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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-11-03 Correspondence11-03-0$ 4f 1 Marian Karr From: Regenia Bailey [bailey@avalon.net] Sent: Monday, October 27, 2008 7:49 AM To: 'David Robertson' Cc: Mike Wright; Ross Wilburn; Matt Hayek; Mike O'Donnell; connie-champion@iowa-city.org; Marian Karr; Michael Lombardo Subject: RE: stormwater problems on Sandusky Drive- URGENT David, Thank you for your e-mail. We will follow-up on this matter. As you know, when you e-mail more than three council members, it becomes part of the public record due to the state open meetings/open records law. Accordingly, it is unlikely you will receive any more e-mail conversations about this topic from other council members, because it might constitute a meeting as advised by our City Attorney's office. ~enia Regenia D. Bailey 430 Church Street Iowa City, IA 52245 319.351.2068 (h) 319.321.1385 (mobile) 866.802.2854 (fax) From: David Robertson [mailto:david1101@msn.com] Sent: Sunday, October 26, 2008 9:44 PM To: mike-Wright@iowa-city.org; ross-Wilburn@iowa-city.org; matt-hayek@iowa-city.org; mike-o'donnell@iowa- city.org; connie-champion@iowa-city.org; regenia-bailey@iowa-city.org Subject: stormwater problems on Sandusky Drive- URGENT I have contacted Brian Boelk at the engineering office about a major problem. This needs to be addressed immediately. The current resident at 1009 Sandusky Drive has built a privacy fence across the sewer easement. This connects to a privacy fence built at 1015 Sandusky Drive. This causes an immediate threat to all properties upstream. I am told that there is a sewer project next spring slated for this area. However, in the event that we have heavy rains, this fence will act like a dam causing flooding inside the homes of several properties. These homes include 1021, 1027, 1033, 1039. 1101, 1107, 1113, 1119, 1125 addresses on Sandusky Drive ,1116, 1126, 1132, 1138, 1144 addresses on Briar Drive and 1116, 1106, 1036, 1028 on Pepper Drive. I lived in the house at 1039 Sandusky from 1981 to 1985. I still own that house and rent it out. I lived in the house at 1101 Sandusky from 1985 to 2003. I have seen the flooding and understand the problems in the area. Years ago I got a petition signed by neighbors for the initial sewer project that was never done. I contacted the city through the years trying to get the city to enforce the covenants of the subdivision. As neighbors built fences, altered the grade in the water retention ponds, and built utility sheds, I tried to get the city involved. It was a total waste of time. At this time I am begging for your assistance. If we get a heavy flooding rain, this fence will cause my house at 1039 Sandusky to flood along with a lot of these other homes. This will also cause the water level on Sandusky Drive to be deeper. This street has been a problem and has to be closed off during heavy rains. Tjhis becomes a safety issue for drivers and children alike. I hope the city will not drag their feet on this. If we should get a heavy pouring rain tomorrow, or next week, or 10/27/2008 Page 2 of 2 next month, or next spring and nothing has been done, you will have wasted an opportunity to correct a problem before it causes damage and upsets many neighbors. This could be a win win situation. If the fences were to taken down until the sewer project is done, I would assume they could be reinstalled. I have contacted owners at 1015 and 1009 Sandusky about their fences. They are looking for some direction from the engineering department. Please help. 10/27/2008 4f 2 Marian Karr From: Feather Lacy [flacy@pobox.com] Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 9:25 PM To: Council Subject: can channel 4 identify you This correspondence will become a public record. Please ask the TV coverage of your meetings to clearly identify in writing on the screen which councilor is speaking. 