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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979-08-14 Info PacketCity of Iowa Cit!'`, MEMORANDUM Date: July 30, 1979 To: Airpo t Commission From: City anager Re: Airport Manager You may have already discussed the position of Airport Manager with the Department of Human Relations. The Department of Human Relations will be pleased to assist you. This effort probably will include a job audit to determine the responsi- bilities of the position, preparation of a job description, a salary survey, if necessary, and the use of recruitment and selection pro- cedures which comply with applicable local, state and federal regula- tions. While this process may take some time, it is important for the long-term succes: of the airport that the Airport Commission clearly define the responsibilities which it wishes the Airport Manager to perform and that the p;ocu,ss be recognized as being fair. cc: Cite Council bdw f:c: Pat urown MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DSS MOVIES /6!0 I FF is I i I j L.- I r I I r i I � II I i I 1 � J i S i �)Clty of Iowa CW) MEMORANDUM DATE: August 3, 1979 TO: City Manager and City Council FROM: Jim flencin, CDBG Program Coordinator, {� RE: Small Cities Neighborhood Meeting II Attached for your information are the minutes of the Lower Ralston Creek Neighborhood Meeting which was held on July 25th at the National Guard Amory. The intent of this meeting was to inform residents and property owners of the City's acquisition procedures under State and Federal laws. Please contact me if there are any questions concerning the Small Cities project in general or the neighborhood meeting in particular. JH/ssw Attachment MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES /A/ MINUTES LOWER RALSTON CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTY ACQUISITION INFORMATIONAL MEETING NATIONAL GUARD ARMORY JULY 25, 1979 7:30 P.M. STAFF PRESENT: Mike Flaherty, Bruce Knight, Jim Hencin, Dennis Kraft, Kevin Laverty, Larry Chiat and Roger Scholten. GUEST SPEAKERS: George Nuss, Property Acquisition Specialist from the Department of Housing and Urban Development; and Norman Bailey, a local real estate appraiser. CCN MEMBERS PRESENT: George Swisher and Ronald Johnson. RESIDENTS PRESENT: Rod Boshart, James Croker, John Gillespie, Helen Kavanhaugh, Josephine Graham, Clark Jones, Inez Foster, Marie Alexander, Phil Cary, David Busch, and KCRG News. 1. Bruce Knight introduced the City staff and guest speakers and then made a presentation on the proposed plans for the Lower Ralston Creek Neighborhood. The presentation included what property will be acquired, improvements to the public right-of-way in the neighborhood, creek improvements, and the housing programs which will be carried out. He also presented the tentative time schedule for the Small Cities Project. 2. George Nuss, Property Acquisition Specialist from HUD, discussed those sections of the Uniform Property Acquisition and Relocation Act which pertained to property acquisition and the rights, under law, of those landowners along Ralston Creek whose property will be acquired. 3. Mike Flaherty spoke on acquisition procedures in the City of Iowa City. Using a flow chart he described the steps which would be included in the property acquisition process. These steps included: the notice of intent to acquire, the appraisals, the purchase offer, negotiations, possible rejection and renegotiation, acceptance and closing. If the offer is not accepted then condemnation would follow. 4. Norman Bailey, a real estate appraiser from Iowa City, discussed the appraisal process. He first explained what an appraiser is and what his job entails. He then outlined the techniques an.appraiser uses to reach an estimated Fair Market Value for a property. These included: (1) comparable property sales (which is especially emphasized for residential property); (2) the income approach, this approach looks at how much a property earns, and how much the prudent investor would pay for it; (3) the basic land value approach looks at what the land itself is worth at its highest and best use; and (4) the cost approach, which entails the calculation of what it would cost to build the property today and then deducts depreciation to reach an estimate (this is seldom used for older buildings). MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES 2 5. At this point, Mike Flaherty opened the floor for questions which he either answered, or directed to one of the guest speakers. Questions and comments brought up included the following: -- One resident explained that the piece of property which he owned was paid for and was perfect for his needs. However, he felt that its actual fair market value would not be enough for him to replace it, and therefore he would lose out on the deal. He then asked the appraiser if he also felt this was true. Norman Bailey explained that the problem was the difference between the value of the property to the owner and the value on the open market. This difference is not taken into consideration in the appraisal process. Mike Flaherty responded that it may be possible to find a new place at a reasonable price, and that we would assist him in any way possible. In addition to this it may be possible to do some negotiation on the price he would receive for the property. A question was asked on how the appraisal would take place in terms of who would determine what the highest and best i use of the property is. Norman Bailey responded that this would be determined by how the property had been used in the past, and if it could be turned to another use. i -- It was asked if it may be possible that the City would decide not to acquire all of the land