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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-04-14 Transcription#2 Page 1 ITEM 2 OUTSTANDING STUDENT CITIZENSHIP AWARDS -Longfellow Elementary Bailey: Would the students from Longfellow Elementary please come forward? Champion: We're pleased to have students from the best elementary in town! (laughter) Bailey: Oh, let's not get into a best elementary contest, but we are glad you are here, and I've asked Council Member Wilburn to help me because this is a really special time for us, and we really enjoy hearing what you've done at your school. So, I'm going to ask you to read your statements (mumbled). Lorenzen: My name is Haley Lorenzen. I am a sixth grader at Longfellow Elementary. Some of the activities that I am in after school are soccer and basketball. One of the basketball teams that I play on is a traveling team, so we travel a lot out of town. In school, I am a safety patrol member and vice president in Student Council. Some of the things that I do to help the community are Jump Rope for Heart for the past three years. My family and I also donate money to these people or charities every year: American Red Cross, Animal Shelter, Goodwill, Police Department, Firefighters, church, and church missions. Thank you very much for this award. (applause) Fobian: My name is Natalie Fobian, and I'm a sixth grader at Longfellow Elementary. Thank you so much for this honor. To me, being a good citizen means treating everybody fairly, leading by example, and being involved in groups, like in school or church. I'm a third generation of the Fobians, who have farmed the same land in Johnson County. Working together has always been important to us. I especially like babysitting, taking care of my animals, and setting a high standard for my work at school. I want to be a nurse some day and work as part of a team to help people who are sick. I was happy and surprised to be nominated for this award. Thank you again. (applause) Pinnell: My name is Caitlin Pinnell. I'm honored to be chosen to receive the Outstanding Student Citizen Award. I'd like to share with you some of the things I have done at school, home, and the community to help others. At home I am a member of the student council. We bring cans for the food drive and I'm very helpful to the substitute teachers. At home I watch over my neighbor's children, Marlee and Carol, when they're getting on the bus or when they're playing in their yard. I help my family with chores. At church we give money to a child in Africa that needs help. At Christmas my family buys a gift for a child who has parents in prison. We visit the nursing home every Halloween, and my family visits Billie, our cousin, who's in the nursing home. We went to the Homeless This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of April 14, 2008. #2 Page 2 Center once to give coats to them. I like to do things for others because it makes me feel good. Thank you. (applause) Wilburn: Congratulations, and thank you for all you hard work. I've go the awards that you've all, uh, very much deserve. I'm going to read what each one says. They all have your own individual names on them, and they say: Citizenship Award -for your outstanding qualities of leadership within Longfellow Elementary, as well as the community, and for your sense of responsibility and helpfulness to others, we recognize you as an Outstanding Student Citizen. Your community is proud of you. Presented by the Iowa City City Council, and signed by Mayor Bailey on this day. Haley, congratulations! Lorenzen: Thank you. Wilburn: And, Natalie. Congratulations! And Caitlin. There you go. Congratulations tonight. (applause) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of April 14, 2008. #3 Page 3 ITEM 3 PROCLAMATIONS. c. Cover the Uninsured Week - Apri127 through May 3, 2008 Bailey: (reads proclamation) Karr: Here to accept the proclamation is Barbara Stannard, Johnson County Coordinator for Hawkeye. (applause) Stannard: Mayor Bailey, Members of the Council, as a person who works with the uninsured on a daily basis here in Johnson County, I want to thank you for this proclamation, and for recognizing the importance of Cover the Uninsured Week in Iowa City. We have, since last year, an additional one million children added to the statistics of uninsured. I would like to invite anyone who would like to know more about uninsured in our country to go to www.covertheuninsured.org where there is a wealth of information on this subject. Thank you. Bailey: Thank you. (applause) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of Apri114, 2008. #3 Page 4 ITEM 3 PROCLAMATIONS. d. Animal Control Appreciation Week -April 13 -19, 2008 Bailey: (reads proclamation) Karr: Here to accept the proclamation is Misha Goodman, Animal Services Supervisor. (applause) Goodman: Mayor and City Council, I want to thank you for this, and I want to kind of dedicate this proclamation to my officers who couldn't be here today, one of which is in the hospital. Um, they work tirelessly every day in very dangerous circumstances, unpredictable circumstances, trying to assist animals and the public on a daily basis, and I really appreciate this. Thank you. Bailey: Thanks for the work you do, Misha. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of April 14, 2008. #3 Page 5 ITEM 3 PROCLAMATIONS. e. Alzheimer's Action and Awareness Week -April 21 - 27, 2008 Bailey: (reads proclamation) Karr: Here to accept this proclamation is Gary Wicklund, representing the Eastern Iowa Board of Alzheimer Awareness. (applause) Wicklund: I want to thank the Iowa City Council for this, uh, proclamation. The one thing I'd like to have everybody do is on May 9th put some purple on and be aware of Alzheimer's. So, thanks. Bailey: Thank you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of April 14, 2008. #4 Page 6 ITEM 4 CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED OR AMENDED. d. Public Hearings. 6. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO CONSIDER THE PROPOSED CONVEYANCE OF A SKYWALK EASEMENT IN FAVOR OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA, WHICH SKYWALK IS TO BE CONSTRUCTED ABOVE BENTON STREET BETWEEN CLINTON STREET AND DUBUQUE STREET, AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR APRIL 29, 2008. Champion: Move to set the public hearing. Bailey: Moved by Champion. O'Donnell: Second. Bailey: Seconded by O'Donnell. Correia: I'll be abstaining due to a conflict of interest. Bailey: Okay, um, discussion? Champion: Can we have discussion on this? (several talking) Well, I think we're interested in seeing what this skywalk is going to look like, and also what kind of landscaping the County does plan to do around this parking structure. Wright: Yeah, definitely see some kind of landscaping plan, even an initial design. Bailey: Okay, so when we look at the conveyance of the skywalk, we would like to see a design and that's, if that's something that we can do on the 29th, and we would also like to see the landscaping for... around the parking...parking structure. I know that the County has indicated that they're interested in doing landscaping, so that shouldn't be a problem. Okay. Further discussion? Okay, roll call. Oh, motion. All those in favor. It's a resolution, okay, roll call. Item carries 6-0, Correia abstaining due to conflict of interest. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of April 14, 2008. #5 Page 7 ITEM 5 COMMUNITY COMMENT (ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA). Bailey: This is a time for community members to comment on items that do not appear on tonight's agenda. If you have a comment, please step to the podium, state your name for the record, and limit your comments to five minutes or less. Farris: Mayor, Council, um, Greg Farris, and I'm speaking on behalf of the Iowa City Airport Commission. Just to give you kind of an update of what's going on with the Airport, uh, coming up in the spring this year. As you know, the extension of runway, the east-west runway, 7-25, is nearing completion. There's some small work to be done at the end of 7 for a turnaround area, uh, with a plan of opening up that full extension by July, um, that would give the extra length of that runway and allow for, um, the use of the full length of the runway at that time. Uh, we also been working on the apron, the terminal apron that's started last year; be finishing up this year. That's the, for transient parking for aircraft to park, and as we pick up in a busier season in spring and then on through summer that will, uh, allow the aircraft a safe parking area, because it was, deteriorated over time and so the rehabilitation of that has gone well. The only thing left is some seeding and some marking this year to finish that up. We also added aself-service Jet-A fuel, which we use a lot for the helicopter, the Life Flights that come in late at night. Uh, this allows them to fuel up and move on. They're working...it's in place now. They're working on getting the fuel, or the flow speed moved up so they can...so there's a few things to work out, but that's in place and working right now, and it's a greatly aided because the air flights don't have to wait for someone to come out in the middle of the night when they come in to refuel. So it's quite a benefit to them. We're also...one of the other projects that'll get started up is the expansion of the University of Iowa's Operation Performance Lab, uh, hangar that's...operates out of the Iowa City. I think many of you have toured and seen this stuff from OPL's. They're increasing the size of their, the area that they have for offices and also for the equipment that they use. So that will, there's some preliminary plans out for that, and we expect to get started this year on that project, once some of those have been agreed on. The...the other things about the Airport, I don't know if you noticed, kind of mentioned some of the things that have been in the news lately, uh, is you might be aware that we recently did a story that, uh, or a historical pamphlet about the Airport. There was an article in the Gazette, maybe back in the first of March, explaining 90 years of the Iowa City Airport. That mentioned, uh, Jane, um, Jane's from the Tall Grass Associations, Jane Nash's booklet, and that's what kind of spurred that. In fact, part of Weber Days coming up I think May the first, she's going to do one of the lunch of the Weber Days information things is about her findings and what she did from the Iowa City Airport will be at the Public Library. The other things they had This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of April 14, 2008. #5 Page 8 up, which I believe you have a letter also in your packet, was from the Angel Flight. There was a recent article about Angel Flight, which operates many operations out of Iowa City. It's a volunteer organization that provides compassionate flights, or flights for healthcare for people in need. The Iowa City Airport's quite involved, uh, in that. U of I Health facilities bringing many patients in here. Personally been involved in several into the Ponsetti Clubfoot operation, several children are coming in for that, and it's also because of the location of the Airport, between here, and uh, Rochester, the Mayo Clinic's area, it's a waypoint many times for these flights. It sometimes can be three flights long with three volunteer pilots providing their part. So that was some of the...two things that, uh, were in the news for the Airport. I think this spring, as the weather's getting better, these projects will get started off and we should have a hopefully a good building year to finish up the projects we get started on. Thank you. Bailey: Thank you. Other members who would like to make a comment? Okay. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of Apri114, 2008. #6 Page 9 ITEM 6 PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS. a) REZONING APPROXIMATELY 17.97 ACRES LOCATED SOUTH OF RUPPERT ROAD FROM COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (CC-2) TO INTENSIVE COMMERCIAL (CI-1) (REZ08-0002) 1. PUBLIC HEARING Bailey: This is a public hearing. (bangs gavel) The public hearing is open, and we'll start with our Planning Director. Davidson: Thank you, Madame Mayor. I am Jeff Davidson, Director of Planning for the City. Uh, the item on your agenda tonight is to consider a rezoning from CC-2 to CI-1 for property which is located in Aviation Commerce Park North. ~ It is specifically Lots 2, 3, 4 and then outlots 2A, 3A, and 4A, so this property, uh, right here. This is in conjunction with a, a purchase offer that the City has received on this property, which is contingent upon this rezoning. A little bit of background, um, Aviation Commerce...there hasn't been a lot of activity in Aviation Commerce Park. It was originally platted in, uh, 2000 and zoned Public/CI-1, um, probably the thing that most people associated with this property, um, well, one more thing just in terms of background. The idea of this subdivision was this was City- owned property, subdivided by the City, with the notion that it could provide income for the Airport, uh, and perhaps find...provide a place for aviation-related businesses to be able to locate near the Airport. That was the notion when it was originally subdivided in 2000. Um, frankly, the aviation-related uses have not come forth. That has not been something that has happened; however, uh, you will recall that in 2005 Wal-Mart became interested in this property, and um, oh, just...just, I'm sorry. One more thing I wanted to mention the background. The City installed the infrastructure here -the sewer, the water and the roads -with the intention that as lots were...originally it was planned to be leased, and then later we went to a model that involved selling the property, that the income stream from that would first off pay off the infrastructure, and then become a revenue source, uh, for the Airport. Now, in 2005, as I started to say, Wal-Mart became interested in the west half, and the west half of the subdivision was rezoned to, uh, CC-2, and this was a little bit of an unusual situation in that because it was Wal-Mart, and uh, it was such a strong destination business, it quite frankly made this property suitable for CC-2 type zoning, where for virtually any other CC-2 type use, it would not be appropriate, and it would not be appropriate because it does not have the visibility and it does not have the traffic count on Ruppert Road that is typically required, and I mean, it doesn't have close to either one of those things, and what a CC-2 use typically requires for a location, but because it was Wal-Mart, and they are such a strong destination-oriented business, they did not feel that they required the visibility or the traffic This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of Apri114, 2008. #6 Page 10 count, and so that was taken into consideration when the property was rezoned. Um, but because of those circumstances, we also at that time, uh, amended the Comprehensive Plan to just say, all right, it's suitable for commercial. We're not going to specify intensive commercial or community commercial, but it's appropriate for a commercial use. In this particular instance with Wal-Mart we felt the CC-2 zoning, uh, was appropriate. Uh, because of some decisions that Wal-Mart made, Wal- Mart ended up not locating here, not purchasing the property. Uh, in 2007, there was renewed interest, and lots in this end of the subdivision, 1, 5, 6 and 7, were rezoned back to CI-1. Um, and that was again based on a particular business's interest in a property that was a CI-1 type use and required that, uh, rezoning. Uh, the current proposal involves, as I mentioned, a CI-1 use, uh, that would locate on Lots 2,3 and 4, and outlots 2A, 3A, and 4A, um...and there has been some discussion., and we can have as much or as little discussion as you wish of the uses allowed in the CI-1, the uses allowed in the CC-2. Um, I think the...when I've tried to familiarize myself with the two zoning classifications -the CI-1 is characterized by sales and repair of large equipment, and uses that require outdoor storage and display. I think that's the most unique thing about the CI-1 zone. The CI-1 zone actually has the most flexibility of all the, uh, commercial, uh, zoning classifications, in terms of the number of things that are