10/21 /2008 Brown Street, bricks and speeding Marian Karr From: John Yapp Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 3:38 PM To: 'james-ponto@uiowa.edu' Cc: Kathryn Johansen; Dale Helling; "City Council; Darian Nagle-Gamm Subject: FW: Brown Street, bricks and speeding 4f(3) Hello Mr. Ponto -your email regarding Brown Street traffic has been forwarded to me. First, we are glad you appreciate the repair of the brick street at the Brown St/ Jefferson St intersection. Stop signs are not an effective means of controlling the overall speed of traffic. Studies have shown that often motorists drive at a faster speed downstream of a stop sign (especially an unwarranted stop sign) due to a perceived loss of time and irritation at having to stop. There are traffic volume thresholds for installing four-way stops at intersections; installing stop signs when there is not adequate traffic to support their use results in an increase of motorists 'rolling through' the stop signs. This is due to the behavior of motorists who regularly use an intersection without seeing opposing traffic becoming comfortable rolling through the stop signs, which raises safety concerns for pedestrians who believe the vehicle will stop. The existing stop sign system in the Northside Neighborhood was developed in the early 1990's as part of a comprehensive initiative to add stop signs every other block in a 'basket weave' system to assign right-of-way at the intersections. We will send you additional information on the city's traffic calming program and stop signs; the traffic calming program is a neighborhood initiated program to address the speed and/or volume of vehicles on residential streets. After you review the information, feel free to give me a call at 356-5252, or Darian Nagle-Gamm, Traffic Engineering Planner, at 356-5254 or darian-nagle-gamm iowa-city.org. Thanks for your input, John Yapp, Transportation Planner From: Kathryn Johansen Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 2:05 PM To: John Yapp Cc: Dale Hel-ing Subject: FW: Brown Street, bricks and speeding Hi John, Would you, or someone from your department, address Mr. Ponto's concern? Please cc City Council on your reply. Thanks, John. Kathi From: Ponto, James [mailto:james-ponto@uiowa.edu] Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 10:29 AM To: Council Subject: Brown Street, bricks and speeding 10/21 /2008 Brown Street, bricks and speeding Dear City Council, Page 2 of 2 I am a strong supporter of historic preservation, including the maintenance and repair of historic brick streets. Hence, I was pleased to see the repair (i.e., leveling) of the brick street at the intersection of Brown and Johnson last week. Thank you for your support. The repair of this intersection, however, has created the unintended consequence of removing the "traffic calming" effect of the speed bumps-like rolls and swales previously present. Now, vehicles are more freely speeding down Brown Street. On the primary portion of Brown Street, between Dodge and Dubuque Streets, there is only one stop sign (at its intersection with Van Buren). This single stop sign is insufficient to deter "cut- through" traffic on Brown Street. Following the repair of the Brown/Johnson intersection, I perceive more traffic and higher rates of speed. I am concerned about safety (there are currently several families with small children living along Brown Street) and noise (brick streets are noisy, especially when vehicles are speeding). For these reasons, I urge the Council to seriously consider installing additional stop signs along Brown Street, especially at its intersection with Johnson, and possibly at its intersections with Gilbert and with Linn. Thank you for your consideration of this matter. Sincerely, James Ponto 618 Brown St. Iowa City 52245 jponto@avalon.net 10/21/2008 4f 4 Marian Karr From: John Yapp Sent: Thursday, October 23, 2008 5:02 PM To: Kathryn Johansen; 'krcasper@gmail.com' Cc: *City Council Subject: RE: Public Transportation in Iowa City/Cedar Rapids Hello Kate Casper -your email was forwarded to me for a response. Here is a link to a passenger rail feasibility study completed in 2006: ht~_//www~jccog org/documents/RailFeasibilityReport.pdf The feasibility study.is the first step toward the creation of passenger rail system. The next step, which is occurring, is advocacy and lobbying for funds to begin a passenger rail system. The local governments in Linn and Johnson County have been supportive of pursuing a passenger rail project, but with the level of investment required it will require both federal and state assistance. The state recently formed a passenger rail advisory committee to review and recommend on components of a state passenger rail program -Mayor Bailey from Iowa City is the local representative. The federal government recently passed passenger rail legislation primarily oriented toward regional Amtrak service. You requested contact information: For transportation planning in the south end of the corridor, my organization, the Johnson County Council of Governments is the appropriate planning organization, is a place to start. For the north end of the corridor, the 'Corridor' Council of Governments http~//www corridormpo.com/ is the appropriate contact. For