and that only some 1 of the parcels would be acquired. I I Mike Flaherty responded that if and when the full application was approved all property listed would be acquired. The only chance that this might change is if the environmental review included any new information to j stop the acquisition of an of r if the social impacts were so severe that lthe CityeCouncil or HUD would stop the project. -- A resident asked if the City was going to stand behind the i promises it makes and bargain in good faith. Mike Flaherty explained that although we were not policy i makers, we certainly had every intention of being as fair as possible. -- It was asked if it would be possible for the current property owner to get the land back once the improvements were made. 1 j i i MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 1101RES f r i ' I i I I 1 p i II i I(( i I r - I i i j 1 i i 1 i i I —Il3 -__1 Mike Flaherty explained that the only way this could be done under Iowa law was through competitive bidding. -- A concern was expressed that due to inflation it may not be possible for the City to complete the Small Cities project with the money provided if the project becomes too drawn out. Mike Flaherty explained that we would work as fast as possible but that we had to follow certain procedures under law first. 6. At this point there were no more questions and the meeting was adjourned at 9:35 P.M. MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 110IIIES . _. City of Iowa Cit'" MEMORANDUM Date: August 1, 1979 To: City Council From: John Hayek, City Attorney Re: Connor V. Rock Island Railroad, City of Coralville, City of Iowa City I am very pleased to report to you the successful conclusion for the above law suit in Johnson County District Court. This case involved a claim against the City of Iowa City by plaintiffs for over $500,000 damages resulting from a railroad crossing accident at the Camp Cardinal Road -Rock Island Railroad crossing in June of 1976. In addition to making claim for damages against the City of Iowa City, plaintiffs claimed damages against the Rock Island Railroad and the City of Coralville. ' Trial commenced on July 9, 1979. The trial, in which I represented the City of Iowa City, continued almost without interruption for three weeks. A jury verdict was returned on Friday last. The jury in its verdict ruled i in favor of the City of Iowa City and the City of Coralville on all claims by the plaintiffs in connection with this case. In addition, the jury returned a very favorable verdict to the Rock Island Railroad. Naturally I am pleased with this result particularly since the City of Iowa City is self-insured in this case. It may well be that plaintiffs will attempt to appeal the jury's decision. favorable t the fact the Cityhat the of Iowa City is of greatthis asignificancence a verdict very � I believe. I will keep you posted of any further developments in this case. j John Hayek I` bj2/9 i i I � i i f I i ! 1 MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES NOIRES City of Iowa Citr-, MEMORANDUM Date: August 2, 1979 To: Neal Berlin and Cij it From: Richard Plastino Re: North Dubuque InteLights - Referral from 'Council Why our Lights Bury Several weeks ago the Northe lighting system was struck by lightning and several circuits were fused. The system is currently being turned on and off by an IDOT employee. Occasionally the routine is upset and the lights either do not get turned on or off. Parts are on order 'and the system should be back on a automatic system in the next couple of weeks. bj4/6 MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES /6/3 I' MINUTES OF STAFF MEETING July 18, 1979 Referrals from the informal and formal Council meetings were distributed to the staff for review (copy attached). Items for the next Council agenda include: Ordinance amending tree regulations Public hearing on asphalt resurfacing project I - Bids for truck wash facility r Public hearing for river corridor sewer Public hearing on Sunset Improvement Project Amendment to Pentacrest Garden Apartments (agenda of July 24) i Resolution requiring prepayment of cemetery lots Resolution establishing the elimination of the refuse fee for low income persons i The City Manager informed the staff that the Energy Coordinator will be sending i' a memorandum to the staff regarding temperatures in the City buildings. He will ! also be talking to the department and division heads and maintenance people. Federal regulations are in effect. The Energy Coordinator will explain in his memo the ways in which compliance with these regulations can be achieved. The Energy Coordinator also will have the Johnson people to calibrate the thermostats for winter. Prepared by: t Lorraine Saeger i f I i i , 1 MICROFILMED BY ti JORM MICRCLAB CEDAR RAPIDS•DES MOIRES Regular Council Meeting July 13, 1979 DEPARTMENT REFERRALS MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES W SUBJECT Mn WY8WC:D ouE COMMENTS/STATUS c Application for exemption from refuse charge 7-17 Finance 7-19 Provide to Mayor Vevera Complete ASAP - Provide to Manager'— Steve Cook - right of way - report 7-17 Public Wks 7-31 Contact Vets organization concerning Assistant 17-31 11 maintenance of Old Jet 7-17 City Mgr Plane has been vandalized A Better Cab Company (Council extended Next Contract for off-duty service extend contract) 7-17 Legal mtg and present new contract Grade Tanglewood and Ventura 7-17 Public Wks ASAP I Reserve bidding date until hotel Block 64 Ramp 7-17 Public Wks question resolved and Ramp 83-84 completion date known. Appointments - Readvertise Parks and Re 7-17 Lorraine Check with Abbie Robertson Can they be done in one resolution Housing Resolutions 7-17 Mike K. in the future? MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES informal Council Meeting July 16, 1979 DEPARTMENT REFERRALS MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOVIES W SUBJECT DATE RECD REFERRED TO DATE DUE COMMENTS/STATUS Neuzil Tract 7-16 Staff to meet with Neuzil and U.H.'s 1P&PD 18-16 Council representative to review possibilities for development of tract Ralston Creek storm water detention 7-16 Public Wks 8-30 Informal session report - status of— projects, schedule, costs. Do plans call for installation of New Library 7-16 Library barrier along alley to prevent vehicles from backing into building? Applications for P&Z candidates - Submit questions to City Manager - attached additional questions. 