HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-03-11 CorrespondenceUntitled Document
Marian Karr
From: garryfromiowa@gmail.com
Sent: Monday, March 03, 2008 9:33 AM
To: Council
Subject: Daily Iowan -Bigotry hits students' door
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Monday, March 3, 2008
ARTICLE EMAILED FROM A FRIEND
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This is unacceptable behavior in our community and I hope the city
advertisement
council will commit resources to addressing this with the seriousness it
deserves.
Garry Klein
628 2nd Ave
Iowa City, IA 52245
Bigotry hits students' door
- Garry Klein*
When UI students Justin Talley and Ryan Thomas saw the door to their East
Jefferson Street apartment for the first time on Sunday, they thought
someone was playing a sick joke on them.
But it became quickly apparent that there was nothing funny about it.
Read Full Article
* The sender's identity has not been verified.
View our Privacy Policy.
Copyright 2008 Daily Iowan and College Publisher
3/3/2008
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Marian Karr
From: Morgan Jones [morgan@iowaambassadors.com]
Sent: Sunday, March 02, 2008 2:28 PM
To: Council
Subject: snow removal
Attachments: Iowa city complaint on snow.doc
This correspondence will become a public record.
March 4, 2008
To: Members of the Council of Iowa City, Iowa
From: Morgan Jones
I am very disturbed about bill I received for snow removal from one of my rental properties. I should have been aware of the
rule. I wish I had received a warning so that I could have taken care of the matter.
Heretofore, I have never been subjected to this matter. My objection is to the charges for snow removal for about 40 feet of
sidewalk. $140.00 cannot be charged for that amount of work. It needs to be addressed as a "fine" -much the same as a
speeding ticket. And $50.00 for an administrative charge?
This seems to be over-administrating of city matters, much the same as cracks in the sidewalk. Please walk the environs of
Chicago, Seattle, Paris, or almost any city to see how these rules fit into the pattern of things.
Additionally, the city itself often violates its own rules. Often, one cannot even get out of his driveway because of banks of
snowed plowed in by the city. Then, there are the streets that aren't even touched. Perhaps, much of this is related to the
extreme weather of this winter. If so, that makes this snow removal charge even more repulsive to me.
I have vented.
Sincerely,
Morgan Jones
401 Linder Rd. NE
Iowa City, IA 52240
Oh yes, - "the sender must include THEIR (upper case mine) full name."
3/3/2008
Marian Karr
From: Karen Kubby [kubby@pobox.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2008 3:56 PM
To: Council
Subject: snow removal
City Council,
No doubt you have heard many comments on snow removal this year. Just wanted to say that
the extra mile worked by streets workers this past weekend was excellent. It was a warm
day to be out, and tons of ice was removed thanks to the extra hours worked by city crews
and investment on the part of the Public Works Department. The crews were gracious, hard
working, and conscientious about their work and deserve voluminous kudos.
This was not only about convenience for us getting around. It was about flood prevention.
My sincerest thanks to you all.
Karen Kubby
Mark Twain neighborhood
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vo-i i-vo
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Marian Karr
From: Shelia Gerstner [srg@communitelligence.com]
Sent: Friday, February 29, 2008 10:26 AM
To: Council
Subject: Outraged by the lack of Assistance
I am the Grandmother of Kelicia Green, who attends Grant Wood School on Lakeside Drive in
Iowa City.
Kelicia's mother recently was employed at a job that requires her to be at work by 2:OOpm.
She is a single mom, and she has no support systems in the area since we moved to Arizona
last year. She is doing her best provide for herself and her children.
My main concern at this time: is the problem surrounding the transportation of Kelicia
from school, to her child care provider's home.
We have tried to no avail, to have the school district provide transportation for Kelicia;
so that she does not have to be pulled out of school 2 hours early. What we have been
told repeatedly is: the school district can only provide transportation to and from the
child's resident.
I know, and Kelicia's mother knows, that it is her place to care for all arrangements
surrounding the safety and welfare of her children. Therefore, she has been taking
Kelicia out of school by 1:OOpm. This has been occurring for about three weeks now. It is
being done this way so that she can get Kelicia to her child care provider, and then get
herself to work on time.
