HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-03-13 Info Packet~ i
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
March 13, 2008
MISCELLANEOUS
IP1 Council Meetings and Work Session Agenda
IP2 Letter from Mayor Bailey to Evan and Jake Wibbenmeyer: Global warming
IP3 Memorandum from the Interim City Manager: Acting City Manager Designation
IP4 Memorandum from the City Clerk: City Manager Search Schedule
IP5 Memorandum from the Interim City Manager: Board & Commission Appointments 2007
IP6 Letter from Senator Tom Harkin: Funding in the FY2008 Omnibus Appropriations bill for
the Corridor projects
DRAFT MINUTES
IP7 Youth Advisory Commission: February 25, 2008
IP8 Telecommunications Commission: March 3, 2008
IP9 Historic Preservation Commission: February 28, 2008
IP10 Housing and Community Development Commission: February 20, 2008
IP11 Task Force on Violence Against Women: March 10, 2008
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,,,,,,~ City Council Meeting Schedule and
CITY OF IOWA CITY Work Session Agendas March 13, zoos
www.icgov.org
• THURSDAY, MARCH 13 City Manager's Conference Room
6:30p Special Formal Council Meeting -Separate Agenda Posted
CANCELLED Executive Session -City Manager Search
Special Work Session -City Manager Search
• MONDAY, MARCH 31 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Regular Work Session
• TUESDAY, APRIL 1 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Regular Formal Council Meeting
• THURSDAY, APRIL 10 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Special Formal Council Meeting -Separate Agenda Posted
Executive Session -City Manager Search
Special Work Session -City Manager Search
• MONDAY, APRIL 14 Emma J. Harvat Hall
5:30p Regular Work Session
7:OOp Special Formal Council Meeting
Continue Regular Work Session if necessary
• THURSDAY, APRIL 24 Emma J. Harvat Hall
4:30p Special Formal Council Meeting -Separate Agenda Posted
Executive Session -City Manager Search
Special Work Session -City Manager Search
• FRIDAY, APRIL 25 Emma J. Harvat Hall
4:30p Special Formal Council Meeting -Separate Agenda Posted
Executive Session -City Manager Search
Special Work Session -City Manager Search
TBD Meet and Greet -City Manager Candidates Public Library Meeting Room A
• MONDAY, APRIL 28 Emma J. Harvat Hall
5:30p Special Formal Council Meeting -Separate Agenda Posted
Executive Session -City Manager Search
6:30p Special Work Session
• TUESDAY, APRIL 29 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Special Formal Council Meeting
• WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Special Work Session -Snow removal discussion
All meetings are tentative and subject to change.
IP2
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March 4, 2008
Evan and Jake Wibbenmeyer
1281 Prairie Grass Lane
Iowa City, IA 52246-8706
Dear Evan and Jake,
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-CITY OF IOWA CITY
. 410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
(319) 356-5000
(319j 356-5009 FAX
www.icgov.org
Thank you for your letter regarding what we can do in Iowa City to address the issue of global
warming. This is something that concerns the Council and I've outlined below some of the
things that we are doing.
In Apri12007, Mayor Ross Wilburn signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. It is
unfortunate that Iowa City does not appear on the list, but I have contacted someone at the U.S.
Conference of Mayors and hopefully, this will be corrected.
In addition to this, the City is undertaking several environmental initiatives. Here are just a few
of those:
• The City has expanded its use of renewable fuels.
• Last year, we hired the City's first Recycling Coordinator.
• We are developing an East Side Recycling Center.
• On February 19, 2008, the Council voted to move forward to join the International Council
for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) and will assess the feasibility of conducting a
carbon audit of the City as a first step in assessing and addressing greenhouse gas emissions
locally.
Thanks again for your letters and for your concern about our environment. If you have
additional ideas of things the City should try or work on in this area, please contact me.
Ria D. Bailey
Mayor
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
IP3
Date: March 11, 2008
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Dale Helling, Interim City Manager
Re: Acting City Manager Designation
I will be away from my office during the week of March 17 - 21. In my absence, Joe Fowler will
be the Acting City Manager. Joe and Kathi will know how to reach me
Joe will be spending a portion of his time each day in my office. During the remainder of each
day he will be available by phone (356-5156) or you can contact Kathi to reach him.
cc. Department Directors
Kathi Johansen
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CITY OF IOWA CITY ~pq
MEMORANDUM
DATE: March 12, 2008
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk ~~~
RE: City Manager Search Schedule
At your March 11 work session, the majority agreed to cancel the meeting scheduled for
March 13, and agreed to the following revised schedule:
o Thursday, April 10 - 7 PM Meeting to select candidates to interview
o Thursday, April 24 - 4:30 PM CM interviews
o Friday, April 25 -continue interviews if necessary starting at 4:30 PM
o Friday, April ~5 -Meet and Greet (time to be determined)
o Sunday, April 27 -Deadline for citizen comments
o Monday, April 28 -Special formal & executive session at 5:30 PM (prior to work
session for narrowing down candidates for second interviews
o Friday, May 2 -Second interviews and deliberation 2:30-8:30 PM
o Sunday, May 4 -Continued Second interviews and deliberation if necessary
2:00-5:00 PM
Updated candidate profiles, including all candidates under consideration, will be
distributed a week prior to the April 10 meeting.
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Date: March 11, 2008
To: City Council
From: Dale Helling, Interim City Manager
Re: Board & Commission Appointments 2007
Attached you will find a list of appointments to Boards and Commissions made by Council in
2007.
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TOM HARKIN
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2~nit~d ~t~te,~ senate
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~= - _- February 27, 2008
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City of Iowa City
410 E Washington St
Iowa City, IA 52240-1825
Dear Friends:
COMh;iTTE65.
AGRICUL"CURE
APPROPRIATIONS
HEALTH EDUCATION.
LABOR AND PENSIONS
SMALL BL!SINF.SS
I want you to know how much I appreciate all the time and
effort that you put into making Corridor the best it can possibly
be. Your activism is so very important. In tandem with your own
efforts, I continue to work hard to secure new resources for your
community. Let me briefly bring you up to date on what I have
been able to accomplish.
As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I
was very pleased that I was able to secure funding in the FY 2008
Omnibus Appropriations bill for several projects throughout the
Corridor. Among the projects funded were:
• $13,186,000 for the construction of a new Iowa Army
National Guard Readiness Center in Iowa City;
• $650,000 to the Entrepreneurial Development Center's
Business Accelerator to mentor Iowa companies and help
job creating companies grow to at least $10 million in
sales each;
• $328,300 for the CEMAR trail. These funds will be used
to provide a hard surface trail from Cedar Rapids to
Marion. the trail will run along an abandoned railroad
corridor;
• $656,600 to help complete the initial work on the
Coralville Intermodal facility. This facility will
include 500 parking spaces, a hub for Coralville
Transit, bicylcle parking and a child care center.
• $343,000 to the City of Marion to rehabilitate a
neighborhood by converting an abandoned railroad line
into a roadway and pedestrian trail;
IP6
(202)224-3254
Faxi202i224-9369
TTY (202','• 224-4633
http.;/harkir..~anate-goc
750 FIRST AVENUE. NE 210 61'ALN'UT STREET 1606 BRAUY STREET 350 WEST 6TH STREET
SUITE 370 733 FEDERAL BUILDING SUITE 323 315 FEDERAL BUILDING
CEDAR RAPIDS. IA 52401 DES MOINES, LA 50309 DAVENPORT.. IA 52803 UL!BUQUE, IA 52001
(3191 365-4504 (515) 284-4574 (563) 322-1338 (5631 582-2]30
320 6TH STREET
I10 FEUERAL 6UIi_DING
SIOUX CITY, IA 51101
(712) 252-1550
PREPARED, PUBLISHED AND MAILED AT TAXPAYER EXPENSE
• $4 million to Rockwell Collins for additional advanced
GPS receivers to enable our military servicemen and
women to function more efficiently on the battlefield;
$6 million for the development of software and hardware
to be used in aircraft cockpits to improve their
defensive and offensive capability.
• $3 million to PMX Industries for continued research on
how copper alloys can reduce certain types of
infection;
• Initial funding for a study.of Cedar Rapids' flood
control system;
• $2.1 million for a public health laboratory .at the U of
Iowa.
A group of local government officials, community and
business leaders were recently in Washington, D.C. presenting
their proposals for next year to the delegation. Their visit was
helpful in laying out a series of projects for the Corridor.
While I expect the upcoming fiscal year to be a very difficult
one with regard to appropriation requests., I am hopeful that we
can continue to help the area with a number of important projects
in the coming year.
Finally, I have a series of issue specific e-newsletters to
help keep Iowans informed about what is going on in Washington,
DC and on Capitol Hill. If you are interested in receiving any,
or all, of these newsletters, please visit my web site
(http://harkin.senate.gov) and click on "request e-mail updates."
I always appreciate hearing from Iowans with any questions,
concerns, or suggestions that they might have. I hope that,
together, we can continue to make the Corridor and Iowa a great
place to live, work and raise a family. Again, thank you for
your hard work and 1 look forward to working with you in the
future.
~.~.~ Sincerely,
c~'- 'r
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~'' `-' - Tom Harkin
~- ~ - ~ United States Senator
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IP7
MINUTES
Youth Advisory Commission
February 25, 2008
Lobby Conference Room, City Hall
Members Present: Nelson, Segar, Weeks, Han
Members Absent: Green
Others Present: City Clerk Karr, City Council Liaison Wilburn
Call to Order: 7:00 P.M.
