HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-06-17 Correspondencer
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~~`'°~'~~ MEMORANDUM
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Date: June 11, 2008
To: City Clerk and City Council
From: Darian Nagle-Gamm, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner
Re: Item for June 17 City Council agenda
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 36 of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council
of the following action to establish NO PARKING HERE TO CORNER on the north side of
Foster Road approaching the intersection with Swisher Street. Unless directed otherwise by the
City Council, this action will occur after June 17, 2008.
Action:
Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A(10), Install a NO PARKING HERE TO CORNER sign on the north
side of the 1000 block of Foster Road.
Comment:
This action is being done at the request of the Iowa City transit Division, to accommodate bus
movements for the bus route serving Foster Road in the Peninsula Neighborhood.
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~~^1~:.®,,~ CITY OF IOWA CITY 3f2
~-~~'~~~~ MEMORANDUM
Date: June 11, 2008
To: City Clerk
From: Darian Nagle-Gamm, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner
Re: Item for June 17, 2008 City Council meeting; Installation of (1) YIELD sign on the
northwest corner of the Glendale Drive and North Lowell Street intersection.
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council
of the following action.
Action:
Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A (10); Install (1) YIELD sign on the northwest corner of Glendale
Drive and the North Lowell Street intersection.
Comment:
This action is being taken to clarify that traffic from North Lowell Street should yield to traffic on
Glendale Drive.
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~~.~ I_,;.®,~~ CITY O F IOWA CITY 3f(3)
~-~~~~'~~~ MEMORANDUM
Date: June 11, 2008
To: City Clerk
From: Kent Ralston, Acting Traffic Engineering Planner ~/(`
Re: Item for June 17, 2008 City Council meeting; Removal of (2) DO NOT ENTER signs
and (1) ONE-WAY sign.
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council
of the following action.
Action:
Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A (5), remove (2) DO NOT ENTER signs on the east side of Lucus
Street at the entrance to the alley between Church Street and Ronalds Street, and remove (1)
ONE-WAY sign on the west side of Governor Street at the entrance to the alley between Church
Street and Ronalds Street.
Comment:
This action is being taken at the request of abutting property owners in the form of a petition to
eliminate the one-way status of the alley connecting Lucus Street and Governor Street between
Church Street and Ronalds Street; thereby allowing east and west vehicle movements. A
survey was administered and passed unanimously.
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Marian Karr
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From: Baldridge, Thomas H [thomas-Baldridge@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 4:37 PM
To: Council
Subject: Plans for Burlington Street
Dear Councilors -- Given the current rise in the cost of gasoline, do you think it prudent to omit
consideration of the possibility of increase bike traffic to the downtown area ? I received the
comment below from someone who does bike, and I daresay there are many others who do
already ride their bikes and their number will increase as gas prices continue to rise. Why
must Iowa City be so Bike-Unfriendly except when the Criterion comes to town ?
Tom Baldridge
On Monday, June 2 the Iowa City Council received a presentation on the redevelopment of
Burlington Street in Iowa City . The plan did not have bicycle traffic as a consideration or
priority in planning, thus the proposal has absolutely no bicycle accommodations considered.
The Council reached consensus to move forward with the plan. If you bike, particularly
through downtown and have ever found yourself needing to get through town quickly and used
Burlington ,you might want to speak out and share your opinions about the redevelopment of
Burlington Street quickly.
6/10/2008
Page 1 of 1
Marian Karr
From: Susan Beckett [susan.beckett55@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 04, 2008 11:10 AM
To: Council
Cc: Jeff Davidson; John Yapp; Kent Ralston; Kristopher Ackerson
Subject: Burlington Street Redesign
Dear Iowa City City Council,
I understand that the plan presented for the redevelopment of Burlington Street does not include any
accommodations for bicyclists. I applaud the consideration of pedestrians and aesthetics in the redesign
and am extremely disappointed that bicycle travel was not considered. I thought that the city adopted a
policy of complete streets and that the policy would require the city to accommodate travel by
pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit and motorized vehicles for reconstruction and new designs. Since
Burlington Street is a major thruway and a major route between the east and west campuses, it seems
that it would be at the top of the list for providing safe transit for all forms of transportation. I
understand that cost is always a consideration. Were there any cost figures presented for bicycle
accommodation? Were there other reasons for not considering bicycle travel?
I ride my bike to work downtown daily. Though my to-work route does not include Burlington Street,
other errands and appointments take me to Burlington Street and across the river. I never feel safe when
riding on Burlington Street and get off it as quickly as possible. It is, however, impossible to avoid
hazards when crossing the river. The pedestrian walkway is too narrow to accommodate bicyclists safely
and riding on the street feels even scarier.
I would like to see the City Council reconsider this plan and request that bicycle accommodation be
included in the redesign. I fully believe more people would ride their bikes for transportation and
recreation if safe, direct routes were available to them. Redesigning Burlington Street to accommodate
bicyclists would go a long way toward this goal and toward earning Iowa City bicycle friendly
community status.
Thank you for your consideration.
Susan Beckett
6/4/2008
Marian Karr
From: Gary Christensen [gary-Christensen@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2008 1:58 PM
To: Council
Cc: Jenny Thoeny; Shannon Christensen; JanelleRettig@aol.com
Subject: Burlington Street Redevelopment Plan Leaves Bicycles Out
Dear City Council,
I just found out that the Iowa City Council received a presentation on the
redevelopment of Burlington Street in Iowa City last night. I am extremely disappointed
to hear that the plan did not have bicycle traffic as a consideration or priority in
planning.
I ride my bike to work 3 to 5 times a week to the Seamans Center at the University of Iowa
and use Burlington to get to work. I ride in the traffic since it is against the law to
ride my bike on the side walks downtown and the pedestrian overpass. It is also very
difficult to ride on the side walks where it is permitted due to pedestrians. Some times
it is so congested that you can't ride. Riding in the traffic is both dangerous and
scary. I also imagine that it is annoying to drivers. I know of many other individuals
that I work with in the College of Engineering that use Burlington to get to work.
I travel around the world as a professor at the University of Iowa.
Riding bikes is a normal mode of transportation to get around in other countries. Many
major European cities especially in the Netherlands have special bike lanes next to the
car lanes to make cycling safe and to encourage the use of bikes.
With the increase in gas prices and the push by the State of Iowa for renewable energy, it
makes good financial and environmental sense to ride a bike as an alternative to driving a
car. I would really appreciate it if you would reconsider adding accommodations for
bicycles to the Burlington Street redevelopment plan and all future street redevelopment
plans.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
Gary Christensen
---------------------------------------------------------
Gary E. Christensen, D.Sc.