allowed or permitted, and I believe you received the, uh, summary from Karen Howard which kind of compared the CI-1 with the CC-2, and the CO, Commercial Office, zone, uh, and we can have as much or as little discussion as you would like about that. The CC-2 zone is what I would characterize as the retail zone. It's where you have your high visibility, as I mentioned, high traffic count-type of retail uses. Um, if we get called about property involving a CC-2 type use, the very first thing they want to know is what's the traffic count, what's the traffic count, uh, particularly with a national franchise business, that is the most important criteria that they have for, uh, CC-2 type use. Uh, if you decide to proceed with this, as I mentioned earlier, it does not require a Comprehensive Plan amendment because of the Comprehensive Plan amendment that was done at the time of the Wal-Mart rezoning. Uh, the property does lie within the flood plain and includes high-risk soil, so those will be taken into consideration, uh, with the site plan for the property, should this be approved. Uh, the one other thing then that I did want to mention, you did have some letters, uh, included in your packet. Um, those letters are with regard to a, well, a proposal that from the City's perspective we have not received a specific proposal. Uh, the individual who was exploring the proposal that you heard outlined in those letters did come in and speak with us. It was not a... a terribly clearly defined proposal. It was sort of a rough notion of what the individual, uh, had in mind to do, involving the old United hangar. Uh, the old United hanger, my understanding is as of last Thursday evening is no longer owned by the City, uh, it is owned by a demolition contractor that the Airport Commission awarded, uh, the This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of Apri114, 2008. #6 Page 11 demolition contract to that building to. So, it would be a matter of a private individual negotiating the acquisition of that from the demolition contractor, and uh, not the City. A couple of things I did want to clear up. There...there was a notion presented in the letters that we are considering industrial zoning. It is not industrial zoning. I don't know if there was some confusion about the "i" in CI-1. It stands for "intensive," not "industrial." Uh, there was also a letter that referred to a junkyard, and I wasn't sure if the writer meant that literally or figuratively. If they meant it literally, it's not allowed. Junkyards are only allowed in the I2 zone, of which we have just a very small amount of that in the city. So, I did want to just provide those clarifications, oh, and the lot for which it was proposed to move the United hanger is zoned CI-1, consistent with, uh, it's already zoned CI-1, consistent with your proposal this evening. Any questions? Champion: Thank you for clearing up those letters. Appreciate that. Hayek: The entire area was CI-1 before this 2000, circa 2000... Davidson: P/CI-1 because the City owned it. Hayek: Right. Bailey: Okay. If there aren't any questions, let's disclose ex parte communication before we, um, hear from public...the public. Any ex parte communications regarding this rezoning? Correia: Um, I didn't talk with anyone. I received emails that I didn't return. Bailey: Okay, and you saw my response to the correspondence, and that's...and I haven't talked with those people on the phone. I also talked to Planning Director Davidson just to clarify, um, the zoning distinctions specifically. Wright: I did receive an email from Mary Honeck, and another one just shot right out of my head. Bailey: Yeah, I think many of us received...(several talking) Dilkes: And just...just for clarification, I think it's important to...the purpose of disclosing is so people have an opportunity to respond to what you've been told, outside of the public hearing, so you should include those communications you receive, even if you don't reply to them. Bailey: Okay. All right. People who would like to speak to the public hearing...public hearing regarding this rezoning. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of Apri114, 2008. #6 Page 12 Honeck: Mayor, Council, my name is Jay Honeck and I'm the owner of the Alexis Park Inn and Suites Hotel on Iowa City's south side, right next to the Airport's North Aviation Commerce Park. My wife Mary and I are here to express our opinion that rezoning the North Aviation Commerce Park to Intensive, not Industrial, with relaxed cosmetic rules and regulations will be a disaster for historic preservation and for us personally. First some background, the Iowa City Airport is home to the historic Boeing United hanger. Built by Boeing in 1930, it's one of just seven original airmail hangars left in America. Most of the other survivors are on the National Historic Register and are thus more protected, but ours is slated for demolition in the next few months. The FAA in its wisdom has deemed it to be too close to the runway for modern safety standards. The fact that it has not been a problem in the preceding 78 years apparently carries very little weight with them. Historic preservationists have fought for years to save this structure, but to no avail. Just when we thought the battle was lost and the bulldozers were ready to roll, as noted, it's going to be going down in 60 days, uh, a local Iowa City developer Al Wells rode in on a white horse. Mr. Wells is proposing not just saving the old hangar, but moving it to the North Aviation Commerce Park, completely restoring it to its original glory, and adding two new hangars to make anairport-based commercial area called "Amelia Field." With his proposed Amelia Field development, the original intent of the North Aviation Commerce Park will be realized, and our Iowa City Airport and the whole southside of Iowa City will be truly enhanced. A beautiful commercial and retail space will be created with the restored old hangar as its centerpiece. This wonderful plan is threatened by the ITC Midwest's request to rezone the area land for intensive use. As the owners of anairport-related business, the Alexis Park Inn and Suites, we know exactly what our Airport brings into our area. Our aviation-themed luxury suites hotel attracts visitors from all over the world to Iowa City, and they are always impressed with our little town, despite the fact that the southside of Iowa City, and especially the City-owned land along Riverside Drive has been allowed to cosmetically deteriorate. This is the part that truly concerns us. Although our guests are usually too polite to comment, we are always embarrassed by the City-owned land around us. The land across from us, where the muddy snow is now piled three stories and to the north of us occupied by the School District are poorly maintained and present a terribly shabby entrance to Iowa City's visitors. The City has told us that rezoning the ITC Midwest land as intensive won't be an open invitation for the power company to dump garbage on the property, and that the City will enforce rules that forbid this kind of eyesore development. However, we have seen that the City allows...what the City allows on its own land and it is awful. We, therefore, have no faith that the City would actually enforce rules that it doesn't follow itself. We have worked incredibly hard for the last six years to resurrect an old hotel at the south...the southern entrance to Iowa City. Our success was predicted by few, but we are a living This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of Apri114, 2008. #6 Page 13 testament to the fact that our Airport is truly one of Iowa City's best tourist attractions and Al Wells' "Amelia Fields" development dovetails perfectly with this vision. Sadly this vision will soon be lost if the power company has its way. The new owners are seeking permission to allow outside storage, which we presume to be telephone poles and heavy equipment. Within a matter of years, the North Aviation Commerce Park will look precisely like the area of Coralville, that they have spent millions of dollars cleaning up, and which is now home to the Marriott and anever- growing group of outstanding retail