DRAFT
Approve Minutes: Nelson moved to approve the minutes as amended. Segar
seconded. The minutes were approved 4-0.
Report on Budget Presentation: Nelson reported that he attended the budget hearing
on January 23. The Youth Advisory Commission was given $3000. Nelson stated that
there were far fewer questions from the council about the budget than last year.
Update on Website: Karr pointed out that some members did not yet have pictures
and/or parental release forms on their website biography. Nelson said that he would
continue his work on the Facebook ads and send the information to Karr.
Youth Empowerment Grant: Nelson reiterated the importance of advertising the
Youth Empowerment Grant, both by word of mouth and by other means such as
Facebook ads. Wilburn said that he had distributed information about the Grants to Mr.
Harper at City High and Mr. Pepin at West High.
Summer of the Arts Update: Karr suggested that a country be picked soon, so as
to have a wider list of options. Nelson reminded the Commission that up to $700 could be
spent on this project with $500 in the YAC budget, and $200 being reimbursed by
Summer of the Arts. Segar opined that Egypt and Madagascar were the most interesting
to him. Weeks and Segar briefly discussed Segar's connection to a person from Egypt.
The Commission reached a consensus to chose Egypt.
Citizenship Awards Representation: Karr reminded the council that Mayor
Bailey had requested our presence at the Citizenship Awards. The commission agreed to
renew its commitment to the awards, designating alternates to go incase of conflict. Segar
volunteered for the March 4`h Awards with Nelson as an alternate. Weeks volunteered for
April ls` with Nelson as an alternate. Han volunteered for April 15``' with Nelson as an
alternate.
Make up of 2008 Subcommittees: Discussion postponed until the next meeting
pending the arrival of new YAC members.
Public Discussion: None
Youth Advisory Commission
January 16, 2008 .
Page 2
Announcements/Invitations: The Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County
asked if the YAC would like to staff a water stand at their Road Race on April 12th from
8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Karr and Nelson briefly discussed the conditions of last years race.
Segar and Han said that they could supply plenty of volunteers. The Commission agreed
to staff a stand.
Meeting Schedule: The next meeting was scheduled for Monday, March 24 at 7:00,
and an additional meeting was scheduled for Monday, April 21 at 7:00.
Adjournment: Motioned by Segar, seconded by Weeks. Approved 4-0. Meeting
was adjourned at 7:20 pm.
Minutes prepared by Weeks.
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IP8
IOWA CITY TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION DRAFT
MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2008--5:30 P.M.
CITY CABLE TV OFFICE, 10 S. LINK ST.-TOWER PLACE PARKING FACILITY
MEMBERS PRESENT: Saul Mekies, Hans Hoerschelman, Brett Gordon, Gary Hagen,
Margaret Wieting
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Drew Shaffer, Mike Brau, Bob Hardy
OTHERS PRESENT: Josh Goding, Susan Rogusky, Michael McBride
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL
None at this time.
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION
Shaffer reported that Katie Roche and the City Cable TV Office have been holding discussions
with mayor Regenia Bailey about doing a monthly informational program. McBride reported
that the University channel has been quite busy. 28 new programs were produced by the
channel, which is a large increase in the number of programs produced. Goding thanked Shaffer
for speaking to the PATV Board about the changing legal environment affecting local access and
cable TV. Goding reported that there will be a regional ACM conference in Chicago May 22-23.
Rogusky reported that Senior Center Television will be featured on the ``Iowa Travel" news
segment on KGAN. Mekies asked about progress on establishing benchmarks to measure
progress resulting from the Community Television Group (CTG) grants. Hardy said the school
district purchased a piece of equipment with CTG funds that will help them cablecast more
efficiently, but how to measure the impact is uncertain. The current level of programming is
known and future progress could be tracked. Hagen said the CTG members provide scrutiny of
each other better than Commissioners could with regards to utilizing CTG funds well. Mekies
said the goal of establishing benchmarks is to not only ensure that the funds have been spent as
recipients indicated but also to document how the funding has enhanced local programming.
Wieting said the access channels need to develop a strategic plan following their mission
statement that looks at least 5 years out with a timeline for objectives and a way to measure
outcomes. Shaffer noted that the City Council meetings are available on the citychannel4.com
web site over streaming video. The meetings are indexed and broken up so viewers can select a
single agenda item to watch. Mekies said the Cable TV Division deserves a better presence on
the City of Iowa City web page and suggested that the Commission may wish to write a letter
requesting a more prominent display of the streaming video capability and the City Channel
program guide. Shaffer reported that officials from the University of Iowa have vacillated in
their decision to participate in a talk show with Mediacom regarding carriage of the Big Ten
Network. Mediacom has been willing to participate all along but University officials have given
conflicting responses. The show is booked for Wed., March 5 but at this point it is uncertain if
the University will participate.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Hagen moved and Gordon seconded a motion to approve the amended January 28, 2008 minutes.
The minutes were approved unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS
Mekies noted that this was Wieting's last meeting and thanked her for her service on the
Commission.
SHORT PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
CONSUMER ISSUES
Shaffer referred to the complaint report in the meeting packet. There were a total of 4
complaints, three of which expressed a desire for Mediacom to carry the Big Ten Network.
MEDIACOM REPORT
No representative was present.
UNIVERSITY OF IOWA REPORT
McBride reported that the University channel has been quite busy. Over the past two months the
University has cablecast between 75-80 new programs. 28 new programs were produced by the
channel, which is a large increase in the number of programs produced. McBride explained that
the University channel cannot cablecast any sports programs as the Big Ten Network has the
rights to all sports programming. The University channel could carry club sports such as rugby.
KIRKWOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE
O'Brien was unable to attend but provided a written report.
PATV REPORT
Goding reported that the next guidelines workshop will be April 6 from 12-2 and the next board
meeting March 20 at 7 p.m. Goding thanked Shaffer for speaking to the PATV Board about the
changing legal environment affecting local access and cable TV. Goding is a member of the
national board of directors of the Alliance for Community Media (ACM). The ACM is looking
for a new executive director. Goding reported that there will be a regional ACM conference in
Chicago May 22-23. Planning for workshops and speakers is currently underway. It is
anticipated about 100-200 people will attend.
SENIOR CENTER REPORT
Rogusky reported that Senior Center Television will be featured on the "Iowa Travel" news
segment on KGAN. Taping was March 3. Equipment problems resulted in the loss of some
video footage and slowed up productions. Work on the project with United Action for Youth
(UAY) has been slowed. Rogusky has asked Laura Lowe from the Iowa City Community
School District for assistance in identifying students who might like to participate if UAY
participants cannot be found.
LIBRARY REPORT
No representative was present.
IOWA CITY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT REPORT
Shaffer report Lowe had a prior commitment and was unable to attend.
CITY MEDIA UNIT REPORT
Hardy reported that the Community Television Service has been quite busy and is booked
through April. The Media Unit continues to have a solid demand. Public service
announcements promoting each of the access channels are currently in production. The
Community Voice has just finished a program on the furniture project which highlights their
activities. The program will be rerun from time to time when appropriate such as when the
students are leaving or arriving to town. Mekies asked about whether any headway mad in
establishing benchmarks to measure progress resulting from the Community Television Group
(CTG) grants. Hardy said the school district purchased a piece of equipment with CTG funds
that will help them cablecast more efficiently, but how to measure the impact is uncertain. The
current level of programming is known and future progress could be tracked. Hagen said the
CTG members provide scrutiny of each other better than Commissioners could with regards to
utilizing CTG funds well. The schools have received much criticism and encouragement. Now
they have received some funds to make improvements and it should be apparent in 6 months to a
year the impact of the CTG funds. Mekies said the goal of establishing benchmarks is to not
only ensure that the funds have been spent as recipients indicated but also to document how the
funding has enhanced local programming. Mekies noted that this has been discussed in previous
meetings and the Commission was told that criteria for benchmarks would be developed.
Mekies said that there has been a lot of progress at the schools but that progress needs to be
documented. Wieting said the access channels need to develop a strategic plan following their
mission statement that looks at least 5 years out with a timeline for objectives and a way to
measure outcomes. Shaffer said there are various topics inherent in this discussion. The CTG
funding is one item, strategic planning another, and how to measure the progress of the access
channels. How to measure and show progress has always been a struggle for the access
channels. Measuring programming is one way, but getting beyond that has been difficult.
Mekies said the CTG grants are only a small part of what's needed. Mekies said measurable
progress, such as statistics on the number of new programs or programming hours compared to
last year, is needed when the Commission discusses budgets with the City Council, for example.
The issue is not only about the school district or the money they have received.
CABLE ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Shaffer reported that Robert Kemp has been appointed to the Commission to replace Wieting.
Hagen was reappointed. The check from Mediacom for the funding of PATV has arrived. The
City has forwarded two months of funding to PATV and will distribute funds on a monthly basis.
Katie Roche and the City Cable TV Office have been holding discussions with mayor Regenia
Bailey about doing a monthly informational program. Shaffer noted that the City Council
meetings are available on the citychannel4.com web site over streaming video. The meetings are
indexed and broken up so viewers can select a single agenda item to watch. Mekies said the
Cable TV Division deserves a better presence on the City of Iowa City web page and suggested
that the Commission may wish to write a letter requesting a more prominent display of the
streaming video capability and the City Channel program guide. Shaffer said the Cable Division
does have a link on the City site's front page.
BIG TEN NETWORK TALK SHOW
Shaffer reported that officials from the University of Iowa have vacillated in their decision to
participate in a talk show with Mediacom regarding carriage of the Big Ten Network. Mediacom
has been willing to participate all along but University officials have given conflicting responses.
