance. Whom to contact: State Insurance Commissioner 1-515-281-5705, Social Security at 338-9461 and Blue Cross - ("Medicare" continued) Blue Shield at 351-7656. On the form returned to you explaining action taken there is a toll free number in Des Moines. Resubmit your claim or appeal the case (through Social Security) but with good medical explanation of the service. Barbara Quaintance ,reported that two independent studies revealed that of all claims rejected or reduced, only 2-3% were resubmitted or appealed. Of 'those 60% were accepted or increased. It is clear that we, the Medicare users, can make the program work much better. Here are suggestions: A. Claims: 1. Complete forms correctly. 2. Look carefully in the mail for checks - you may overlook them. 3. If check is over six months old - resubmit to Blue Cross - Blue Shield. 4. Mail claims immediately. 5. Use opportunity to resubmit or appeal. B. What About Insurance? 1. Attorney Shrader warns about agents who say , they represent Medicare or Medicaid. Neither Medicare nor Medicaid have agents. 2. People on Medicaid do not need insurance. 3. For information on eligibility for Medicaid call either Social Security at 338-9461, or Department of Social Services at 351- 0200. 4. Buying several policies may be a waste of money because some do not pay if Blue Cross -Blue Shield or other insurance is paying. Buy only what ,you need to supplement Medicare. 5. Call or write the State Insurance Commissioner (Public Service Division, Iowa Department of Insurance, Lucas State Office Building, Des Moines, Iowa 50319) to report questionable sales tactics of agents -or for information, especially on nursing home insurance. 6. Buy from an agent you trust. Seek assistance.' Take time to find out about the company or the plan. Avoid the "scare tactics" or quick sale. C. The Senior Volunteeer Service. The Senior Volunteer Service has found that by reviewing one's needs and looking at resources available to them some people were able to improve their situation. 4th Older Americans Day Fair By Lee Poynter Over 250 elderly persons and their friends met for their fourth annual Older Americans' Day Fair on May 22. The whole upper floor of the. Recreation Center was overflowing with arts and crafts exhibits, exhibits by numerous community agencies and organizations and two hours of stage programs. Opening welcomes were given by Mayors John Balmer and Mike Kattchee and Dennis Lengenberg, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. The program consisted of sing alongs, -an old fashioned style show, mideastern dancing, local chapter of Sweet Adelines and songs by Wayne Neuzil. Lots of refreshments were provided and a drawing for door prizes completed the afternoon. 4— Lawrence Carlton — Vice Chair Senior Center Commission Lawrence Carlton arrived in the northwestern part of the State of Kansas on April 14, 1909 (and was so surprised that he didn't say a word for almost a year). His father, a Methodist minister, was pastor of the St. Francis Circuit at that time so the family moved every four years. In 1932, Larry graduated from the then Kansas State College (now University) with a BA in philosophy and in 1936 was accepted as a member of the Northwestern Kansas Conference of the Methodist Church where he served four charges before transferring to Iowa in 1947 to be the director of the Youth Program for the church in Iowa. The Reverend Carlton and Miss _ Beulah Barron were married in 1943 and had two children, Mrs. Zedonis Plouins, and son James, who is a major in the U.S. Air Force. After serving many years as pastor in several Iowa congregations, Reverend Carlton retired in 1975 to be the minister of Visitation of the First United Methodist Church in Iowa City. Reverend Carlton feels that "one of the very important skillsevery minister , needs is the ability to get along with all kinds of people and of all ages. The more responsive and -dependable are those who have experienced life in its many aspects. Many of those people who have reached what many call the Golden Age are still active and have the time to use their talents in a variety of ways. Others may feel useless' and ' because time drags for them, they tend ' to drop out. Reverend Carlton's view toward the Senior Center is that its major function is to be a place where all senior citizens may feel comfortable as well as useful. The service agencies located in the Senior Center were selected 'on the primary basis of their abilitiesand programs to meet the varying needs as well as the specific need of the senior citizens of Iowa City and Johnson County. This is the task the Senior Center Commission has accepted and the program, building -and staff are striving to fill IRS Tax Scam By Dale C. Barker This information is from a tax - aide letter I received from the National Retired Teachers Association: "With the close of the. filing season, there is increasing likelihood of a recurrent fraud scheme. In past years there have been situations where a bogus "IRS agent" tried to schedule "audit" meetings with elderly tax payers, or approach newly widowed persons claiming that their spouse owed a certain amount on taxes. Such ' meetings often end with a check being made out to the "agent" for taxes due. IRS agents do not operate this way.. There is always rp for notification of any audits, and most are held at IRS ices. SimiTarTy Ih5 staff— st clearly identify themselves and no check should be made out directly to any "agent". This scam seems to reoccur every spring, at a time when people are sensitive about their tax returns. Report any incidents of this nature to the police or the IRS." Another activity we have learned of in this area is people calling "senior citizens" asking for appoint- ments to review their insurance coverage, especially regarding nursing home coverage. Beware! 9�3 Calendar of Events VISITING NURSE SCHEDULE July 1 11:15 OPENINGS LEFT IN ELDERHOSTEL Junction, Hills - Mon., Wed., 60 Plus Fri.,8:30-4 PM , Week of: _ Oxford July,3 Oxford, Tiffin, Cosgrove, Frytown, 11:00-12:30 July 5 Northern Iowa Community Joetown-Tues., Thurs.,8:30-4 PM Autumn Park, Muscatine Bldg. July 6 11:30-1:00 Westmar College - LaMars Commission Meetr' ing First Methodist Church July 19 Waldorf College - Forest City There' will be a Senior Center 9:00-10:00 AM 'Commission meeting on July -2f, Coral Village July 7 11:30-1:00 Aug. 9 Morningside College - Sioux E lderfest Lone Tree July 8 . 11:00-12:30. Aug. 31 Iowa. Wesleyan College -• Mt. 'will be held in Iowa Hall,' 10:000 AM Solon Congregate Meals Pleasant July 10 -.9:30-11:30 will be available_ by'cherter bus ;.ati. SOLON CONGREGATE MEAL ACTIVITIES Capitol House reservation, please fill:out the form-;'., 11:00-12:00 July'9 Fashioned Games Old below. And mail. to Elderly S0vices Autumn.Park Agency, 1165 Gilbert Court,- Iowa 'City','."! July 13 11:30-1:00 July 15 July Birthday Celebra- minimum of 40 riders and'a maximum -of First Methodist Church tion - Acoordian Music July•14 ;t 11:30-1:00 Center, Linn land Washington Streets„'at City Mall'- SEATS Zion Church providing trasnport. out to Chapter #1816 of AARP with your, 11:30-1:00 July 22 Bingo reservation. Lone Tree If 'you have' questions,' contact July 17 11:00-12:30 ies Autumn Park, Muscatine Bldg, July 20 '•11:30-1:00 July 10 - Dog show. Those wishing to Enclosed find check for " First Methodist Church show a dog may begin registering round trip tickets' 9:00-10:00 AM after the 6th of July and continue Coral Village until before the show. July 24 - Summer cardboard carnival. July 21- 11:30-1:00- Arts, crafts, games. Swimming lessons - pool open 12:15 to dlderl,ost iugust 291. :. Lone Tree 1:00. Instructors will be there .July 22 11:00-12:30 day. No charge. Pool open Name Solon Congregate Meals Monday through Friday. July 24 9:30-11:30 Capitol Nouse City Transit Information :11:00-12:00 ;j required. Children under age five may ride free when accompanied by an adults ..Autumn: Park Elderly (age 62 and older) and handicapped persons may ride free daily 9:00 a.m. July 27 , 11:30-1:00 Medicare card or special Elderly and Handicapped pass is required. First Methodist -Church MONTHLY PASSES: Unlimited ride monthly passes are sold for $12 at the Civic l Center, all downtown banks, the University 2:00 several other retail stores. The passes, good for a calendar month, are' North Liberty Square .available for sale beginning the third Monday July 28 11:30-1:00 trip from one part of town to another - they are not intended to allow Zion Church point of origin. Transfers are valid up i to 30 minutes during the day, and up to 11:30 .00. allow ample time to make connections between buses. Once a transfer has Lone Tree ,• expired, an additional 35 cent fare is required. J61y'31 .11:00-12:30 Autumn`Park, Muscatine Bldg. ' 1 IOWA CITY REC CENTER - July,7,21,28 - Minibus trips to Indian Creek Nature Center near Cedar Rapids. - The bus will leave at 9:15 a.m. from Rec Center and return.by 1:30 p.m. Cost.is $1.75 for residents and $3.50 for non- residents of Iowa City. July 15 - Nauvoo trip. Tour of Nauvoo historic site in Illinois.. Lunch at Icarian Restaurant. Leave Rec Center at 7:30 a.m.,- return 4:00 p.m. Cost is $15.50 for residents and $17.50 for non- residents. July 9 - Golden Age Club potluck at noon at the Rec Center. August 14 - State Fair trip. Leave Rec Center at 7:45 a.m. and return 6:00 p.m. Cost is '$11.00 for residents and, $13.00 for non- residents., People may register now. August 30 Senior boat trip from Clinton. Brunch at Rastrelli Avanti. Also, participants will view a'play, "Where's Charlie?" on the City of Clinton showboat. Trip leaves Rec Center at 10:00 a.m. and returns at 4:30 p.m. Cost is $18.75 for residents and $20.75 for non-residents. Swimming for elderly. Pool open on Saturdays, 10:00 to 11:00. Drama Group - Thursdays from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Work on short skits. Easy Hiking - Wednesdays at 9:00. IN CPR INSTRUCTION The American Red Cross will pre- sent a CPR instruction program on BWWL-TV, July 13-17, from 5-5=30 and from 1:00 AM to 1:30 for night shift people. 