HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-04-14 CorrespondenceCity of. Iowa City of ~
MEMORANDUM
Date: April 7, 2008
To: City Clerk and City Council
From: John Yapp, Acting JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner ~/"Y`~j'7'"
Re: Item for April 14, 2008 Council meeting: Establish No Parking Any Time on the
east side of a segment of Heinz Road
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City
Council of the following action. Unless directed otherwise by the City Council, this
action will occur on or after April 14, 2008
Action:
Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A(10), Establish NO PARKING ANY TIME on the east side of
Heinz Road from the south driveway of the United Foods property at 2340 Heinz Road,
to a point 500 feet to the south, including right-of--way on both sides of the STS
Transportation truck access on the east side of Heinz Road.
Comment:
The action is to accommodate semi-truck turning movements and to improve visibility
for vehicles using this segment of Heinz Road for access.
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MidlAmerican MidAmerican Energy Company
E N E A GY 1630 Lower Muscatine Road
OBSESSIVELY, RELENTLESSLY AT YOURfFNVICE• IOWA Clty, Iowa 52240
March 28, 2008
Ms. Marian Karr, City Clerk
City of Iowa City ~
410 E Washington St `'
Iowa City, IA 52240 ~-~ ~ ~~°,
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Dear Marian, ~ : ! ="
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Please find enclosed the annual written report to the City Council summarizing L~o'mmunr
contributions which benefit the people of Iowa City. This report is being provided in
accordance with sections 12-1-14 and 12-2-12 of the electric and natural gas franchise
agreements, respectively.
Please let me know if you or the council should have any questions.
Sincerely,
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Terry L. Smith
Director, Compliance and Delivery Support
MidAmerican Energy Company
MidAmerican Energy Company
Iowa City Community Report
This report is being submitted in accordance with the electric and natural gas
franchises agreements signed between the city of Iowa City, Iowa and the MidAmerican
Energy Company (MidAmerican) in November 2007. The report voluntarily summarizes
the support the company, its foundation, and employees have contributed to the
community for the calendar year 2007 and the preceding three years as required by the
franchise agreements.
Electric Ordinance No 07-4294, Section 12-1-14 The Company shall make an
annual written report to the City Council summarizing community contributions which
benefit the people of Iowa City which have been made by the Company or its Foundation.
The written report shall include the name of each entity to which such contributions have
been made, the amount of such contribution and a comparison showing contributions for
that year and the three prior years. The report shall be filed with the City Council within
three months of the close of the Company's fiscal year.
Natural Gas Ordinance No. 07-4293, Section 12-2-12 The Company shall make an
annual written report to the City Council summarizing community contributions which
benefit the people of Iowa City which have been made by the Company or its Foundation.
The written report shall include the name of each entity to which such contributions have
been made, the amount of such contribution and a comparison showing contributions for
that year and the three prior years. The report shall be filed with the City Council within
three months of the close of the Company's fiscal year.
The report is to be submitted to the city clerk no later than March 31 of each
calendar year. All figures are submitted in good faith and are accurate to the best of
MidAmerican's knowledge and record keeping. Some slight variances may occur due to
timing and based on records for 2004 through 2006 in some cases were re-created in order
to comply with this report. In prior years it was not anticipated contributions would have
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to be reported in accordance with provisions of a franchise agreement. ~ __ ='
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Page 2 of 12 =" - `~ ~ ~ _ -
Iowa City Community Report - ~ a`~' +
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Contributions in the city of Iowa City by MidAmerican and its foundatirtn'f~,r' th"e'
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four year period covered by this report (2007-2004) is $14,110,549 Of this.-~'prrnun~
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$3,553,956 was contributed in 2007, $4,062,840 in 2006, $3,195,911 in 2~~5 and`-'
$3,297,842 in 2004.
ICARE
ICARE is an energy assistance program that helps customers who are unemployed,
living on fixed or low incomes or experiencing a family crisis by helping pay their heating
bills or making their homes more energy efficient. ICARE funding comes from donations
made by employees and customers, with a percentage match made by MidAmerican.
Customers can make contributions to ICARE anytime throughout the year by adding a
whole dollar amount to their monthly MidAmerican bill. The overpayment automatically
will be applied to ICARE. The 2007 through 2004 ICARE campaigns were supported on a
statewide basis by MidAmerican's Warm for the Holidays promotion with Clear Channel
Radio stations in November and December 2007. The Iowa City radio stations who
participated in 2007 were KKRQ and KXIC. The ICARE program is also supported
internally by MidAmerican employees through the company's ICARE - WE CARE
campaign. All donations are administered in Iowa City by Hawkeye Area Community
Action Program, Inc. (HACAP). These tax-deductible donations help local community
action agencies provide valuable financial assistance. To qualify, customers must meet the
state's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program guidelines. The 2007 donations
from Iowa City customers and the company's percentage match totaled $22,506. In 2006
donations from Iowa City customers and the company's percentage match totaled $23,540.
The 2005 donations from Iowa City customers and the company's percentage match
totaled $21,749. In 2004 donations from Iowa City customers and the company's
percentage match totaled $22,800.
Also, as part of an agreement with the Iowa Utilities Board per IUB Docket RPU-
91-5, MidAmerican made additional donations to ICARE in 2006 of $286,967 and in 2007
of $256,180. So that all the donated funds can be used for there intended purpose,
MidAmerican also pays administrative fees to HACAP. In 2004 MidAmerican paid
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Iowa City Community Report
HACAP $3,148. In 2005 MidAmerican paid HACAP $3,379. In 2006 MidAmerican paid
HACAP $258 and in 2007 $53. The reason the administrative fees are low in 2006 at~d
2007 is because as part of the IUB Docket RPU-91-5 agreement MidAr-aerican payd
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HACAP up front $38,379 for administrative fees. ~~~~~ « __'' '
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For the last four years the Iowa Utilities Board has sponsored the;_ lower-.
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Weatherization Challenge. On October 20, 2007, Reclaiming Roots, a group that-~lps to •~
revitalize neglected areas of Iowa City, conducted a weatherization event. The g~'oup had `
61 volunteers that weatherized 21 homes in the Grant Wood Neighborhood of Iowa City.
Volunteers were recruited from the neighborhood and from members of the Reclaiming
Roots organization. The weatherization done at the homes included installing plastic film
on windows, weather-stripping doors and windows, sealing gaps or holes in the
foundation, and covering both window and central air conditioning units. The volunteers
also spent time cleaning up the neighborhood by clearing yard waste and trash from
homes. '
Volunteers distributed energy saving tips information to homeowners throughout the
neighborhood. Matching funds for this project came from MidAmerican. In 2007, this
amounted to $137.50 matched by the IUB for a total of $275. There were no similar Iowa
City programs in the prior years. Both television and newspaper media covered the event.
MidAmerican worked through its Community Contact Volunteer network (employees
living/working in communities served by MidAmerican) to spread the word about the Iowa
Weatherization Challenge.