Associate Professor Email: gary-christensen~uiowa.edu
Electrical and Computer Engineering Phone: (319) 335-6055
The University of Iowa Fax: (319) 335-6028
4324 SC
Iowa City, IA 52242
1
Page 1 of 2
Marian Karr
From: James Cochran [jcochra@kirkwood.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, June 04, 2008 11:30 AM
To: Council; Jeff Davidson; John Yapp; Kent Ralston; Kristopher Ackerson
Attachments: image001.jpg
Dear Iowa City Council Members,
I am writing in regard to the Burlington Street redevelopment plan, other future roadway updates, and the idea
of "complete streets'
If Iowa City is going to continue to be a progressive beautiful place to live, the council not only needs to take a
look at how population growth and traffic congestion may degrade our current community, but must also look
at ways to improve the community for all its citizens.
When upgrading traffic ways the council and planners need to take a look at comprehensive roadways that
allow for safety of pedestrians, bicycle commuters, and alternative methods of commuting. Iowa City is
continually failing to incorporate bicycle lanes on major commuting routes. Bicycle commuting is an effective
way to combat the raising price of gas, energy consumption, obesity, traffic congestion, etc. It is disappointing
that Iowa City fails to make bicycle ways that are safe and effective for getting around town.
The city needs to be a leader in promoting various forms of safe commuting, and has recently been failing. If
the road ways are built to only promote car travel it will increase the number of people driving, and continually
cause motorist to believe that bicyclist should not be allowed to commute on roadways.
Please continue to make decisions that will preserve and improve Iowa City for all its citizens, and let's be
leaders in ingenuity for future roadways.
Here are some ereat resources for "complete streets"
http;/[www. compl_etestreets,o rg[
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http:([www.usatoda_y_,com[news nation(2007_07 29-co__mplete-streets_N,htm
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6/4/2008
Page 2 of 2
Jim Cochran
Asst. Professor Developmental Mathematics/
Developmental Mathematics Coordinator
Kirkwood Community College
No[ice: This a-mail (including attachments) is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy ACt, 18 U.S.C. 2510-2521, is confidential and may be
legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any retention, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this
communication is strictly prohibited. Please reply to the sender that you have received the message in error, then delete it. Thank you.
6/4/2008
Page 1 of 1
Marian Karr
From: segerton [segerton@nads-sc.uiowa.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 10:52 AM
To: Council; Jeff Davidson; John Yapp; Kent Ralston; Kristopher Ackerson
Subject: Bicycle accommodation for new street projects
To all of you hard working folks, dedicated to making the Iowa City/Coralville area leaner and greener,
If you have ever been to Fort Collins, Colorado, and traveled their wide streets by either vehicle or bicycle, you
have experienced what it is like to travel with a feeling of freedom and "room to breathe'. Cars and bikes travel
the streets together with little crowding and a great deal of relative safety. There are no strong reasons to prohibit
that type of consideration from being implemented into the Iowa City/Coralville/Johnson County approach to
future growth.
In this day and age, new roadway construction must consider designs that favor multi-use for motor vehicles and
bicycles, as well as pathways for pedestrians. Safe bicycle travel ways should be advocated in speech, and in
practice, by those in position to design and endorse new roadway projects. Please make the right move for the
future of our area by considering the bicyclist as a primary user of any and all streets in the city and in the county.
Thanks.
Scott Egerton, Member, Iowa Bicycle Coalition
Cognitive Systems Engineering
National Advanced Driving Simulator
University of Iowa
2401 Oakdale Blvd.
Iowa City, Iowa 52242
319.335.4437
www. nads-sc. uiowa. edu
This e-mail is intended solely for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or
privileged information. Any review, dissemination, copying, printing or other use of this a-mail by persons or
entities other than the addressee is prohibited. If you have received this a-mail in error, please reply to the sender
immediately that you have received the message and delete the material from any computer.
6/10/2008
Page 1 of 1
Marian Karr _ __
From: Fleck, Erin V [erin-fleck@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Thursday, June 05, 2008 8:56 AM
To: Council; :Jeff-Davidson@iowa-city.org; John Yapp; Kristopher Ackerson
Subject: Burlington Street & Bicycles
Hello,
I ride as bicycle year round as my primary source of transportation in Iowa City. I do not use Burlington Street tc
ride my bike. In fact, I would not like to ride near Burlington as it is loud and full of cars. I recently road my
bicycle along the "extra-wide" sidewalks in Coralville along the strip and I thought they were miserable. I prefer to
ride as traffc not adjacent to it, as riding adjacent creates a myriad of interaction problems when one comes to
intersections. Also, I ride a bike because I do not like cars! I think they are dirty, earth killing machines. I
definitely do not desire to interact with arterial roads as a cyclist. I much prefer to find alternate routes on more
quiet streets. I generally take the Crandic Trail that runs parallel to the strip (even though it dumps me out in the
Taco Bell parking lot!) rather than ride on the multi-use sidewalk along the strip. Unfortunately, that path
is flooded right now and so I had to ride along the Coralville strip. Back to Burlington Street: I use College and
Washington Streets to get from the Eastside to Downtown. I never use Burlington Street -not as a cyclist or a
pedestrian. It is too noisy and unpleasant. I personally think it would be awesome if College Street were turned
into a one way for cars and bicycles were given an entire lane on this street. Anyone who commutes is well
aware of the confluence of bicycle commuters on College to get downtown & home again. The only pro about
Burlington is that it is actually plowed in the winter! That means in some ways it is more attractive than College.
But again, I still take unplowed College Street over plowed Burlington any time.
Best,
Erin
6/5/2008
Page 1 of 1
Marian Karr
From: Cody Gieselman [cody.gieselman@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2008 5:35 PM
To: Council; Jeff Davidson; John Yapp; Kristopher Ackerson; Kent Ralston
Subject: Burlington Street redevelopment excludes cyclists
Dear Iowa City City Council Members & IC/JCCOG Staff,
I want to express my disappointment and frustration with the proposed redevelopment plan of
Burlington Street because of its exclusion of bicycles. The City of Iowa City has made a commitment to
a policy of Complete Streets, and I point to part of this policy as a reminder to all decision-makers
involved in this redevelopment:
"NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA, THAT.•
All public street projects or public street reconstruction projects (not including maintenance) in the City of Iowa
City shall be designed to accommodate travel by pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit, and motorized
vehicles [emphasis mine] and their passengers..."
only with the exception of where it is prohibited by law or where cost has been deemed excessive to expected
use. Has excessive cost been demonstrated in this case? Has it been considered that it is illegal (and
dangerous) for cyclists to ride the sidewalks along Burlington? If we do not provide safe infrastructure, we are not
doing our part to encourage multiple modes of transportation.
The Complete Streets policy is intended to be a tool in practice. Let's not reduce it to lip-service.