the highway system, Iowa DOT www.iowadot.com is the appropriate contact. Iowa DOT's staffer responsible for passenger rail coordination is Tammy Nicholson at Tamara.Nicholson a(~dot.iowa.gov Interstate 380 is currently being resurfaced between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids due to the condition of the pavement, but outside of spot improvements at interchanges I-380 is not being widened. Thank you for your interest, and let us know if you have any questions John Yapp, Director Johnson County Council of Governments From: Kathryn Johansen Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2008 4:56 PM To: John Yapp Subject: FW: Public Transportation in Iowa City/Cedar Rapids Hello John, Would you please respond to Ms. Casper and cc City Council on your reply? Thank you, Kathi From: Kate Casper [mailto:krcasper@gmail.com] Sent: Friday, October 17, 2008 3:15 PM To: Council Subject: Public Transportation in Iowa City/Cedar Rapids ~~.~.. ~~ ~a ,ice r, _~, +v 1.7'1 1.."1 m,,¢ J K: .,~....~., tl i'. 10/24/2008 Page 2 of 2 Dear City Council Members: I am a five-year resident of Iowa City and am very concerned about public transportation in our region - specificallythe lack of a commuter rail between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. I recently graduated from the University of Iowa with two bachelor's degrees and started working at Kirkwood Community College in August. Though I have long been aware of our (the Midwest's) less-than-ideal public transportation system, the absurdity of the lack of commuter transportation in the Corridor didn't settle in until I started job hunting early this spring. At my former part-time job, an office staffed by 15, four people drove to Iowa City every day from Cedar Rapids/Marion. In my current office, staffed by 13, five people commute to Cedar Rapids from Iowa City, Coralville and North Liberty. Two of us have set up a carpool and share rides as often as possible. However after surveying everyone, they all agreed that a commuter rail would be a dream come true in the Corridor. I am aware that this is not necessarily an Iowa City-only problem; the cities of Coralville, North Liberty, Iowa City and Cedar Rapids need to work together to build this much needed infrastructure. (recently heard that a governing body, which I'm not yet sure, approved a construction project for additional lanes on I-380 because it will cost $50 million versus an anticipated $70 million for setting a rail system in place. I am not sure if information is accurate, but as a young Iowan, and one who would like to stay in this area, I am shocked by this kind of short sighted decision. If Iowa wants to attract young professionals to stay and work in Iowa, this kind of ideology must change. Sustainability, clean energy and affordable transportation are hugely important factors in looking toward the future. I would appreciate you sharing any information and/or opinions you have about this matter. Please also pass along contact information for the organizations overseeing transportation projects in the Corridor. In these times of economic and energy stress it is important to maintain forward-thinking philosophies. Thank you, Kate Casper 1025 E. Washington St. Apt. 1 Iowa City, IA 52240 319:331.8157 10/24/2008 4f 5 Marian Karr From: Sam Hargadine Sent: Monday, October 27, 2008 1:29 PM To: 'Karina Smith' Cc: City Council Subject: Memo to IC Council Ms. Smith, Thank you for taking the time to notify the City Council of your concerns involving public safety. There is no short answer to your question as to the cause of crime but we do take these crimes very seriously. The robberies that you mention are actively being investigated by our department as are the robberies that have occurred in our neighboring jurisdictions. We actively collaborate with our neighbors because we know that criminals could care less about jurisdictional boundaries. Recently, Iowa City officers solved a N. Liberty bank robbery as a by product of leads that came in to our department through CrimeStoppers. There are significant leads that our investigators are pursuing on the remaining Iowa City robberies; I'm not at liberty to be much more specific as it could jeopardize the investigation. Iowa City has enjoyed a low crime rate in the past but my experience has been that these rates are always cyclic. Crime often gets worse the closer it gets to the holiday season and alcohol and drugs are sometimes a factor. The Iowa City Police Department and your city government are concerned about the issue and are addressing the needs of the community. Chief Sam Hargadine Iowa City Police Department 410 E. Washington Iowa City, IA 52240-1826 Office: 319.356.5271 Email: Sam-Hargadine@iowa-city.org NOTICE: This email (including attachments) is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. 