Budget Billing
Although it is not a direct philanthropic program MidAmerican assists its customers
by offering a budget billing program. Customers sign up for a levelized payment plan that
is based on past usage to allow for consistent payment thereby helping household budgets
during the peak heating and cooling seasons. The use of this program has grown
significantly in Iowa City over the past four years. At the end of calendar year 2007,
11,146 Iowa City customers were participating in the program. This compares to 10,338
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Iowa City Community Report
customers at the end of 2006. For 2005 the number of customers participating in the
program at the year end was 9,566. For 2004 the number of customers participating in the
program at the year end was 8,339. This represents a 34% increase between the end of
2004 and the end of 2007.
Global Davs of Service
MidAmerican supports employee volunteerism around the world. Global Days of
Service encourages employees to make our communities better through personal volunteer
work. All employees of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company and its worldwide,
wholly-owned subsidiaries are eligible to participate in the program.
MidAmerican has a $250,000 matching fund to recognize and support employee
volunteer activities. These dollars are used to match efforts on behalf of organizations that
serve our community. The fund is divided among these organizations, based on the number
of hours employees volunteer with a maximum of 500 hours per volunteer in a program
year (250 hours maximum for part-time employees).
The $250,000 fund is divided by the total number of hours volunteered per
organization to determine the contribution MidAmerican makes to each organization. For
example, assume MidAmerican employees volunteered a collective 75,000 hours for
service organizations. If 1,000 of these hours were performed for one organization, that
organization would receive 1/75 of MidAmerican's total contribution, or $3,333. A
maximum of $5,000 will be paid to any single organization per year regardless of the
number of volunteer hours submitted by MidAmerican employees. The remaining funds
would also be distributed based on the total number of volunteer hours.
All organizations considered charitable or educational by their nation's government
are eligible. For example, any 501.(c).(3) group or educational institution may receive
funds. In addition, to recognize the importance of volunteer fire departments and other
public safety organizations to our communities, these organizations are eligible regardless
of their 501.(c).(3) status.
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Figures for the 2007 period will not be available until mid-year 2008 but..will b~•
included in next year's annual report. In 2006, Iowa City employees volunteered'1-,4~3.5~ ry - .,..~
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Iowa City Community Report
hours of service resulting in the payout of $4,830. In 2005, Iowa City employees
contributed 1,714.5 volunteer hours of service resulting in a payout of $6,001. In 2004,
Iowa City employees contributed 1,569 service hours resulting in a payout of $6,269.
Matching Gift
MidAmerican also has a Matching Gift program designed to encourage and
supplement financial support for eligible charitable organizations and educational
institutions. This program is made available to eligible full and part-time employees
through the MidAmerican Energy Foundation.
MidAmerican Energy Foundation provides $100,000 annually to match donations by
employees of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company and its domestic subsidiaries .The
$100,000 will be used to match gifts by eligible persons on a first come, first serve basis
during the calendar year up to the maximum of $1,500 per person in any calendar year.
Widespread financial support from individuals is essential if these organizations and
institutions are to provide the facilities needed to meet the increasing demands placed upon
them by our society. We are pleased to contribute a share of the needed funds by matching
the gifts made by employees of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company and its domestic
subsidiaries and other eligible persons.
Eligible Organizations:
^ Any public or private college or university, including graduate schools and junior
colleges, which has received regional accreditation.
^ Institutions with professional accreditation or approval by state universities or state
boards or departments of education.
^ An alumni fund, foundation or association of an eligible institution, provided that this
special fund or group is recognized as tax exempt and the financial officer of the college or
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university certifies that the fund, foundation or association: - ~~='_
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0 is an integral part of the institution, or . ° ~ -~ ~ ; - ,-
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^ will transmit all funds it receives directly to the college or university, or `~'' ~- ~;;
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^ will use all funds it receives entirely for the benefit of the college or univer~it~;_-r ~ '
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Iowa City Community Report
^ A tax exempt foundation whose purpose is to support public or private elementary and
secondary education (kindergarten through grade 12) provided that such foundation is
separate from and transmits all funds it receives directly to the associated school or district
and all such funds are used entirely for the benefit of such school or district.
^ Institutions, foundations or organizations, such as the United Negro College Fund and
the Iowa College Foundation, which are tax exempt and whose primary purpose is the
financial support of colleges and universities.
^ A tax exempt organization providing cultural or general community benefits and either
located in communities where MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company has operations,
the MidAmerican service territory or located in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska or South Dakota
and providing benefits to MidAmerican's customers.
^ Gifts to organizations, which receive general operating, or specific program funding
from the United Way funding are not eligible for matching under this program.
MidAmerican Energy Foundation provides separate support for the United Way and
these related organizations.
^ Gifts to organizations whose activities represent a conflict of interest for MidAmerican
Energy Holdings Company will not be matched.
Qualified Gifts:
^ To qualify for a matching grant, the gifts must be made from personal funds by an
eligible person. The gift may be in the form of cash or securities having a quoted market
value.
^ If the gift is in the form of securities, the value to be considered is the sale or published
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price on the date of the gift. ~,~ ''~~-
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^ Gifts may be made to more than one eligible organization or educational institution, biit` ~~;'
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the total of gifts to be matched is limited to $1,500 in any calendar year. Gifts ~atle
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spouses will be included in the $1,500 maximum limit. The minimum gif~.to ark- '
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organization or institution which will be matched is $25. ~ ,--,
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Iowa City Community Report
^ Gifts by eligible persons may be restricted or unrestricted. Unless instructed otherwise
by the donor, all matching grants will have the same restrictions as the original gift.
Payments not eligible for matching grants include churches and other religious
organizations, elementary and secondary schools, bequests, dues, payments to local alumni
groups, subscription fees, and any other payment not made as a direct contribution to an
eligible organization or colleges and universities. Pledges will not be matched until actual
payment is made. Each individual gift by an eligible person to an organization or
institution must be accompanied by a matching gift application form. The organization or
institution receiving the gift accompanied by the form will certify the gift. Normally the
matching grants will be paid to the eligible organizations or educational institutions on a
quarterly basis.
The aggregate total for the four years covered by this report (2007-2004) is
$120,760. In 2007, MidAmerican employees in Iowa City made gifts totaling $14,885.
This amount was matched by the foundation for a total of $29,770. For 2006, Iowa City
employees made gifts totaling $19,165. This amount was matched by the foundation for a
total of $38,330. In 2005, Iowa City employees made donations totaling $14,360. This
amount was matched by the foundation for a total of $28,720. In 2004, Iowa City
employees made donations totaling $11,970. This amount was matched by the foundation -,-~
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for a total of $23,940. -- ~ `'
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In-Kind Giving - -- - _'
From time to time MidAmerican also donates "in-kind" services to the cpmmunity~
on an ad hoc basis. In-kind services include time and materials to support a wide range of
community events and activities. Some examples would be helping the Downtown
Association put up Christmas lights or trees utilizing company boom trucks or using
derrick digger trucks to dig post holes at little league fields. In 2007, 45.5 man hours at a
billable rate of $75.00 per hour were contributed for these types of activities. The dollar
value is therefore placed at $3,412.50. Because the philanthropic reporting requirement
was not in place prior to the effective date of Ordinances 07-4293 and 07-4294, in-kind
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Iowa City Community Report ~- ^~ ; ~''
service records for prior year activities were not tracked and therefore are not av~ii~ble;~_
We know this type of work was completed in prior years but any estimates would probably.!;
not be accurate. Going forward more accurate records will be kept for future reports.