The show is booked for Wed., March 5 but at this point it is uncertain if the University will
participate.
FCC UPDATE
Shaffer reported that a coalition of national organizations have filed reply comments regarding
the Second Report and Order dealing with franchising. The groups, headed by the Miller Van
Eaton law firm, have also filed a petition for reconsideration with the FCC regarding the order.
It is unlikely the FCC would reconsider, but the procedure is a necessary step before the issue
can be taken up in the courts. The reply comments focused on the Second Report's overturning
state rules and laws and the impact the immediate implementation (rather than at the expiration
of a franchise) has on local operations and funding.
A LA CARTE PROGRAMMING
This item was deferred, as no Mediacom representative was present.
ADJOURNMENT
Wieting moved and Hoerschelman seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion passed
unanimously. Adjournment was at 6:53.
Respectfully submitted,
Drew Shaffer
Cable TV Administrator
TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
12 MONTH ATTENDANCE RECORD
01/01/03 to CURRENT
Meeting Date Kimberly
Thrower Saul Meikes Brett Castillo Terry Smith Jim Pusack
6/2/03 x x x x x
7/28/03 x x x x x
8/25/03 x x x x olc
9/22/03 x x x x o/c
10/27/03 x x x x o/c
11 /24/03 x x o/c x x
12/ 15/03 o/c o/c x x x
1/2/04 x o/c x x x
1 /26/04 x x x x x
2/23/04 x o/c x o/c x
3/22/04 x x x x x
4/ 26/04 x x x x O/C
5/24/04 x x OIC x x
6/28/04 x x x o/c x
7/26/04 o/c x x x x
8/26/04 did not meet did not meet did not meet did not meet did not meet
9/27/04 X X X X X
10/25/04 X X
11/04 Did not meet Did not meet Did not meet Did not meet Did not meet
12/20/04 X X X X X
1 /24/05 X X X X X
2/28/05 X X X X
Ga Ha en
3/8/05 X X X X X
3/25/05 X O X X X
4/25/05 x olc X X X
5/23/05 X o x vacanc X
James
Ehrmann X x Bebe
Balant ne x
6/27/05 X x X X X
X Michael
Chritians
7/25/05 O X X X X
9/26/05 0 X X 0 X
10/31 /05 X X o/c X X
11/28/05 X X X X X
1 /23/06 olc X X O X
2.27/06 X X X 0 X
3/27/06 o/c X X John
Weaterson
X X
4/24/06 X X X X X
5/22/06 0 x x/o 0 X
6/26/06 0 X Vacant 0 X
Nick Parker
7/24/06 x x x X
8/24/06 X x M. Wietin o/c X
9/25/06 x x x 0/c X
10/23/06 x X x o/c X
10/30/06 x x x vacant X
11 /27/09 x x x X
12.18/06 X X X X
Brett
Gordon
1 /22/07 X X X X X
2/26/07 X X X X X
3/26/07 Vacant x o/c x X
4/23/07 Vacant X X X X
Hoerschelma
n
521 /07 X X o/c X x
6/26/07 x x x x X
7/23/07 x x x x X
9/24/07 X X olc o/c X
10/22/07 x x olc o/c x
11 /26/07 x x x x X
12/18/07 X X o/c X X
1 /28/08 X x o/c x X
3/3/08 X X X X x
(X)=Present
(O) =Absent
(OIC) = Absent/Called (Excused)
IP9
MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2008
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL
DRAFT
MEMBERS PRESENT: Esther Baker, William Downing, Lindsay Eubanks, Pam Michaud, Jim Ponto, Tim
Weitzel
MEMBERS ABSENT: Michael Brennan, Ginalie Swaim, Tim Toomey, Alicia Trimble
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Miklo
OTHERS PRESENT: Helen Burford, Shel Stromquist
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Weitzel called the meeting to order at 5:37 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
DISCUSSION OF 2008 WORK PLAN:
Weitzel stated that the Commission prepares a work plan each year to be submitted to City Council. He
said that the work plan documents what the Commission would like to achieve in the coming year and is
also a yardstick for measuring its progress.
Miklo said that at the public hearing for the Preservation Plan last week, one of the City Council members
liked the Plan but said there was a lot in it, asked how it would be accomplished, and asked if an annual
work plan would done.
Weitzel said there seems to be some general concern about the Commission not accomplishing all of its
goals. He said the Commission should select goals that are achievable and work on them over the next
ten to fifteen years. Weitzel said the Commission should prioritize what needs to be done first. Weitzel
said that public input is a good place to start. He said the Commission should analyze what needs to be
done to get its goals accomplished and assign its members to tasks. Weitzel said that some things may
need to be handled by subcommittee or small groups.
Miklo said that from staff's viewpoint, it would be good to review and revise the guidelines fairly early on.
He said that the Commission has worked with the guidelines for some years now, and they have served
fairly well. However, Miklo said that some problem areas have been identified by a need for more
flexibility or more specificity. He said it would therefore be good to have one of the goals to be to
reexamine the guidelines to see what was worked and what could be better.
Miklo stated that a new staff person has been hired for historic preservation and planning and zoning, and
she will start full-time in May. He said that she would be working part time for now and would be focusing
on historic preservation during that time and could therefore do some work on the goal of refining the
guidelines. Miklo suggested the Commission hold one or two district forums to identify things to change in
the guidelines and after that focus on reworking the guidelines and streamlining the process.
Burford suggested the Commission review the public comments submitted during the process of adopting
the new Preservation Plan and identify the public priority. She also encouraged doing a study of the
economic impact of historic preservation on Iowa City.
Weitzel said that the economic impact study would be something that a small group of people could write
a grant proposal for so that the Commission could hire a consultant. Miklo said that there will be a CLG
and HRDP grant cycle coming up, and this is certainly something that would fall into one of those
categories. Weitzel said that CLG applications receive a first review on August 3`d, and HRDP
applications are due May 151h
Historic Preservation Commission
February 28, 2008
Page 2
Eubanks asked how accessible the guidelines are on the Internet. Weitzel said they are available on the
City's website. He said the Commission may want to apply for a grant to hire someone to compile a
design review manual. Miklo said that he was hoping that the new staff person could work on that, as she
has some experience in that area.
Michaud suggested putting a list of frequently asked questions on the website. Weitzel said the website
could also incorporate a menu of pre-approved items so that some. projects could simply be
administratively approved. Miklo said those things could be one aspect of the streamlining of the
guidelines.
Miklo said that in the past, the work programs have been somewhat ambitious. Weitzel suggested the
Commission propose three or four attainable goals for the year.
Michaud referred to a book entitled University of Iowa: Guide to Campus Architecture. She said that the
University's architectural tourism could be promoted, as it is a goal of the plan to work with the University,
and the University encompasses a huge variety of architecture.
Michaud suggested that there be a walking tour of University buildings, perhaps one a month to highlight
five to ten buildings each time. She said that the University is an incredible resource, and these walking
tours could be fairly easily accomplished. Downing, Michaud, and Eubanks volunteered to work on the
goal of organizing some kind of walking tours of architecturally significant buildings.
Burford suggested that Humanities Iowa would be a source of funding for maps emphasizing the cultural
aspects of the City.
Michaud said that another goal could be to make the guidelines more acceptable of green and innovative
technology. She asked if there is information about this on the Secretary of the Interior's website. Weitzel
said there is some subjectivity in those issues as well. Miklo said that would be something that could be
addressed in the guidelines. Weitzel suggested that the staff person watch for green issues while the
guidelines are being revised.
Miklo said the Commission had come up with four goals at this point: 1) the district forum(s); 2) revising
the guidelines including streamlining the process, opportunities for green building materials, and making
the guidelines more easily accessible on the web; 3) an economic impact study, which require a grant
application and therefore a one to two person subcommittee to compile a draft application; and 4) a
walking tour of architecturally significant buildings.
Miklo said that the Johnson County Historical Society and Friends of Historic Preservation could be part
of the walking tours, and Downing said that the local NAIA chapter would also be interested. Weitzel said
that the walking tours could be ongoing from year to year.
Regarding the grant application for the economic impact study, Baker said that she would be willing to
work on it. Weitzel said that the grant application is mostly a narrative, along with preparing a budget,
which is done primarily by staff.
Eubanks asked how and how well the Commission communicates with other bodies, including other
commissions and The University of Iowa. Weitzel said that is a critique in the Plan, that communication
with other entities needs to be improved.
Weitzel suggested the Commission spend some time discussing how to pursue better communications.
Regarding the Planning and Zoning Commission, Miklo said that when working on the district plans and
the Comprehensive Plan, staff reminds the Planning and Zoning Commission to take preservation into
consideration as an element of the planning.
Regarding the University, Weitzel said there are several issues to discuss. Miklo stated that the University
has a campus planning committee that meets on a regular basis. He suggested that the Commission go
before that committee and present the Preservation Plan to the committee once it is adopted. Miklo
Historic Preservation Commission
February 28, 2008
Page 3
suggested adding as a fifth goal the initiation of contact with the University's campus planning committee.
The Commission agreed by consensus that Miklo should write up the discussed five goals and present
them to the City Council as the Commission's work program.
Eubanks suggested that the economic impact study results also be presented to the University to show
what preservation can do. Weitzel said that the Commission can raise awareness with the University of
what its impact is on buildings and residents who are stable participants in the neighborhood.
Miklo said that one of the ideas in the Preservation Plan is that the University promote close-in housing
for its faculty and staff and possibly provide funding in the form of low interest loans, etc. He said the
older, historic neighborhoods where one can live and walk to campus could be a recruitment tool for the
University.
