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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-01-07 Transcription#2 Page 1 ITEM 2 RICHARD W. "DICK" LEE AWARD Lehman: Item 2 is a special award, but ifI could ask some of our police officers if they could kind of clear the doorway so that the fireman won't be unhappy. It's called keeping peace in the family. I think there's some fire regulation that says we have to keep that open. Item 2 is the Richard W. "Dick" Lee Award. (Reads statement). The recipient of this award for 2002 has been an Io~va City police officer since February 2, 1993. Throughout his career he has lived out qualities that demonstrate his caring attitude for the people who make up the Iowa City Community. Officer Humrichhouse practices the profession the policing with dedication and generosity, exhibits dignity and understanding at all times, has a genuine compassion for people both citizens and fellow officers and demonstrates unique ways of policing. It is with great pride that this award is presented to Officer Greg Humrichhouse. Karr: Here to accept the award Officer Greg Humrichhouse and the retired Captain Richard W. Lee. Lehman: I guess I'm just going to read this again. It's not exactly the same. (Reads statement). Greg, congratulations. Dick. There's also a plaque that stays in the Police Department and each year - this is the third year this award has been given - but this plaque is on display in the Police Department and lists all the wirmers. I think receiving this award really is a tremendous honor because I think if your conduct epitomizes what this guy stood for you got to be a great guy. Dick I'd let you say a word or two if you wanted to. Humdchhouse: I just want to say thanks. It's great to be here. Champion: We're glad you're here. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #3 Page 2 ITEM 3 OUTSTANDING STUDENT CITIZEN AWARD - Lincoln Elementary · Tyler Dawson · Sally Gessner · Alan Bedell Lehman: The next thing on our agenda are the Outstanding Student Citizenship Awards. Tonight they're from Lincoln Elementary. So if the recipients would come forward please. And there's something that I need to draw to your attention before we do this. You all have grandparents don't you? Do your grandparents wear pictures of their grandchildren? Not that you know of. This grandpa does. This is something that we do during the school year at each meeting. It's probably one of the best parts of our meeting. I think that we are very, very proud to be able to honor these young folks. And many, many times I hear what these kids have to say and I'm thinking to myself you know I really, really wish I could say that. So I would like each of you to give us your name and why you were nominated. Alan Bedell: My name is Alan Bedell and it's an honor to receive this award. This is my 7th year at Lincoln Elementary. At school I like to participate actively in discussions. I help to keep my class quiet and on track. This year I've enjoyed helping other students in the computer lab as a tech mentor. Like other students I read to kindergarteners ever other week. I help other students think of ideas for our monthly writing assignments. Because my schoolmates and teachers are so friendly it makes it easy to participate in activities and be a good citizen. Sally Gessner: My name is Sally Gessner. I am so happy to have been chosen for this award because I love school and I love being involved in lots of things at Lincoln. I listen in class and I'm respectful to my teachers and peers. I try to be kind and helpful to everyone and to include everyone especially at recess. I really like helping the younger students at school. I am the Patrol Captain and I explain safety to the kindergarteners. As a tech mentor I help the students and staff at the computer, scanner and digital camera. I like writing articles for the weekly newsletter. I am working on memory book committee. I also help as a lunchroom server. I play the flute and l'm in advanced band at Northwest. Outside of school I take dance classes and I hope to dance in the Lincoln spring talent show. Thank you very much. Tyler Dawson: My name is Tyler Dawson. I was very surprised when I heard that I was going to receive the Outstanding Citizen Award. I think that many other students in my school could have received the same award because I see so many others participating in a variety of activities in This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. //3 Page 3 the school and community. Some of the extra activities that I have been doing at school are safety patrol, memory book committee and the extending learning program - OAB - and playing trombone in the band. I also have been involved with the greater Iowa City community through Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and sports. Thank you for honoring me with this award. I hope to always be a good citizen. Lehman: Tyler I guess we're going to read yours so folks know what it says. Yeah. Slides off right Marian? Champion: Maybe one of the students could do it Emie. O'Dormell: That probably would do it. Lehman: Need something besides a grandpa to do it. Okay. The awards say, "For outstanding qualities of leadership within Lincoln Elementary as well as the community and for sense of responsibility and helpfulness to others we recognize these students as outstanding student citizens. Their community is proud of you. Presented by the Iowa City City Council." Tyler. Dawson: Thank you. Lehman: Oh you got to have the gold band. I'm not going to put it back on. Sally. Now I can tell you we are very proud of you but probably no one is any prouder of you than your parents and especially your grandparents. Thank you guys. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. //4 Page 4 ITEM 4. CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED OR AMENDED. Lehman: Reads item. Champion: Move adoption. Vanderhoefi Second. Lehman: Moved by Champion, seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion? Kanner: A couple things I want to remove, Ernie. Lehman: Okay. Kanner: Public hearing intent to convey alley to Mercy. That's number d(4) Setting a Public Hearing. And also number e(1) authorize Iowa Realty Commercial to sell and/or lease property in the Aviation Commerce Park. Lehman: Okay. Kanner: And then I did have some comments. Lehman: Go ahead. Kanner: I did want to point out in our Board of Adjustment minutes item b(2) from November 13th what I thought was a good example ofinfill development at the corner of Kirkwood and Gilbert there's a proposal to build an office building with apartments above that and I think that's a good use of parking lot. At one point a lot of cities, I think, went overboard with surface parking lots and I think some of them are starting to fill them in with this kind of development. Hopefully we'll keep doing more of that kind of thing. So that's Greg McDonald that's going to do that and the Board of Adjustment did give the approval. It needed a special exception for that one. And then on Board and Commission minutes for number 8 PCRB it said we're supposed to accept report on complaints number 02-03 and -04 and I do not see those. Where are those? Karr: They were not attached to the minutes? Lehman: No. Karmer: I did not see them. Karr: I'm sorry. We'll take care of that. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #4 Page 5 Kanner: But we should remove accepting that or these minutes because it says we're accepting the complaints. Karr: We certainly can and we'll attach them. Lehman: So we'll remove b(8). Kanner: b(8) PCRB and we could accept them at our next meeting. Lehman: Right. Karr: Yes. Karmer: Okay. And I didn't get a chance to look at our note. I did have some more questions about the Qwest telephone but hopefully that note will explain that. Thank you. Lehman: Okay. Other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries. Champion: Move adoption of d(4). O'Donnell: Second. Lehman: We have a motion and a second to adopt d(4). Discussion? Kanner: Well one of the things that we talked about last night is that before we go down a road to conveying or even vacating it would be a good idea to have a quote that we can live with for a piece of property that we're going to convey. And I would ask again that we do put offsetting the public hearing until we get something that's more to our liking. Our Staff does not approve of the dollar being offered. I also have concern because it does specifically mention intent to convey to Mercy for $1.00 in the intent to convey. So it is giving the intent that we are going for that $1.00 and I think that is misleading. So I would ask that we defeat this at this time and wait for Memy to come back with a better figure than $1.00. Vanderhoef: Steven, this is a resolution of intent to convey, but in what we're voting on it's not listed the $1.00. It's listed down in the comments parts that Mercy Hospital has made an offer, but that is nothing part of the resolution. Kanner: No, Dee, if you look at on page 78 the therefore... Vanderhoef: I have it right here. The resolution... Kanner: No, no, no. If you look at the full resolution in our Council packet. In the therefore part number 1 the City Council does hereby declare its This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #4 