Energ, Ef~iency
Energy efficiency is another category that is not a philanthropic program by the strict
definition. However, it provides significant local economic benefits to Iowa City residents,
businesses, the city and the university. The city of Iowa City is perhaps most familiar with
MidAmerican's Trees Please! program. In 2007 through and including 2004, the city has
received a total of $91,000 in Trees Please! awards. This includes aone-time special grant
of $10,000 following the April 2006 tornado to assist in the replacement of trees lost
during that devastating event. The city has no doubt put this money to good use while also
reducing carbon dioxide and at the same time beautifying the city. Beyond their aesthetic
beauty, trees provide shade, cooling during the summer and permit sunlight into to
buildings during the winter.
Residents and businesses benefit from MidAmerican's rebate programs in two ways.
First, they receive either financials incentives or low-interest financing for incorporating
specific types of energy efficient building equipment and/or materials, e.g. insulation, high
efficiency furnaces and air conditioners for new construction or remodeling. Second
because they have more energy efficient homes and businesses, less energy is being used
on an annual basis resulting in lower overall energy costs for many years to come. This
assumes the consumer maintains their thermostat at the same setting after the energy
efficiency improvements as before the improvements. In some circumstances, consumers
may be able to actually lower their thermostats and achieve additional savings.
One of the most popular and helpful programs has been the Home Energy Audits. As
a general rule of thumb, to be eligible for a home energy audit a house must be ten or more
years old. Iowa City participation has been relatively constant. In 2007, there were 292
homes and 56 businesses that participated in the program. In 2006, there were 353 homes
and 27 businesses that participated in the program. In 2005, there were 315 homes and 23
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Iowa City Community Report
businesses that participated in the program. In 2004, there were 228 homes and 23 business
participants. In total, 1,188 homes and 129 businesses in Iowa City built before 1998 have
taken advantage of the program to improve their energy efficiency, reduce their carbon
footprints and save money. MidAmerican will continue to promote the program in 2008
and encourages all eligible home and business owners to take advantage of this energy
efficiency program.
For the calendar year 2007, Iowa City residents and businesses received $988,259 in
energy efficiency incentives. For calendar year 2006, the figure was $1,152,551. In 2005
and 2004 the figures were $925,922 and $807,278 respectively. For the four years covered
by this report the aggregate total for Iowa City resident and businesses is $3,874,010.
In addition to the energy efficiency benefits noted above, in 2007 the University of
Iowa received energy efficiency dollars totaling $474,498. In 2006, the university received
$759,487 and in 2005 they received $527,631. In 2004, the university received $744,820.
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The four year total for the University of Iowa was $2,506,436. In total for the most recent
four year period (2007-2004) MidAmerican's energy efficiency programs" pumpe ,°;
$6,380,446 into the Iowa City economy.
_ 7
Economic Development ~- . _. _ ,'
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More than 20 years ago, MidAmerican recognized one of the ways to-::'keep a ,
community viable is through planned economy growth. MidAmerican was a driving force
behind the 1984 creation of the Iowa City Area Development Group, Inc. (ICAD) and a
charter member of the organization. MidAmerican continues to this day to be a sustaining
member
MidAmerican's economic development staff employees actively support ICAD by
donating their time, expertise and experience to the organization. A MidAmerican
representative has continually served on the ICAD board of directors since its founding. In
addition to its annual monetary contributions to ICAD, MidAmerican also brings
additional resources ICAD would not otherwise have. These resources above and beyond
the economic development staff expertise include project support, marketing underwriting,
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Iowa City Community Report
Location One Information System (LOIS) (a tool used to help promote available buildings
and sites Iowa City which may attract new businesses to locate in the city), and
Synchronist (a tool used to help retain and expand existing businesses in Iowa City)_ to
mention a few. For 2007 the total contributed to ICAD was $40,400. In 2006 it was
$42,900. In 2005 the figure was $35,400. In 2004 this totaled $34,400.
General Contributions
Some examples of Iowa City organizations that over the years have received either
monetary support or equipment from MidAmerican are the Downtown Association's
Friday Night Concert Series, Iowa Women's Foundation, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Englert
Theater, Iowa City Chamber of Commerce, the Summer of the Arts and its ArtsFest
predecessor, Iowa City Area Home Builders parade of homes, Goodwill Industries, Iowa
City Hospice and the After Prom parties in each of the area's high schools to name a few.
Combined contributions in 2007 were $30,600; 2006 - $34,200; 2005 - $12,454; and 2004
- $7,170. Donations range from $35 to the local high schools After Prom parties to
$10,000 to the Summer of the Arts. Not included in these totals are the fair market values
of three donated used vehicles - a Chevy Lumina and a Ford Taurus to Iowa City Wheels
to Work in 2004 and a used Dodge passenger van to Iowa City Hospice also in 2004. We
understand that Iowa City Hospice is still using the Dodge van today and has put over
130,000 miles on the vehicle.
United Way
MidAmerican and its employees support United Way. MidAmerican makes a match
pledge in addition to the employee donations. Combined employee and company pledges
for 2007 were $17,999. In 2006 total pledges were $18,895. In 2005 total pledges were
$19,871. In 2004 total pledges were $17,526. MidAmerican's Iowa City operations was a
Pacesetter company in 2005. In addition, following the Iowa City tornado in April 2006,
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MidAmerican donated $25,000 to United Way to assist affected victims of the:- :~rnado
The aggregate total for the four year period is $99,291. - _ ,
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Iowa City Community Report
New Projects
MidAmerican also supports the American Cancer Society. In 2007 MidAmerican
made aone-time pledge of $500,000 to the American Cancer Society towards the
construction of Hope Lodge. MidAmerican's gift helped the Hope Lodge campaign
achieve both the $2 million Gerdin Challenge, along with the $6 million fundraising level
needed to break ground. Leveraging the Gerdin Challenge increased the value of
MidAmerican's contribution to $1,000,000 for the American Cancer Society. Many of the
patients and their families statewide who will be served by Hope Lodge during their time
of need live in communities served by MidAmerican. We hope none of our customers or
employees ever need to use this type of facility, but if they do, Hope Lodge will provide a
safe and caring environment. Hope Lodge will be owned and operated by the American
Cancer Society and is expected to be open in September 2008. The $500,000 is being paid
out over a five year period at a rate of $100,000 per year beginning in 2007.
Property Taxes
MidAmerican supports the community and is one of the largest property tax payers
in Iowa City. For the tax year ending June 2007, MidAmerican paid $1,570,141 in
property taxes broken down as follows: city of Iowa City $699,329; public schools
$560,220; Johnson County $262,584; other $48,008. For the tax year ending June 2006,
MidAmerican paid $1,607,503 in property taxes broken down as follows: city of Iowa City
$727,556; public schools $610,009; Johnson County $257,069; other $12,869. For the tax
year ending June 2005, MidAmerican paid $1,594,784 in property taxes broken down as
follows: city of Iowa City $737,159; public schools $591,718; Johnson County $253,273;
other $12,634. For the tax year ending 2004, MidAmerican paid $1,609,491 in property
taxes broken down as follows: city of Iowa City $752,594; public schools $588,719;
Johnson County $254,923; and other local tax supported entities $13,255.