Miklo said that some City Council members questioned why the Preservation Plan has goals and
objectives for other groups that the City has no control over. Miklo said he responded that this is a
community-wide plan and that the Commission is not responsible for all of this. He said the goals and
objectives fit together, and there is a web to take into account the actions of others.
Miklo said that another concern was that because there is no control over the University, perhaps it
should not even be in the plan if there is no regulatory influence. He said that all the Plan is a way of
putting forward the communities expectations for historic buildings on and near the University campus.
DISCUSSION OF MELROSE NEIGHBORHOOD:
Stromquist, representing the Melrose Neighborhood, referred to Jean Walker's report regarding
preservation of the Melrose Neighborhood. Stromquist said the neighborhood is at a crisis point, and the
main threat to the neighborhood at this point is the University, although the neighborhood is very much a
creature of the University in a lot of ways.
Stromquist said that the affordable, close-in housing in a stable neighborhood has been a very attractive
factor to prominent faculty and staff with the University who value proximity to work. He said that the
University will always be growing, and the question is how can its growth be shaped in such a way so as
not to undermine the very community that the University is integrally a part of. Stromquist said the
neighborhood wants to encourage the University to heighten its awareness and appreciation of the
neighborhoods that it shares so much with.
Stromquist said that the neighborhood has accomplished a number of things. He said that there was a
confrontation with the University when the issue of widening Melrose Avenue was discussed. Stromquist
said the University wanted afive-lane road, but the neighborhood persuaded it to go to a three-lane
expansion, which has proven to be satisfactory without too much of a disruptive effect.
Stromquist said that a second item of contention with the University was the plan to put in a multi-story
Hope Lodge on an enclosed University property in the heart of the neighborhood. He said that after some
alternatives were proposed, the University finally conceded that the area by the Ronald McDonald House
is a much more logical place for this type of facility to be located.
Stromquist said that Walker has been instrumental in getting the neighborhood designated as a National
Register Historic District, which has been a source of neighborhood pride. Stromquist said that there is a
very strong sense of community in that neighborhood.
Stromquist said that in the last several years, the neighborhood has faced a piecemeal acquisition by the
University of properties on Melrose Avenue. He said that is a permanent thing, and the neighborhood's
hope is that the University will preserve those properties and make them a part of the architectural pride
and sense of history that the University has in itself.
Stromquist said the real concern now is the University's piecemeal acquisition of properties in the interior
of the neighborhood, when the University has repeatedly promised that it has no long-range plan and no
Historic Preservation Commission
February 28, 2008
Page 4
intentions of consuming the neighborhood. Stromquist said, however, that the purchase of property
continues. He distributed a map highlighting the property that the University has acquired.
Stromquist pointed out on Melrose Place, Melrose Court, and Oak Park Court where the University has
acquired property. He said the University claims that its intentions are only to use these properties for
faculty housing, although a number of them have already been turned into student housing and in some
cases are not all that well taken care of.
Stromquist said that this is a central neighborhood that offers a variety of housing at a variety of prices.
He said that, because of its proximity to the University, the neighborhood housing allows people to reduce
their carbon footprint by virtue of not having to commute to work. Stromquist said that if the housing is
maintained, it is a very attractive area in which to live and gives an opportunity to preserve historic
housing stock that is part of the community's heritage.
Stromquist said that neighborhood representatives have been to campus planning and have been to the
University in a variety of forums and settings and have not felt that they received a very satisfactory
response and have not discerned any willingness to make a commitment to the neighborhood and its
preservation. He said that has contributed to the sense of crisis that the neighborhood now feels.
Stromquist said that at this point public bodies, the city government in particular, have few tools with
which to regulate the University's acquisition and use of property. He stated that the only real tool is one
of moral suasion, of trying to appeal to the University to live up to its civic responsibility and see itself as
part of the community, and to make that case as strongly as possible by appealing to public bodies that
have an interest in neighborhood preservation.
Stromquist said the Neighborhood Council is drafting a resolution of support for the neighborhood. He
said the neighborhood is asking that the Commission discuss this and be prepared to draft a similar
resolution of support to affirm the importance of neighborhood and historic preservation. Stromquist said
that ultimately, the neighborhood intends to go to the City to make this same case.
Stromquist said that a lot of this is a question of drawing the community's attention to this problem and
elevating the moral case that can be made to the University. He pointed out that Walker's report suggests
alternative ways in which the University may grow, including infilling and expanding into areas where
there is neither a historic footprint nor an established sense of neighborhood that would be violated.
Stromquist said the report represents a cumulative record of neighborhood concerns, steps undertaken to
preserve the neighborhood, and potential steps that could be taken on behalf of the neighborhood. He
said the report includes a pledge regarding the shared assets of the historic neighborhood. Stromquist
said the pledge lays out the history and character of the neighborhood and makes a point that there is a
shared interest with the University in the neighborhood's preservation and integrity.
Stromquist said the neighborhood sees the report as an appeal to the University and other public bodies
that have an interest in these concerns for cooperation. He said the University is also asked to agree to
end its acquisition of residential property in the neighborhood; to use the property it has acquired for the
stated purposes; to not destroy housing or structures on properties it has acquired, particularly historic
structures; and to work closely with the neighborhood and the City to develop along-range plan to meet
the needs of the University but also preserve the integrity of the neighborhood.
Stromquist said the report also lays out the things the neighborhood will do: to continue to maintain
Brookland Park, to place historic markers, to work to maintain good traffic flow, and to work with
homeowners to maintain their property values.
Miklo pointed out that the Commission does not pass resolutions but could draft a memo to the City
Council to express its support for the neighborhood. He said that when the neighborhood representatives
go before the City Council, there would then be a memorandum from the Commission available.
Stromquist added that the Preservation Plan does address the Melrose Neighborhood directly.
Historic Preservation Commission
February 28, 2008
Page 5
Ponto said that this neighborhood is a National Register district but not a locally designated district.
Weitzel confirmed this. Stromquist stated that the neighborhood hopes to eventually be a locally
designated district. He pointed out, however, that neither designation gives them real leverage with the
University except that designation enhances the moral case. Ponto said that local designation would.
show that the City supports preservation of the neighborhood.
Weitzel said that when there is local jurisdiction, anyone but the University has to apply for a permit for
demolition of a building. He said that Marlys Svendsen, a preservation consultant, has also contended
that local designation gives one more reason that the University would not want to do things that might be
detrimental to neighborhood preservation.
Weitzel said the Commission would need to discuss whether such a letter to the City Council should be
sent, and if so, what the content should be.
Burford said that the Board of Friends of Historic Preservation feels that are at least three tactics the
Historic Preservation Commission could employ to make preservation of the neighborhood a topic of
discussion within the community. She referred to the items mentioned in the letter sent to the Commission
by Friends.
Burford said that the proposed resolution is pretty inclusive to the Melrose Neighborhood. She said that
there is a new zoning ordinance that does address some of these things in other areas, not just RS-5
zoning.
Weitzel said that with a focus on preservation and looking at the whole issue, the Commission has two
ways to deal with the University. He stated that one way is to use diplomatic means to discuss this with
the University, and the other way is to fight the University. Weitzel said he believes it would be preferable
to work with the University, and that should be the tenor of the Commission's recommendation to City
Council.
Stromquist said the neighborhood certainly doesn't intend to break off communications with the
University. He said, however, that it would be helpful to have more participants in that conversation, and
the City and historic preservation community are logical participants in that conversation.
Weitzel said that he can certainly see the need for the Commission to do something. The rest of the
Commission agreed with Weitzel. He volunteered to draft a letter to bring before the Commission to be
voted on.
OTHER
Miklo stated that two new Commission members have been appointed to replace Brennan and Weitzel,
whose terms will soon be expiring.
Miklo said he wanted to bring to the attention of the Commission an issue regarding the brick house at
829 Kirkwood Avenue. Miklo said that the Commission approved the project to jack up the house and
rebuild the foundation. He said that the contractor had explained that there would be a concrete
foundation, and for the portion of the foundation above grade, the contractor would use the existing stone,
cut it down, and make a veneer so that the appearance of the foundation would not be radically different
from the historic foundation.
Miklo said that the concrete foundation is done, but the mason decided that the stones were too big and
would be too difficult to cut into a veneer to place back on the house. He said that without consulting with
the City, someone gave the go ahead to have those stones hauled away and dumped. Miklo said the
certificate stated that the foundation shall be, "...faced with reclaimed limestone such that the exterior
appearance matches the existing limestone foundation in size, color, composition, and joint profile."
Miklo said that Shelley McCafferty is now consulting on this project. He said the mason and proposes to
use a new stone veneer that is more regular in size and shape than what was there in terms of the
Historic Preservation Commission
February 28, 2008
Page 6
random sizes. He said McCafferty has consulted with a mason supplier and suggests that another
alternative would be to use salvaged foundation stones from another property that would be larger and
less regular in appearance than the new cut stone and would more closely mimic the original.
Miklo said the certificate states that the foundation shall be faced with reclaimed limestone. He said that
although it does not state that it must be from this property, that was clearly the intent and that was the
statement given by the contractor. Miklo said his thought is that the City should require that the
contractor get the reclaimed material and reface it with that so that it has more of the original appearance;
otherwise the City will pursue this violation.
Weitzel said that the guidelines discuss looking at remedies and standardizing and possibly increasing
remedies for teardowns that were denied. Miklo said that the maximum fine for violation, by State law, is
$750. He added, however, that the zoning code states that the owner can be required to replace
whatever has been destroyed.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES: JANUARY 10, 2008.