Page 6 intent to convey its interest in the plated all ey...to Mercy for $1.00 subject to the easement. So it's clear that's our intent. That's what we're intending. And I don't think that is the intent of Council to convey that. I think we ought to defeat this at this time and set a public hearing at a later time when we get a better offer. Vanderhoef: Here again in the resolution is only says, "Has made an offer to acquire the property for $1.00." It still doesn't say that that's our intent. Kanner: No the bottom part - the part that to me has the most legal significance is the therefores. In one the first sentence what I just read, "The City Council does hereby declare its intent." Champion: Eleanor can you respond to that? Dilkes: I don't think it's a problem. Champion: Okay. Kanner: You don't think this is...of course we're...this is just an intent (can't here). But isn't it giving some impetus to saying that we agree to $1.00 as our intent? Dilkes: This is in accordance with the procedure that we've used for dispositions and vacations for years. If Council is interested in changing that procedure I suggest that you have a work session to discuss it. I don't find this to be a problem. Lehman: The purpose of setting a public hearing, among other things, to decide that the price that Mercy Hospital would pay the City. I don't think there's any question that there's a lot of discomfort on the Council with $1.00 and I doubt very much that that property is going to be conveyed for $1.00. On the other hand that's to be determined at the public hearing. Pfab: I have a question. Is there any known problem of delaying this until our next Council meeting to have a chance to work this out? Is there any problem with that? Lehman: Is there any problem with having a public hearing and determining the price at the public hearing? I mean that's the idea of a public hearing. Dilkes: We are required by State Code to set the public hearing and have a public heating. This is simply a mechanism to hold the hearing and have the discussion about price at the hearing. Mercy has been made aware of Staff's concerns. The comment refers to those concerns. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #4 Page 7 And my belief is that you will have that discussion at the public hearing and that's the appropriate time for it. Pfab: Is the public hearing would that require an action at the public hearing? Lehman: No. O' Donnell: You have readings after that. Dilkes: You would not have to act. Pfab: Okay. Vanderhoefi But we stand amend we can direct Staff to change or renegotiate or anything else at the public hearing. Pfab: As long as there's no action at the public hearing I would have no problem with the public hearing. Lehman: Is there other discussion on d(4)? All in favor of d(4) indicate by raising their right hand. Opposed? Vanderhoef: Roll call. Dilkes: It's a roll call. Lehman: It's a roll call? I'm sorry. Roll call. Motion carries 6-1, Kanner in the negative. Do we have a motion on e(1)? Vanderhoef: So moved. Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef. Wilburn: Second. Lehman: Seconded by Wilbum to consider e(1). Discussion? Kanner: Yeah Emie I had a comment about that. It seems that we've been subsidizing the airport for many years and certainly there's some benefit to the community from the airport. I think its impact is minimal. We have a letter from David Swenson that I'll submit for the record that says the economic impact from a study he did is probably minimal or the money the economy from air transportation in Johnson County. I think that when we...I would probably go along ~vith leasing the land, but I don't want to give away the people's land and not have that money come back into our general fund. I think...we don't have a clear cut plan how the sale is going to help them become This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #4 Page 8 more independent beyond the obvious they'll have money. But with the leasing we had a more ora clear cut plan. So I think we need to step back from this and go back to going back to lease it at the most. I think we need to take the authority and the leadership to actually get them on their feet today and stop putting our general fund money into it. But we need to do that. And also if we do want to pass it one part of the proposition does say that we will consult with them on leases and they consult with us on sales, but another part it does not say that in the agreement. And I get the specifics in just a moment on that one - where that is. So again I think it needs to be clearer that we're going to be part of the discussion and actually I think we should have the final authority on the lease - on the leases for this. I don't see why we don't have final approval. Lehman: Understand...Eleanor would you explain that? Dilkes: If you ~vant to maintain leasing as an option then the right to lease falls with Airport Commission. Now you could choose to say, "We're going to sale this property." And that's within the authority of the City Council, but if you want to preserve leasing as an option that decision ultimately resides with the Airport Commission. Kanner: Is that a State Code that that has to be? Dilkes: Yes. Lehman: Steven, let me just address one issue you brought up. We cannot sale airport, property and put the money in the general fund. We cannot do that. A significant amount of the airport value has been added by the FAA and the sale of that property will enable the City to recover the cost of the infrastructure that's been put into the north airport commercial. After that is paid for the balance of that money, as I understand it, goes into the operation of the airport. But in no way does any revenue from the airport after they've paid the costs off accrue to the City. Kanner: I don't think our agreement shows exactly how that's going to happen with the sale. We had a clearer picture with the leases, Emie. I don't think with the sales we have a clear picture of what the timeline is and when independence comes. The leases - there were some goals that were set. Lehman: But they've also have had a very difficult time leasing which is why they asked for permission to sale. Kanner: But maybe we need to see what the goal...what is their budget going to be, what's their projection. Just like with the leases they set some This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #4 Page 9 projection. This is a one time shot of cash infusion. How do we know they're not going to come back five years and say we need more money, we need more money. We the lease I think it's more stable. I just don't see the stability there and I think we keep putting money into it. We put Federal money into it. Those are tax dollars that we ultimately pay as part of the Federal tax system and our 10% goes into it and I just don't see the benefit to the general community. Lehman: Okay. Other discussion? Vanderhoef: For my perspective I will put this in place but as you have already mentioned we don't have to sale it if we don't like the contract. So we can continue to have that conversation with each individual property if there is an offer. So I will be supporting this. Kanner: I just wanted to point out in exhibit 1 in the listing agreement that talks about the agreements on page 92 for us it talks about, "now therefore it is agreed that the Commission has the sole right for leases." And then right under it, it talks the owner being us has the sole right for sales, but we have to consult with the Airport Commission. It would seem to me that it would be good at that point at the Commission point put the same kind of language about us having the right for a consultation. Dilkes: That language is included in the exhibit...one of the exhibits (can't hear). Lehman: Exhibit b. Kanner: I know it's included later, but it's not included here. It seems to make it stronger and to make sure that it seems that it's somewhat conflicting then because it's not in both places. My point is we have it here for one obligation with the owner at the first part, but we don't have it there for the Commission. Dilkes: Yeah I think that the reason for that is that as the agreement was being reworked the provisions that provided for consultation with the City Council were included at a later date and they weren't included in that paragraph, but rather were included by exhibit. I don't think that's a problem. Karmer: Okay. Can we add it in writing later? Champion: I don't think we need to. Lehman: Well in the exhibit... Dilkes: You want to amend it on the floor to add it that's fine. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #4 Page 10 Lehman: In the exhibit C which covers leasing - and that is the purpose of exhibit C - it says that the agent will meet with the owner - which is the City and offer recommendation the owner makes recommendation to the Commission. Then it says if the Commission disagrees with the Council - in this case the City - Commission and owners shall within a reasonable period of time meet and discuss, but Commission retains sole right to reject an offer. But it does have to come before Council for a lease. Dilkes: As I understand it this was discussed at the Airport Commission. meeting on Monday and that provision was made clear to the Airport Commission and their approval was in full knowledge of that provision. Lehman: Okay. Kanner: Well just to play safe in this contract then I would like to put... I would propose that language similar to C be put into agreement under exhibit 1 agreement number 1 under Commission - similar language be put in there just so that we have similar language for both parts saying the same thing. So that makes it extra clear. O'Donnell: Do you think that's necessary Eleanor? Champion: I don't. O'Donnell: I don't. Champion: It's clear. Dilkes: I'm not concerned about it. Is that a motion Steven? Kanner: Yeah I'll make a motion. Dilkes: Okay. Lehman: We have a motion to amend by adding those what Steve just referenced. Is there a second to that amendment? Amendment dies for lack of second. Is there any further discussion? Roll call. Motion carries, 6-1, Kanner voting the negative. Pfab: I have a question. You made a statement and I think it might be informative for the public in the case of the sale of the lot where does that money go? How is it divided up? Lehman: Well, essentially the Airport Commission - and Steve correct me if you're wrong but the Airport Commission has a contract with the This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #4 Page 11 City of Iowa City to pay off approximately 1.6 million dollars in infrastructure expense. Atkins: Yes. Lehman: I don't recall exactly - it's a 20 year commitment and that was based on leasing. My suspicion is if property is sold at the time of the sale with Council having approval of the sale we would probably have some jurisdiction as to how much of that money would go towards debt. Atkins: Now that you've settled in on a direction that were both lease and sale are available options for the Commerce Park we need to write a financial policy that distributes the monies by lease and by sale. Now I've got a couple of ideas, but it didn't seem to make - there's not a lot of merit until you decided what direction you wanted to go. We could sell the lot, deposit it into a trust account, earn interest, use that as a subsidy. That also could be capital resource for the airport. There's a variety of options. But with this vote now we have some direction and we'll get that put together for you. Pfab: So this sale of these lots would help pay down the obligation that the airport has with the City. Atkins: The Airport Commission understands clearly that the investment that the City Council advanced in effect, Irvin, for that Commeme Park must be repaid. They're fully aware of that. Kanner: And I'm going to pass this down and feel free to look at this correspondence. (Can't hear) get to Marian. Karr: Move...do you wish to make move acceptance? Kanner: Yeah move acceptance of correspondence. Champion: Second. Lehman: We have a motion and second to accept correspondence. All in favor? Opposed? Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #5 Page 12 ITEM 5. PUBLIC DISCUSSION Lehman: Item number 5 is public discussion. This is the time reserved on the agenda for the public to address the Council on issues that do not otherwise appear on the agenda. If you wish to address the Council please sign in, give your name, and limit your comments to five minutes or less. Jay Honohan: Mr. Mayor, members of the Council I'm Jay Honohan, residence 1510 Somerset Lane. I'm a member of the Senior Center Commission. I'm here to make a short report on the progress with our budget problem. I think you're ali aware and it was in the Press Citizen again today that we have a budget shortfall of $60,000 approximately at the Senior Center as we project it right now. Of course that's subject to your approval in the coming months. In that budget we are counting on approximately $75,000 from the Board of Supervisors because they gave us a commitment to that amount recently and we are counting on 80% of the budget coming from the City Council as you have done graciously in the past. As far as the remaining $60,000 that we're short we are exploring a variety of ideas including membership fees, pledges, a possible foundation, class fees and fund drives. And we are working on those things at the present time. We have two meetings in the next two weeks to try to flush out what we want to do. As a part of this process we have held four open meetings at the Senior Center which were well attended considering the seniors and the size and where we could meet. Wehadavarietyofopinionsoffered. Someas reported in the Press Citizen today don't want to pay anything. They want you people to pay it all. Others are quite willing to pay a membership fee. We have not settled of the size of a membership fee although we have discussed $15, $25, $50. We have also been going back and forth as to whether or not a membership fee should be different for cities that do not contribute their tax dollars to the Senior Center. In an answer to a question that was raised at the last meeting, I think by Deb Schonfielder, the City of Coralville has declined to meet with me to discuss whether or not they would contribute to the Senior Center. So I'm assuming that they are not going to contribute at all. The City of North Liberty was very gracious. They allowed Linda Kopping and I to come to meeting with their Council approximately a month ago. We had a very nice discussion with them. They said they were going to look at it at a work session and I have not heard back from them although I think I would be less than candid if I said I expected any money out of them this year. So at this point when we submit the budget to you in essence we're asking you to trust us that we'll come up with that other $60,000 somehow. And I'd be prepared to answer any questions that you might ask. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #5 Page 13 O'Donnell: Just a quick one° Jay. You said the County's contribution is $75,000 and what was it last year? Honohan: $100,000 and the year before that it was $142,000 or $143,000. O'Donnell: Okay. Pfab: I would just like...maybe you're the person to ask, maybe not there was a comment in the...I think it was the Press Citizen, but I won't be totally sure of that - something about some of the position becoming part-time because of the lack of activity at the Senior Center. It said something to effect that these were subject to contracts and that was not possible. Were you involved in that discussion? Honohan: No I wasn't, but I think I know what you're referring to and I think I can respond to that. The comment was that they wanted a reduction in salary of some of the employees and the response was that that's not possible because there are contracts that the City has with its employees and you don't do that. There has been a discussion about staff reduction which would be - we're talking about elimination there, not a reduction in salary. Personally that to me is the last straw. I would be strenuously opposed to that because in fact I would like to see more staff rather than less staff and I've preached that every year at budget meetings. But ! don't think we're going to get more staff this year, but I'd like to keep what we've got. Kanner: Jay, I had a couple things. Honohan: Yes. Karmer: There is one staff- the Director staff is able to be negotiated at a different rate. Honohan: That's correct. Karmer: That's one that's open. I used to work at Senior Dining at the Senior Center so I'm quite aware of a lot of the varying income levels. There's a lot of people that don't have much money. I've read in the minutes in the discussions that there's also great concern from other people about making it accessible to low-income people. Are you putting in provisions that are going to allow low-income people to attend at no cost, no membership fee? Honohan: Yes. We're actually talking about having actually a two-tiered arrangement. That is in the discussions - recognize that nothing has been finalized. And I would remind Council that the final decision on membership fees and that would come with this group, not with the This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #5 Page 14 Senior Center Commission. It would just be our recommendation. But we're talking about a two-tiered approach for the most part where a certain amount of activity at the Center would be free. No one would have to pay a membership fee. And then there would be another level of the classes and activities where in order to participate in the classes and the activities you would have to pay a membership fee. That is under real heavy discussion. Kanner: Wasn't there discussion of using some of the gift fund to let low- income people take some of those classes? I think we have to make sure those are accessible to our low-income population. Honohan: Yes there was. There's a discussion about an age - we're not sure what we're going to do - but there has been a discussion about people over a certain age don't have to pay a membership fee. And we've also...we've been calling them scholarships where we give scholarships to people with low-income. Like if you're in the Voices of Experience and you can't afford a membership fee we would give a scholarship and either we would just not charge it at all or it would come from the gift fund. That has been in discussion. Karmer: And we don't want to have raucous wild parties there maybe some of the seniors do, but a big concern... Honohan: If they let us put booze in there we'll try it. Kanner: I don't think so. But a big concern from the Senior Center especially when I was working there is the floor. It's a very nice floor and it precluded other organizations from using the dining hall to the fullest extent for socials, for parties and outside groups. And I think we have to be more open in...maybe we'll take a scratch or two on the floor and letting people use that for dances and to serve food in there and charge them a fair rent to include maintenance and custodial help and whatever fees need to be covered. But I think we could get some income that way. But we have...the number one mason I kept hearing when I was working there is we have to protect the floor, we can't have these kinds of events there. Is there any discussion about lightening up a bit on the floor and opening this up to the community events? Honohan: In the four years that I've been on the Commission I've never heard that we were protecting the floor. That one of the reasons that I believe our valid is that we don't have the staffto allow some of those events in the evening like you're discussing. We have dances on the floor right now, but they're during the day. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #5 Page 15 Kanner: Believe me. You can talk to people from Senior Dining that have been there for 20 years and they'll tell you that was one of the main reasons outside groups could not use it even if they're willing to pay to cover the costs of staff. I think we have to make...it's a wonderful facility and we have to open it up to the community and that's one space that I think would be in great demand. Champion: It would be very difficult because it's difficult to secure the area also. Kanner: No, there's doors. Lehman: Those are issues that the Commission will have to deal with certainly I think. Honohan: Yes. Kanner: Connie, we did put in new locks several years ago that secures different areas very well similar to what's in the building here. Lehman: Thank you, Jay. Honohan: Thank you. O'Donnell: Thanks Jay. Honohan: We'll talk to you at budget time. Champion: Thank you. Vanderhoefi I bet you will. Mark Anderson: Good evening and a lovely January evening it is too. Mark Anderson with the Iowa...the Airport Commission, Chairman of the Commission. I just wanted to give you an update on a few things tonight and I brought some people from Civil Air Patrol to update you on some things we talked about last month. First item I just wanted to - I know it has been in your packet, but I just wanted to bring it to a public forum so that the people that were listening on the T.V. and other soumes are aware that the airport facility has a very nice conference space on second floor and until just a month or so ago we'd had that pretty much limited to City groups and commission groups. We've since have had a number of people that have requested use of that space and we've since changed policy. So that space is available to city groups that are interested in using that, We have set up a pretty good set of guidelines. And whoever contacts the Airport Manager, Ron O'Neil, can kind of walk them through all the different kind of guidelines that we have for that space. But we just wanted to make the community aware that it is a very nice space and it is available for use. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #5 Page 16 Vanderhoef: After hours? Anderson: There are hours listed in the rules and regulations. If it goes beyond a certain hour that group is required to have some type of a bonded/security person lock up the building. So we do have some guidelines for that kind of use. Pfab: Is it possible that you could publicize that information so that it would be more available for the public if you're looking for to inviting... Anderson: I don't know is that the kind of thing that could go on the City website or something? Champion: In that nice book we all get from the City. It should go in there. That's really a nice... Anderson: Yeah. I'll leave that up to Ron to figure out how to get it available to the people that... Pfab: I think it's a great idea. Anderson: It's a great facility and I think the community should have a right to (can't hear) using it. Vanderhoefi Utility newsletter too? Atkins: Sure. Anderson: Yeah it could very easily go there too. Second item I had was about four to six months ago we had one of the staff people from Planning and Zoning came up and talked to the Commission about how to...what the process was and what the implications were of all the things with the tax increment financing districts - the TIF districts - and things. Because we were interested in with regards to the north commercial area and whether it would or ~vould not. And we sent a letter at that time requesting it be considered and we haven't heard anything back from either Planning and Zoning or this group. And I talked with Ernie earlier or last week and he was going to follow up. And I don't know if it's just fallen through the cracks, but if someone could check into. Lehman: I think that's being checked into as we speak. Anderson: I think it was. Yeah, yeah. Also just an update on strategic planning. We'd indicated that we were going to try to have strategic planning in place. We'll hopefully have it done by February. We have submitted some information to Council and I know that Ernie has been working with Steve and Ron and we just I guess need a little bit of formal This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #5 Page 17 direction back from this group as to what we should do for a next step or if we should fall back and do something differently. So I know that you are working on that item as well. I'd really like to thank Ross and Emie's eflbrts. We went down to visit with the FAA here, I suppose, about a month ago now. We try to do that if not once a year every other year. And I know the FAA really, really appreciates people from the community especially leaders in the community - councilmen and mayors - coming in and visiting with them. You know it really shows to the FAA that this community really backs and supports the airport. It's amazing how much an effect that has on loosing the purse strings if you would for a number of the grants and things that do come our way. And we've been very successful in that regard. And I think a lot of that is due to the efforts of the Commissioners and the Council for keeping them informed. Lastly on the item last month some gentlemen from the Civil Air Patrol stopped by and talked a little bit about their program. This evening we have the Wing Commander for the Iowa Civil Air Patrol Col. Russ Smith is here. And just to give you a little bit more of an update on what's happening with Civil Air Patrol and its relationship with Homeland Security. Col.? Russell Smith: Thank you for giving me a chance to speak to you this evening. I just want to thank all of you and let you know that we've had real excellent working relationship with the Airport Commission, the Airport Manager, Mr. Ron O'Neill, Mark Anderson... Lehman: Would you state your name for the record. Smith: Oh, I'm sorry. I'm Russell Smith. I'm the Wing Commander for the Iowa Civil Air Patrol. Just to give you a little background to what Civil Air Patrol is it's an all volunteer organization, but we are the official U.S. Airforce Auxiliary. We provide 85% of the inland search and rescue in the United States. We have a cadet program as well as our senior program. And our program is essentially three phased which is aerospace education, emergency services - which covers Homeland Security, homeland defense, disaster relief, and air search, and our youth program is a leadership type program for youth from 12 to 18. We've been very pleased with the cooperation we've received from the Airport Commission from Ron O'Neil. And I just wanted to say thank you. As mentioned earlier in the...tonight you've got an excellent facility there. We're very pleased to be able to meet there. And we're looking at developing a relationship with the City and the community as we entertain these different memorandums of understanding that we have with the State. Next week I'll be in Des Moines working with emergency management as we develop more of our partnerships that we are going to be doing under some of these new missions that also include providing transport to the Hygienics lab This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #5 Page 18 and you can see where the airport fits into that very well. Like I said tbis is a very dynamic, moving target type thing. You know it's...we're trying to get all of the different things that are going on. I'll be in Washington D.C. in February to understand more of the things that are coming down. So it's really a dynamic process right now and it's nice to be able to have some basic solid working relationships that we have with these folks. We're real pleased to be here. And if you've got any questions I'd be more than happy to answer them. Pfab: I'd like to follow up on something I think I heard you say. Do you people transport specimens for the... Smith: For the Hygienics lab? Pfab: Yeah. Smith Yes. Pfab: That's interesting. Smith Yes. P fab: I'd never... Smith And as I said this is a dynamic thing that's going on. There's a problem, we can provide the solution so that we get some of those taskings. If fact we're having meetings next Tuesday with the emergency management just on some of the things we can do. Pfab: Is this meeting in Des Moines? Smith: Yes. That meeting is in Des Moines. Kanner: I'm sorry I didn't catch this. Did you say are you under the asepsis of the U.S. Military? Smith: We are the Air Force Auxiliary, but we are a civilian, non-combating organization. But we are the official U.S. Air Force Auxiliary. Kanner: Okay. I'm not quite sure what that means. Are you subject to military rule? Smith: Our oversight is provided by the Department of the Air Fome, but we do have a code of conduct that we follow and we are subject to some military regulations but our people are all volunteer and non- combatant. So, does that answer your question? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #5 Page 19 Kanner: Yeah I think that gives me an idea. Thank you. Lehman: Thank you. Smith: Alright. Thank you very much folks. Pfab: Thank you. Smith: And thanks for this good weather too. Champion: Yeah. Pfab: Fine weather you mean. Holly Berkowitz: I think A1 Gore was right that we are in the middle of global warming. And we are over-dependent on oil and we are over-dependent on cash. I'm Holly Berkowitz. I have several concerns tonight. One is most important that I think this war...so-called war could have been prevented. Even a smile can change world history. A comma can change world history. I knew a friend in high school who was in the U.S. ping-pong team when Nixon was in office. And they went to, I think it was, Taiwan and the Communist Chinese team invited the U.S. team into China to play in a match in Communist China when the United States was not allowed to even talk to China. They were our "enemy." This showed that just because someone smiles... (End of Tape #03-01, Beginning of Tape #03-04) Berkowitz: It changed world history. Now why isn't someone doing that now? Were all paying for it. I'm not going to send my son or my daughter to war to fight for oil because we are over-dependent on it and we decide to drive five trips in one day instead of three. Are you taking action? Did you come up with the ACLU was here Steve you said a week or two ago? Kanner: Yeah. In fact I was going to bring that up at Council time about a resolution endorsing that resolution and other... Berkowitz: Do you have it? Kanner: What's that? Berkowitz: Do you have it no,,~? Now is the time. Kanner: I was going to bring it up at Council time. Lehman: No, 'it isn't the time - Council time. This is the time for public input. You can address the Council... This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #5 Page 20 Berkowitz: I want to know what you're coming up with so that I can respond to it and add stuff to it. Lehman: Well we're here to hear what you have to say during Council time or during public discussion which goes for another 10 minutes and that's what we're here for is to hear what you have to say. Karmer: We can't do any definitive...make any definitive decisions at this time because it's not on the agenda. Under State Code we have to follow a prescribed order. Berkowitz: But Bush is going to invade Iraq whether we want him to or not? I mean this is a...this is supposed to be a democracy. Is it not? Karmer: I hear what you're saying Holly and I agree with a lot of what you're saying. Berkowitz: We are on a slippery slope folks. I saw the video of the police confrontation and I think the fellow asked why are you asking me why are you being confrontation with me as many times or as close to as many times as he said sit down in the car. It would seem to me that in a very authoritarian manner similar to what's happening at the national level. And I am not going to allow that because that destroys nations. An authoritarian parent will cause a child with very severe emotion problems. If you want a child that's able to deal with the world...the complex world and think for themselves you will give that child space to grow and you will allow that child to answer open sentences instead of closed sentences when you want to communicate with them. We're talking about a communication problem. We need an honor system, an open system for people to grow and to function. If the people can't grow and function they become dysfunctional as a national system becomes when it becomes authoritarian. Take this to Washington D.C. folks. Tell them we need a democracy. We need a declaration interdependence and independence. Because you cannot have independence, you cannot have freedom without interdependence on each other and trust and openness and ability and an open classroom. And education is environment and environment is education. You can't separate the two. Genetics is environment. Genetics causes environmental change. Environmental changes cause genetic change. It's ali cormected. Lehman: You need to wrap this up, Holly. Berkowitz: We need to stop the war. We need a positive economy, not a negative economy. War causes a negative economy that stocks of the military shot up, skyrocketed the day after 9-11 because someone had planned 9-11 to cause war. Thank you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #5 Page 21 Lehman: Thank you, Holly James Thomas: Good evening. I'm James Thomas. I am here for a number of reasons. Probably primarily the Daniels' children in talking to them from August up through December wanted to speak for the Council and they didn't get that opportunity at the last meeting because I don't think I was available in December. And I indicated to them that there was nothing to fear, but to just sort of take their time and express their thoughts because you after all are our elected officials for in fact public servants who serve at the will of the people. And part of that process that the young lady before me talked about is education and not having fear about certain things that go on in our lives. I also am in agreement that community is very important and the process of community is being understood and taking away reasons why we look at each other in subhuman, in ways other than perceptions of communications and skills. It's true that we don't always get along. We don't get along in families. We don't get along in neighborhoods. But the part is not to engage in prejudgment of who people are, why they are before you, why they're experiencing certain difficulties. So with that promise presented is that I would come up here and introduce them to you and actually Mayor Lehman it's a page out of your book you get a certain age and being parents when your children are adults you look forward to the grandchildren. But if you don't have any grandchildren you look forward to the godchildren. But so the process again is understanding that we all feel things and some of us feel them deeply, others know not how to express the depth of those feelings. But one sure way of doing it is starting with the young. So I commend you for the Outstanding Student Citizen process that you engage in because the last one that I was here and I heard the young man from Hoover talk about the five star process at Hoover. I think it was honor, respect, caring, responsibility and building community and building relationships. So when I thought about that and I had talked to them on a couple of occasions I thought I would allow them to introduce themselves for you. You want to start? Jaqunda Franklin: Okay. My name is Jaqunda Franklin. I'm 14. I'm a freshman at West High. When our basement flooded it affected our family in many ways. And I think the most important is how it made my mom and my step dad feel when they're ignored and disrespected and put at the bottom of the list of things to do. And I personally believe that much of this problem could have been prevented if there were more people caring and compassionate on our side working hard for us. Champion: Say your name again for me please. Jaqunda Franklin: Jaqunda Franklin. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #5 Page 22 Champion: Jaqunda. Eddie Franklin: Hi. My name is Eddie Franklin and I'm 12 years old and I go to Northwest Junior High. Involving the flood we were feeling kind of mad in the way they were treating us and kind of anxious for it to be over with and the way we just felt as in our house was in a mess because all of our stuff from the basement was upstairs. And that's all I have to say. Tonae Franklin: My name is Tonae Franklin. I'm 10 years old. I go Weber Elementary. I think the flood effected our family because you could...I was upset because you could see how upset my mother was because you could tell that all...like it seemed like our house was messed up because all of the things from the basement were mined but they were upstairs in our living room and it was crowded. James Thomas: You know this is not about embarrassing anyone. It's not about trying to bring shame, guilt or anything else. But along the way you find out things about yourselves. And I'll try to keep this very short, but when I first met Miss Daniels it was at a Housing and Community Development Commission meeting. And at that time she was actually looking for a way to gain access to purchasing a home. And she's been in this community for quite awhile. The other thing I didn't know at the time that I spoke to Miss Daniels that Mr. Daniels - I don't know if he is still here, okay - we had something else in common from the standpoint of our belonging to the same fraternity. And that's when I began to realize that sometimes we get busy in our own lives with things that keep us sort of distracted even though they're positive distractions. And we beget the human condition that people engage in. I thank you for your indulgence. Lehman: Thank you. Wilbum: Thank you all. Wanda Daniel: Good evening. Wanda Daniel. Phillip Daniel: Phillip Daniel. Good evening. Wanda Daniel: Hello. We live 2519 Clearwater Court. Mayor and City Council members I just want you guys to be aware of what's going on. I ~vant to read you this letter quickly if it's okay with you guys. It's to the Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship, Paula Hinzman, Compliance Manger. It reads as follows: (Reads letter). Just one other quick letter I'd like to read. Lehman: You're going to have to make it pretty quick because we've already... This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #5 Page 23 Wanda Daniel: Okay. Well, you want to read it? Phillip Daniel: (Reads letter). Wanda Daniel: (Continues to read letter). Thank you. Lehman: Thank you. Kan:: Motion to accept correspondence. Vanderhoef: So moved. Pfab: Second. Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by Pfab. All in favor? Opposed? Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #6e Page 24 ITEM 6e PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS Consider an ordinance amending Title 14, Chapter 6, Article K, the Sensitive Areas Ordinance, regarding requirements for Sensitive Areas Overlay Rezonings and Sensitive Areas Site Plans. (Second Consideration) Lehman: (Reads item). Champion: Move second consideration. Lehman: Moved by Champion. Vanderhoef: Second. Lehman: Seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion? Kanner: I think one of the major concerns I have is that it allows too much potential disturbance of critical slopes without coming to Council. I think it had too high percentage. I think we need to lower that to closer to zero. Lehman: Other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries 6-1, Kanner voting in the negative. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #6h Page 25 ITEM 6h PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS Consider a letter to the Johnson County Board of Supervisors recommending approval of a rezoning for an approximate 11.35- acre tract located in Fringe Area C at 3125 Rohret Road SW (CZ02-00007) Lehman: (Reads item). Pfab: Move the resolution. Wilburn: Second. Lehman: Moved by Pfab and seconded by Wilbum. Discussion. Karmer: I'm sorry I didn't ask you yesterday Karin. I was wanted to know ifI could ask for some definition again of going from Al, Rural and RS, to Suburban Residential what's the RS6 Suburban Residential. What's the difference? Franklin: RS-5 Kanner: It's going to RS-5? Franklin: Yeah. Karmer: Okay RS-5. Franklin: It means there five acres per dwelling unit. Kanner: And as...what was the difference before that? What was it before? Franklin: RS is one acre per dwelling unit and A1 is agricultural. Kanner: Okay. So this is needed to allow the daughter to build another house there. Franklin: Right. Kanner: Thank you. Lehman: Other discussion? Is this a roll call? All in favor? Opposed? Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #7 Page 26 ITEM 7 PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FOR OF CONTRACT AND ESTIMATE OF COST FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE CITY PARK POOL FILTRATION SYSTEM, ESTABLISHING AMOUNT OF BID SECURITY TO ACCOMPANY EACH BID, DIRECTING CITY CLERK TO PUBLISH ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS, AND FIXING TIME AND PLACE FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS. b. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING Lehman: Do we have a motion? Champion: Move the resolution? O'Donnell: Second. Lehman: Moved by Champion and seconded by O'Donnell. Discussion? Champion: Well this is a long overdue project that became essential (can't hear) since the pool had to be closed several days last summer and I think I've had more phone calls about people not being able to go to City Park pool than I get about First Avenue. O'Donnell: Mandates just are not working anymore. Champion: Right. Kanner: What's the estimated cost on this? Lehman: $200,000 Karmer: Two hundred and what. Lehman: $200,000. Kanner: $200,000. Champion: It is the most popular pool. O'Donnell: It really is. Lehman: WelI this is a maintenance item that we really cannot afford not to do. O'Donnell: Right. Lehman: Other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. //8 Page 27 ITEM 8 CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 4, ENTITLED "ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES," CHAPTER 5, "PROHIBITIONS AND RETRICTIONS," TO AMEND THE PROHIBITION ON SERVING TWO (2) SERVINGS OR ANY ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR, WINE, OR BEER AT ANY ONE TIME TO ANY ONE PERSON TO SERVING TWO (2) "CONTAINERS" OR ANY ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR, WINE, OR BEER AT ANY ONE TIME TO ANY ONE PERSON AND TO DELETE THE EXCEPTION FOR "PRIVATE EVENTS." (FIRST CONSIDERATION). Lehraan: (Reads item). Vanderhoef: Move the ordinance. Wilbum: Second. Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by Wilburn. Discussion? Champion: Well, I was thinking about this wonderful ordinance last night and I think we're really thinking ourselves up for huge loopholes. I mean you could sell someone a barrel of wine or a barrel of beer or two of them you could sell two of them. I don't know why maybe it's not even worth bothering with, but maybe we need to set a size limit on the container like two pints or I don't know. I don't know what other people feel about it. Wilbum: I think the other point is the servers at the bars still need to make sure that the person with the glass is of age. Is that not correct? Yep. I see this as more as I think the bar owners know our intent. I see this more as trying to help clarification for the court. I mean isn't that how this came up? Champion: Well I know that. Wilburn: Yep. O'Donnell: That's true and we've had a problem with the definition of serving and I hope we don't have a problem with the definition now of container. I did not support the alcohol ordinance originally. In a...you have to clear up terminology I will support this, this time. Lehman: Other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #10 Page 28 ITEM 10 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE IOWA CITY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOND REFERENDUM TO BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 11, 2003. Lehman: (Reads item). Champion: Move the resolution. Pfab: Second. Lehman: Moved by Champion, seconded by Pfab. Discussion? Charlie Funk: I'm Charlie Funk from 4779 Dryden Court in Iowa City. And I'm here representing the Yes for Kids committee that's been formed to assure the passage of the school bond referendum that we'll vote on on February 11th. Just...I'll take just a minute and review what I spoke to you at your last meeting. We've got three things we're talking about to assure better education for our children and grandchildren in the Iowa City community school district. You'll hear us over and over talk about reducing overcrowding now and in the future making sure that City High is ADA compliant so that persons of all abilities are able to attend City High, and making sure that every child with the passage of bond referendum will receive a benefit - a positive benefit because all three high schools are positively effected. I thought in just a short period of time I'd go around the district and just talk about the things that we'll see in our public school system should we decide to pass the bond referendum. Let's start at City High. City High as I've said will become ADA compliant so that those incidences where children go to school on the east side of town until 8th grade, they don't have to go to West High School. They'll be able to go to City High School. It doesn't happen often, but it's happened in the past. It continues to happen occasionally. Also we'll build 15 new classrooms at City High. We'll get completely get rid of the temporary buildings at City High School. We've got seven temporary buildings in there now. And no more will classes pass through the library when classes change at City High School. The media center will be expanded and that's long overdue. West High School. 