The combined property tax total of the four years covered by the .reportts
$6,381,919 with the city receiving $2,916,638, the schools $2,350,666, the~._cpunt~+
$1,027,849 and other $86,766. _~ _"
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Iowa City Community Report
Intangibles
One of many examples is restoration of electric and natural gas service and the
rebuilding of the Iowa City local distribution systems following the April 2006 Good
Friday tornado. The cost was approximately $850,000. Sixty poles and thirty transformers
were replaced. The number of trees that needed to be trimmed and branches removed were
too numerous to count. Personnel from seven MidAmerican service centers including
Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Knoxville, Oskaloosa, Ottumwa, Quad Cities and Waterloo
were sent to Iowa City. In total, 215 personnel contributed to the restoration and
rebuilding effort. The vast majority of the 6,500 customers who lost power had service
restored in approximately 12 hours. Rebuilding of the tornado-damaged electric
distribution system was completed early on Easter Sunday morning, less than 72 hours
from the onset of the storm. The cost of responding, restoring and. rebuilding in Iowa City
had no impact on MidAmerican's commitment to not increase electric rates through at
least 2013.
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Marian Karr
From: Regenia Bailey [regenia@baileyforiowacity.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2008 6:31 AM
To: 'The Alexis Park Inn & Suites'
Cc: Marian Karr; Eleanor M. Dilkes
Subject: RE: Please oppose the rezoning the North Aviation Commerce Park
Dear Mr. Honeck:
Thank you for your correspondence regarding the rezoning of North Aviation Commerce Park. In matters of
rezoning, Council members are required to disclose any ex pane communications that they may have, therefore, I
am including the City Clerk and the City Attorney in this a-mail correspondence so your comments and my
response to your a-mail may be included in the Council's record of discussion regarding the rezoning.
In light of our guidelines regarding ex parte communications, Iwill limit my comments in this a-mail in anticipation
of discussing this further with you at the public hearing at our special formal meeting on Monday, April 14. The
meeting begins at 7 p.m. I have some specific questions about the comments that you made in your a-mail and
your concerns regarding this rezoning.
Please note that the Council's formal meeting is on Monday-a change from our usual Tuesday formal meeting
schedule. If you do not plan to attend the meeting on Monday evening, please let me know and I will follow-up
with you regarding my questions, and then report our discussion to my colleagues on Council when we discuss
this matter on Monday evening.
Thanks again for your interest in the airport and for your business that supports airport travelers. I look forward to
meeting you on Monday evening.
~enia
Regenia D. Bailey
Mayor, City of Iowa City
430 Church Street
Iowa City, IA 52245
319.351.2068 (h)
319.321.1385 (c)
866.802.2854 (f)
www_bai leyforiowacity. com
Please note: any a-mails that 1 respond to maybe subject to State open records laws and considered information available to
the public.
-----Original Message-----
From: The Alexis Park Inn & Suites [mailto:alexisparkinn@mchsi.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 09, 2008 9:45 AM
To: regenia-bailey@iowa-city.org
Subject: Please oppose the rezoning the North Aviation Commerce Park
Dear Mayor Bailey,
It has been brought to my attention that the pending sale of North Aviation
Commerce Park land (along Ruppert St.) will mean rezoning the land as heavy
industrial, with far more relaxed cosmetic rules and regulations. As the
owner of a business that overlooks this land, I would like to express my
4/ 10/2008
Page 2 of 3
opinion that rezoning this land would be a catastrophe for the area, for the
following reasons:
As you may know, we have been fighting for years to save the old Boeing/United
Hangar from demolition. Built by Boeing (yes, the Seattle-based aircraft
manufacturer) 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 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 little weight with them.)
Just when we thought the battle was lost, and the bulldozers were about to
roll, local developer AI Wells rode in on a white horse. AI is proposing not
just saving the old hangar, but moving it into the North Aviation Commerce
Park and completely restoring it to its original glory!
With his proposed "Amelia Field" development (see it here:
http://www.alexisparkinn.com/united hangar_proposals.htm)the original intent
of the North Aviation Commerce Park will be realized, and our Iowa City
Airport -- and the whole South side of Iowa City -- will be truly enhanced.
As the owner of an airport-related business, the Alexis Park Inn & Suites, I
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 South
side of Iowa City (and especially the city-owned land along Riverside Drive)
has been allowed to cosmetically deteriorate.
Although our guests are usually too polite to comment, my wife and I are
always embarrassed by the conditions around us. The city-owned land across
from us (where the muddy snow is now piled 3-stories tall) and the city-owned
land to the north of us (occupied by the school district) are poorly
maintained and present a terribly shabby entrance to Iowa City's fly-in
visitors.
We have been told that rezoning the North Aviation Commerce Park land
as "industrial" won't be an open invitation to dump garbage on the property,
and that the city will enforce rules that forbid this kind of eyesore
development. However, I have seen what the city itself allows on its own
land, and I can tell you that it is awful. I 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 older
property at the southern entrance to Iowa City. Our success was predicted by
few, but we are a living testament to the fact that our airport is truly one
of Iowa City's best tourist attractions. And the "Amelia Field" development
dovetails perfectly with this vision.
The new land owners are seeking permission to allow outdoor storage of
telephone poles and heavy equipment all around us. Needless to say, this is
taking the area in the wrong direction. 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 an ever-growing group of outstanding retail businesses.
Coralville has led the way in cleaning up the very kind of blight that you are
now contemplating creating in the North Aviation Commerce Park. If you rezone
this land as industrial, all of our six years' work, all of AI Wells's
efforts, and the hope of saving the Boeing/United Hangar will ALL be lost.
4/10/2008
Page 3 of 3
No one -- and I mean NO ONE -- is going to want to stay in a hotel that
overlooks a field full of telephone poles and cherry pickers. No one is going
to want to visit a restaurant adjacent to a property full of warehouses and
spools of cable. (Yes, there is a restaurant in our future plans.) Once you
have created this blighted area, there will be no turning back, and our
business will be destroyed.
Please vote against rezoning this land industrial. Make the new land owners
take care of their property in precisely the same way that we do, and keep our
dream, and AI Wells' dream -- and the original intent of the airport
commission -- alive.
Thanks for listening.
Sincerely,
Jay Honeck
Owner/Innkeeper
www.AlexisParklnn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"
4/10/2008
Page 1 of 2
Marian Karr
From: Regenia Bailey [regenia@baileyforiowacity.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2008 5:58 AM
To: robert.powers@us.schneider-electric.com
Cc: Marian Karr; Eleanor M. Dilkes
Subject: RE: airport re-zoning
Dear Mr. Powers:
Thank you for your correspondence regarding the rezoning of North Aviation Commerce Park. In matters of
rezoning, Council members are required to disclose any ex pane communications that they may have, therefore, I
am including the City Clerk and the City Attorney in this a-mail correspondence so your comments and my
response to your a-mail may be included in the Council's record of discussion regarding the rezoning.
In light of our guidelines regarding ex parte communications, Iwill limit my comments in this a-mail in anticipation
of discussing this further with you at the public hearing at our special formal meeting on Monday, April 14. The
meeting begins at 7 p.m. I have some specific questions about the comments that you made in your a-mail, as
well as the assumptions that you are making regarding this zoning designation.
