HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-04-14 Transcription#2
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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
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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)
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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.Bailey: Others wishing to comment?
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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)
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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,
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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.
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#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.
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#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)
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#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.
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#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.