2510-2521, and 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, and then delete it. Thank You. 10/27/2008 Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Karina Smith [karinalyn_smith@hotmail.com] Sent: Friday, October 17, 2008 2:23 PM To: Council Subject: Comment/Question from a concerned citizen I am writing as a concerned citizen, mother and long-time resident of Iowa City. I am writing in regards to what appears to be an increase in certain types of crime. I want to know what the city and the police are doing to a) stop this from escalating and b) catching the perpetrators. If people do not feel safe here, they will not want to live here, raise their children here or send their kids to school here (that includes the UI and all of the tuition money). The recent string of robberies/holdups -downtown, Footlocker, E. Hyvee gas station and Goodwill (who robs a charity?) is alarming. This area used to be very safe - I do not feel that it is as much anymore. The suspect in each case had a similar description. What is going on? Who are these criminal committing these crimes and what are you doing to stop this? If you read the Press-Citizen responses after these stories, you can hear the fear and frustration in people's comments. I can also tell you that I have heard many family, friends and co-workers comment about the increase in crime. There are many rumors around as to the cause of the crime. Ex -Section 8, South Side Chicago. I am sure you have heard other rumors. What is the truth? I sincerely hope that the city and police are taking this issue seriously, that this issue is on the agenda as a priority, and that action is taken, soon -before this spirals out of control. If people know that this area is an easy target, the crime will only increase. I also want to know what I, as a citizen, can do to help keep my community a safe place to live. I support you and encourage you in your service to our community -thank you. Sincerely, Karina Smith 208 Amhurst St. Iowa City, IA 52245 karinalyn_smith@hotmail.com 319-338-1646 You live life beyond your PC. So now Windows goes beyond your PC. See how When your life is on the go-take your life with you. Tr~Windows Mobile® today_ 10/20/2008 n„~~-~~ 4f 6 Marian Karr From: Steve Kosareff [skosareff@roadrunner.com] Sent: Thursday, October 23, 2008 7:55 PM To: Council Subject: "TV MAN" Documentary Ladies and Gentlemen: I am a television archivist and author of "Window to the Future: the Golden Age of Marketing and Advertising Television" [Sets]. I am currently developing a documentary about the men and women who sold and serviced television sets from the 1940s through the 1960s. I am looking for archival film and photographs of dealers and their events such as sponsored parades, contests, and in-store or location demonstrations or broadcasts; marketing materials; and audio reminisces by them, their salesmen and servicemen. Please forward this email to these dealers, salesmen, and servicemen, their relatives, and others who may know them and/or shot film or photographs of their store events. Interested parties may contact me by email at SteveKo_sa_reff cr Ste_veKosareff.conl or by phone at 310-392-4728. Thank you. Steve Kosareff 10/24/2008 ~°~~1 tl INNI IOWA LEAGUE °f CITIES October 23, 2008 i~~~ P ~ ~.,.~ y i 9 4 4 -~ Sh a ~~i 27 ~=~~ I~ na i z si EC` ,.: ._ 1G~~~t~ ., 4f 7 7~~~~~ Mike O'Donnell, Council Member Iowa City 410 E Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240-1826 Dear Mike: KKK As elected an official from a city that is a direct member of the National League of Cities (NLC), you are entitled to be appointed and serve on a number of NLC standing committees, councils and panels. A list of committees, councils and panels is attached to this memorandum. If you or someone from your city is interested on being appointed to one of these committees, I would request that you contact me so that I can submit your name for appointment. The deadline for submission of names is December 18, 2008. Unfortunately, neither the National League of Cities nor the Iowa League of Cities reimburses you for participation in these committees. However, many of the committees meet in conjunction with NLC's annual meetings that you may already attend. Participation in these groups can be valuable, rewarding and represent an opportunity to network with city officials from all over the country. I hope you will give consideration to seeking an appointment. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. serving lowo~s cities since 1898 President Sincerely, Tim Hurley ~~~~~ ~ ~ j~~ ~ '"t `J _ -{~~'~ Mayor, Waterloo ~`' // ~~'~ " " s Immediate t Past President Alan W. Kemp Jim Fousett Executive Director Mayor, Coralville President-elect Dale Uehling cc: City Manager/Administrator Mayor, Ottumwa Executive Director Alan Kemp 317 SIXTH AVENUE a SUITE 800 o DES MOINES, IOWA 50309-4113 (515) 244-7282 o FAX (575) 244-0740 o WEB SITE: www.iowaleague.org NLC Policy and Advocacy Committees Community & Economic Development (CED) The CED Committee deals with housing, community and economic development; land use, recreation and parks, historic preservation, and international competitiveness. Energy, Environment & Natural Resources (EENR) The EENR Committee is responsible for developing policy recommendations on issues such as air quality, water quality, energy policy, national wetlands policy, noise control, and solid and hazardous waste management. Finance, Administration & Intergovernmental Relations (FAIR) The FAIR Committee deals with national economic policy, general financial assistance programs, liability insurance, intergovernmental relations, Census, municipal bonds and capital finance, municipal management, antitrust issues, citizen participation and civil rights, labor relations.. Native American sovereignty and municipal authority. Human Development (HD) The HD Committee is responsible for the development of policies on employment and job training, early childhood development, TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families), unemployment insurances, income support programs, immigration and refugee policy, health and education, equal opportunity, and social services. Public Safety and Crime Prevention (PSCP) The PSCP Committee is responsible for policy in the areas of crime prevention, corrections, substance abuse, municipal fire policy, juvenile justice, disaster preparedness and relief, homeland security, domestic terrorism, court systems and gun control. Transportation Infrastructure & Services (TIS) Committee is responsible for policy on transportation issues, including planning, funding, safety and security of public transit; streets and highways, aviation, railroads and ports. a C ~~ ~- ..., NLC Member Networking Councils ~' ` ~ -=.~~z Central Cities Council a' ` °' ~ `~ f` .~~~ This Council provides an opportunity for networking and issues exchange amQn~~elec officials from urban centers. Membership is open to any elected official reps~tin.~a ,rv`~,, city with population above 200,000. ?~ iJ First-Tier Suburbs Council This Council addresses the unique set of challenges faced by municipalities located outside of central cities and inside the ring of developing suburbs and rural areas. The purpose of the Council is to allow local elected officials from these cities to network with each other and discuss common needs, and raise the visibility of first tier suburbs. Small Cities Council NLC's Small Cities Council was created in 1976 to ensure that the interests of small communities are reflected in NLC's overall policies and programs. Serving as NLC's "voice for all small cities," membership is open to any elected official representing a city with population below 50,000. University Communities Council The Council is a group of elected officials from municipalities with a university or institution of higher education within its borders or within an adjacent municipality. NLC CityFutures Panels Community & Regional Development Panel The Community and Regional Development Panel addresses local development and governance challenges and strategies related to housing, land use; economic development and transportation within a regional context. Democratic Governance Panel The purpose of NLC's work on Democratic Governance is to help local officials respond to governance challenges. Drawing on case studies of successful projects, the Panel has explored ways to educate and mobilize citizens in a variety of events and initiatives. Equity ~ Opportunity Panel The Equity and Opportunity Panel focuses on issues related to political, economic, social and racial inequities in America's cities, explores effective municipal strategies to address diversity and increase equity; and seeks to engender in city officials and within NLC the need to address these issues. Public Finance Panel The Public Finance Panel's mission is to foster and shape a broader and more visible public discourse about the need for reform to the system of public finance and to the related intergovernmental system, and to provide guidance and recommendations to city officials about dealing with specific fiscal challenges in their cities. ~~ Other NLC Advisory Groups .