'There will also be classes in CPR instruction begin- ning in July. 'Call the American Red Cross office at 337-2119,for Individual reservations and infor- mation on these classes. SEATS Normal operating hours Iowa City, Coralville, University Heights Monday thru Friday, 8-5 PM Saturday and Sunday, 8-2 PM Rural areas: "+ Solon, Shueyville, Swisher, North Liberty, Morse, Oasis -Mon.', Tues.;' Thurs., 8:30-4 PM BUS AND SHOP: Bus and shop coupons are available from many local merchants with the purchase of $5.00 or more in goods and services. These coupons, when properly validated by the merchant, each entitles the bearer to one free bus ride. The Iowa City transit service will not be operating on July 4th; however, even though July 3rd is a holiday for City people, the Iowa City transit system will operate. L 9�3 Lone Tree, Sharon Center, River OPENINGS LEFT IN ELDERHOSTEL Junction, Hills - Mon., Wed., Fri.,8:30-4 PM , Week of: _ Oxford, Tiffin, Cosgrove, Frytown, July 5 Northern Iowa Community Joetown-Tues., Thurs.,8:30-4 PM College - Mason City Simpson College - Indianola SEATS will not run on July 3. July 12 U of N. Iowa- Cedar Falls Senior Center Westmar College - LaMars Commission Meetr' ing July 19 Waldorf College - Forest City There' will be a Senior Center Drake University - Des Moines 'Commission meeting on July -2f, at 1:30 in the Recreation Center Aug. 2 Cornell College - Mt. Vernon 1. Aug. 9 Morningside College - Sioux E lderfest City The' Kirkwood College "Elderfest" Aug. 31 Iowa. Wesleyan College -• Mt. 'will be held in Iowa Hall,' 10:000 AM Pleasant 2:00 PM on August 29. Transportation will be available_ by'cherter bus ;.ati. SOLON CONGREGATE MEAL ACTIVITIES $6.25 round .trip. .'If you. wish A reservation, please fill:out the form-;'., July'9 Fashioned Games Old below. And mail. to Elderly S0vices July 8 Visit Solon Care Center Agency, 1165 Gilbert Court,- Iowa 'City','."! Residents Iowa 52240 by August 1. We must have a July 15 July Birthday Celebra- minimum of 40 riders and'a maximum -of tion - Acoordian Music 80. Buses will Ioad'at the Senior. ;t July 20 Shopping trip to Iowa Center, Linn land Washington Streets„'at City Mall'- SEATS 8:00 AM. Please mail your check made providing trasnport. out to Chapter #1816 of AARP with your, July 22 Bingo reservation. July 28 Movie "Our Sweet Heri- If 'you have' questions,' contact Cook - tante” - Archway Cook- Chick Forwald at 338-1562. ies CORALVILLE REC CENTER' July 10 - Dog show. Those wishing to Enclosed find check for =I show a dog may begin registering round trip tickets' after the 6th of July and continue until before the show. July 24 - Summer cardboard carnival. on Charter Bus.to Kirkwood; Arts, crafts, games. Swimming lessons - pool open 12:15 to dlderl,ost iugust 291. 1:00. Instructors will be there day. No charge. Pool open Name Monday through Friday. 1 City Transit Information .Iowa FARES: Regular adult fare is 35a weekdays, 254 on Saturdays; exact change' is ;j required. Children under age five may ride free when accompanied by an adults Elderly (age 62 and older) and handicapped persons may ride free daily 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., after. 6:30 p.m. in the evening, and- all day on Saturdays; a Medicare card or special Elderly and Handicapped pass is required. i MONTHLY PASSES: Unlimited ride monthly passes are sold for $12 at the Civic Center, all downtown banks, the University Hospital cashier's office,. and several other retail stores. The passes, good for a calendar month, are' .available for sale beginning the third Monday of the preceding month. TRANSFERS: Transfers are issued to allow a passenger to make a complete one-way ' trip from one part of town to another - they are not intended to allow passengers to make a return trip to the point of origin. Transfers are valid up i to 30 minutes during the day, and up to 60 minutes in the evening; which should allow ample time to make connections between buses. Once a transfer has expired, an additional 35 cent fare is required. BUS AND SHOP: Bus and shop coupons are available from many local merchants with the purchase of $5.00 or more in goods and services. These coupons, when properly validated by the merchant, each entitles the bearer to one free bus ride. The Iowa City transit service will not be operating on July 4th; however, even though July 3rd is a holiday for City people, the Iowa City transit system will operate. L 9�3