Respectfully,
Cody Gieselman
Iowa City resident & transportation cyclist
6/3/2008
Page 1 of 1
Marian Karr
From: laurie haag (lauriehaag@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, June 09, 2008 11:10 AM
To: Council
Subject: Burlington Street
City Councilors,
I am writing to express my disappointment in the proposed plans for the improvement of Burlington
Street. As someone who commutes regularly on a bicycle, I was hoping that our community would be
more forward thinking in how to accommodate bicyclists into our plans for the future. As the price of
gas reached $4 per gallon this weekend and global warming becomes more of an issue, I think it is fair
to assume that cars should may not be our primary mode of transportation in the future. At the very
least we should consider doing everything that we can to encourage creating viable alternatives to
driving cars in our community. As a bike commuter, I can testify that Iowa City is not currently a bike
friendly community and that those of us who chose this environmentally-friendly mode of transportation
do so at great personal risk. Other cities have found ways to integrate bikers into their planning; it is
shameful that a city like Iowa City can't do the same. I understand that space is a major consideration
when it comes to Burlington Street and that there is a current reality that can't be easily altered, but
bicycle traffic must be a priority in these discussions, and in all future planning of our roadways. It
deserves more than a powerpoint slide that reads "just trying to generate ideas." As a city we should be
looking to the future, and the future is going to have to move away from cars, whether we like it or not.
I encourage you to encourage that transition by creating a city which is truly progressive and bicycle
friendly.
Laurie Haag
305 Windsor Drive
Iowa City, IA
6/9/2008
Page 1 of 1
Marian Karr
From: Richard Johnson [rjohnso@kirkwood.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, June 04, 2008 12:51 PM
To: Council
Subject: RE: burlington street development
City Council:
As you move toward improvements to Burlington Street, I urge you to consider adding safer accommodations
for bicycle traffic.
Richard Johnson
1244 E. College St.
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319)338-4973
6/4/2008
Page 1 of 1
Marian Karr
From: Jorgensen, James D (james-jorgensen@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Sunday, June 08, 2008 9:19 PM
To: Council; Jeff Davidson; John Yapp; Kent Ralston; Kristopher Ackerson
Subject: Burlington St. makeover
Dear Council --
My understanding is that there is currently discussion about constructing a median on Burlington Street. I
reviewed this presentation -- http://www.iowa-city.org[webink/docvew.aspx?id=165208 -- which lays out some
of the concepts. If I understand it correctly, the median would serve three purposes:
1. Discourage left hand turns by motorists
2. Improve aesthetics
3. Discourage jaywalking
However, the median will also effectively foreclose bicycle traffic on Burlington for a number of reasons that have
likely already been brought to your attention. The median will confine traffic and make it very difficult for
motorists to pass cyclists safely -- there's just not enough room. Yet there will continue to be bicycle traffic
because of teh large student population in the residence halls on the west side of the river. Those students will
take to the sidewalks.
Crossing the river at Iowa Ave. is also difficult. From the west side residence halls, there's no access to Newton
Road but by sidewalk. And once on Iowa Ave., the narrow lanes under the train trestle by Hubbard Park make
that stretch of road hazardous.
I appreciate your desire to improve Burlington Street. But I much prefer living in a community that
accommodates bicycle traffic. I hope you consider strongly the impact of the proposal on my way of life.
Best wishes and good luck,
Jamie Jorgensen
Coralville
6/9/2008
Marian Karr
From: Nick Maddix [moonlightrose44@gmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, June 08, 2008 1:30 PM
To: Council; Jeff Davidson; John Yapp; Kent Ralston; Kristopher Ackerson
Subject: Burlington Street Plan
Dear Iowa City Council and associated members of the City,
On behalf of the Bicyclists of Iowa City, I would like to share my disappointment for
bicyclists having the potential for not being included in the Burlington Street
Redevelopment Plan. While I am a cyclist and don't mind using Burlington Street in its
current condition, i cannot possibly imagine an inexperienced cyclist using it. I feel
many people are intimated by using this congested roadway on their bicycles.
I understand the limitations in space in the plan, and I fully support the medium/fence as
a way to control pedestrians and crossings. I also think this will make the roadway more
eye-catching as well. However, this is a main route for cyclists to get to University
Hospitals, Knnick Stadium, University Heights and points west (West High). Basically the
only other way to get to one of these destinations is to take Benton Street (and the large
hill), or Market Street to Iowa Ave and Newton Rd, however this does require some
backtracking.
Iowa City has a Complete Street policy and so far it has been fairly successful. I would
like to herald the council and JCCOG on your Camp Cardinal Blvd design. I was less than
thrilled with the North Dodge design as the bike lane is so narrow that is practically
doesn't exist, but this is a higher speed and high traffic corridor and I personally would
prefer a wide sidewalk which currently is already in plan.
My only suggestion with the Burlington Street plan is to see if there is a way to narrow
the island/fence so that at least a 4 foot bike lane were possible on each side. I bet if
there was no island period, you could have .two bike lanes on each side of the road for
sure, but peds would still be crossing freely. Otherwise the new brick near the sidewealk
and the lights may have to be removed or altered in a way that the lights can still be
used (lights coming off the side of the parking ramp or other buildings perhaps?) In a
more extreme case, you culd always lower the speed limit to 20, but I doubt drivers will
go the speed limit, but at least at this speed bicyclists can feel a bit more comfortalbe
in their surroundings. Just a brainstorm idea.
I hope you will still consider adding bike lanes or at the very least sharrow markings
(JCCOG would know this) and Share the Road signs. Iowa City has a 10 percent commuting
population which is high in comparison to the majority of college towns and as people
begin to reconsider their primary mode of transportation in response to the environment,
rising gas prices and so on, we need to take this position seriously, especially that if
we look back on this ten years from now and realize that bike lanes were needed, it will
cost far greater than it does now.
Some of you may have heard about the "Ride of Silence", it was a bike ride that was held
to honor and mourn fallen cyclists on May 21st. We had a group of 30 cyclists escorted by
police down Burlington Street from Dodge St. as we ventured to University Heights. I have
a "Test Ride" video clip that includes a departure from College Green Park to Burlington
Street all the way to Riverside Drive. You may view it to get a better idea of Burlington
Street from the view of a cyclist (NO, I did not hold this camera while riding, I had a
eight dollar camera tripod that is mounted on the front of my bicycle, very handy!) But it
is a unique viewpoint and you may check it out anytime at:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=NU30maBtOMB
There is also a Part 2, 3 and 4 on there that shows the rest of our route in Iowa City,
Coralville, and University Heights.