~' ~ ~.,,..~ Corporate Partners Leadership Council '`t The NLC Corporate Partners Program promotes the exchange of ideas between..~drpot~be ~_ leaders and the leaders of America's cities in order to strengthen local gr~~rnment, ~~ encourage economic competitiveness, and promote corporate civic engagemer w Council on Youth, Education and Families The membership of this Council, unlike any other NLC committee is composed of not only local elected officials, but also youth members and representatives from major national organizations and corporations concerned about children and families. International Council The Council provides advice and direction to NLC's International Programs. The Council encourages and supports educating municipal leaders about the impacts and opportunities of globalization. It also connects the knowledge and experiences of cities outside the U.S. with the hometown priorities of American cities and towns. Leadership Training Council The Principal Mission of the Leadership Training Council is to provide guidance and direction of the Leadership Training Institute, an educational program offered by NLC. 4f 8 Marian Karr From: Sam Hargadine Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 3:15 PM To: 'laurie haag ' Cc: '`City Council; Michael Lombardo Subject: Comment to City Council Ms. Haag, Mr. Lombardo forwarded me your concerns regarding the incident that occurred while you were riding your bicycle. I have reviewed the report associated with your complaint and agree that there needs to be additional follow up. The incident has been assigned to a crash investigator who will determine if charges are appropriate. If you have any additional problems or concerns with this case please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Chief Sam Hargadine Iowa City Police Department 410 E. Washington Iowa City, IA 52240-1826 Office: 319.356.5271 Email: Sam-Hargadine(a~iowa-city.org 10/28/2008 Marian Karr From: laurie haag [lauriehaag@yahoo.com] Sent: Monday, October 27, 2008 6:50 PM To: Council Subject: Bike Accident Experience Dear Council Members, Four weeks ago, the evening of the UI Homecoming parade, while I was riding my bicycle home from work, I was struck by a pick-up truck. The driver of the truck apparently didn't see me as I was crossing Gilbert St. at the corner of Market and Gilbert, riding carefully and lawfully in the pedestrian crosswalk. He struck my back tire, knocked me to the street and drove on, I presume completely unaware of what he had just done. Because the homecoming parade was being held that evening, a police officer was standing on the corner and came to my aid immediately; though he didn't actually witness the accident, others in the intersection did and were able to report what had happened. At least one other officer came quickly to the scene and an ambulance was called, Though my injuries were minor--scrapes and bruises--and didn't really require much medical attention, I still appreciated the quick and attentive response of all involved. Mostly I was relieved that I wasn't hurt any worse than I was. Had I not been looking into the driver's eyes as I crossed the street, realized that he was not at all aware of my presence as he turned across my lane and accelerated as much as I could to avoid him, I would have taken a direct hit from the Ford F-150 and probably sustained very serious injuries. So you can imagine my surprise a few days later when I received a copy of the incident report in the mail, with the driver's personal information and a note from the officer who filed the report. He shared that while the driver was clearly at fault, he had not been cited in the accident because he, the reporting officer, was leaving the police force and wouldn't be around for the hearing. He said he was glad that I hadn't been seriously injured and wished me the best. As a regular bike commuter, I found this very disturbing, though I simply decided to be grateful that the accident wasn't worse and leave it at that. Then the other evening, I sat in my car in the same position that the truck was in just before he struck me, waiting for a pedestrian to cross where I had crossed, I saw what he should have seen had he bothered to look that night. The view of the street and the sidewalk from his vantage point was completely unobstructed and