13 new classrooms at West High School. West High School is overcrowded now. It's going to become mom overcrowded as we go forward. So we will eliminate overcrowding now and in the future at West High School. The new alternative school that will be built. First thing I'm sure all of you have read and know that we have a Federal grant for a million dollars to help build the new alternative high school. Should we not pass the bond referendum in all likelihood that million dollars goes away. So we do have a Federal grant. We'll lose the Federal grant if we don't pass the bond referendum. We have a large waiting list to get into the This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #10 Page 29 alternative high school. We can double the size of the alternative high school because now we can only accommodate 75. We'll be able to a little bit more than double that with passage of the bond referendum. We'll build a new junior high in North Liberty a new elementary school in North Liberty. That really helps particularly at Northwest Junior High. Ten years ago we had 500 students at Northwest Junior High. Today we have 915. We're overcrowded. Northwest Junior High is not equipped to handle that many people. We've got lots of temporaries sitting them. So Northwest is a beneficiary and some of the elementaries in that area such as Wickham will be beneficiaries from the new elementary school and the new junior high school. Multi-purpose rooms - Coralville Central, Lucas and Wood elementary. In short that means we're not going to eat lunch in the gymnasiums anymore. And if you've ever been to an elementary school and seen this when lunch is over you got 7 or 8 or 10 minutes to clear the tables, mop the floors and get the P.E. class in. That's what the multi-purpose rooms will help with. Also at Kirkwood elementary multi-purpose room and two new classrooms. And finally at Horn elementary Kindergarten room, storage rooms, music rooms and media center expansion. And what I can tell you should we pass the bond referendum is that we want have a band room in a closet anymore at Horn elementary. And if you've been over there and seen that that's something to see. It's a good plan. It's an affordable plan. And what I'd say about our school district is we have great students, we have great teachers and we have an obligation to provide adequate facilities for our students and our teachers. So I join...I speak for Yes for Kids and I speak on behalf of the Board of Education in respectfully asking for your support so that we can continue our place as a top 100 school district in the United States. And I thank you for your consideration. Pfab: One thought. Funk: Yes. Pfab: First of all thank you for the upgrade. When does early voting start? Do you know? Funk: Early voting we hope starts Thursday, but certainly in the next few days. Lehman: Really. Funk: Yes. We hope to start it Thursday, but certainly soon. Kanner: I had a question for you. Funk: Yes. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #10 Page 30 Kanner: Thanks for coming. And I'm going to be voting for this because I think the positives way outweigh the negatives, but I have a friend who's concerned about schools chasing sprawl. That people move out and then the school system follows them and builds and that induces more sprawl. There's a feeling from a few people that building out in North Liberty will help continue this pattern. Can you give me an argument of why that's not helping to induce sprawl? Why this is a positive thing? Funk: Well I'm not an expert on this matter, but what I would say is that we're already overcrowded in North Liberty. And Penn Elementary is overcrowded - it's bursting at the seams. And still we have the problem at Northwest Junior High School because that's where the students from North Liberty go. And we have 915 kids at Northwest and that's not getting better, that's only going to continue to grow. Champion: I don't think there was ever a school built in anticipation of students, Steven. They're always built after the students are there. Funk: We have the need right now. Kanner: (Can't hear) I think though is an exception to that. Champion: No, that's not true. Pfab: I think the idea of building schools in communities is a wonderful thing. I think that's one of the greatest assets that Iowa City has. Good neighborhood schools. Funk: We certainly have the need now in North Liberty. Lehman: Thank you, Charlie. Champion: Thank you Charlie. Lehman: Discussion Council? You know I think it's rather unusual for a City Council to take a position on a referendum from another jurisdiction, but I have to say that I ~vill support this enthusiastically. And I think anybody who has children, grandchildren, knows kids, cares about kids is going to be very, very much in favor of this referendum that really, really is going to help all the kids in this community. Holly Berkowitz: That's right. And along with it we need to draw up some kind of control on the sprawl. Because the sprawl is going to kill you. Lehman: We're talking about the referendum. We're not talking about sprawl. Okay? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #10 Page 31 Berkowitz: Pardon? Lehman: We're talking about the bond referendum for the schools. Berkowitz: Well, I thought we were on discussion. Lehman: Well we are, but we're discussing the bond referendum. Kanner: I asked the question in regards to the school that's being built that north... Lehman: I'm well aware of that but... Karmer: No, no I'm talking to Holly. I was just talking to Holly. Berkowitz: But I'm wondering why the school system and the transportation system and the development system are all segregated very tightly and it seems very costly and dysfunctional to do that. It seems like you need some kind of system that has an overview about what's going to happen.., if this does this and this does this and this does this and this does this, what's going to happen in the future. You know that sort of what we fail to do in the United States a lot of times because we're so privatized and we lock our vision of the future. And I want to see for my children - this is what we're talking about is our children's future - a more integrated, a more system that has more vision and wisdom and you're not going to get that by privatizing everything and counting just the cash. Lehman: I think Holly if you look at this, this referendum is really visionary for the kids of this community. I think there's a lot of work gone into this by a lot of people who worked really, really hard. And this does represent a plan for the future of our kids. Berkowitz: I agree. Champion: Okay. Let's vote. O'Donnell: Let's vote. Lehman: Alright. Berkowitz: But at the same time you need...who's the JCCOG representative? Champion: We all are. Lehman: We all are. Kanner: 6 of us. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #10 Page 32 Lehman: 6 of us. Berkowitz: Okay. Take it to JCCOG and develop some kind of plan. I know the sensitive areas ordinance is intended for that. Sorry. But you need to put some kind of controls on the sprawl. Lehman: Well, we're talking about the referendum now, Holly. Is there any other discussion on the part of the Council? Karmer: Just to comment I think again this does the things you're saying Ernie. It does a lot of positive things. It builds on a good school system. I think we do have people on the school board that are concerned with the issues that Holly is bringing up and I think it's incumbent upon us through JCCOG which we have talked about those issues in the past - and we do coordinate to a certain extent - but to do an even better job. And I think we can do a better job and I appreciate the comments that Holly was bringing up. Lehman: Any other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #11 Page33 ITEM 11 PUBLIC DISCUSSION Lehman: We do have...is there any other public discussion that we didn't get in earlier we do have a time reserved at this point. Now Holly you're going to need to make i} quick. Berkowitz: I will Lehman: You've been up twice tonight. Okay? Berkowitz: Promise. Lehman: Okay. Berkowitz: This is the reason I came to Council actually. There's a sign on Lee Street there a ravine on Lee Street - Mike you know this ravine and you would agree with me that it's a very special place. O'Donnell: Lee Street itself or the ravine because I think they're both very special? Berkowitz: The ravine. O'Donnell: Okay. Berkowitz: Okay. Because it's very quiet and it has a natural integrity that not many places have. Do you think that if the quality that could become a nature preserve? O'Donnell: Personally do I think? Berkowitz: Well have you visited nature preserves before? O'Dormell: Yeah well of course. I think it's a very good idea. It's owned independently now and I believe it's zoned for three lots in there. And they're in the process right now of finding out the feasibility of an entrance onto Lee Street. And I think that will be very, very difficult. But there is a lot up on...up on McLean up there that I think is developable...developable - is that a word? Lehman: It sounds good to me. O'Donnell: But at any rate it's in the process right now. I think it's going to have probably some problems but I'm not sure on that Holly so we're just goiflg to have to wait and see what happens. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #11 Page 34 Berkowitz: My problem with it is mostly - this is the primary problem - is that the sign went up the notice of public heating went up about a month ago and then the planning meeting was cancelled in December and reschedule for January 16th. Well today there are marks down in the ravine that were gas and water. There's a sewer line marker and somebody's been trampling it all. And that ravine is too fragile for that. That's going to cause erosion. That's going to destroy the ecological, microclimate integrity of that area. And indeed it is a microclimate integrity both an air shed and a watershed and if you...if you tamper with that you're ripping apart the web of life. And you can't put a price on that. Kanner: Steve is this the area we conveyed - Wolf Avenue? Atkins: No. I don't think so Steve. Karmer: You don't? Atkins: No. I think this has been in private ownership for a long, long time. Berkowitz: I asked one of the owners if...who owned it about a couple years ago and they said they owned it and they were trying to ask the City to buy it. They were trying to get the City to buy this land and the City would not buy it. Atkins: I don't recall that. O'Donnell: I don't remember that either. Atkins: I'm sure I would have at least read some correspondence, but I don't recall that. Berkowitz: When did it become residentially zoned? Atkins: Oh, a long, long time ago. That's Manville Heights zoning it's been there for many, many years. Berkowitz: I wish I'd brought this earlier. Atkins: Sorry. Berkowitz: Can you change the zoning at this point? O'Donnell: Not into the process, Holly. We tried that once in the past. Somebody confiscate that phone. We tried this process in the past and once a property is zoned in the process is in fact very difficult under the law to go in and change it. We've tried that and we ~vere very unsuccessful. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #11 Page 35 Berkowitz: But you see the law is artificial. O'Donnell: No. Champion: No. Not in a court. O'Donnell: Not in a court of law. Berkowitz: It's a human...it's a human law. Champion: Right. Berkowitz: But we're talking about natural law. We're talking about flooding. And we're talking about... O'Donnell: And I appreciate your concerns. Kanner: Holly, I'll talk to you more about it, but you might want to also try our Commission level - Parks and Rec. Berkowitz: Oh. Okay. Kanner: And it's perhaps a little more informal and you can talk to people and talk to our Director and I can help you with that if you want to have some conversation about that. Berkowitz: Can any of you take this...help take this on because Iowa City is losing its natural spaces. I've talked with you before about that we need a new economy, that cash...that only counts cash...that cash does not count the most critical flows that hold the web of life intact. And we can go on and on about that but another time. But please it's going before the Planning and Zoning I think on the 16th and I produced a public access show that will play Wednesday at 8:30 or 9:30 on Channel 18 and Friday at 8:00 and Saturday morning at 10:30. If you could please see that at some time even if you don't live in Iowa City this is a rare area. This is quality of Hickory Hill Park and I beg someone to donate the money to save it. Thank you. Lehman: Thank you, Holly. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #14 Page 36 (End of Side 1, Tape #03-04, Beginning of Side 2) ITEM 14 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION Lehman: City Council information. Pfab: I just wanted to draw the Council's attention to what George Bush announced today as changes in tax law where the dividends on stock is...the intention is do away with any taxes on it. I think that that's going to have a very strong effect on the cost of municipal bonds. Atkins: Certainly will. Pfab: It makes municipal bonds a lot less attractive. As a result I think that before long the City is going start paying a lot more interest to do bonds. Champion: Personally I would look forward to that. Atkins: Okay. Irvin's right. That's what will happen. Kanner: Supposed to do away with all? Pfab: All of it. Atkins: Yeah. Pfab: Immediately. Lehman: Connie? Mike? O'Dounell: Nothing tonight. Lehman: Dee? Vanderhoef: Nothing. Thank you. Lehman: Ross? Wilburn: Nothing. Lehman: Steven? Karmer: A few things. And just to comment yeah I think tax proposal is reactionary and really they say it benefits the top one percent of people in the United States - most of the benefits. And you point out another way that's really going to hurt the average person in Iowa City and across the Country. And we need to work against it. One I wanted to This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #14 Page 37 thank Mark Anderson and the airport for opening up the meeting room to the community. It's a beautiful room. We put a lot of money into it. I've been working for awhile - a long time - trying to get that open to the community. So I look forward to seeing what the guidelines are and I hope that community groups make use of that fine facility. It's really pretty out there. I wanted to ask Dale any report on the muni electric for selection of (can't hear) study? Dale Helling: Right. There will be a couple of the respondents who are going to be interviewed this Friday in Ankeny and Assistant City Attorney, Andy Matthews, and Rick Fosse our City Engineer will be representing the City on that panel of interviewers. Kanner: Thank you. So probably a decision will be made in the next week I imagine then after that... Helling: I would think it would be fairly, fairly soon. My understanding is they're intervie~ving two firms. So if one of those or both of those firms are acceptable and they choose one then it should come very quickly. If they choose to do more interviews it will take a longer time. Kanner: Thank you. Congrats to David Skorton the new president at the University of Iowa. I think it's going to be a very good relationship working with him and the Council. I think he'll provide good leadership for the University. And then the final thing is a few months ago I did propose that we take a position on the Patriot Act. I'm working with a group Iowans for Peace - that has a position against the Patriot Act and this was passed in 2001. And I did provide information...people asked rightly what is the Patriot Act. And I think it is an act that affects us profoundly on the local level. Just at our library authorities can go in there and look up records and the Director is not allowed to mention to anyone that Federal authorities came in and searched there. I think...and that's just the tip of the iceberg. And I think we need to be concerned about this. We need to look at this as a human rights' issue and I would ask that we consider taking a position on this important national act that affects us all. Can we schedule this for a work session to see if we want to pass a resolution similar to North Hampton? Madison has passed a resolution. Ann Arbor, a number of cities across the Country are beginning to see that they have to speak out against this. Lehman: What is...l have no particular interest in addressing this. Are there... O'Donnell: I don't have any. Lehman: How many votes would like to put this on an agenda? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #14 Page 38 Pfab: I would like to see it put on. I would like to discuss it. Lehman: Alright. Pfab: The other thing is what some cities are doing is they're passing ordinances requiring that if the employees are contacted they have to report to the City. In other words so that people...investigators can't come in, shut them up, and say, you know, if you are contacted you have to report that you have been contacted. Kanner: And I heard on... Pfab: As a way to counterbalance that. Karmer: But I would say that's the kind of thing we have to discuss and get that out in the open. See if we want to...how far do we want to go in opposing it or supporting it. What parts do we want to support... Champion: Steven did you bring it up at the next Council time. I need to think about this. So I don't want to say I don't want to discuss it at this point. I want to give it some more thought. Pfab: Right now across the Country I think there's about 25, maybe 30 cities of various sizes that have passed similar ordinances. That's your request. Lehman: Would you care...Connie would you like to bring it up at the next Council meeting? Champion: Yeah. I'll bring it up. Lehman: Alright, alright. Champion: Yeah. That would be fine because I don't want to vote it down yet. Lehman: Alright. Anything else Steven? Kanner: That's it. Pfab: Actually just a minute is there...how many people are interested in bringing it up at a work session? Lehman: We're going to bring it up during Council time at the next Council meeting to decide whether or not we want to put it on a work session. Connie hasn't... Kanner: There's two of us at this time that want to. It needs three to be put on a work session. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003. #14 Page 39 Lehman: I only have two things. The first certainly there was a great tragedy in our community in just the last few days. And I'm sure that I speak for the Council and all of the folks in Iowa City when we express our deepest sympathy to the family of Nathan Bedford who was the son of the Coralville Police Chief. This was a, you know, horrible event. And certainly they have our deepest sympathy. The other thing Steve with the concurrence of Council I would like to see us ask the PCRB if they would do a review of the traffic stop policies. Atkins: Okay. Lehman: Is that...does the Council concur? Champion: That's a good idea, Ernie. A very good idea. Atkins: I'll instruct them so. Lehman: Alright. That's all I have. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of January 7, 2003.