businesses. Coralville has led the way in cleaning up the very kind of blight that our City Council is now contemplating creating in the North Aviation Commerce Park. If they rezone this land as intensive, all of our six years work, all of Al Wells' efforts and the hopes of saving the Boeing United hangar maybe jeopardized. I hope all Iowa City Councilors will join us in opposition to rezoning this land as industrial intensive. Please make the new land owners take care of their property in precisely the same way that we do, and keep our dream and Al Wells' dream alive, and the original intent of the Airport Commission. Thank you. Bailey: Thank you. Other comments? Powers: Uh, my name is Robert Powers, and I'll be somewhat more brief, but I'd like to reiterate what Jay has said. I don't know if the Council has ever flown into Iowa City, but, um, it's really quite beautiful with the river right there, and I've, um, flown with many foreign visitors to our city and they've commented on that very same point, and my concern is also, as Jay's, that we create some kind of, um, industrial...oh, let's use the word junkyard. That's not appropriate, but um, something that's not very aesthetically pleasing. So I would hope that the Council would vote against this rezoning. Thank you. Bailey: Thank you. Others wishing to comment? Ford: I'm Wendy Ford, Economic Development Coordinator for the City, and I would just like to, uh, remind Council that ITC Midwest, um, is bringing with them 20...uh, sorry, up to 49 high paying jobs, that is with an average of $25 an hour, something that we, uh, have been looking to add to our community for some time, and I might also add that they will be held to the same high standards of, uh, keeping their property in good order, as any of our other commercial, uh, tenants would be. Thanks. Bailey: I definitely know that we don't screen from the sky, but what are the screening requirements in this new, um, zoning CI-1? Davidson: Uh, I believe they're the S2 requirements, which is kind of in the middle of the...the most we require and the least. Uh, those were added with the This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of Apri114, 2008. #6 Page 14 zoning code change, I meant to mention that and neglected to, but there are enhanced screening requirements, uh, with the new zoning code that have not been in place in the CI-1 zone, to address exactly some of the issues that the...the previous speakers raised in terms of some of the aesthetic issues in the CI-1 zones, and the buffering of CI-1 zones to non- CI-1 zone property. Bailey: So though it doesn't affect your flyover, adjacent properties would be...there would be screening between adjacent properties? Davidson: Yes. Bailey: Okay. Hayek: ...give an example of what that screening would be for this particular site... Davidson: I'm sorry, Matt, I...I can't. I mean, we can certainly bring those to you, I'm just not enough of an expert on the zoning code to lay out what the difference in the screening requirements are. Um, the Urban Planning Division did indicate to me that those were added with the last, uh, zoning code so that we could basically do better in the CI-1 zones than we had been doing. Hayek: But, in essence this falls within the middle point on the spectrum of strictness, if you will. Bailey: Thanks. Others wishing to comment at the public hearing? Nolte: Just make a quick comment, uh, Mark Nolte, Iowa City Area Development Group, uh, we've looked at some of the fencing from other ITC locations after this was developed. They've done a nice job with kind of going above and beyond the normal fencing requirements. Their properties look nice. Uh, there are two other businesses that will be following with them, so in addition to the jobs Wendy mentioned, there'll probably be 20...15 to 20 more in that same high-paying job that will be attracted to serve this company, and frankly, over the last five years, there hasn't been a lot of interest outside of this company in that land. There're very few uses that are appropriate for this with the new FAA rules, when you get up in building height and certain things. Something more the traditional industrial warehouse buildings won't go there, or can't go there, because of height requirements -stuff like that. So, with the limited options available, and limited interest in that property, we would be of the mind that this is a good use for...for that property, and would urge you to zone it appropriately. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of Apri114, 2008. #6 .Bailey: Others wishing to comment? Page 15 Dilkes: I just wanted to add one comment. Um, because of Mr. Honeck's comments about, um, the plans by Mr. Wells, um, for one of the lots, and um, that particular lot that he is interested in, and we do have some understanding of what his plans were there, to move the United hangar and have some...two other hangars there, is already zoned CI-1, and we have talked to the zoning staff and our understanding is that would be the appropriate zoning for that plan, would be CI-1. Correia: So that plan could go in as currently zoned... Dilkes: As currently zoned. Correia: ...there'd be no problem... Dilkes: ...and that lot is already zoned CI-1. Um, what you're looking at is rezoning these additional lots to CI-1, but there seems to be some misunderstanding as to the change in this zoning to the neighboring property that somehow prevent Mr. Wells from what he was proposing to do with the hangars and that's not the case. Correia: So that wouldn't prevent that from happening, right. Wright: The same zoning from one lot to the next. Bailey: Anybody else wishing to comment before I close the public hearing? Okay, seeing none, the public hearing is closed. (bangs gavel) Karr: Motion to accept correspondence. Correia: So moved. Bailey: Moved by Correia. Wright. Second. Bailey: Seconded by Wright. All those in favor say aye. Okay. Champion: Well, I certainly support this... Bailey: Are we going to have a motion on the floor? 2. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE (FIRST CONSIDERATION) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of Apri114, 2008. #6 Page 16 Champion: Oh, move first consideration! O'Donnell: Move first consideration. (laughter) Bailey: Moved by Champion, seconded by O'Donnell. Okay, and you were...(laughing and several talking)...yes, and you were saying? Champion: Well, I'm going to support this. I think this is a great economic asset for the City, uh, because this is only first consideration, I...I guess I would like to have some kind of screening plan brought to us, or some idea about what they're going to do, um, and I also do agree that the City-owned property along that road is really disgraceful, and we've been so cautious . about making all of our entrances to the City look great, and that one is really deplorable. I really agree with it...agree with you. But I'm going to support this. Bailey: Thanks, Connie. Wright: I agree with Connie. I think, uh, I think there probably is an appropriate development to have down there, uh, I did take a look at the zoning requirements and the screening, and I don't think it necessarily has to be an unattractive development at all. I think it can be relatively unobtrusive. Dilkes: I'm going to interrupt you for a minute. You need to focus here on this decision on what the appropriate land use is, for this...for this land. I know that you've got a development in front of you, but what we're going to be looking at is the screening requirements that would apply to any, um, development in a CI-1 zone, and what's the appropriate land...so, we're not just talking about this one development...when we're talking about what the appropriate land use is for this land. Bailey: Thanks, Eleanor. Wright: I think given what the zoning requirements are, uh, and the possible screening requirements, this rezoning makes perfect sense, and I also agree with Connie's comments and with those of Mr. Honeck that the...this particular entrance to the City could use just a touch of work. It's pretty unattractive. Champion: I'd screen the whole thing! (laughter) Bailey: Other discussion? Wilburn: I agree that this is an appropriate use for