I am a firm believer that a cyclist is safer on the roads than on the sidewalk, especially
in the downtown area. That is obviously why this policy was put into place:
1
//E. Riding On Sidewalk: 1. No person shall ride a ///bicycle/// upon a sidewalk in the
central downtown business district. The central downtown business district is the area
bounded by ///and/// including Capitol Street to the west, Burlington Street to the south,
Gilbert Street to the east, ///and/// Jefferson Street to the north. (Ord. 97-3788,
6-3-1997)/ /
Now, given a higher speed road in the city limits (Riverside Drive, Hwy
6) I wouldn't ride in the street and would use a wide sidewalk/trail. I wouldn't be
surprised if studies suggest that you have a better chance of hitting a ped on a sidewalk
than you do getting hit in the street.
I understand this is a tough decision overall as if you don't please one group, you are
bound to upset the others, but I hope you will assure that Burlington Street is safe and
accommodating for bicyclists in one form or another. Otherwise, the "Complete Streets"
policy is nothing but a consideration measure. Thank you for your time, your consideration
and your continued efforts to make the city more bicycle friendly. .
Highest regards,
Nick Maddix
P.S. A wonderful Midwest Transportation Conference JCCOG! You should be proud. And Mayor
Bailey, I saw your At Home in Iowa City segment on Bicycling in Iowa City, nice work! And
of course, thank you City Council and City of Iowa City for your continued support for
Bike to Work Week.
//
2
Page 1 of 1
Marian Karr
From: trish nelson [nelsonaction@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 8:36 AM
To: Council; Jeff Davidson; John Yapp; Kent Ralston; Kristopher Ackerson
Cc: nelsonaction@yahoo.com
Subject: Please add bike accommodations to Burlington St. Redevelopment plan
Dear Council,
I was dismayed to hear that the Burlington Street redevelopment plan as discussed by the Iowa City Council on
June 2 did not have bicycle traffic as a consideration or priority. Now that "going green" is of paramount
importance, it is shocking to me to hear that the proposal has absolutely no bicycle accommodations being
considered in the plan. I'm sure this must have been an oversight and as a member of a 2-person household that
owns 6 bikes, I am asking you to please go back to the table and think this through. Bicycle commuters in Iowa
City are numerous and will probably become even more so as gas prices go up. Thank you for your
consideration of this matter.
Trish Nelson
917 Wylde Green Rd., Iowa City
6/10/2008
Page 1 of 1
Marian Karr
From: nidey@worldofbikes.com
Sent: Sunday, June 08, 2008 8:38 AM
To: Council
Subject: Redevelopment of Burlington Street
Council members,
I understand a task force on the "Redevelopment of Burlington Street" has presented their recommendations to
you. I was dumb founded to find out no consideration for bicycle traffic was presented.
I am the founder of World of Bikes and since 1974 I have had hundreds of conversations with bicycle riders about
getting from the east side of IC to across the river. I would always say be extra cautious riding Burlington Street or
go way out of your way to avoid.
I encourage you to support a revised "Redevelopment of Burlington Street" plan which includes direct safe routing
for bicyclists and frankly non inclusion is irresponsible planning. Whether for personal economics or
environmental concern, times are changing and more and more IC residents are turning to bicycles for
transportation. Please encourage and support bicycle usage in IC in all urban planning.
Sincerely,
Dan Nidey
6/9/2008
Page 1 of 3
Marian Karr
From: JanelleRettig@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2008 9:59 AM
To: Council
Cc: Jeff Davidson; John Yapp; Kristopher Ackerson
Subject: Burlington Street Redevelopment
Dear Iowa City Council:
I followed the discussion and presentation on the redevelopment of Burlington Street with great interest. Iowa
City is filled with bicycles despite not having friendly routes or completed planning. The Burlington Street plan
is a prime example. The plan was developed by a steering committee that did not have biking advocates
included and the objective given the committee included pedestrians and aesthetics, but did not mention
bicycle traffic.
Even tonight, the discussion did not include basic questions such as how many bicycles travel Burlington on an
average Spring or Fall day when the UI is in session. One of the main presenters and I believe one City
Council person fully admitted that they violate City law when riding on Burlington, because they ride on the
sidewalk. Bicycles are prohibited on sidewalks on Burlington Street to the South from Gilbert to Capitol:
E. Riding On Sidewalk: 1. No person shall ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk in the central downtown business
district. The central downtown business district is the area bounded 6y and including Capitol Street to the west,
Burlington Street to the south, Gilbert Street to the east, and Jefferson Street to the north. (Ord. 97-3788, 6-3-
1997)
The possible plan is to suggest that bicycles weave on College Street to Linn to Court to Madison. Let's
assume for the moment that a bicyclist commuting to work (or even shopping at Old Capitol or downtown) has
all the time in the world and all the energy they need to go blocks out of their way. If a bicyclist lives on the east
side or near south east side of downtown and is trying to get through downtown to work at the UIHC, the
suggestion made tonight is they would take the zig zag of College/Linn/Court/Madison. Then the discussion
took a turn on what to do once you are at Madison and Burlington. One Councilor suggested that the cyclist
move across Burlington onto the wide sidewalk in the park in front of the UI Main Library and then cross the
bridge on the pedestrian walkways. I did just that after leaving the meeting tonight. The pedestrian walkway
across the Burlington Bridge is narrow with a abrupt drop off onto the street, and even passing one college age
student with headphones who was going the right direction, I felt at risk of being bumped into traffic. It is like a
narrow train platform -- imagine doing that ride between classes. For arguments sake let's say I made it across
the bridge at a rush hour pedestrian time. Then you want me to get off my bike and walk up the pedestrian
overpass right? (Bicycle riding is prohibited on the overpasses.) When all that is done I've ridden two blocks
out of the way dodged a few hundred pedestrians around the new rec. center, the library, didn't get pushed off
the bridge into traffic, I got off my bike to walkup and over Riverside. I don't even know what I do then to get to
UIHC. By then I'm tired, scared, and have decided to stop riding and start driving again.
I understood Iowa City adopted a policy of complete streets (copy below) -- where all users will be taken into
consideration and accommodated when redeveloping or building new roadways. I see nothing complete with
the plans presented Monday night. I assure you that if you continue with these beautiful, but incomplete plans,
many people will ride right through Burlington on the road in a narrower area, creating an even more congested
and dangerous situation. They will do that once they see how out of the way, slow and dangerous the
alternative routes prove to be. Other people just won't ride, because of the risks and difficulty.
I think aesthetics are a wondertul addition to our roadways, but should not be undertaken to the detriment of
users. This plan was developed without consideration of complete streets concepts and we should not rush the
project through without revaluating our priorities. We finished bike to work week recently, where Iowa City
donated a lot of money and energy to encourage Iowa Citians to bicycle to work. Do we really want to just a
few weeks later dismiss any consideration of bicycle traffic on one of our only East West cross roads? This is
6/3/2008
Page 2 of 3
the first major roadway redesign to be undertaken after the adoption of complete streets -- how do we justify
redesigning this road without accommodating travel by pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit, and motorized
vehicles and their passengers ?