The Commission approved the minutes of the January 10th meeting, as written, by consensus.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Anne Schulte
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MINUTES DRAFT
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
FEBRUARY 20, 2008-6:00 PM
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL-CITY HALL
Members Present: Jerry Anthony, Steve Crane, Marcy DeFrance, Andy Douglas, Holly Hart
Rebecca McMurray, Michael Shaw
Members Absent: Brian Richman, Charles Drum
Staff Present: Steve Long, Linda Severson
Others Present: Dennis Craven, Maryann Dennis, Al Axeen, Salome Raheim, Tracy
Falcomata, Arvind Thakore, Bharat Kolhar Steve Rackis, Gillian Fox, Suellen Novotny,
Laura Dowd, Crissy Canganelli, P. Kelley, M. Strechen, Tom Walz, Bill Reagan, Sandy
Pickup, Ron Berg, Heidi Cuda, Sharon Locke, Brian Loring, Kristie Doser, Charles Eastham,
Bob Burns, Deb Briggs, Bill Warner
CALL TO ORDER:
Anthony called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL (become effective only after separate Council
action):
None
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Anthony remarked on the recent affordable housing market study and how valuable he
thought the information was.
DISCUSSION REGARDING APPLICATIONS FOR FY09 COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) AND HOME INVESTMENT
PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM (HOME) FUNDING-QUESTION AND ANSWER
SESSION:
Southgate Development Services (SDS)
Craven said SDS was asking for $200,000 for down-payment assistance in connection with a
planned renovation of the Broadway Condominium Complex. He said the request of
$200,000 was to renovate one of the three buildings, and they would return to request more
money to renovate the other buildings as demand and time allow. The project intends to
rehabilitate the Broadway Condominiums and create homeownership opportunities through
down-payment assistance to low-moderate income households.
Housing and Community Development Commission
February 20, 2008
Page 2
Craven said he had been in contact with lead paint testing specialists, and once he knows if
the project is funded the will proceed with testing. He also said they have done Davis Bacon
(federal labor provisions) in the past, and they are in a position to comply with the
regulations. In addressing a comment about their application not specifying a grant or a loan,
Craven said he was leaving it up to the City.
Crane asked if the project would still be viable if the funds weren't awarded. Craven replied
"maybe," and explained they would still explore it, but the price point for the condos would
be $5,000-$10,000 higher per unit.
Anthony asked if they would be able to do a longer period of affordability than five to ten
years. Craven said they would be open to suggestions from the Commission, but their
objective is to get more stability in the neighborhood. He added they are exploring the
possibility of covenants that would require a renovated unit stay owner-occupied for five to
ten years.
Anthony inquired about the cost estimates for rehabbing the building and how lead paint
abatement issues may impact the price. Craven said they are hoping, because of the age of
buildings, that lead-based paint won't be an issue, but if it is, the cost of the units may
change.
The Housing Fellowship-CHDO Operating
Dennis explained the first of their three applications was for CHDO operating funds, which
would provide operational support for the Housing Fellowship. She explained the
organization is the only one in Johnson County that provides permanent affordable rental
housing, the only one that provides assistance for first-time homeownership in the form of a
community land trust, and they have a partnership with US Bank to help very low-income
households secure loans for rental deposits.
Dennis responded to staff notes, saying the Housing Fellowship does have a plan to become
financially stable in subsequent years by securing developer's fees for new projects,
establishing well-funded maintenance reserves, and continuing good property management
practices. She said if the funds are not awarded, the Fellowship would secure a line of credit
for operations that would be repaid with future developer's fees.
Anthony asked how long the Housing Fellowship had been in existence, and how many times
they had requested operating funds. Dennis said the Fellowship had been in existence since
1990, and has asked for operating funds twice. Crane asked what last year's funds were used
for, and she replied that they were partially used for hiring afull-time financial manager.
Housing and Community Development Commission
February 20, 2008
Page 3
The Housing Fellowship-Pre-Development Loan
Dennis said the second application, for $15,000, is for the pre-development costs in
preparation for aloes-income tax credit application. She said some of the costs of the pre-
development include architectural fees, environmental assessments, engineering, etc...
She addressed staff's concerns on if the Fellowship would be able to secure land for the
development, and she said they had signed purchase agreements for 18 single-family
detached lots with expected acquisition in September 2008.
Long told the Commission that this was the first time they have submitted apre-development
application, and the recent Market Analysis encourages such loans.
Eastham noted that tax credits are the largest single source of funding for affordable rental
housing in the country.
The Housing Fellowship-Rental
Dennis said the application was for funds to acquire property. She said the allocation would
be combined with their FY08 allocation. She noted the highest priority of the Affordable
Housing Analysis was for the creation of more affordable rentals. She~said the Fellowship has
a long and successful history in the community, and they currently own and manage 133
rental units in Iowa City and Coralville.
Dennis said if funding were not awarded, the project would probably not continue.
In addressing staff questions, Dennis said expenses that are included in their miscellaneous
operating expenses are: utilities, lawn care and snow removal during the brief time the homes
are not occupied.
McMurray asked if the project could go forward with partial funding. Dennis said the result
would probably be fewer units, but fewer units do not mean less work in putting a viable
project and application forward.
Eastham added that fewer units would mean the Fellowship, and the City, would have failed
in meeting the recommendations of the Affordable Housing Study. He cited the study, saying
the community needs to produce 25-30 units a year over the next 30 years to meet the need
for affordable housing.
Commission members asked about the Fellowship's decision to use scattered sites for the
development. Eastham noted several newer developments on the south side of town, and the
affordability of those lots as compared to elsewhere.
Housing and Community Development Commission
February 20, 2008
Page 4
HACAP-Transitional Housing
Axeen said that while HACAP serves six counties, this program is only in Iowa City. He
explained the organization works with people who are homeless, but with some assistance
through various services those individuals are able to enter transitional housing. He said
HACAP works with many victims of domestic violence.
Axeen said the program is funded with some federal help, including block grants, but overall,
their finances are lean. He addressed staff concerns about lead-based paint, saying they
regularly test the properties they get, and added HACAP has crews available in Cedar Rapids
that do mitigation and testing.
Long explained anon-compliance issue in HACAP's FY06 HOME award, saying the
program didn't spend all the original money because there wasn't enough to buy a fourth unit
and HACAP has not made payment based on the agreement. He said staff was working with
HACAP to consider their request for revised payment terms.
Anthony asked about the specific proposal, and Axeen said through this proposal they are
planning to buy three units, but the property has not yet been identified.
Shaw asked why HACAP was targeting census tracts five and 13. Axeen said those were the
areas where they could find reasonably priced condo units.
Long asked where supportive services come from, and Axeen said they are from CSBG.
Anthony asked about the project's budget, noting expenses have exceeded revenue in the first
three years. Axeen said the issue was a result of property taxes.
Axeen told Commission members that families in need could stay in the transitional housing
for a maximum of two years, unless there is a compelling reason for a short extension, such
as an injury or completion of an educational program. He said the biggest goals of the
program are for families to save money, get clear of their debts and fines, and give them the
skills to survive.
Isis Investments LLC-Rental
Raheim addressed staff s questions to the Commission. She noted that in order for the
affordable housing market to be met, according the Affordable Housing Study, a significant
contribution by the City would be needed. She said her project is designed to be a cost
effective and sustainable model for the private sector, and as a result, loan deferment and
subsidy are needed to keep costs down. She said a loan deferment would allow the loan to be
repaid after sufficient capital had been obtained. She said the subsidy is needed to cover some
of the initial costs of home purchasing.
Housing and Community Development Commission
February 20, 2008
Page 5
In addressing other staff questions, Raheim said expenses included in Isis's miscellaneous
expenses include: legal fees, advertising, cleaning, supplies, maintenance, utilities, and costs
during vacancies. She noted that households would not need Section 8 Vouchers to rent the
units, nor is the project's viability dependent upon renters having the vouchers.
Raheim told the Commission she had no doubt Isis could find appropriately priced properties
to purchase in the areas encouraged by the City Council. She noted that on Feb. 20 there were
5 homes that met the qualifications of price range and were in the encouraged census areas.
She said she only expects there to be more homes on the market as the weather improves.
Shaw asked about Raheim's other projects. She said Isis and Isis members currently have
three other properties. Anthony asked about the expected costs of renovation. She said Isis
was comfortable with the $4,000 price point they have indicated on their application. She also
agreed with Anthony that Isis would consider increasing the term of affordability.
Chauncey Swan LLC-Homeownership
Burns, manager of the Chauncey Swan partnership, spoke to the Commission about their
application regarding site acquisition for the proposed Chauncey Swan apartments. He said
the downtown site is the location of the old Greyhound Bus Station. Burns said the site,
currently owned by the City, is ideal for an affordable housing apartment building because it
is across the street from a recreation center, close to the library, a grocery store, the
Community Mental Health Center and bus routes. Burns said the property was a diamond in
the rough and under-utilized.
He said the purpose of the application was to accomplish three key elements: an
environmental review of the property, site planning, and to negotiate a lease with the City.
Burns spoke about how one of the key stumbling blocks for affordable housing in Iowa City
is finding an appropriate site that is available. He said they see a lease as ideal because the
City would retain long-term ownership of the property. He said the proposition had not yet
been discussed with the City Council, but he sees HCDC as the appropriate place to bring the
issue to the City.
Shaw~asked if there would need to be zoning changes for the proposal to go forward. Burns
said the property is currently zoned adequately for what the application proposes, but he
wants the project to be reviewed by Planning and Zoning.