it was early enough that the sun should not have been in his eyes. I replayed the accident in my head. I saw myself approaching the corner, waiting for the walk light and slowly entering the intersection. There was no excuse for the fact that he hadn't seen me other than he hadn't been paying attention. I had entered the intersection especially carefully, in the crosswalk, with the walk signal, because, (making the driver's actions even more irresponsible) this was at a time when the streets were crawling with pedestrians, bikers, and motorized vehicles on their way to the parade. He hit me, with witnesses looking on and a police officer a few yards away, drove off without stopping, and yet was not ticketed. And I couldn't help but think of the police officers I have seen targeting and ticketing bikers for breaking the law in the downtown area in recent weeks. And I couldn't help but wonder how many people were ticketed for public urination that weekend. And I can't reconcile that with the fact that the hit and run driver who struck wasn't even issued a citation; I don't even know if he was informed that he had struck a cyclist that evening. All I know is his name and address and what the grill of his Ford pick-up truck looked like bearing down on me as I pedaled like crazy to get out of his path. And I wondered how badly I would have needed to have been hurt for the incident to have been worthy of follow-up, or whether it would have been treated differently if he had dinged my car instead of my bike. And I wondered why the second officer couldn't have signed the report and issued the citation that might have required a court appearance. And I wonder what rights I really have in this community as a law-abiding cyclist, and, sadly, expect that I now know the answer. Part of the reason that I am sharing this story now is that I know that there has been much discussion in the city and county recently about creating bike lanes and trails, and that it appears to me that there is some reluctance to be proactive about creating dedicated bike lanes. I have been a bike commuter in Iowa City and Coralville since I moved here in 1987. I do it because I enjoy it and because it is good for the environment, though I must say that I have been enjoying it less since the accident. I am 1 safe and responsible when I ride, always taking the path of least resistance--sticking close to the edge of the street so cars can pass me more easily, riding carefully on the sidewalk when it seems to be the safest and wisest option (like it seemed the evening of the homecoming parade), and always yielding to cars and pedestrians. This experience has unfortunately been a stark reminder for me of how vulnerable bikers are in our community. It has also unfortunately demonstrated clearly to me that the rights and the safety of bikers are not priorities in our community, when an irresponsible driver who strikes a cyclist is considered less a public nuisance than someone who urinates in an alley downtown. This experience was an insult to me and to all people who choose to ride bicycles in our community. I urge all of you who have influence over the direction that our urban planning takes to prioritize the safety of cyclists in those plans, and to insist that the laws of our community be applied and enforced equally to ensure the safety of all of us. Sincerely, Laurie Haag 305 Windsor Drive Iowa City, IA 52245 ~~ MidAmerican _ ENERGY ~~ OBSESSIVELY, RELENTLESSLY AT YOUR SERVICEm The Vital Role of the Community Contact Volunteer MidAmerican Energy Company 1630 Lower Muscatine Road Iowa City, IA 52240 Community relations enlists employees to participate in our Community Contact Program. All MidAmerican employees are eligible to participate as community contact volunteers. Our goal is to find one person in each community who will represent the company as a liaison with the community's governmental leaders, such as the mayor, city council members, city manager and others. MidAmerican's community contact volunteers will be expected to • Attend at least two city council meetings each year; • Make contacts with local officials personally at least twice each year; • Make individual contacts with community leaders and influencers monthly; and • Make brief written reports on activities as they occur. Michelle Payne MidAmerican Energy Company Technical Supervisor 1630 Lower Muscatine Road Iowa City Engineering Iowa City, IA 52240-5717 319 341-4432 Telephone 319 341-4490 Fax 319 330-3735 Cellular mlpayne@midamerican.com rix MidAmerican ,1~ ENERGY OBSESSIVELY RELENTLESSLYAT IOUp lE/IVICF.