I know we can do better than the plan presented tonight and find a design that honors all users. Let's embrace
a plan that is not only beautiful, but functional for various forms of traffic. Let's be the bicycle friendly town we
really want to be by making one of our most visible and used roadways a safe road for bicycles.
Thank you for your consideration,
Janelle
Janelle Rettig
110 Shrader Rd
Iowa City, IA 52245
319-338-0999 home and fax
319-330-0916 cell
JanelleRettig(a)aol.com
Iowa City Complete Streets
WHEREAS, the City of Iowa City is committed to creating street corridors that accommodate bicyclists,
pedestrians and public transit as well as motorized vehicles; and
WHEREAS, pedestrian, bicycle, public transit and motorized vehicle facilities will be implemented through
subdivision design standards and public street construction and reconstruction projects; and
WHEREAS, a sidewalk infill fund has been established to construct sidewalks within existing street rights-of-
way where the streets are not being reconstructed; and
WHEREAS, bicycle and pedestrian facilities will not be required where their use is prohibited; and
WHEREAS, public transit facilities will not be required on streets that do not serve as a bus transit route and
the desirability of public transit facilities will be determined on a project specific basis; and
WHEREAS, bicycle, pedestrian, and public transit facilities will not be required where their cost is excessive as
defined by this resolution; and
WHEREAS, Council desires to amend the Complete Streets Policy adopted by Resolution No. 07-109 to clarify
that the City Council will make the decision whether the cost of bicycle, pedestrian and/or other public transit
facilities is disproportionate to the need or probable use.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA,
THAT:
All public street projects or public street reconstruction projects (not including maintenance) in the City of Iowa
City shall be designed to accommodate travel by pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit, and motorized vehicles
and their passengers with the following exceptions:
1. Bicycle and pedestrian facilities are not required where they are prohibited by law such as within interstate
highway corridors.
2. Public transit facilities are not required on streets not serving as transit routes; the desirability of bus turn-off
6/3/2008
Page 3 of 3
bays and other transit facilities will be determined on a project specific basis.
3. If the cost of bicycle, pedestrian, and/or public transit facilities is excessively disproportionate to the need or
probable use, defined as at least 20% of the overall project cost, the City Council may choose not to require
bicycle, pedestrian and/or transit facilities. This action may occur during the budget and capital improvements
program approval process, at a work session discussing the project, and/or when project plans and
specifications are approved.
__ __
.........................................
Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch "Gookin~w_th Tyler Florence"_on AOL_Food.
6/3/2008
Page 1 of 1
Marian Karr
From: Schmidt, Gregory A (Internal Medicine) [gregory-a-Schmidt@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:05 PM
To: Council; John Yapp
Subject: Burlington Street Redevelopment: Bicycle Friendliness
I commute daily by bicycle, year round, and regardless of the weather. More people will be doing the same in the
coming years, for health, economy, and a sense of moral responsibility. Imoved from Chicago to Iowa City, in
part, because it is a more bicycle-friendly community. Nevertheless, Iowa City has much to do to make bicycling
easier and safer. I care about the future of cycling in and around Iowa City and think the City Council should look
for every opportunity to improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. The Burlington Street redevelopment
represents one such opportunity, but a lost one in view of the current redevelopment scheme. Burlington Street is
a blight on the community: it is noisy, harsh, unwelcoming, and stark in its ugliness. How could someone devise
such a street? To serve the single-minded purpose of moving automobile drivers rapidly from one end to the
other. In my view, that goal is unwise. Compare Burlington with the Ped Mall, a place to wander, ponder, meet,
stroll, and tarry with the children. A place to eat, shop, and contribute also to the economic livelihood of our city.
Perhaps extending the Ped Mall to Burlington Street and closing it to car traffic is too radical an idea: if so, let's at
least be sure that bicycle safety and convenience are not forgotten.
Gregory A. Schmidt, MD
gregory-a-schm idt@u iowa.ed u
NotSCe: this Uz Health Care e-mail (i ncl ud9ng attachments) is cove reU by the Electronic Communications privacy
not, 7.8 a S. C. 7510-2521, is confidential and may be loyally privileged. ifi you are not the intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any retention, dissemination, distribution, or copYi ng of this
cominum cati on is strictly prohibited. clease reply to the sender that you have received the message in error,
then delete it. shank you.
6/3/2008
Marian Karr
From: Fitzgerald Steele [fitzgeraldsteele@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 4:52 PM
To: Council
Subject: Burlington Street Redevelopment: Please Reconsider Bicycle Lanes
Fitzgerald Steele
3359 Tulane Ave
Iowa City, IA 52245
To: Iowa City Council
RE: Burling Street Redevelopment: Please Reconsider Bicycle Lanes
To Whom it May Concern:
I reviewed the Burlington St. Redevelopment study presentation by Anderson-Bogert on June
2, which is posted at http://www.iowa-city.org/weblink/docview.aspx?id=165208. I am
encouraged that the City is taking the opportunity to investigate options on making
Burlington Street a more safe and efficient throughfare. I am concerned, however, that
the plan does not do enough to ensure safe and efficient transport for bicyclists. I ask
that the Council reconsider the use of bicycle sharrows and/or bike lanes as part of the
Burlington St. redevelopment efforts.
As I understand the presentation, the Redevelopment plan presented focuses on adding a
wide median on Burlington~St, for the purposes of 1) slowing traffic, 2) discouraging left
turns into alleys and driveways,
3) discourage mid-block pedestrian crossing, and 4) cosmetic improvements (trees,
illuminated planters, etc). Assuming I have understood the recommendations correctly,
would you please help me understand the following:
1) The plan recommends a 5' median (p15) Would it be possible to use this space for bike
lanes instead? The presence of a dedicated bike lane, actively used by bicyclists, would
also tend to slow traffic (by giving the perception of a narrower driving lane, similar to
having a median). This also meets the first goal, slowing traffic.
2) Since the plan reduces left turns to local business driveways, what will be the likely
routes to approach these businesses? How much will traffic increase on connecting streets
in order to enable entering these businesses via right turn? What impact will the
increased traffic on parallel routes have on bicyclists?
3) What is the annual cost for the city, and for taxpayers, for the maintenance and upkeep
of the trees, illuminated planters, and other cosmetic improvements? How would this
compare to the annual maintenance
costs of a bike lane or sharrows on Burlington St?
Furthermore, the presence of clearly marked accommodation for bicycle traffic on arterial
streets like Burlington St. would align with the City's Complete Street policy, encourage
citizens to more active lifestyles, and more environmentally sustainable transport.
Clearly marked bicycle lanes and/or sharrows would allow for more free traffic flow for
cars, bikes, and pedestrians.