Long said the building could be much larger than proposed. Burns said his firm chose 40
units because of parking restraints. Long also said staff initially thought a large part of the
property was in a flood plain, however, it turned out only a small corner was in a flood plain
area. He said the use of federal funds to build in a flood plain is prohibited. Crane asked if the
former service station's fuel tank was still underground. Burns said they don't yet know, but
that would be investigated if and when the project moves forward. Shaw asked about the
logistics of moving the electric substation on the property, and Burns said he thought it was
Housing and Community Development Commission
February 20, 2008
Page 6
possible, but expensive. Shaw asked about the potential future tenants, and Burns said they
would have to meet the requirements of the low-income tax credit. He said they see the
potential project as family housing, rather than restricting it to the elderly. He said all the
units would be assessable to people with disabilities. Burns said restrictions would prohibit
rental to students, except under certain circumstances.
Douglas mentioned the Bicycle Library, which is currently operating out of one of the
buildings on the site. Burns said it would be potential for the non-profit to stay in the lower
level of the apartment building if that's something the City would like to negotiate.
Dolphin International LLC-Homeownership
Thakore responded to staff questions about their budget, explaining the money they are
requesting is not for the remodeling project, but rather for mortgage assistance for the
residents who are going to live there. He also addressed concerns about lead mitigation,
saying they have an environmental team that takes care of all such problems before the
project goes forward.
In response to staff's questions, he said they are not going to provide mortgages for potential
homeowners, but he said he has spoken to most banks in town about FHA loans.
Thakore indicated the project would go on with partial funding, but it would limit
homeowners who could receive down payment assistance.
Long asked if Thakore could describe some of the proposed improvements. Kolhar noted
there was much work to be done with improving insulation, addressing City violations
including stairways, exposed electrical cabling, and sprinkler systems. He said the aesthetics
also needed to be addressed to make the building look warmer and more inviting. Kolhar said
the project is being designed in a number of phases, but eventually all the units will be made
into condos. Douglas asked about the net loss of 43 total units by the end of the rehabilitation,
and Thakore said no one who wants a condo would be displaced because there is sufficient
vacancy in the buildings. McMurray asked if they would consider a longer period of
affordability, and Thakore said they were open to anything that helped the residents. Anthony
asked if the average of $25,000 per unit for remodeling was a bit low, and Thakore and
Kolhar said because they do so many large projects they are able to keep the costs of
materials down.
Iowa City Housing Authority-Affordable Housing
Briggs pointed out that while CITY STEPS focuses on rentals, the recent Affordable Housing
Survey shows the need of affordable owner units and rentals will be close to the same level in
the near future. She felt the CITY STEPS priority of the program would be upgraded once
the results of the most recent survey were integrated into the evaluation framework.
Housing and Community Development Commission
February 20, 2008
Page 7
Briggs addressed staff's question about why they are asking for an exception to the City's
policy on the period of affordability, and she said the amount of the loan ICHA is proposing
is less than HOME's requirements for those regulations-a five-year period if the amount
being awarded is $15,000 or less. She explained the down-payment assistance program is
looking at giving a forgivable loan over five years with an amount not to exceed $10,000 (or
10 percent of the purchase price). She said if the loan isn't forgivable, and the property is 100
percent financed, the terms for the applicant aren't as favorable, and the payments aren't as
affordable.
Briggs told Commission members that when people talk about homeownership, it's not just
about what it will take to get a family into a home, but also what it takes to keep the
ownership sustained. She said research shows that when homeownership ratios are 97 to 100
percent, as opposed to 90 percent, the default rate increases seven-fold.
Briggs sited a study of vital occupations in the City and what kinds of homes those people
could afford without assistance. She said an office manager could only afford an $82,000
home; an elementary school teacher could afford a $62,000 home. She noted that local rents
are at levels that just don't allow people to save for down payments.
Briggs responded to staff's concerns about lead-based paint, saying the $500 fee for
inspection would be deducted out the applicant's forgivable loan if their home were built
prior to 1978.
Briggs said if the program were fully funded they would be able to serve 35 families, and she
didn't know if it would go forward on partial funding. She cited the administrative burden of
the application process as an issue. Briggs said if an approved buyer finds an appropriate
property, the City would place a lien on the property. After five years, ICHA would go to the
City Council and have the lien released. If the owner sold the property prior to five years, the
City would be paid back for the loan at closing, and the lien then would be released. She said
owners would have to file an agreement that would require owner occupancy, and it would
not be possible for the owner to convert the property into a rental or do a quick flip for profit
on the home.
Long noted that every summer the City does a check on the residents of properties involved
in City programs, and if the owner has rented the space out the City demands immediate
repayment of whatever assistance the property owner received.
Iowa City Housing Authority-TBRA
Rackis distributed a written response to staff questions, and asked the Commission for
questions. Crane asked how long it would take to cycle through all 841 families on the
housing voucher waiting list. To give perspective, Rackis said they are housing
approximately 100 families over the HUD baseline with the use of TBRA funds. With the use
of the Housing Choice Voucher Program and the TBRA funds they are currently housing
1,300 families. Right now the waiting list has 1,400 families that meet the residency
Housing and Community Development Commission
February 20, 2008
Page 8
requirements. He said they are currently processing applications of residents that were
submitted in March and Apri12007. He said the wait for elderly, disabled, or families with
children applying from outside of the community is about five years.
Rackis said if the ICHA receives partial funding they would have to limit the length of rental
subsidy to qualified applicants to one year rather than two. Rackis added the TBRA vouchers
are only good in Johnson County, unless HCDC or the City Council made the decision to
limit the voucher use to only the city limits.
In response to staff's question about the number of accessible rental units, Rackis said 1,950
were available.
Shaw suggested some of Rackis's handouts to Commission member's be returned because he
didn't feel the names of all the program recipients needed to become part of the HCDC public
record. Other members agreed, and returned the handouts.
Anthony asked about residency requirements for the program. Rackis said they were using
the Housing Choice Residency Plan, as approved by the City Council.
Dolphin International LLC-Playground
Thakore said the existing playground equipment in the area was installed in 1978-79, and is
in poor shape. Kolhar said they might be enclosing about 10,000 square feet with a fence, put
in a sidewalk to connect the housing development and the road to make the entire area easily
accessible. Thakore later said they might not install the fence unless the City requests it.
Kolhar said the reason the fence is considered is to block children from the pond on the
property. Long explained that one of the stipulations of the application is that while they may
have fencing, the gates wouldn't be locked, thus making the space publicly available.
Crane asked for a quote on the price of the proposed playground equipment. Thakore
distributed three price quotes. McMurray asked about the accessibility of the equipment for
children with disabilities. Thakore said the proposed designs follow the ADA guidelines.
LIFE Skills-Transportation
Fox addressed Staff's questions about LIFE Skill's average daily attendance, saying its 5-6
individuals, but she expects that number to increase to a minimum of 8 people per session.
She also said they recalculated their east and west routes within city limits (eliminating the
mileage to transfer individuals outside of city limits), and that lowered their grant request
from $4,336 to $3,848.25. She said the result of partial funding would be LIFE Skills
transporting individuals only until grant funding ran out.
Anthony asked how the program had been funded in the past. Fox said they started with a
United Way grant to build out the facility; they have also used service dollars from the state
Housing and Community Development Commission
February 20, 2008
Page 9
as well as county MHD money. She said they are beginning to see Medicaid funding through
home-based rehabilitation.
VNA-Operations
Novotny told Commission members the grant the VNA is seeking is to provide nursing
assistance to people with mental illness in their homes. Novotny said the VNA would match
the proposed $5,000 grant with state money. She responded to staff questions about how the
VNA differs from other local mental health services. She said the VNA differs from other
nursing providers in that it goes to patients' homes, sets up their medication, and does health
assessments. Novotny told Commission members it was not encouraging on either a county
or state level that the VNA would be able to generate enough revenue to support its own
mental health services. She said the VNA is in the position of constantly seeking grants.
Shaw asked about Medicaid funding for the program, and Novotny explained had seen some
reimbursement for patients in the MERIT program; however, Medicaid only paid $55 for a
home visit while the VNA's cost for the service was $102. She said they were loosing about
$28,000 a year from those patients, and they were unable to match that loss with state or local
grants. As a result, she said they were forced to give up MERIT as a fee source.
Local Foods Connection-Operations
Dowd told Commission members the Local Foods Connection (LFC) purchases produce and
meat products from small, local farms and donates the goods to low-income local families.
She said they are beginning their 10`" year of operation.
In response to staff questions, Dowd said the LFC purchases CSA (community supported
agriculture) shares, which are a promise of a box full of fresh food for about 20 weeks. The
size of the CSA share purchased for a family depends upon the size of family. Per week, the
sizes vary from a quarter of a bushel for an individual, a half a bushel for a family of two to
three, three-quarters of a bushel for a family of four to seven, or one bushel or more for a
large agency, such as the STAR program of the Shelter House.
Dowd said nutrition education has been or will be provided by local medical students, an
individual working in public health, and registered dieticians.
In terms of the organization's long-term financial sustainability, Dowd said in 2007 they
began an endowment fund with the Community Foundation of Johnson County to establish a
base for providing long-term financial stability. She said the fund began with $5,000. She
explained the majority of LFC's funds are spent in the late winter and early spring for CSA
shares, and during the rest of the year they invest remaining funds at the University of Iowa
Community Credit Union.
Dowd said if the project is only partially funded the executive director will continue to donate
her time, but she may be forced to take on a part-time job, which would take her away from
Housing and Community Development Commission
February 20, 2008
Page 10
her responsibilities at LFC. She said once afairly-compensated executive director position is
established, the organization will look into hiring additional employees.