Kelicia's school has a resource center, which has to this date offered up no help what so
ever. I placed several calls trying to find assistance and have come up void. What's
worst is there seems to be zero concern about this problem.
I find that it appalling that there is absolutely no concern by the school's
administrators, or by the district, for weather a child is receiving adequate time in
school. This will eventually create problems in how
Kelicia will develop her cognitive skills.
No one can, neither have they tried to provide any information or leads to any public or
private sectors that would provide transportation assistance.
I have gotten on the web and have placed several long distance calls to you
city trying to find some one to help.
I would love to speak with you concerning the policies surrounding this issue. A response
will be appreciated. Shelia
Shelia Williams-Gerstner
Vice President
Communitelligence, Inc.
www.Communitelligence.com
www.WeAreQuadCities.com
P.O. Box 17265
Fountain Hills, AZ 85269
480.816.5550
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Partnering for a better omorrow
Downtown Association of Iowa City
February 22, 2008
Letter to: City of Iowa City Council Members
From: Craig Gustaveson, President, DTA
Subject: City Manager Candidate Search
On behalf of the Downtown Association I want to applaud your
decision to consider more applicants for the city manager position.
From the beginning I've appreciated how the search was handled. In
particular that you sought input from the Downtown Association, the
Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce and the general public.
I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision but it was courageous one. Thank you.
Respectfully,
Craig Gustaveson
President
Downtown Association of Iowa City
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325 E. Washington Street • Suite 100 • Iowa Ciry, IA • 52240 • 354-0863 • dtaiowaciry@gmail.com
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Marian Karr
From: Nelson, Tamara L [tamara-nelson@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Monday, March 03, 2008 4:51 PM
To: Council
Dear City Council members,
We are residents of Killarney Road in Galway Hills. It has come to our attention that an
individual is pursuing the modification of zoning laws on our street to accommodate a day
care facility. This is obviously concerning to us and our neighbors because this will
significantly affect the quality of life, traffic flow and value of our homes. Please
advise us as soon as possible on what steps we may take, legal or otherwise, to oppose the
rezoning of the land next to our home from residential to commercial.
We anticipate your timely response.
Sincerely,
Drs Rick and Tamara Nelson
3411 Killarney Road
Iowa City
#319-331-4787
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Marian Karr
From: Bob Miklo
Sent: Monday, March 03, 2008 6:01 PM
To: 'Nelson, Tamara L'
Cc: Marian Karr
Subject: RE: day care center
Your area is zoned RS-5, Low Density Single-Family Residential. That zoning district
allows a resident to provide childcare in their home for a maximum of 16 children. If the
property is not a residence or provides care for more than 16 children it would be
considered a Childcare Center. The RS-5 zone allows consideration of Childcare Centers by
special exception. Special exemptions must be approved by the Board of Adjustment and
must meet specific criteria spelled out in the zoning code. At this date we have not
received an application for a special exception for the property on Killarney. If we do
we will post a sign on the property and mail a letter to property owners within 300 feet
informing them of the application and the date, time and place of the public hearing.
If you have other questions please contact me.
-----Original Message-----
From: Nelson, Tamara L [mailto:tamara-nelson~uiowa.edu]
Sent: Monday, March 03, 2008 5:34 PM
To: Bob Miklo
Subject: RE: day care center
Dear Robert,
I was informed by the builder of our house Jason Lee that the developer of Galway Hills,
Ed Thomas, was in discussion with an individual who wanted to buy the corner lot adjacent
to us (which is vacant) and one next to that for a day care facility. My address is 3411
Killarney Rd. Reportedly this individual spoke about receiving an "exception" to the
zoning and had made an offer on the lots in question.
My understanding of the zoning laws indicate that we should have received a letter about
this and the lots have not been purchased yet but it is of obvious concern to me as I
didn't even know this was a possibility in the residential development that we live in. Is
this something I need to worry about? Can a developer do this? I appreciate your quick
response.