this, uh, for this plot of land, and uh, I guess I would just, a reminder to myself, uh, and ask the Council to consider as we talk about screening, uh, especially with land use and This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of Apri114, 2008. #6 Page 17 zoning, uh, I'm, uh, being reflective in recalling a conversation where Councils past have said that, uh, the...the City's doing too much in terms of screening, and just something to keep in mind that there are reasons and, for example, where, uh, perhaps there's been concern about the City doing too much, but there's reason for screenings and those types of requirements that you could put in, that speak to attractiveness and usage and all that. Hayek: I would echo what's been said, and I would add to that that we're talking about land that for seven years has attracted little interest, and now we've got an opportunity to put a good, uh, business citizen into that space, and...and I trust the recommendation of City staff in that regard, and more generally, I don't want to stray too far from this particular zoning question, this is an area that we had developed as part of a very difficult compromise to save the Airport in some respects by developing the area around it, uh, and you know in an ideal setting we wouldn't have to do anything with it, but uh, but that's the reality. Bailey: Thanks, Matt. Other discussion? I'm just going to say that I support this rezoning. I think, um, I didn't support rezoning it to CC-2 so in my mind, it's always been most appropriate as CI-1 zoning. So I'm certainly going to support this rezoning. Okay. Roll call. Item carries 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of Apri114, 2008. #8 Page 18 ITEM 8 AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF AN APPLICATION WITH THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR FY2009 IOWA DOT STATE TRANSIT ASSISTANCE AND FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION FUNDING. a) PUBLIC HEARING Bailey: This is a public hearing. (bangs gavel) Public hearing is open.. Do we have any staff who would like to present on this issue? Barb? Okay. Morck: Hello everybody. My name is Barbara Morck. I'm the Acting Transit Manager for Iowa City Transit. Thanks for allowing us to appear. We're asking that you fund our, um, program of projects as written on, I'm not sure what attachment it would be, but I believe it was (mumbled). Um, if you have any questions. Bailey: Any questions for Barb? Thanks for being here. Morck: Thank you. Bailey: Okay. Other people to comment at the public hearing? Public hearing is closed. (bangs gavel) b) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION Wright: Move the resolution. Bailey: Moved by Wright. Correia: Second. Bailey: Seconded by Correia. Discussion? Roll call. Item carries 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of April 14, 2008. #9 Page 19 ITEM 9 CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 6, ENTITLED "PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY", CHAPTER 1, ENTITLED "NUISANCES" TO PROHIBIT THE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ON NON-LICENSED PREMISES $ETWEEN 2 A.M. AND 6 A.M. MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY, AND BETWEEN 2 A.M. AND 8 A.M. ON SUNDAY. (FIRST CONSIDERATION) Correia: Move first consideration. Bailey: Moved by Correia. Hayek: Second. Bailey: Seconded by Hayek. Discussion? Really? Correia: I mean, I know that we've had some correspondence about this. I mean, I think that this is important to get in front of. I mean, we had correspondence from um, interested parties who were letting us know they would be looking at coming into our area to open an after-hours...after- hours club. We had a discussion at our work session about concerns about that, especially in the downtown area. The concerns that I expressed were related to, um, younger teenagers, high school students that could be negatively impacted, that there would be negative impact on our police force, um, to make sure that there were safe environments, um, that was the reason that I, one of the reasons I'm supporting this. Wright: I support this as well. I think, um, in a community which has an acknowledged problem with excessive drinking in the downtown area, uh, the last thing we need to do is create opportunities so that, for that to be, um, accelerated after 2:00 A.M. by folks bringing in their own alcohol, and I agree with Amy's concerns about the, the possibility for unregulated, uh, drinking...unregulatedhehavior towards minors in these institutions. Um, I'd say this type of club is about the last thing we need downtown. Champion: (laughter) I agree totally! Bailey: I thought a lot about our discussion at the work session, and I actually was quite surprised about how aggressively the majority felt about getting out in front of this, and I felt that missed an opportunity, um, as I indicated I see a lot of activity after hours in our neighborhoods and, um, I believe that that's probably a far more dangerous setting for, uh, consumption of alcohol to continue. I understand the concerns, of course, and additional police requirements, but I think that we could have addressed that a little bit more creatively in requiring private security or those sorts of things. I think the Gazette had a really nice editorial on missing an opportunity to This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of Apri114, 2008. #9 Page 20 provide a place for socializing, with or without alcoholic beverages, which I think can exist if you don't serve alcohol or allow people to bring in. That could be a business downtown, but I think we're missing an opportunity of being creative to address the possibility of an after-hours club, um, I'm just not ready to support this ordinance. I think it goes too far too fast, and one of the things I learned in business school is you cannot absolutely regulate the behavior of human beings, just by anticipating bad behavior on their part without actually seeing what the problem is, and because we haven't actually seen the problem, I think the consumption, the challenge of the consumption of alcohol is throughout our community, perhaps creating environments in which people can hang out after hours might be a good thing. Wright: But this doesn't prohibit that. Bailey: I'm just...I can't get there. So, I mean, it'll pass. You'll have your ordinance, so...but I just, it's just too much too fast. We weren't creative enough, and I think we missed an opportunity. Hayek: I think you could convince me, uh, to, uh, vote to keep the bars open until 5:00 or 6:00 in the morning before you could convince me to allow, uh, this kind of activity in an absolutely unregulated fashion, without the sort of access rights that, uh, police officers have to get into bars, and um, at a time when we're trying to deal with the needs of our police department in terms of staffing and funding, this just, uh, scares me in terms of...of what we would need or what would be required to police this. Bailey: But we could have addressed that, by requiring private security...I mean, all I'm saying...I mean, right, it was a longer discussion I expected to have, I guess, and um... Champion: Well, I see it as the future...future detriment. Bailey: I understand that. Champion: Because, I mean, I...I'm going to support it totally, because I could see if any other big bar downtown closed, I mean, open anafter-hours club and we could just have alcohol consumption in our business district from... forever! Wright: Dusk to dawn! (laughter) Champion: Dusk to dawn! (laughter) And I don't think we need that. I just can't support this...support it at all. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of Apri114, 2008. #9 Page 21 Hayek: The other thing is this, I would rather get out in front of this now and revisit it down the road if we have to, than do nothing. Have somebody come in and then try to take up this issue when you've got an existing business that's invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into an operation, and then we get criticized for (several talking) Bailey: Well, and I would...and I'm just the opposite. I would have rather seen, you know, been very strict and said what our interests here in regulating it, and to see how it would work, and you know, it's a difference of opinion. I'm certainly not...I'm certainly not under the illusion that I'm going to change anybody's mind. I just wanted to explain my "no" vote. Roll call. Item carries 6-1, Bailey in the negative. Karr: Motion to accept correspondence. Champion: So moved. Bailey: Moved by Champion. Correia: Second. Bailey: Seconded by Correia. All those in favor say aye. Okay. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of Apri114, 2008. #10 Page 22 ITEM 10 CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 3 ENTITLED "CITY FINANCES, TAXATION & FEES," CHAPTER 4 ENTITLED "SCHEDULE OF FEES, RATES, CHARGES, BONDS, FINES & PENALTIES," SECTION 3-4-5, ENTITLED "SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL," OF THE CITY CODE TO INCREASE OR CHANGE RESIDENTIAL SOLID WASTE COLLECTION FEES. (SECOND CONSIDERATION) Champion: Moved second consideration. Karr: Excuse me. Staff has requested expedited action. Champion: Oh, I don't have one of those blue things. Bailey: Somebody care to expedite? Wright: You didn't tell me there were cheat sheets in the drawers! (laughter) O'Donnell: I move that the ruling requiring an ordinance must be considered and voted on for passage at two Council meetings prior to the meeting at which it is to be finally passed be suspended, and the second consideration and vote be waived, and that the ordinance be voted on for final passage at this time. Champion: Second. Bailey: Moved by O'Donnell, seconded by Champion for expedited action. Discussion? Roll call. Item carries 7-0. O'Donnell: I move that the ordinance be finally adopted at this time. Bailey: Moved by O'Donnell. Wright: Second. Bailey: Seconded by Wright. Roll call. Item carries 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of April 14, 2008. #14 Page 23 ITEM 14 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT FOR PRIVATE REDEVELOPMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY AND HIERONYMUS SQUARE ASSOCIATES. O'Donnell: Move the resolution. Bailey: Moved by O'Donnell. Champion: Second. Bailey: Seconded by Champion. Discussion? Ford: I'm Wendy Ford, Economic Development Coordinator for the City, and I just wanted to refresh you, um, about the original agreement for redevelopment that you had, uh, struck with Hieronymus Square Associates. Um, in the ensuing eighteen months or so, Hieronymus Square Associates have, uh, designed a building, gone out for bids and found that the cost exceed their budget by approximately 20% or so, and they are requesting an additional one year to go back and rework those plans, such that they could financially afford to do this project. Um, essentially their vision is still the same. They're working on that the same as it was for, uh, the City, and the same as it was for them. Something that we all, that you all agreed on then. Uh, I, uh, feel that, um, it's worth stating that if the City owned this corner property up here on Burlington and Clinton Street, then we might have the luxury of shopping this project around to a different developer, um, so that we could get it done in a more timely fashion. In fact, we don't have that luxury, as you know, and we have a developer who's committed tens of thousands of dollars in this project to date. So, um, we felt as a staff and the Economic Development Committee felt that it was worth giving the additional year for the plans to come...continue to come together so that we could all have the project that we all envisioned initially. One other thing I wanted to remind you of was that over the course of the coming twenty years after the project is up, and the property taxes from such a large project could be realized, even after assisting the project, the City will net more than $9 million more in property taxes than they would with one of the typical, say three or four stories of apartments over, uh, first floor of commercial. So, keep in mind that return on that investment coming back, um, $9 million more net to the City in twenty years, not to mention a signature building downtown. Um, and essentially that's all I wanted to say. If you had any other questions, as well, Kevin Digmann, representing Hodge Construction, is here as well. Bailey: Kevin, did you want to make any comments? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of Apri114, 2008. #14 Page 24 Digmann: I just wanted to say, uh, that we're requesting the dates to be extended a year. We do not anticipate it taking that long. Um, our goal, you know, originally we wanted to kind of break ground this spring and like Wendy had mentioned, the cost just came in over budget. Going back and doing some value engineering as you call it, trying to find...you know, you get rid of the granite and you replace it with tile. So, uh, those kinds of things, but we're still optimistic, you know, that we're looking at these changes. We think we're going to get some pretty substantial cost savings, um, take some inefficiencies out of the building, and hope to, you know, still break ground later this fall, late summer, early fall, but obviously just, if we run into something else we don't want to have to come back in a couple months and have somebody say, weren't you just here? So, that's what we're working on, on the deadline. Obviously, if we go through this process, and there's things that, you know, at a later date we have to change for one reason or another, we might be back, but from a timing standpoint, this is what we're looking for today. Any specific questions at all? Champion: It's a lot of work to cut down a project, isn't it? Digmann: Yeah, and...and we spent more than tens of thousands of dollars too, I'll tell ya that! (laughter) Correia: Just wondering, the conversation in the Economic Development Committee, what did you all consider? Champion: I think we all fully support the extension. Bailey: I think Wendy outlined it pretty well, um, by right, a CB-5 building could be developed on this corner. I think that we've discussed as a Council our interest in seeing downtown move south of Burlington, um, our interest in seeing a signature building on this corner, and um, the added, um, benefit to the tax rolls o£ ..of this kind of building, and so that was a huge motivation in granting this agreement, and we were interested in extending it, because we know that financing right now, given the economy as it is (mumbled). Matt, did you want to add anything? Hayek: Ditto, plus, um, this lot has been vacant for many, many years, uh, six to twelve month delay is...is insignificant if this is a good project, and I think there's broad consensus to that. Champion: I think it's an exciting project. Bailey: Uh-huh, I think it is too. Further discussion? Questions? Okay. Roll call. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of Apri114, 2008. #14 Page 25 Hayek: Before you do that, let me just make one disclosure. Um, my wife is employed at the same law firm that represents the applicant, uh, and so I've been in touch with the City Attorney's office concerning whether or not that constitutes any conflict of interest, and the advice I'm receiving is that it does not, uh, constitute a conflict of interest, and I, um, personally don't believe there to be one either, and so I'm obviously participating in this discussion and I will participate in this vote. Bailey: Thank you. Roll call. Item carries 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of Apri114, 2008. #15 Page 26 ITEM 15 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY AND JOHNSON COUNTY DOGPAC FOR JOINT MAINTENANCE OF AND SHARING REVENUES GENERATED FROM THE PROPOSED OFF-LEASH DOG PARK TO BE LOCATED IN SCOTT PARK. Correia: Move the resolution. Bailey: Moved by Correia. Wright: Second. Bailey: Seconded by Wright. Discussion? Correia: I think this is a great idea! Bailey: Okay. I see Terry is here. Did you want to make any comments about this new park? Since you're here... Trueblood: Terry Trueblood, Parks and Recreation Director. iJh, just a point of information. I know all of you know this, but other people listening may not. This is a small dog park, about three acres in size, takes up, uh, a