Please note that the Council's formal meeting is on Monda -a change from our usual Tuesday formal meeting
schedule. If you do not plan to attend the meeting on Monday evening, please let me know and I will follow-up
with you regarding my questions, and then report our discussion to my colleagues on Council when we discuss
this matter on Monday evening.
Thanks again for your interest in the airport. I look forward to meeting you on Monday evening.
~-enia
Regenia D. Bailey
Mayor, City of Iowa City
430 Church Street
Iowa City, IA 52245
319.351.2068 (h)
319.321.1385 (c)
866.802.2854 (f)
www.baileyforiowacity.com
Please note: any a-mails that 1 respond fo maybe subject to State open records laws and considered information available to
the public.
----Original Message-----
From: robert.powers@us.schneider-electric.com [mailto:robert.powers@us.schneider-electric.com]
Sent: Monday, April 07, 2008 9:00 AM
To: regenia-bailey@iowa-city.org
Subject: airport re-zoning
Dear Mayor Regenia Bailey,
I would like to express my concern about the rezoning
of the airport North Commercial Area.
Changing the zoning from Commercial to Industrial has the potential
to create a junk yard of material in an area that could be developed into
attractive aviation related businesses.
4/10/2008
Page 2 of 2
For instance, has the zoning board considered the Amelia Field proposal?
http://www.alexisparkinn.com/photogallery/2008-3_AIWeIIsUnitedHangarProposal/AmeliaFieldHandoutPage2%
203-08.jpg
This is one option. The fact remains that once the zoning is changed to
Industrial, a hodgepodge of businesses with no appreciation of aviation
could use this property as a dumping ground.
First impressions are important, so
what will corporate leaders, academic visitors and
University of Iowa alumni using the airport think when they are greeted by a wasteland
of industrial debris?
Let us in Iowa City be imaginative in utilizing the beautiful properties we have, and not
throw away our assets for short term gain.
Robert Powers
3 Melrose Circle
Iowa City, Iowa 52246
(319) 338-9651
4/10/2008
Page 1 of 2
Marian Karr
From: Regenia Bailey [regenia@baileyforiowacity.com]
Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2008 9:00 PM
To: jrzangger@mchsi.com; Matt Hayek; Mike Wright; Amy Correia; Ross Wilburn
Cc: Marian Karr; 'Greg Farris'
Subject: RE: Iowa City proposed airport zoning change
James,
Thank you for your a-mail. The United Hangar is being removed to accommodate a longer runway at the Iowa
City Airport. This will expand, rather than limit, our aviation opportunities at the airport, enabling small jets to use
our facility. The history of the hangar has been appropriately documented in accordance with the standards of the
State Historical Society.
As you may know, when you a-mail more than three council members, it becomes part of the public record due to
the state open meetings/open records law. Accordingly, it is unlikely you will receive any more a-mail
conversations about this topic from other council members, because it might constitute a meeting (even though it
is not face-to-face) as advised by our City Attorney's office. I have included Greg Farris, the chair of the Airport
Commission, in this correspondence. He will be better able to respond to any aviation specific questions that you
have about this project.
Thanks again for your interest in the Iowa City Airport. We recognize the economic and other benefits that it
provides to our community, and believe this runway extension will be an improvement to the facilities that we
provide to our citizens and visitors.
~enia
-------------------------------------------------------
Regenia D. Bailey
Mayor, City of Iowa City
430 Church Street
Iowa City, IA 52245
319.351.2068 (h)
319.321.1385 (c)
866.802.2854 (f)
www.bailevforiowacity.com
Please note: any a-mails that I respond to maybe subject to State open records laws and considered information available to
the public.
-----Original Message-----
From:jrzangger@mchsi.com [mailto:jrzangger@mchsi.com]
Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2008 7:42 PM
To: regenia-bailey@iowa-city.org; matt-hayek@iowa-city.org; mike-Wright@iowa-city.org; amy-Correia@iowa-
city.org; ross-Wilburn@iowa-city.org
Subject: Iowa City proposed airport zoning change
To all those it concerns,
I am a former twenty five year resident in the Iowa City area and a pilot by
proffession and for sport. I am familiar with the history of the Iowa City
airport and what it has offered to the early years of aviation. It is quite
an honor to have a significant artifact such as the original United hangar on
the airport and all efforts should be supported to preserve this historical
landmark.
4/7/2008
Page 2 of 2
I have been made aware of efforts by the city to undermine an effect to save
this historical building by rezoning the area as industrial. This would allow
industry unrelated to aviation to significantly detract from the airport and
would be the first unsightly thing a visitor to your city would see if
arriving by air.
The airport is a tremendous asset to the city in many ways and every effort
should be taken to preserve the airport and it's history.
Please, carefully consider what long term effects your decision will have on
the airport and the first impressions of your city to future travelers.
Thank you,
James Zangger
1351 Airport Road N
Larchwood, Iowa 51241
712-477-2230 (h)
605-370-1139 (c)
4/7/2008
Greetings -
We write to encourage the Council to approve the' proposed increase in the frequency of
inspections of all rented single family and duplex dwellings in Iowa City. As residents
of 2 Melrose Circle in the Melrose historic district, we have a number of these units in
our neighborhood. Unfortunately, some of them become an unacceptable nuisance, often
during UI home football game weekends when they host prolonged, loud and drunken parties.
One of the ways to discourage this sort of behavior is to more frequently inspect the
premises to assure that they are properly maintained from a safety, health, property and
historic value standpoint. The proposed small increase in the frequency of inspections
seems like an reasonable change in the right direction, and we encourage you to approve
it.
Sincerely,
James and Barbara Andrews
2 Melrose Circle
Iowa City, IA 52246
From: James Andrews [fames-andrews@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Friday, April 04, 2008 12:39 PM
To: Council
Subject: Proposed increase in frequency of rental property inspections
Marian Karr
From: Howell, Perry [perry-howell@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Thursday, April 03, 2008 3:26 PM
To: Council
Subject: proposed changes to rental inspection frequency
Dear City Councilors:
I am a homeowner in the near Northside neighborhood. I am writing to voice my strong
support for the proposal to increase the frequency of inspection of single-unit rental
properties from every three years to every two years. I was actually a bit surprised to
learn that they are allowed to go three years between inspections currently. In light of
the large number of these houses that change hands every year in our neighborhood, I think
more frequent inspections are definitely in order, for the protection of both tenants and
neighbors.
Thanks for your attention to my views,
Perry Howell
317 Fairchild St.
354-8768
1
Marian Karr
From: Pascoe, Judith M [Judith-pascoe@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Thursday, Apri103, 2008 12:13 PM
To: Council
Subject: rental inspection change
Dear City Council Members,
I am very much in favor of the change in rental inspection, frequency that you are
considering. I think the 2-year schedule will help to prevent rental properties from
falling into a state of dangerous dilapidation.
Thanks very much for considering this potential improv~fient to the quality of life in Iowa
City.