T. Nelson
From: Bob Miklo [mailto:Bob-Miklo@iowa-city.org]
Sent: Mon 3/3/2008 5:11 PM
To: Nelson, Tamara L
Cc: Marian Karr
Subject: day care center
Your concern about a day care center on your street has been referred to me as my division
provides staffing for the Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of Adjustment which
oversee zoning. I am not aware of any proposal for a day care in your immediate
neighborhood. Can you be more specific about the location of the property that you are
concerned about? What is its address or if it is vacant the address of the nearest
property.
Robert Miklo
1
Senior Planner
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
319 356 5240
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Marian Karr
From: John McVey [mcvey41 @hotmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2008 8:57 PM
To: Council
Subject: traffic lae enforcement
My name is John McVey. I live at 1400 5th St., Apt. #2, Coralville, IA 52241. I work in Iowa City. Every day I
drive in to work I witness other drivers running red lights, speeding, cutting me off. I've even seen two rear end
collisions (two more than I've seen in my life) since I moved to your area. I am not exaggerating.
Why are there no patrol cars out there? This is a vey dangerous place to live and drive and I see no sign of
police protection or law enforcement. What gives?
Seriously,
John McVey
__
Connect and share in new ways with Windows Live. Get it now!
3/6/2008
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Marian Karr
From: Sam Hargadine
Sent: Thursday, March 06, 2008 10:49 AM
To: 'mcvey41 @hotmail.com'
Cc: "City Council; Dale Helling
Subject: RE: traffic lae enforcement
Mr. McVey,
I was forwarded your comments and concerns to the City Council.
There are a multitude of reasons why you don't see many patrol cars driving around while you come in to work.
Rush hours in any city put a demand on police because of crashes that occur throughout the city. One crash
could tie up several patrol cars due to traffic control in addition to the officer that has to investigate and report the
crash.
At the same time of morning rush hour, literally hundreds of business are being opened and a significant number
trigger false alarms. This ties up at least two cars because while there may be a 99% false alarm rate police
officers can never take that for granted. Complacency when responding to an alarm can be deadly for police.
Day watch officers routinely go from call to call taking reports. As people wake up they find that their cars were
broken in to or something was stolen out of their garage. While a crime may have occurred the previous night or
even before then it is frequently reported in the morning hours, sometimes after an insurance claims adjuster told
them to report it.
When officers are not on a call they are expected to look for self initiated activities. The following breaks down
the number of traffic stops and citations issued:
#Stops #Citations
2006 12,973 8,198
2007 10,879 6,684
As you can see there are officers out doing traffic enforcement. The demands of being a full service police
agency do not allow for much more. I would agree with you that the dynamics of traffic violations, attitudes and
traffic courtesy have changed for the worse. This is a societal problem all over and not just in Iowa City. In
Chicago it is a common practice to blare on your horn when any motorist or pedestrian does something that
irritates you. If there is anything that would trigger a "Road Rage" incident that would be it.
I hope that this has answered your concerns and if you have any questions or comments please feel free to
contact me.
Sincerely,
Chief Sam Hargadine
Iowa City Police Department
410 E. Washington
Iowa City, IA 52240-1826
Office: 319.356.5271
From: John McVey [mailto:mcvey4l@hotmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2008 8:57 PM
To: Council
Subject: traffic lae enforcement
My name is John McVey. I live at 1400 5th St., Apt. #2, Coralville, IA 52241. I work in Iowa City. Every day I
3/6/2008
Page 2 of 2
drive in to work I witness other drivers running red lights, speeding, cutting me off. I've even seen two rear end
collisions (two more than I've seen in my life) since I moved to your area. I am not exaggerating.
Why are there no patrol cars out there? This is a vey dangerous place to live and drive and I see no sign of
police protection or law enforcement. What gives?
Seriously,
John McVey
3/6/2008
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BEECHER, FIELD, WALKER, MORRIS, HOFFMAN & JOHNSON, P.C.
W. LOUIS BEECHER
HUGH M. FIELD
JOHN R. WALKER, JR.