Thank you for your time,
Fitzgerald Steele
PhD Candidate, Human Factors
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering The University of Iowa
Phone: 319-321-5930
Fax: 319-335-5668 1
fitzgerald-Steele@uiowa.edu
Page 1 of 1
Marian Karr
From: Stewart, Janyce J (jan-Stewart@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2008 12:27 PM
To: Council; Jeff Davidson; John Yapp; Kent Ralston; Kristopher Ackerson
Cc: chaserudy@southslope.net; mary-copper@uiowa.edu; Todd Stewart
Subject: Burlington Reconstruction needs to consider bicycle safety
Dear Iowa City councilors and staffers,
As a frequent bicycle commuter from east Iowa City to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, I am very
saddened to hear that consideration/accommodation to bicycle safety has not been a part of the Burlington
Street reconstruction plan. My route choices from Scott Park Drive include Court St., Friendship Ave,
Washington St, and Rochester Ave. Friendship and Washington Sts are the widest and most bicycle friendly
routes, while Court St and Rochester have high traffic counts and poor accommodation for bicyclists.
All of these routes still funnel me through downtown Iowa City and across the river, and all of these routes
have high traffic flow, bus traffic, and pedestrian traffic. Burlington Street is the one street I refuse to ride on
as I fear for my life on that street. I feel only a slight bit safer on the sidewalk, which is illegal and also
unsafe as there are driveways, turning cars, bumps and cracks, not to mention pedestrians and suddenly
opening doors from establishments along the way.
I usually chose to re-route through downtown, but with the one-way streets, the alleys with delivery trucks
and glass/debris lying about, and the potential of turning or backing up cars or the sudden opening of a
door, these alternatives are all less than ideal choices.
With the numerous accidents, including injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists that have occurred on
Burlington Street, I am both astonished and dismayed that the city councilors and staff have not given
consideration to the dangerous conditions on Burlington Street, especially when they tout their horn and talk
about having a Complete Streets policy.
Jan Stewart
Notice: this Ui Neal [h Care email (~includi ng attachments} is wvered by the el eccron is Commum caCi ons ari vacy
nct, 18 U.S.C. 2510-2521, is ton fi dential and may be legally pri vi'leged. If you are not the intended
re~~pient you are hereby notified that any reienti on, di ssenn nat ion, dust ri buti on, or ~opyi ng of this
~ommuni ca lion is sCri ct:ly Urohibi ted. please reply to the sender that: you have received the message in error,
Chen delete it. Thank you.
6/3/2008
Burlington Street redevelopment Page 1 of 2
Marian Karr
From: Stokes, Peggy [margaret-stokes@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Monday, June 09, 2008 8:28 AM
To: Council; Jeff Davidson; John Yapp; Kent Ralston; Kristopher Ackerson
Subject: Burlington Street redevelopment
I just don't understand how the planners and/or councilors can be so unresponsive to the need for bike lanes,
spaces, and trails in this city. I am a bike rider, bus rider, and walker and have encountered dangerous situations
while on each mode of transport both recreational and going to work. Such confusion, here you just had a ride
your bike to work week and you cannot accommodate or even seem to consider the needs of the safety of bikers
or pedestrians. Frequently bike riders cross Burlington bridge using the sidewalk because of the dense
traffic. I have had them catch my bag straps with their handle bars and begin to drag me with them. Many bike
riders don't even have the courtesy of letting you know when they whiz by. I have also seen a young lady fall off
the high curb on the bridge and into the traffic lane with her bike, I think she was trying to get around walkers.
Thank her lucky starts there wasn't a car coming or she would likely have been seriously injured. This was
before my very eyes and it was extremely upsetting. Please can some of you explain how you can plan
something and not address this issue.
Sincerely
Peggy Stokes
1175 East Court Street
Iowa City 52240
Friends,
On Monday, June 2 the Iowa City Council received a presentation on the redevelopment of Burlington Street in
Iowa City . I was extremely disappointed to hear that the plan did not have bicycle traffic as a consideration or
priority in planning, thus the proposal has absolutely no bicycle accommodations considered. The Council
reached consensus to move forward with the plan. If you bike, particularly through downtown and have ever
found yourself needing to get through town quickly and used Burlington ,you might want to speak out and share
your opinions about the redevelopment of Burlington Street quickly.
Send your comments and ideas to:
council@iowa city.org Jeff-_Da_vi_dson a~iowa-cit~grg, John-Yapp_@iowa city.org kent_ralstonr7a iowa-city.org,
Kristopher-Ackerson Ca~iowa-city.org
M Peggy Stokes, LISW
Healy Outpatient Clinic N205
Center for Disabilities and Development
Phone 319-356-1421 FAX 319-356-8284
6/9/2008
Marian Karr
From: peace112002@mchsi.com
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 10:18 PM
Ta; Council; Jeff Davidson; John Yapp; Kent Ralston; Kristopher Ackerson
Subject: Burlington Street redevelopment
My city officials;
I understand you are discussing re-development of surlington Street. There seems to be a
question regarding consideration of bike traffic in development plans.
I strongly encourage the city to make bike traffic a priority in planning for any new
infrastructure in the city. I have been active in statewide organizations such as Healthy
Iowans 2010 and Iowans Fit for Life, a CDC obesity prevention grant. Every expert in the
public health arena recognizes that the built environment is central to obesity prevention
efforts. If Burlington Street is slated to have reconstruction, it is the perfect time to
show our progressive vision and include bike lanes, signage, etc.
I have been riding my bike to work at the University as much as possible this spring. I
have been a bus rider for 10 years, but love having the option of riding my bike.
I again encourage you to build it - they will come!
Thanks,
Anne Tabor, MPH, RD/LD
2007 Court Street
Iowa City, IA 52245
1
Page 1 of 1
Marian Karr
_ _ _
From: Walton, Richard E [richard-Walton@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 11:47 AM
To: Council
Cc: John Yapp; jeff-
Subject: Bicycles on Burlington
As an officer in BIC and also as a member of the Trails Commission of Johnson County (and an active bicyclist), I
was disappointed to learn that the proposals for redesigning Burlington Street did not include accommodations for
bicycles. This is a major thoroughfare and is the most direct for bicyclists, as well as for automobiles.
I would hope that the city council will reconsider; now is a pertect time to place bicycles on a more even parity
with automobiles as a major means of transportation on the arterial streets in Iowa City.
Thank you for your consideration
Richard Walton
6/10/2008
Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War
Department of Iowa
Office of the GAR Highway Officer
Michael W. Carr, PCC
POB 42, 343 N. Locust St.,
Carson, IA 51525
City Council of Iowa City
City Hall
410 E. Washington St.,
Iowa City, IA 52240
Honorable Sirs:
U6-17-UB
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The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Department of Iowa, is undertaking a momentous project
that requires your cooperation and consent via a resolution of approval and support. The SUVCW in Iowa
has undertaken a project to name twelve (12) river bridges along the original route of US Highway 6,
which is the National Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Highway. The bridges are to be named for
Iowa Civil War generals. Iowa is the first state in the nation to do so.