Yours sincerely,
Judith Pascoe
317 Fairchild St.
Iowa City, IA 52245
1
Page 1 of 1
Marian Karr
From: Marshall Poe [marshallpoe@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, April 07, 2008 9:21 AM
To: Council
Subject: Proposed change to rental inspection cycle for Single Family and Duplex dwellings.
Dear City Council:
I write to support the proposed change in the rental inspection cycle.
My family lives on N. Linn street in the Northside neighborhood. It has come to our attention that
several of the houses in the area are over-occupied, that is, in violation of the city's housing regulations.
Also, here are houses being rented illegally by owner-occupiers, also in violation of the limits on
residents (e.g. 225 Fairchild). I understand this sort of thing is very difficult to prove, but it's not hard to
see if you live in the neighborhood. Moreover, many of the rentals are in awful condition, as the
landlords who own them and students who rent them do not take care of the properties. They are a blight
on the neighborhood.
Anything the city could do to bring these properties in line with existing statutes and general norms of
good-neighborliness would be appreciated by all of us in Northside.
Warmest Regards, and With Thanks For Your Good Work,
Marshall Poe
416 N. Linn Street
Iowa City 52245
Department of History
University of Iowa
280 Schaeffer Hall
Iowa City, IA 52242
319-335-2291
4/7/2008
- 4-
4f 5
Marian Karr
From: Kathryn Johansen
Sent: Thursday, April 03, 2008 2:43 PM
To: 'Long, Justine'
Cc: *City Council
Subject: RE: panhandling question
Dear Justine:
Thank you for your e-mail to City Council regarding the panhandling issue. Council
members do not receive their e-mails directly. Your message will be forwarded to them as
part of the consent agenda at an upcoming meeting.
If you wish to contact Council members individually, please visit our City website at
www.icgov.org. Here you will find council member names, addresses, and phone numbers.
Thanks again for writing and best of luck with your story.
Sincerely,
Kathi Johansen
Administrative Assistant
to the City Manager
319 356-5010
-----Original Message-----
From: Long, Justine [mailto:justine-longC~uiowa.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, April 02, 2008 8:41 PM
To: Council
Subject: panhandeling question
Dear Sir or Madam:
I am a journalism major at the University of Iowa and I am doing a story for a class on
city government. Mike Wright came and spoke to my class today about item 12 on your
previous April 1st agenda, panhandeling. 2 was wondering what everyone elses views were
on this topic. What is the reasoning behind everyone else voting for the ordinance? And
how do you think the city will benefit? Thanks for your time.
Justine Long
1
Angel Flight Central
fharles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport
10 Richards Road
Kansas City, MO 64116
Deliveries to: X500 Richards Rood
Phone: 816-421-2300
fAX: 816-021-2409
Requests for assistance:
1-877-621-7177
www.angelflightcentral.org
Mission
Angel Flight CeMral's mission a to serve people in
need by arranging charitable flights for access to
heahh care and fa other humanitarian purposes.
Advisory Council
Founder and Chairnrmr Emeritus
James Stevem,lr.
Members
Thomas H. Hokum
Stephen T. Carter
Stan Guillame
Michele Stauffer
Board of Trustees
Board Chairman/Presder~
Melanie Tucker
President Elect John W. Kennedy
Secretrvy Steve Pearson
Treasurer John Stohe, IV
YP of Wing Deveopment Eric Roehl
Past President Andrew M. DeMarea
Sheryl BOSIIeYOC
Dick Gooch
Phil love
lee Mook
Chrn Neigel
' David Rainey
Lisa Tomliinon
kott Wesley
Thomas Zumm
Staff
CEO/Executive Director Christel Gollnick
Operations Director Brenda fhampagne
Development Director Janea Gadelman
Outreach Director Brendan Sneegas
Aviation Specialist/Mission Coordinato
Judy Benja m
Support Services Coordinator Joan Nickum
Communications Coordinator Linda Sanchez
Angel Flight Central, Inc.,
formerly Wings Over Mid-Americo.,
is a non-profit organization recognized by
the IRS under I.R.C. sec. 501(c)(3).
March 31, 2008
Council Members
410 E. Washington Street,
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Council:
of s
Angel Flies.
CENTRAL
Angel Flight Central's "Hawkeye Wing" recently successfully completed their first
meeting which was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cedar Rapids. The turn-out
was spectacular; involving volunteer general aviation pilots, medical personnel,
experienced ground volunteers, and representatives from other regional service
organizations.
The volunteer "Wing" participants have committed themselves to supporting,
educating and assisting those in need with charitable aviation resources through
Angel Flight Central. The Hawkeye volunteers will be flying missions throughout
AFC's 10-State region, providing ground transportation from airports to medical
facilities, conducting education and outreach efforts at hospitals, treatment centers
and clinics, as well as community gatherings- all in an effort to provide those in need
with access to health care and other humanitarian services.
The reason I am writing each of you is to congratulate and thank you for providing
such a tremendous airport in Iowa City. The Iowa City airport has become a "major
hub" for several dozen Angel Flight Pilots flying to Eastern Iowa- as well as a
perfect meeting spot for pilots completing and starting their leg of along-distance
flight.
The personnel at the Airport understand the Mission of the organization as well as
the complexities of each passenger; most of whom are receiving life-saving
treatment.
I so appreciate the fact that the airport has positioned itself as a significant partner in
the effort to improve the lives of their neighbors and friends, Iowans in rural
communities, as well as those in need throughout the Midwest and upper-Midwest.
We simply couldn't do what we do without the support of you and the great staff at
the Iowa City Airport.
Keep up the great work- and thank you for doing your part to assist those in need.
~r of Outi'aa'ch
Flight Central
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From: John Yapp
Sent: Tuesday, April 01, 2008 9:32 AM
To: 'abigail-darwin@uiowa.edu'
Cc: Kathryn Johansen
Subject: Riverside /Myrtle
Hello Ms. Darwin - your a-mail was forwarded to me fora response. We have completed a
detailed traffic study of this intersection in 2001 and again in 2007, due to concerns similar to
what you have expressed. For a traffic signal to be installed, certain traffic levels/patterns
need to be present for a signal to be warranted, and we do not have this level yet at this
location. This is particularly scrutinized on a state highway route (this location is both
Highways 1 & 6)
The left turn-movement exiting Myrtle Street onto Riverside Drive /Highway 6 does experience
delay during peak periods. However, it does not happen frequently enough for a traffic signal
to be warranted, primarily due to how a signal would affect the majority of traffic at the
intersection. At Myrtles highest volume, we counted 73 vehicles exiting between 4:00 PM and
5: PM, but this represented only 3.5% of the overall traffic at the intersection. A signal would
increase delay and congestion for almost 97% of motorists at the intersection, for the benefit of
just 3.5% of motorists. Also, a signal would be there 24/7, and would be triggered when one
vehicle tries to exit Myrtle; causing dozens of vehicles to stop.
A four-way stop would have a similar effect, forcing users of Riverside to stop 24 hours a day,
whether there is traffic on Myrtle or not. Most motorists would begin to roll-through the stop
signs, raising other safety concerns.
Hope this gives you the information you were looking for, and I understand it is not the
conclusion you were hoping for. I'd be glad to forward you a copy of the traffic studies if you
wish, let me know.