very small portion of Scott Park. By comparison, the Thornberry Off-Leash Dog Park is about eleven acres in size. Correia: When you say small dog park, it's not just for small dogs? Trueblood: That is correct. Correia: Okay. Wright: A dog park of small size! Correia: Exactly! (laughter) I think it'll really help probably alleviate some of the traffic going through the Peninsula neighborhood, um, and I think it's good to have accommodations for dog owners. Wright: Also folks in that half of town don't necessarily have to drive all the way out to the Peninsula. Bailey: Right. Wright: It saves folks time, saves people at the Peninsula the traffic. Bailey: And gas prices being what they are, it's sort of nice (mumbled). It's convenient, and we know that the dog park out at the Peninsula has been This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of April 14, 2008. #15 Page 27 very successful. I think it's a great, this is a great opportunity, and really appreciate DogPac's participation in this. It wouldn't happen without their leadership. So...that's great. Other discussion? Okay. Roll call. Item carries 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of Apri114, 2008. #16 Page 28 ITEM 16 CONSIDER A MOTION TO RECONSIDER THE PREVIOUS DENIAL AND GRANT AN APPLICATION FOR THE RENEWAL OF A CLASS C LIQUOR LICENSE FOR YELDER ENTERPRISES, INC., DBA THE `QUE, 211 IOWA AVENUE, THROUGH OCTOBER 30, 2008. Wilburn: Move to reconsider the denial and application. O'Donnell: Second. Bailey: Moved by Wilburn, seconded by O'Donnell. Discussion? Champion: Well, this is...they're really going to do a good job, and I really, really appreciate them, um, setting some rules for themselves, and I'm certainly going to support this. Yelder: Okay, thank you for reconsidering my liquor license. Bailey: We know who you are, but could you state your name for the record. Yelder: Oh, okay. My name is Roy Yelder. Bailey: Thank you. Yelder: Is it okay to talk? (several responding, laughter) Bailey: Sorry. Yes! Yelder: Um, I want to thank the City Council for, uh, reconsidering my liquor license. Um, there has been many changes in the `Que Bar since the last time I was before you all. Um, I met with the, excuse me, the Chief of Police on March 19th to discuss the changes that we have made, and to discuss the City concerns. We believe we have addressed the City's concerns. I would like to introduce my new bar managers to speak on the changes. This is Sarah. Henningfield: Hi, Sarah Henningfield, General Manager of the `Que Bar. Again, thank you all for your reconsideration. We do appreciate your time; and as Roy said, March 19th we did meet with the Police Chief and the Assistant City Attorney and came to a couple of agreements. Mostly it was just us outlining our new policies and guidelines for all of our employees, and um, management staff. Um, just speaking on behalf of the `Que Bar, uh, soon after Mr. Yelder filed for the renewal of his liquor license, I was hired as the General Manager. Um, it was my task to implement and enforce new training procedures and an employment guideline book, in accordance with the City of Iowa City Code. Um, since the first day of This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of Apri114, 2008. #16 Page 29 my employment, we have hired a second manager. Her name is Pretty Kumar, and she is also in attendance today. Um, the reason why she was brought onboard is to enforce our new rule of always having a manager or the owner himself on premises during business hours, all the time. Um, Miss Kumar and myself have been placed on the business license, along with our personal contact information, to make ourselves more accessible to the City, or the Police, if needed. Um, Miss Kumar and myself have since created a training guide and an employee handbook, in which all employees shall enter into an agreement on the following points, and their signature is required on a certain page of this handbook. Um, minors of the ages of 19 and 20 will be properly I.D.'d and marked with two types of identification - an "X" on the left hand and a special wristband that indicates their, um, minor status. All non-alcoholic beverages will be served in a brightly colored cup. If a minor is seen with any other container, it will be confiscated and the patron will be asked to leave and escorted outside. All employees will be jigger trained to control over serving. All employees will be required to receive TIPS training after their employment probation has passed. That is a term of 90 days. All employees will be expected to adhere to a zero tolerance policy for any violation of the employee handbook. All employees are also strongly encouraged to perform four hours of community service each month. There are certain, um, groups and certain University of Iowa organizations that will support this. We have been in contact with a couple of them and they're all for us sending our employees their way. It is not required, because we can't require that of our employees, but it is recommended and there will be certain events that we set up ourselves to take them to these community service things. (laughter) Um, all...we have not hired any of the former staff of the `Que Bar and have also informed, um, excuse me, installed a video recording system. During this March 19'h meeting, we did agree to cooperate more readily with the Iowa City Police in order to curb any future violations. Again, thank you so much for your time. If you guys have any questions, you're welcome to ask me now or you can address Miss Kumar or Mr. Yelder, if you need any clarification. Champion: Good job! O'Donnell: Sounds like you've got it under control. Henningfield: Thank you. Thanks for your time. Wright: Just curious. Did you ever consider just becoming a 21-only bar? Henningfield: Um, we have, but because we are a strictly live music venue with a capacity of about 400 people, it's not conducive to business because the 19 and 20 year olds do represent a large part of the music scene in Iowa City. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of April 14, 2008. #16 Page 30 Champion: And I think that's good. I mean, the music should be enjoyed by everybody. Wilburn: We appreciate your extra effort, and your attention to detail. Henningfield: Thanks. Thank you. Bailey: Other discussion, other people wishing to address Council? Discussion by Council? Correia: I'm impressed by what they've done, um, put in place, that proactive nature, uh, of what they're doing...so I will support, um, your reapplication. Bailey: I'm not going to support the reapplication, um, I seem to be on the strange side of alcohol issue tonight. (laughter) But for me, I think I said this when we initially denied, and I understand the Police Chief is also recommending this, but um, it...we expect a lot of our businesses that serve alcohol, and sometimes for me you just don't get a second chance, and I'm...I'm just not willing to do that. I mean, I'm impressed. You've done really good attention to detail. It seems that you've hired great managers. It's not personal, it's just business, and I expect business to be conducted at a higher level the first time around. And so I won't be supporting this. Wilburn: I think the...a main goal in terms of, um, our approach and the entire time of looking at, uh, the regulation expected of the employers, in particular when we went from not just looking at, in particular minors who were, um, getting access to alcohol in the liquor license establishments, but looking for compliance. You know, the stings and all this is related to compliance, and uh, you know, many times during the hearings you hear, well, they're trying to put someone out of business and this and that, but we're looking for compliance. The ticketing is compliance, and these are the steps that we're, um, you know, you're putting something in place, you're looking at attention to detail, you're trying to be professional about it, and that's really all we're asking for, is this compliance with the State law because we have a requirement and a responsibility to, uh, make sure that we're monitoring the liquor licenses. So I will be supporting it. Bailey: And I hear what you're saying, and...and