Shaw asked about the number of volunteers involved in LFC, and Dowd estimated that 30-40
people volunteer over the course of a year, not including approximately 250 University
students fulfilling requirements for their Introduction to Environmental Science course.
Shelter House-Operations (STAR program)
Canganelli said the application for $7,500 was to work towards the cash match for the Shelter
House STAR program. She said the Shelter House has been successful in past years in raising
the cash match amount. She said this year the Shelter House is in an especially good position
because the Shelter House has been awarded a gift for endowing the STAR program, and
through the endowment they will be able to generate about $35,000. She added a significant
amount of the cash match is from private fundraising.
Canganelli said everyone who comes through the doors of the Shelter House is a beneficiary
of the program because the funding is used to fund all activities that occur at Shelter House
throughout the day. Without the STAR program, the Shelter House would close its doors
from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. She said they are more than 200 percent over HUD's expectations for
the number of long-term clients served.
As far as long-term plans to generate funding, Canganelli said the Shelter House would
continue to provide information to the community, continue to demonstrate their positive
impact on the health and safety for the community, and seek local support.
Compeer-Operations
Kelley explained that Compeer is run almost totally through volunteer work. She said they
have no regular source of funding and receive all of their money through fundraising. In
response to staff questions, Kelley said each volunteer must commit to at least one year,
while most have stayed for over four years: Kelley said the turnover in directors seemed to
be a result of people being hired away or moving away.
Extend the Dream Foundation-Operations
Walz told Commission members EDF supports ten small businesses that are owned and
operated by people with disabilities. He said the organization also provides support for arent-
to-own home where three handicapped people live, and EDF has raised money for the past six
years for a major documentary that is now being shown in film festivals.
Walz said the Foundation is essentially an all-volunteer staff except for some accounting
help. He said the grant request is to help pay for a consultant and some staff time to keep the
system running, which would address staff's concerns about keeping the program in
compliance with HUD requirements.
Housing and Community Development Commission
February 20, 2008
Page 11
Crane asked what EDF had planned for long-term sustainability of their bookkeeping system.
Walz said he would continue to raise funds in addition to the regular, stable contributors. He
also said they have established an endowment fund to help with funding of the operation in
the future.
Arc of Southeast Iowa-Operations (Supported Employment)
Reagan said the Arc has been headquartered in, and serving, Iowa City for 51 years. He noted
the grant request was to facilitate employment services for six individuals with special needs.
He said each person would receive 125 hours of employment coaching. He added the six
would not qualify for any of the other usual funding streams or support.
In response to staff's question about other sources of funding, Reagan said money was
coming from private donations. Douglas asked what the result of partial funding would be,
and Reagan said they would still proceed, but adjust the number of coaching hours, or try to
solicit additional donations to support the project.
Free Medical Clinic-Operations (Pharmacy Assistance Program)
Pickup addressed staffs questions, and told Commission members it is always a struggle to
find funding. She said the pharmacy program might eventually get some state funding, but the
outlook was uncertain. She said the implications of partial funding might be decreased
pharmacy hours for the pharmacy technician.
Shaw asked if other clinics in town affect the FMC services. Pickup said she didn't feel they
affected the FMC client population because of economic reasons-she said if the clients have
to pay for care they most likely will not receive it.
MECCA/ICARE-Operations/Transportations
Cuda told Commission members the request was for ICARE and the offering of a support
group and transportation for Iowa City residents living with HIV/AIDS. She explained their
clients benefit from access to transportation because often they don't get around very well for
various reasons, such as mental illness.
She corrected an error on the application, noting they have 13 clients that are Iowa City
residents, and they hope to open up the services to everyone living in Iowa City with
HIV/AIDS, not just ICARE clients.
MECCA-Facility Rehabilitation
Berg told Commission members the request is for funding to rehabilitate their public facility.
Repairs include painting, bathroom renovation, and updating to the playground area. Berg
noted if the request were not fully funded they would choose the project with the highest
Housing and Community Development Commission
February 20, 2008
Page 12
priority. He added the bids they have received for the remodeling include the Davis-Bacon
wages.
Anthony asked which projects would be the priority, and Berg said the bathroom remodeling,
with the playground being the second priority.
Extend the Dream Foundation-Facility Rehabilitation
Walz said in 2006 the EDF received a CDBG grant to help them buy a building at 2203 F
Street. The building now houses three of the EDF shops, as well as an e-commerce program.
Walz said the building has had issues with the upper roof leaking and the gutters being in
disrepair. He indicated they've had three bids for the cost of repairs, and they would like to
proceed with those repairs in order to protect EDF investment in the property.
Anthony asked about EDF compliance with the City Housing inspection, and Walz said the
only thing they have left to do is install covers over the florescent lights. Anthony also asked
if the facility repairs would be covered by insurance, and Walz replied that they are not
because they are just the result of age and normal wear.
Shaw asked if the issue with the lighting might affect the possibility of receiving a CDBG
grant. Walz said he could talk with the inspectors about their plans to convert the fluorescent
lights to energy efficient lighting thus eliminating the need for the expensive covers.
Arc of Southeast Iowa-Facility Rehabilitation
Reagan explained the Arc has people coming and going throughout the building all day and
into the evening. He said the back door, which, because of the parking lot, functions as the
main door, is in need of lighting for safety purposes. He said much of the Arc's staff is young
and female, and some of the staff and many of the clients use wheelchairs. Reagan said they
have not yet had a problem because of the lack of safe lighting, but he feels it is important to
be proactive. He said they would also install an alarm system on all the doors. He said if they
received partial funding they would still proceed with the improvement and fund it through
alternative methods. Crane asked which project was more important, and Reagan said the
lighting.
Free Medical Clinic-Building Acquisition
Warner said the FMC moved to its new location about two years ago, and they have found
both the location, and the building, to have worked well. He said the FMC Board has
determined the FMC should purchase the building, and the current owner has indicated an
interest in selling.
He said the FMC carries a minimum six-month operating reserve, so it would be possible for
them to initially contribute more towards the purchase price. He said the lower level of the
building is currently being rented out to several parties for storage, and the FMC would plan
Housing and Community Development Commission
February 20, 2008
Page 13
to continue renting the space out until the time came when they needed the space for
expansion of their services.
Warner said the requested amount of $300,000 represents the difference between the current
anticipated purchase price and the amount that can be supported by a loan where the monthly
payments are equivalent to the FMC's monthly lease payments. He said they do not currently
have a letter of commitment from a bank for the funding, but they do have verbal
confirmation from Hills Bank. Warner said the current rent is $1650. He said initially there
would not be a monthly cost savings because of the loan, but the FMC would begin
immediate fundraising to retire the debt as quickly as possible.
Crane asked about the main source of funding for the FMC, and Pickup said a third of the
funds come from Johnson County, another third from the United Way of Johnson County,
and the remainder are made up with grants, donations, and fundraising. Anthony asked about
the rental income of the lower level, and if the income could be used to make up the
difference if they don't receive full funding. Pickup and Warner were unsure of what the
current landlord charges for the storage space.
Warner said the FMC Board has approved Cook and Associates to do a formal appraisal of
the property, and they expect it to be done in four weeks.
Warner said if the FMC had to dip into their six month reserve to purchase the property, the
Board has discussed temporarily using two to three months worth of reserve, which would be
about $75,000-$100,000.
Twain Elementary, ICCSD
Locke distributed price quotes for the play equipment. She also addressed the possibility of
the school district entering into an agreement with CDBG to maintain the improvements over
a 20-year compliance period, saying the ICCSD would consent to enter an agreement, but
would request to maintain the equipment over the playground's normal useful life, or 20
years, if fully funded. She said the warranty on the equipment ranges from 100 years to three
years.
In response to Staff questions, Locke said the installation of the project is fully volunteer, so
she didn't think Davis-Bacon wages would be applicable. Locke said the ICCSD is fully
aware of the environmental review regulations and is willing to comply. She also said the
ground-cover for the playground would be woodchips because that is something the ICCSD
would replenish and maintain over the life of the playground.
Long said there was a similar successful project a few years ago with Wood Elementary
School.
Anthony asked if the playground would be open to the public. Locke said it would, and the
equipment would be ADA accessible.
Housing and Community Development Commission
February 20, 2008
Page 14
Long and Anthony noted the playground would be a perfect candidate for a PIN grant, but
Locke said there was no neighborhood association in the area, which is a requirement for a
PIN grant.
Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County-Facility Rehabilitation
Loring said NCJC was back to request funding for items that were in last year's application
that did not get funding, including replacing the back deck, window replacement, a small
retaining wall, a dumpster screen, and parking lot repairs.
In response to staff questions, he said they would continue if the grant were only partially
funded, noting the windows have first priority, followed by the playground. He said they are
also looking for other funding, but have found that these particular projects are not high
priorities for many other funding sources. Loring said they have Davis-Bacon cost estimates,
and that is how they arrived at their grant request. He indicated the NCJC does have a reserve
that is available, and they have used it before for capital projects such as landscaping and
door replacement. He said the FY08 funds have not yet been expended because of a
negotiation issue with the owners of land on which the NCJC building sits. Long said he
expects the lien issue to be resolved shortly.
Domestic Violence Intervention Program
Doser told Commission members that DVIP has been a busy building, sheltering more than
4,500 women and children since 1993. She said fundraising is already in place, and because
they have been working on repairs bit by bit, they have several donated improvements
waiting, such as a donated washer and dryer, electrical hand dryer units, and the front door
security system monitor.