RICHARD R. MORRIS
THERESA E. HOFFMAN
ERIC W. JOHNSON
KEVIN D. AHRENHOLZ*
D. RAYMOND WALTON
JOHN J. WOOD
ADNAN MAHMUTAGIC**
KATE B. MITCHELL
LAWYERS
COURT SQUARE BUILDING -SUITE 300
620 LAFAYETTE STREET
P.O. BOX 178
WATERLOO, IOWA 50704
TELEPHONE: (319) 234-1766
FAX: (319) 234-1225
www.beecherlaw.com
W.L. BEECHER (1891-1976)
JOHN W. RATHERT (Retired)
112 FIRST STREET EAST
INDEPENDENCE, IOWA 50644
Telephone: (319) 334-3328
Fax: (319) 334-7258
218 WEST FOURTH STREET
VINTON, IOWA 52349
Telephone: (319) 472-2261
*also licensed in WI
**also licensed in MN
March 6, 2008
Mayor Regenia Bailey
410 E Washington St
Iowa City, Iowa, 52240
To Whom It May Concern,
My clients Justin Smith, DOB (3/27/1972), Amir Husidic DOB (7/7/1975), Craig
Lindsay DOB (07/17/1972) and Nermin Sabanagic, DOB (10/25/1977), equal co-owners of
After Hours LLC, are planning to open and operate an after-hours club in downtown Iowa City,
exact location still to be determined. They currently operate an after-hours club in downtown
Waterloo successfully, under After Hours LLC, with permission of local authorities without any
difficulties. Prior to opening the after-hours club in Waterloo we have contacted the Waterloo
authorities (as we are doing now in Iowa City) to make sure all involved know our plans up-front
with full disclosure.
We have contacted the Alcohol Beverages Division in Ankeny, Iowa and were given the
following requirements regarding alcohol consumption and applicable regulations:
After hours club would not have a license for selling alcohol and therefore no
alcohol would be sold to patrons/customers.
2. Patrons/customers would have to bring their own alcohol.
3. No hard liquor would be allowed on premises, only beer, wine, wine coolers
etc would be permitted.
4. ABD requires that absolutely no areas be shared between the aftlours ' 'b
businesses and any establishments holding a liquor license. The-~~r-heirs
club would need to have its own bathrooms, entrances, exits,Yto~lle rein __~~'
street, etc. _ - -- -.-~..
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The owners assure me that all these requirements would be met without exception or
deviation.
In my review of the Iowa Code and applicable local ordinances and regulations I see no
prohibition against such a club. Owners plan to keep it open initially on Saturday and Sunday
from 1:OOAM to S:OOAM and targeted patrons/customers would be the Friday and Saturday after
hours crowd. Depending on the interest and level of business club may be open on other days
with the same hours. The club may also be open for private parties. In such instances
patron/customer would rent the entire premises, and would of course bring their own alcoholic
beverages (no hard liquor) but owners would retain the control of access to the premises and
behavior of patrons on premises. Under no circumstances would any adult
type entertainment, activity or sales would occur on premises.
My clients intend to open this business on or after April 15, 2008 and are at this time
attempting to locate a suitable location and make plans for possible building/site improvement or
renovation.
This letter is sent to various city officials and ABD in Ankeny to inform the appropriate
authorities of my client's intentions. We also request that you contact undersiPned counsel„ as
soon as practicable if you believe that any applications or permits need to be obtained from the
City County or the State of Iowa prior to opening. Since we will be selling water, juices, coffee,
etc we will obtain the health department permit and because there will be remodeling prior to
opening on April 15, 2008 we intend to obtain a building permit from the City of Iowa City.
We hope to get your responses and approval as soon as practicable so that we may safely
invest the time and money towards renovations, building permits, application fees, etc and our
opening goal of April 15, 2008.
Very truly yours,
~(~.fAUU w~L C
Adnan Mahmutagic
for BEECHER, FIELD, WALKER
MORRIS, HOFFMAN & JOHNSON, P.C.
AM/ss
Copv to:
City Council, City Hall
Iowa City Police Chief, City Hall -Sam Hargadine
Iowa City, City Clerk, City Hall
Iowa City Planning and Zoning, City Hall
Health Department Johnson County
ABD in Ankeny
Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division
1918 SE Hulsizer Road
Ankeny, IA 50021
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