The bridge designated in Johnson County crosses the Iowa River (Highway 6) in Iowa City. The Johnson
County Board of Supervisors will receive a similar letter. The honoree chosen for this bridge is Brigadier
General John M. Corse, one of Iowa's most lauded generals.
Other than asking for your support and consent, we request that the City Council of Iowa City pass a
formal resolution as required by the IDOT for this type of project. The cost of the signs is being provided
by the Camps and members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil Waz and private donations. We
must have the proper documentation (all resolutions) in hand before we can proceed. The SUVCW will
need a copy of said resolution to forward to the IDOT.
Before I close this communication, I will set forth some information that will convey the importance of
this project to our organization. Tn April, 2011, we will reach the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. Iowa
troops fought in over 1,000 actions during the Waz. Per capita, Iowa sent more men to the Civil War than
any other state on either side. Of the slightly more than 110,000 men of military age in the State during
the War, over 76,000 enlisted. Of these, one in ten died in combat and one in three died of disease. The
thirteen honorees (Brigadier Generals Elliot W. & Samuel Rice will share a bridge) who were chosen to
be so honored and commemorated by having a bridge named after them were all exemplary leaders. Two
of these honored men won the Congressional Medal of Honor. Most of the others held high office both
before and after the War. Again, we ask your indulgence and assistance in completing this project.
In Friendship, Charity and Loyalty,
Michael W. Carr, GAR Highway Officer
Dept. of Iowa, SWCW
Kinsman Camp #2~,
suvcw
Michael W. Carr
~C{~(C~ommander
' 343 N. Locust St.
P.O.Boz 4z
Carson, Iowa 5r5z5
7rz-484-3647
wgpcw@aol.com
Marian Karr
From: Jim Calkins (jcalkins@west-branch.kl2.ia.us]
Sent: Sunday, June 08, 2008 9:38 AM
70; Council
Subject: Complete Smoking Ban
As the representatives of me, my family, and my community, Z urge you to pass the most
restrictive possible ordinance to limit smoking in public areas in Iowa City. I realize
that there seem to be issues of personal freedom at stake, but I have given up being able
to enjoy the Friday Night Concerts because of smokers polluting the Ped Mall. When smokers
are driven out of businesses downtown, they will congregate outside, spewing their poisons
toward sidewalk pedestrians.
My father's life was shortened by 14 years by his smoking. My mom drags around an oxygen
bottle. My mother-in-law had emphysema from second hand smoke although she did not smoke
smoke.
Do what you can to protect the health of the majority- the nonsmokers of Iowa City.
Jim Calkins
1529 E. College
Iowa City
Jim Calkins
West Branch Community School District
It had never occurred to me before that music and thinking are so much alike. In fact you
could say music is another way of thinking, or maybe thinking is another kind of music.
--Ursula K. Le Guin
1
3f(7)
June 8, 2008
Dear Iowa City Council Members,
I am writing you to express my great concern about the proposed road reconstruction on Lower
Muscatine Avenue in Iowa City. I have lived in Iowa City my entire life and recently moved
onto Pine Street to start my family. Currently, this neighborhood is small, safe and quiet. It
functions as little community within the larger community of Iowa City. We have the Farmers'
Market, many families utilize Mark Twain's playground, and children explore the neighborhood
on a daily basis making friends. I believe this will all change if this project goes through.
I am concerned about this project for a variety of reasons. One is that I do not believe Iowa City
should be changing the face of it's landscape for cars. By widen the road many old trees will be
removed, residents yards will be taken, traffic will increase in speed and volume, and large
amounts of valuable, non-renewable resources will be used to "beautify" the street. Not to
mention the price of the project was stated around $3 million, at least half the money coming
from Iowa City taxes. Widening of Lower Muscatine will also encourage more traffic to utilize
the road and more traffic will spill onto the small side streets throughout the neighborhood.
Another concern I have is the widening of Lower Muscatine is largely being done because of
traffic created by Kirkwood Community College students. The City of Iowa City should not
have to pay for the actions of the Kirkwood students. Other solutions could be used that would
help with traffic that bypass major reconstruction of Lower Muscatine Ave. A few examples are:
more of a discounUencouragement to take public transportation, carpooling benefits provided by
Kirkwood, parking permits for students that choose to drive, and encouragement to ride a bike or
walk to class.
At the "pre-design" meeting, Lower Muscatine was described as deteriorated and in need of
repair. As a bicycler throughout Iowa City, I know there are streets in much more need of repair
than Lower Muscatine. Also, at the "pre-design" meeting, the designer in charge Sarah
Okerlund stated that our concerns would be "taken into account during the design procedures"
but Ms. Okerlund neglected to document any of the numerous concerns voiced. The meeting
was conducted unprofessionally and felt like it was just a formality, something that had to be
done. I felt that the concerns and opinions of the residents were not of any importance to the
City.
I am writing this letter to urge you, our city council, to realize many residents in this
neighborhood are extremely upset by this project proposal and the way in which it has been
presented to us. Please reconsider allocating Iowa City tax money for this project and leave our
quiet, small neighborhood the way it is.
Thank you for your time and consideration of reading this letter.
~ ~ 7 N
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Sincerely, ~~
_:; ~--
Mary Yagla Peterson - ~ •'=
1417 Pine Street ~ ~ a?
(319)512-1210 ~
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May 20, 2008
To whom it may concern in the Iowa City, City Council,
My name is JoHanna Allen, I am a junior at City High School and have
recently done a civics project assigned to us about underage drinking and the
curfew in the bars that is currently at l Opm.
I did a lot of research and found that there are more youth drinking then
many probably believe and many at my school already are going downtown to the
bars and staying after the curfew with no turn of a head. Bar owners are allowing
this and if they don't know that its happening they aze doing nothing to make sure
that its not.
Underage drinking, especially if done in a baz or a busy place downtown
such as a house party or other event, can lead to many problems the biggest being
unintentional sex, rape, unwanted pregnancy, injuries to self, and injuries to others
and finally death.
As a student that is going to have to be making a lot of these choices soon
as will my friends I would like to see these laws enforced a little more for the
safety of myself and others around me.
I am writing this letter to ask what you could do to make changing these
things a reality, it could protect many people and stray away from many situations
that could be harmful or distructive.
I relize there is potentially nothing that you could do about underage
drinking as a whole but enforcing the curfew and possibly making that curfew
higher could really make a difference in the lives of young people in our city.
Thank you,
JoHanna Allen
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Dear City of Iowa City Council,
I did a civics project for my state and local government class about the
Iowa City leash law. As I was doing the project I learned a lot more then I
thought about the law, for example I learned about the fees for getting your
animal back and that you also have to go to court sometimes also. I also
interviewed some people and to of the people agreed on the fact that the leash
law is a good law and the other person thought that it should be the person's
choice depending on how well your dog is trained and if it barks a lot.