Doser said the quote on the fence includes labor from two volunteers. She said the fence
height would increase from six feet to eight feet, and it would be solid to prevent anyone from
seeing though it from an angle.
If the project were partially funded, Doser said DVIP would have to look at priorities. She
said the current priorities include shower rehabilitation, the security monitor for the front
door, and the fence.
Motion: Shaw made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:20 p.m. Crane seconded it. The
motion was approved 6:0.
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03-13-08
IP11
City of Iowa City DRAFT
Task Force on Violence Against Woman
Monday, March 10, 2008, 3:50 P.M.
Emma J. Harvat Hall, City Hall
Welcome and Introductions:
Amy Correia, Iowa City Council Member, called the meeting to order at 3:50 P.M: once
a quorum was established. She then asked everyone to introduce themselves. Those in
attendance include:
Sam Hargadine, Iowa City Police Chief
Janet Lyness, Johnson County Attorney
Diane Funk, Rape Victim Advocacy Program
Belinda Marner, Assistant Vice President for Student Services, Administrative
Liaison/Parents Association, University of Iowa
Robert Hartman, Iowa City Police Department
David Visin, University of Iowa Police Department
Marcia Klingaman, Neighborhood Services Coordinator, City of Iowa City
Jeff Davidson, Planning Director, City of Iowa City
Barbara Morck, Acting Transit Manager, City of Iowa City
Beth Bewley-Randall, Englert Theater, Downtown Association
Sarah Milani, University of Iowa Panhellenic Council President
Kristie Doser, Domestic Violence Intervention Program
Monique DiCarlo, Director of Women's Resource and Action Center
Discussion Tonics:
Correia stated that they would begin right away with a presentation by Jeff Davidson on
"neighborhood lighting."
Update on Neighborhood Lighting -Davidson stated that he and Klingaman would do the
presentation together, and he asked her to say a few things about the genesis of this
project and how it came out of the Neighborhood Services division. Klingaman stated
that one of the things neighborhood associations in Iowa City can do is apply for a grant
- a General Fund funded program -that neighborhoods can use, for instance, to install
light fixtures in their neighborhoods. However, due to the cost of these fixtures, as was
seen when Goosetown applied for such a grant, the grant funds would not allow very
many lights to be purchased at one time. Therefore, Klingaman stated, the Neighborhood
Council presented a proposal to the City Council to do a study, where they would
evaluate what it would take to install this type of residential street lighting, and what the
costs would be for the actual physical equipment to do this.
Davidson then addressed the group, stating that this study will help them to assess what
any neighborhood, not just Goosetown, would cost in terms of installing residential
lighting. Davidson then explained the City's policy on streetlights, which is to put them
at street intersections exclusively. He further explained that this is due to the fact that the
Task Force -Violence Against Women
March 10, 2008
majority of traffic accidents happen at intersections. Davidson noted, however, that on
long blocks, they would often add another light in the middle of the block. Davidson
then referred to the handout that the group was given, and he explained how a
neighborhood could request additional lighting. He explained the lighting fixture that the
City uses, stating that he thinks the area around the Northside Market Place is one of the
best levels of pedestrian lighting. Davidson then further explained the study and cost
details in his handout. He noted that basically to do a two-block area, they estimate it to
cost approximately $80,000 to $85,000. He also noted that the City Council has
committed themselves to such projects, and have put $100,000 in next year's budget as a
placeholder amount for requests such as this for lighting.
Davidson then fielded questions from Members, adding that what they have told people
who have called about increased pedestrian lighting is that the policy is to provide
lighting at intersections, and if the residents living along a certain street want additional
lighting, then they need to add yard lights or a house light. Davidson noted that one
possibility is to have a campaign, basically encouraging people to add additional house or
yard lights themselves. Davidson noted that in many neighborhoods, they get requests
for enhanced lighting once the leaves are out on the trees, as the tree canopies block a lot
of the overhead lights.
Davidson was then asked if he had suggestions for the particular areas that were
addressed in the students' petition. Davidson stated that he believes it would be fair to
say that enhanced lighting levels could help increase safety in neighborhoods. He noted
that many people do not like the enhanced lighting, such as was the case at College Hill
Park. He stated that an initial step though in enhanced lighting would be to encourage
individuals to add house or yard lighting, and to see if this increase in lighting does help.
The discussion continued, with Members questioning Davidson about lighting issues in
neighborhoods. He noted that having a "before" and a "projected after" study can help in
determining the amount of lighting needed in various areas. Questions on how much
lighting apartment complexes or commercial businesses must provide were also asked of
Davidson, which led to a brief discussion of what the Code requires and restricts, as far as
lighting.
The issue of lighting wattage was also addressed, with Members stating that some areas
could use a higher wattage at certain times of the year, especially when the leaves are out
on the trees. Klingaman stated that something to keep in mind too is that a lot of the
areas in question are more rental than owner-occupied, which can make participation in
such programs more challenging than in owner-occupied neighborhoods. This led to a
brief discussion on how difficult it can be to get areas involved where the student
population is high, and how the large apartment complex owners can become more
involved, as well.
Hargadine suggested taking apin-map of the assault locations, comparing it to the
Neighborhood Association's, and then look at the lighting in these areas. Increasing the
lighting wattage slightly in these key areas was suggested as a starting point. Klingaman
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Task Force -Violence Against Women
March 10, 2008
stated that the Johnson Street area does not have a neighborhood association, but that she
can work in getting information out to an area like this. It was suggested to add the
sorority locations to the map Hargadine suggested, as well.
The discussion turned back to City-installed lighting, and if additional lighting could be
put in at mid-block locations. Davidson and Klingaman responded to Members'
questions and concerns. Hargadine will work on getting this map ready for the next
VAW Task Force meeting, and it was also suggested that once the assault areas are
pinpointed on the map, that a drive through these areas at night will show the Task Force
which areas are well lit and which are not. Correia asked if they could get this map in the
next few weeks, so that some of the Members can drive through the areas where the
assaults were occurring, before the next meeting takes place.
Begin Identification of Stren htg s/Gaps/Recommendations -
Correia stated that she would like the Task Force to begin to review the information
they've received so far, and to identify current strengths, gaps, and to start to develop
recommendations. She reviewed the various groups and entities involved in the Task
Force, and asked the Members what they believe the strengths of their services to be.
Nite Ride was mentioned first. It was also mentioned that once someone becomes
involved in the "system," there are a lot of supports available to them. These supports
also work in a very collaborative effort, which is a strength for the community. Also
mentioned were the available prevention and education programs available to first year
students at the University.
As far as gaps, Hargadine mentioned that when they were getting information out to U of
I students, they also made sure to get information to the Kirkwood students; however,
whether these students are mandated to attend some of these informational programs is
unknown. Also noted was the lack of non jail sex offender treatment available. It was
noted that there would be some fairly large funding cuts coming from the federal
government in the next few months, which will impact some of the programs we
currently have available.
Recommendations were discussed next, with Correia stating that they can add or change
these listings, but that this will give them a starting point. One of the first topics was
strengthening the community and student communication, and coordination of services.
It was noted that many students are unaware of the services available to them in the
community. The various student groups could be used to get the information spread to all
students. Amore consistent response/protocol was discussed next. It was noted that
when a student reports an assault on campus, for example, there is no set response or
protocol to how this is handled. Basically, it was noted that the needed support equates to
the need for more funding.
The discussion continued, with Members discussing the best ways to get the information
about community services out to the general public and University students, regarding
assaults. It was noted that it takes time, money, and staff to do these various things. It
was suggested that advertisements for these types of programs could be put on web sites
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Task Force -Violence Against Women
March 10, 2008
like Face Book, for example, that students use in large numbers. These ads could push
the idea of the community working together to stop these types of assaults.
Members then talked briefly about the Hawk Alert system and how this could be used to
inform students about possible assaults. Visin addressed this, stating that they get
complaints now about using the Hawk Alert system, as people think it can be over used
or misused. DiCarlo then stated to Visin that it would be helpful to know what the Cleary
Act requires the University to do as far as reporting, if it has to do with being on
University property. He replied that in general, it has to do with student involvement.
Visin stated that as far as students receiving information, they do get the information -
the issue is the timeliness of this information. It was then suggested that providing
information for University parents would be beneficial, as the parents can then ask
questions of their student. By adding this information to the Parents' Association web
site, it was suggested this would help with those involved parents. Information can also
be provided at Student Orientation sessions.
Another area of parental questions has been during campus tours, where parents have
asked about what is being done about the campus assaults. It was suggested that these
tour guides be given the necessary education/information of what is available for student
safety. Also noted was that some of these parental sessions are voluntary, and often in
the early-morning hours, so parents may not get the information if they are unable to
attend these sessions. It was also mentioned that there is a University newsletter that
goes to parents four times each year, and perhaps this would be another way to get
information to parents on safety.
Set Topic for Next Meeting:
Correia noted they would do an update on the lighting, after they have reviewed the map
that was discussed. She noted that they will continue to review the strengths, gaps, and
recommendations, and that they still need to discuss coordination of services, and
community education and community building.
The discussion turned to whether the Task Force should meet at 4:00 P.M. next meeting,
due to there being delays in getting meetings started on time, due to not having a quorum.
Sarah noted that she could bring other students in, in the place of those missing students,
as representatives, if that would help. After a brief discussion, it was decided to meet at
3:30 P.M.
Adiourn•
The next Task Force meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 31, 2008, at 3:30 P.M. at
Harvat Hall, City Hall. The meeting adjourned at 5:15 P.M.
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