um, I agree that we're looking for compliance. There was an opportunity, initially, when there was this initial investigation for this kind of attention to detail, and, um, putting other people on the business license, and so once again I think the opportunity was...was lost and only when we indicated that we were really serious about our expectations were these things put in place, and, This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of Apri114, 2008. #16 Page 31 um, absolutely! Let's get compliance, but when the Police Chief and others from the Police Department worked to contact and having difficulty contacting owners, and finding managers, um, that's just too much. The opportunity for compliance, um, was six months ago, in my mind. Wilburn: And I just, I think we made our point, um, thus the changes that were put in place, and...and there still has to be compliance. So, if there's a problem (several talking) Wright: I appreciate what you're saying, but at the same time, we do have the Chief of Police backing this, uh, I think it's an impressive effort on the part of the folks at the 'Que, and the `Que is also still on a pretty short leash. Bailey: Well, I hope so. Wright: And, uh, I think we're all going to be watching very carefully. Bailey: I hope so. O'Donnell: I...I'm going to support this. We denied it because of management reasons and we didn't like the way the business was run, and uh, I want to commend the owner for the outstanding steps you've taken to correct what we told you you were doing wrong. So I will support this. Champion: I think the other thing is too, I expect them to do this, because this is their livelihood. So I'm not surprised by what they've done, but I'm also very pleased that they've put it down on paper. Wright: Certainly like to see this in place all over town. Yeah. (several talking) Hayek: I'm going to support this as well. Um, I think it's clear by now that the word's on the street that our Police Chief is willing, in certain circumstances, to recommend denial of renewal applications, and I think that has had an impact on venues throughout downtown. The second thing is, as much as we need to provide sticks, we also need carrots here, and um, I think the lesson has been learned here and the reaction has been, and the response has been, uh, a responsible one, um, and I think we want to incent good behavior, uh, in...with our bar institutions. I think this is an example of that occurring, and I think we should reward that where appropriate, and I think it is here. Bailey: Roll call. Item carries 6-1, Bailey in the negative. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of April 14, 2008. #20 Page 32 ITEM 20 COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS. c) Youth Advisory Commission Bailey: We had one applicant for the Youth Advisory Commission -Danielle Malatek - and I think Danielle will be a great addition to the Youth Advisory Commission. Could I have a nomination for Danielle? Wright: Move nomination. Wilburn: Second. Bailey: Moved by Wright, seconded by Wilburn. All those in favor say aye. Those opposed same sign. Motion carries. Thank you to Danielle. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of April 14, 2008. #22 Page 33 ITEM 22 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION. Bailey: Let's start with Amy tonight. Correia: Well, first I want to say congratulations to Maison Bleam who's the new UISG President and a former, um, member of the Youth Advisory Commission, one of our first members, so congratulations to Maison and he did some leadership work for the City as part of the Youth Advisory Commission. iJh, I also wanted to let folks know about the Jackson Katz presentation which is, uh, a program that's being presented by the Domestic Violence Intervention Program and many event co-sponsors, um, on Thursday. It's a mentoring non-violence presentation, um, Jackson Katz is a nationally recognized author and filmmaker, for his groundbreaking work in the field of gender violence prevention education with men and boys. There will be, um, Thursday, April 17`h, this Thursday, at 3:00 P.M. in the Little Theatre at West High School, a presentation on "Strategies for Inspiring Men and Boys to be Allies in Gender Violence Prevention." The intended audience for that is...are teachers, counselors and coaches, as well as advocates and social service providers, and others. Lane Plugge from, uh, the Superintendent of the Iowa City Schools will introduce Jackson at that presentation, and then on Thursday evening at MacBride Hall on the UI campus, he will do a presentation for the wider community, called "More Than a Few Good Men, American Manhood and Violence Against Women." So I encourage members of the public to go to either one of those presentations. I've seen some of his work. Never seen him perform personally. I think he's a very dynamic speaker. It'll be well worth anybody's time to go. I will be attending those (several talking) Bailey: ...very inspiring, so it's well worth people's time. Matt? Hayek: A plug for a Chamber event -this Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in Coralville is the Buy-Here Business Fair, which is a three-hour opportunity for local businesses to interact with each other and figure out ways to, uh, make more of their purchases locally in the Johnson County area, uh, for the benefit of the economy, uh, I think it'll be a good event and I encourage people to go. Wilburn: I received correspondence from Senator Grassley that he's intending on submitting the First Avenue grade separation, uh, railroad bridge, overpass as a fiscal year 09 appropriation to a subcommittee, so I want to thank everyone who wrote letters of correspondence to the Senator. Feel free to write his office and thank him for being willing to submit this as part of the FY09, um, appropriation process and we'll...this is one step further than we made it last time, at least this acknowledgement (mumbled) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of Apri114, 2008. #22 Page 34 Wright: Keep our fingers crossed! (several responding) Wilburn: And keep those letters going! Bailey: Thanks, Ross. Mike? O'Donnell: I have nothing this evening. Champion: Nothing. Wright: I want to direct everybody's attention to the water bill this month. Everybody probably pays little attention to it, but there's also an insert in there, uh, just reminding everybody that May is the Irving B. Weber, uh, festival coming up. We have a lot of activities related to Irving B. Weber, Iowa City's, uh, official "historian." Um, there are lectures, there are lunches, there are shows, there's the Friends of Historic Preservation Historic Homes Tour, um, Irving B. Weber Days is a lot of fun. It's a great way to celebrate the heritage that we have in Iowa City, and I ask everybody to take a look at their water bill and uh, of course pay it, but uh (laughter) also, um, mark some of the Irving B. Weber events on your calendar. It's going to be a lot of fun. Bailey: Thanks, Mike. Um, a couple of events coming up this weekend, um, on Sunday the Iowa City Hospice Walk for Dignity in Willow Creek Park, and starts at 1:00 P.M. on Sunday, and you can get more information about that at iowacityhospice.com or 688-4211, and on Saturday evening, the Hoover Wallace Dinner. This will be at 6:30 and the Hoover Wallace Dinner is honoring the humanitarian and public service of Senator John Culver and UI Doctor, Dr. Ignacio Ponsetti and Congressman Jim Leach, and we all know the contributions that those, um, three have made to our state, and to our region, and I think it'll be a wonderful event, honoring their service. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of Apri114, 2008. #23 Page 35 ITEM 23 REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF. b) City Attorney Bailey: City Attorney? Dilkes: Uh, if you've not looked at your Legislative link, your most recent one from the League, you should look at it. The pretty drastic changes to the open meetings' law are coming close to being a reality I think. Um, so you might want to contact your Legislators. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council Special Formal meeting of Apri114, 2008.