Thanks,
John Yapp, Transportation Planner
From: Darwin, Abigail K [abigail-darwin@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Monday, March 31, 2008 5:14 PM
To: Council
Subject: Traffic Control at Riverside/Myrtle
Dear Iowa City Council Members,
I am a law student at the University of Iowa College of Law. I park in the Myrtle
Parking Lot for the law school. Everyday, I encounter trouble when trying to turn left
onto Riverside Drive from Myrtle Avenue. This is due to the heavy traffic flow on
Riverside Drive coming from both directions. And, it often seems that when traffic coming
one way on Riverside lets up, traffic from the other direction gets heavier. Is there any
way you would consider making the intersection a 4-way stop or putting up a traffic light
there? Each day, I wait an average about 5 minutes to be able to turn left. And, there
is always a long line of cars behind me on Myrtle waiting to turn as well. Please let me
know if you can help. Thanks!
Abigail Darwin
Iowa City Resident
Iowa City's Social Policy Defaults
Marian Karr
From: focalpoint@netexpress.net
Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2008 12:37 PM
To: Council
Subject: Iowa City's Social Policy Defaults
March 2008
From: A long time resident of Iowa City.
To: Administration of the Iowa City Press Citizen.
cc: Members of the City Council of Iowa City.
U4- 14-Uu
4f 8
Your view at the opinion page dated 1/30/08 addressing the affordable housing shortage issue in Iowa
City reflects your naive and shortsighted concept of one of the major reasons for the deterioration of
civility and sharp increase in violent crime afflicting this town. Through the years I have been observing
your paper gradually loosing its objectivity and adopting policies and attitudes that are misguided and
stifle fair and complete information to the residents of Iowa City. The tyranny of political correctness
reigns supreme in the columns of your paper.
What the hell is wrong with you? Have you not noticed yet the relationship between the undue policies
for affordable and subsidized housing and the explosion of social problems like the sharp increase in
violent crime (how dare you forget that even pedestrians are being robbed in Iowa City?), the vulgar and
daunting behavior in public and commercial places (usually acted by people of a particular ethnic group
whose misdeeds you consciously overlook), the utterly unacceptable security conditions in our public
schools, and the steady increase of the number of children in poverty?
I have lived in this town since 1969 and have been a very hard working and useful resident for many
years running a small business and being an active and contributing member of its community
particularly in the preservation of natural areas. I grew up very poor in a very large southern European
metropolitan area among thousands of other poor people who were battered by WWII and trying to get
back on their feet with far fewer economic opportunities and little if any social welfare such as has been
available to poor people in this society for many years. Nonetheless, our neighborhoods were safe and
full of children playing even in the night hours and therefore I cannot be particularly sympathetic to
most of the poor in this country whom I view as victims of their own self-destructing conduct. This
irresponsible behavior when coupled with the cultural tendency in USA to avoid criticizing and blaming
anyone about anything or take preemptive steps against the development of social ills, results in a
society with high level of poverty and very high violent crime rate. However, it should be acknowledged
that people are nice and hold candle light vigils every time after some lunatic easily hoards an arsenal of
deadly weapons (even when he is not a US citizen) and commits yet another massacre in this country. I
agree that candle lights look pretty at night.
Just as the excessive dependence on welfare creates bums and criminals in USA so does the excessive
social tolerance of people with personal problems (drug and alcohol abuse and antisocial behaviors are
common scenarios) who learn to count and. expect this undue accommodation. Where are their parents,
relatives and friends? They are responsible for these individuals and should have the right to intervene
without much interference from anyone. Where are the cultural barriers to help prevent most of these
people from reaching that destructive to themselves and others point in the first place? There are
millions of residents living in the major capital city of the southern European country I alluded to earlier
3/27/2008
Iowa City's Social Policy Defaults
Page 2 of 3
but when I visited there a few years ago I did not observed a single homeless person in the streets and I
was told that there are few if any around in the entire metropolitan area. I did not notice any apparently
mentally ill people either. Unfortunately, foreigners many of them of a religion that is in conflict with
Western ideals are, indeed, creating a social problem in that country and even though that is another
matter it was important to report here because the sources and causes of social ills and their correlation
to particular religious or ethnic groups is interrelated.
When homeless people commit crimes (I do not suppose you recall one of the latest incidents in
Colorado involving gun murders by yet another mentally ill homeless) in USA they are described as
"transients", "having no address" or "living out of his car". However, when naive people, often driven by
shortsighted ideology and/or religion, want more money to build yet more crisis centers and shelters for
people who flock to Iowa city to take advantage of the expanded services (and help perpetuate the
homeless problem in my view) they call these people "homeless". That is a public relations deceiving
tactic and as hypocritical as it is politically correct and you just practiced such insincere scheme in your
2/27/08 issue by describing a homeless criminal as "transient".
The leftist and thoughtless liberal government in Iowa City is a major reason for the demise of this town
and you as a newspaper have steadily contributed to the deterioration of Iowa City's civility and safety
by manipulating and concealing important public data and misleading your readers. Do not fret, this
town's problems and the reasons for their presence are not unique to our community but widespread
across the country.
I am fed up with the words "diversity", "affordable housing", "subsidized housing", "affirmative action",
"racial quotas", what have you, because today these excessively and perpetually promoted notions sound
more like hyped slogans rather than logical, reality oriented social policy considerations based on
rational and indisputable values that propel true progress and human evolution like the indelible
principles of merit, personal qualifications and integrity, and natural selection.
I am tired of the endless demands and concessions for even more accommodation of people with
disabilities regardless of cost, and tired of the misleading idea that poor people are victims of those who
are not poor. Finally, I am fed up by the demands for even more community support for everything and
everyone including those who are bums and lazy. I will no longer support welfare programs for anyone
until the government of Iowa City separates those who deserve my help from those who do not and kick
the latter group out by cutting back human services and subsidized housing.
You, as the local paper, have the obligation to participate in this process but you neither have the guts
nor the foggiest idea how to perform this differentiation in your columns under your present
administration and staff. Like most of the readily available public information media you have confined
your selves within the reality suppressing walls erected by the tyranny of political correctness and
produce content that is void of critical and rational thinking. The result of this deliberately designed
production of superficial news that has kept the public uninformed is now apparent in Iowa City.
The race of the people who commit most of the violent crime in Iowa City, particularly the ever
increasing number of robberies is also represented in other incidents of antisocial activities such as
intimidation and provocation of pedestrians and drivers by people standing in streets or parking lots
obstructing traffic (i.e. Cross park Ave, Hudson Ave, Broadway St, Sycamore Mall) or cars interfering
with traffic (i.e.: Cross park Ave, College St by the Public Library), trespassing, and the folks affected
do not dare confront the trespassers (i.e.: the residents at Catskill Ct), neglect of very young children
(unattended babies in carts usually in grocery stores and little kids riding bikes in busy streets far away
from home), and rowdy behavior in stores (often in grocery stores) and streets and even incidents of
shouting of racially insensitive remarks against whites in my presence (one happened at the Hy Vee
3/27/2008
Iowa City's Social Policy Defaults
Page 3 of 3
store at Muscatine Ave a few years ago and the other against me from strangers in a passing car).