Personally I'm really happy that the law is in place because I think that it
is a really good thing so there are anima not running about or getting in your
way.
Sincerely,
Signe Hovet
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Marian Karr
__
From: Nick Hafner [nphafner@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2008 1:00 PM
To: Council
Subject: Minor League Baseball Report
Dear Councilmen,
My name is Nick Hafner and I attend Iowa City High School. For my government civics project
I investigated the idea of brining a minor league baseball team to the Iowa City area. I wanted to share
my findings and opinions about that with you.
I researched the process of acquiring a team and contacted some people in the major and minor
league baseball about the opportunity. Unfortunately, at this point in time, minor league baseball is not
looking to expand so the area would have to acquire a team from another city. No team is looking to
move to another location at this time.
Even with this development I still researched how this would affect the Iowa City community if
we did bring a team to the area. I found that this would affect businesses because of the increase in
"foot traffic" so most businesses would not be opposed to brining a team to Iowa City. The University
of Iowa might have a different view though. I believe that if you bring a team to Iowa City then the U of
I would have to compete with that team for ticket sales and merchandise sales among other things which
include parking downtown and the use of the U of I campus.
I still feel that brining a team to Iowa City would be a good idea and may unite the community
but is not possible at the moment. If anything new develops I will be sure to let you know.
Sincerely,
Nick Hafner
5/29/2008
3f 11
Marian Karr
From: Reyna Wilkens [rwilkens@gwestoffice.net]
Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 1:04 PM
To: Council
Subject: Update from Merschman Seeds
On behalf of Merschman Seeds, I would like to take this opportunity to update you on the status of our
Tech Port at the Iowa City Airport. In a couple of days we will be issuing a press release to announce
this new project. We have diligently worked to create a first class place to showcase our newest
products and latest developments in agricultural innovation. We are very excited to bring our dealers
and customers to the Iowa City area!
Merschman Seeds has exceeded their commitment of $20,000 in order to create the new all-weather
entrance just off Mormon Trek Boulevard. At present time we have spent more than $40,000 on the
implementation of the entrance and accessway. This benefits not only our Tech Port, but the long term
use of the Iowa City Airport as well. Merschman Seeds also expects to bring in a large volume of
revenue to the Iowa City area and surrounding communities. We have also agreed to sponsor the
Barnstormers event at the Iowa City Airport.
This year Merschman Seeds will be holding two main events at the Tech Port: 1) Key Customer Field
Day on July 16, 2008 and 2) Grower Field Day on August 5, 2008. We appreciate your cooperation and
partnership in bringing the Merschman Seeds' Tech Port to life. If you have any questions please feel
free to contact me at any time and we hope to have a long standing relationship with the City of Iowa
City in this endeavor.
Cordially yours,
Reyna L. Wilkens
Attorney
Robberts Law Office
205 Washington Street, Suite 201
P.O. Box 427
Burlington, Iowa 52601
Phone: (319) 758 - 9800
Fax: (319) 758 - 9801
Email: rwilkens@gwest.net
This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information.
Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact
the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.
6/6/2008
Page 1 of 2
Marian Karr
From: Reyna Wilkens [rvvilkens@gwestoffice.net]
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 9:16 AM
To: greg.t.farris@gmail.com; hhoran@msn.com; JanelleRettig@aol.com; john-staley@uiowa.edu;
rdhartwig@hartwigmotors.com; Regenia Bailey; Amy Correia; Matt Hayek; Mike Wright; Ross
Wilburn; Council; Michael Tharp
Cc: turkr@merschmanseeds.com; 'Joe Merschman'; JYeomans@farmersnational.com;
SChristensen@farmersnational.com; 'Barb Merschman'
Subject: Merschman Seeds Inc. Tech Port Press Release
Press Release
June 1Q 2008 FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Merschman Seeds, Inc. Establishes "Tech Port" to Include Research and Observation
Plots at Iowa City Airport
West Point, IA. Merschman Seeds, Inc. in cooperation with the City of Iowa City; the Iowa City Airport
Commission; Farmers National Company; and Regennitter Farms, Inc., announces its new and exciting
Tech Port, "Your direct connection to agricultural innovation." These research and observations plots
are located on the agricultural land surrounding the Iowa City Airport just east and west of
decommissioned runway 18-36.
Joe Merschman, President/CEO of Merschman Seeds, Inc. said, "We are pleased to have this
opportunity to showcase our new products and the latest developments in agricultural innovation to our
customers."
Merschman Seeds, Inc., at its sole expense, has constructed a separate entrance to the Iowa City
Airport just off Mormon Trek Boulevard for customers to "takeoff' into the exciting future of agriculture.
This new accessway makes it possible for Merschman Seeds, Inc. to have all weather access to the
Tech Port. Merschman Seeds, Inc. has taken all necessary precautions to preserve the safety and
operation of the Iowa City Airport.
Joe Merschman also stated that Merschman Seeds, Inc. expects to bring hundreds of farmers and
seed dealers to Iowa City and surrounding areas. This will have a projected $80,000 economic impact
on the Iowa City community the first year and the potential for additional revenue in the future.
Merschman Seeds, Inc. is an Iowa based corporation located at 103 Avenue D, West Point, Iowa
52656 and has been in business since 1954 under the direction of the Merschman family. Merschman
Seeds, Inc. currently markets, sells, and distributes corn, soybean, wheat, alfalfa, and forage seed to a
network of dealers in 7 Midwestern states. You can learn more about Merschman Seeds, Inc. at
www. merschmanseeds.com.
Reyna L. Wilkens
6/10/2008
Page 2 of 2
Attorney
Robberts Law Office
205 Washington Street, Suite 201
P.O. Box 427
Burlington, Iowa 52601
Phone: (319) 758 - 9800
Fax: (319) 758 - 9801
Email: rwilkens@gwest.net
This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confdential and privileged
information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended
recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.
6/10/2008
3f 12
Marian Karr
From: Ted Lowndes [tedl@dialsmi.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 11, 2008 5:12 PM
To: Council
Subject: Senior Evacuation Relief
Dear City Council,
I would like to pass this important message along to you so that you may share this with the community.
Legacy Gardens and Legacy Pointe Senior Living Community, located at 1020 South Scott Blvd, Iowa City, would
like to open it's doors to Linn and Johnson County seniors, over the age of 65, who are in need of food and
shelter as a result of evacuations due to the flood. The community will provide an apartment and three meals per
day, at no charge, for up to 7 days per person. For anyone in need of assistance, please contact Karen Davis at
430-5971.
Respectfully,
Ted Lowndes
President
Dial Senior Management, Inc.
tedl o~dalsmi.com
6/11/2008
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