Of course such social integrity infractions are never addressed in your devious paper or in the politically
correct chambers of the city council. What are you and the city government are waiting for? A Wendy's
style massacres, Lane Bryant store massacre, or a Carson or Burk kind of murder to happen in Iowa City
before you get the message? These are just a few examples!
If you do not start promoting the idea of reducing rather than increasing subsidized housing in Iowa City
and that we must hire at least ten police officers and expand the police headquarters to accommodate the
needs for safety and security of this community then I will simply move out of this town and then you
can more freely enjoy the presence of those who are a liability to society and continue your deceiving
and shortsighted reporting policies that, along with similar news presenting practices by other media
outlets such as The Gazette, The Daily Iowan, and even the U of I WSUI radio station, have helped fuel
the societal degradation of Iowa City.
Wake up!
Elias Zaharias (a legal immigrant)
Email: focalpoint@netexpress.net
3/27/2008
16
ROBERT E. KONCHAR
STEPHEN C. NELSON
J. SCOTT BOGGUSS
PHILIP D. BROOKS
KEVIN J. VISSER
RANDALJ.SCHOLER
WILI.JAM 5. VERNON
ERIC W. LAM
MICHAEL MCDONOUGH'
MARK J. HERZBERGER
THOMAS D. WOLLEZ
MATTHEW J. KRIGBAUM~~~
THOMAS N. DeBOOM
ROBERT S. HATALA
Mo er &
y
B er man, P.L. ~.
g
Attorneys at Law
CYNTHIA A. SCHERRMAN SUEPPEL
BRIAN J. FAGAN
AMANDA M. D'AMICO
SASHA L. MONTHEI
MATTHEW J. ADAM
ABBE M. STENSLAND
CHAD W. THOMAS
MATTHEW J. HEKTOEN~
DAWN M. GIBBON
LARRY G. GUTZS. OF COUNSEL
JENNIFER K. WENDTGEISLER, OF COUNSEL
WILLIAM A. BERGMAN. RETIRED
March 19, 2008
Eric R. Goers
Assistant City Attorney
City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240-1826
WRITER'S EMAIL
M Ad am@moyerbcrgman.com
RECEIVED BY
MAR 21 2008
CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Re: The `Que Liquor License Denial Appeal
Dear Eric:
This letter is to follow up with your letter of March 12, 2008, and our meeting of March 19, 2008
with Roy Yelder and Sarah Henningfield of the Que Bar and Chief Hargadine. The purpose of
this letter to is address each of the City's concerns that led to the recommendation to deny the
liquor license renewal for the Yelder Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a The Que Bar.
At the time of the filing for the liquor license renewal, Roy Yelder did not have a bar manager on
staff. He had recently terminated his previous bar manager and was in the process of hiring a
new manager. Shortly after his liquor license renewal application was filed, he hired Sarah
Henningfield to as bar manager. Since that time, he has hired a second individual, Prity Kumar,
to assist in managing the bar. Ms. Henningfield and Ms. Kumar will share the management
responsibilities with Ms. Henningfield being the primary contact person. Ms. Henningfield, Ms.
Kumar or Mr. Yelder will be on site at all times while the bar is open for business.
Admittedly, The Que Bar has experienced some personnel problems in the past. After Ms.
Henningfteld was hired, Mr. Yelder terminated his entire staff and is in the process of hiring new
employees. All of the new employees will be required to attend the TIPS training and each
bartender will be "jigger" trained. In addition, each employee will be provided a Training Guide
and Employee Handbook. I have attached a copy of the Training Guide and Employee
Handbook for your review* The Que Bar has a zero tolerance policy for any violation of the
Training Guide and Employee Handbook. An employee who violates either the Training Guide
^ CEDAR RAPIDS OFFICE I COMMERCE EXCHANGE BUILDING 12720 FIRST AVENUE N.E. I CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA 52402
MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 1943 I CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA 5240Fr1943
TELEPHONE: (319) 3GB7331 I FACSIMILE: (319) 3663668
^ CORALVILLE /IOWA CITY OFFICE I CITY CENTER SQUARE ~ 1 100 STM STREET SURE 205 ~ CORALVILLE, IOWA 52241
TELEPHONE: (319) 354-1019 I FACSIMILE: (319) 354.1760
W W W.MOYERBERGMAN.COM
'ALSO LICEKSF.O7b PRACTICEIN:'N®RASKA'MINNESOTA'ILLINOIS `rF SAND WASHINGTON'WIaCONSIN
* Eleven page document on file in City Attorney's Office.
MOYER & BERGMAN, P.L.C.
March 19, 2008
Page 2
or the Employee Handbook will be terminated. The new staff will also be encouraged to
perform four hours of community service each month.
In addition to training its new staff, The Que Bar has implemented policies and procedures to
curb over-pouring, over-serving and serving underage drinking. A video camera system and a
security system were installed. All patrons will be asked to show their identification card Prior
to entering the bar and minors will be given a wrist band and hand mark. All non-alcoholic
beverages will be served in bright, easily identifiable glasses. Further, all servers and bartenders
will be required to randomly check identification cards once patrons are inside the establishment.
Any underage patron caught drinking will be asked to leave the establishment.
The Que Bar, Mr. Yelder and Ms. Henningfield would like to apologize to the Iowa City Police
Department for any previous lack of cooperation or disrespect from The Que Bar or its staff. Mr.
Yelder has been engaged in the bar business for several years in the Iowa City community and
understands the importance of a good working relationship with the City of Iowa City and the
Iowa City Police Department.
Mr. Yelder would like to resolve this matter by reaching an informal settlement. He has been
proactive in creating a clear management structure and employee policies, he and his staff have
communicated their willingness to cooperate with the Iowa City Police Department, Mr. Yelder
has agreed to keep the Iowa City Police Department updated as to his management structure and
the contact information for key personnel, and The Que Bar has not had any law violations for
approximately 1-1 /2 years.
Mr. Yelder sincerely hopes that an informal settlement can be reached without extending his
current suspension. As you are aware, The Que Bar is currently serving the statutorily mandated
90-day liquor license suspension stemming from the three separate incidents wherein erstwhile
staff members served alcohol to underage persons. The last such incident took place in the fall
of 2006. Mr. Yelder feels he is already serving the suspension as required by Iowa law for the
violations that were committed.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
MOYER &BERGMAN, P.L.C.
March 19, 2008
Page 3
Sincerely,
MOYER &BERGMAN, P.L.C.
~2~~~
Matthew J. A am
MJA:dd
Enclosures
Cc: Mr. Roy Yelder
4- 4-
17
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
A Board of the City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City IA 52240-1826
(319)356-5041
April 9, 2008
Mayor Regenia Bailey
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Mayor and Council Members:
At the April 8, 2008 meeting, the PCRB voted in open session to request a 60-day extension
regarding the reporting deadline for the Public Report according to the City Code for PCRB
Complaint #08-03 for the following reasons:
• Due to timelines, scheduling and absence of legal counsel.
• Public Report presently due May 5, 2008
60-day Extension request -Report would be due on July 7, 2008
The Board appreciates your prompt consideration of this matter.
Sincerely,
~7
Elizabeth Engel, Vice-Chair
Police Citizens Review Board
cc: City Attorney