7-16 P&PD 7-30 indicating interest and knowledge regarding planning and zoning. Readvertise positions - Appeals, P&Z, 7-16 Clerk Resources Conservation, UAY, CCN C' Jim Shepherd application for Resources 7-16 Roger T. 7-20 Contact Shepherd re. background, Conservation Comm interest and involvement in Iowa City. Parks and Recreation candidate 7-16 Parks & Rec 7-20 Draft letter for Manager to other Parks and Rec candidates. MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOVIES MINUTES RALSTON CREEK COORDINATING COMMITTEE AUGUST 1, 1979 PERSONS IN ATTENDANCE: Charlie Eastham, Maria Ahern, Bruce Glasgow, Jane Kinney, Audrie Scott, Jim Hall, Lee Vaughan, Dick Plastino. The Committee was told that a public information meeting on the Ralston Creek Watershed Management Plan will be held August 22 at 7:30 P.M. in the City Council Chambers. In order to receive publicity on this hearing the City Council will be asked to set the hearing on August 14. This is not a legal requirement but there will be more publicity. Ed Brinton will go through the blue Watershed Management Plan report and make people aware of its contents and also people will make their feelings known on the general plan. Jim Hall stated that he hoped the North Branch Detention Structure would have the topsoil replaced. He noted that Bruce Glasgow had not replaced the topsoil on the detention structures on the east side of town and grass was not doing very well in establishing itself. The Committee went over the preliminary draft of the North Branch design outline. There were no comments on the report itself. Bruce Glasgow stated that somehow a sewer was going to have to be extended east behind Regina High School to the west end of his property line. He stated that it would be agreeable if this were done by special assessment to the upstream property owners. Audrie Scott commented on'a plan to put HUD housing on Grant Court. She stated that she thought this would exacerbate the flooding problem. Plastino commented that some resistance to HUD housing seems to be based more on the low income aspects of the housing rather than flood control. The Committee discussed meeting with Regina High School. It was decided that a committee composed of Bob Vevera, Jim Hall and Dick Plastino should meet with Regina High School preferably before August 22. The meeting adjourned. MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 610 RIES 161s --, THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, Wednesday, Aug. 1, 1971 Portland, Ore., Mulls A Sweeping Program To Conserve Energy Mandatory Plan Seen Having Good Chance of Passage, - Cost Could Be=350Mdhon r,,�,,f may. By VICTOR F. ZONANA SW1ReMrfe 71Mw.Ud.81u=JOURMAL PORTLAND, Ore.—The city council here today will debate and vote on what appears to be the most,sweeping mandatory energy. conservation program In the nation. Local observers say the plan. which could cost Portland's property owners as much as 5350 million over the next five years, has a good chance of being enacted. The plan has drawn Interest from other titles across ibe country, Including Mllwau- kee, los Angeles and Washington. "We see It as a model for the nation," says Marlon Hemphill, the city's 71 -year-old energy ad. viser. Among other things. Portland's plan would: re Pecs oto II Include n tallatlon of Incsulatl n and storm whdows, of all iN,000 dwelling units In the city, at an average cost of 81,500 a unit. —Provide grants and low -Interest loans s to Property owners for the weatherizatlon e r procedures. Of ccmmerclal aroa�wlWn'- consolidation o solidah ion to reduce auto tra(ryc. cost pthe lamnmearsnda Otory conceding the say the program could reduce Portland's en• ergy requirements between 25%, and 36% by 1995. That works out to nine million to 13 million barrels of oil a year, or a yearly sav- ings Of $190 mBllon to 790 million based on a The mberot dlbeet Impact of the plan would be on homeowners, who would be required to submit to audits to determine what ener• 9Y -saving Improvements have to be Imple• mented. Homeowners world be required to make these changes before being permitted to sell their Muses. "r"6L1neovuurtdurg owners also would have to comply with the regulations, though It hasn't yet been determined whetiwr com• pliance would be required when n building Is sold or when Individual units In a building become vacant, For residential properties, any conservi. tion measures to be taken would have to pay for Itself In energy savings within 10 years. For businesses, any required Improvements would be based on a nVegar period. Mr. Hemphill said the Portland plan, which has been developed for the past 18 months and Incorporates suggestions from homeowners, businesses and builders, Is based on the premise that substantial local Involvement will be required If a nationwide energy pian is to succeed. "Plans Imposed from above can't ac. count for regional differences In climate, economies, transportation and land use," he aid, adding: "Every locality needs Its own nergy plan that can be fine tuned to local fe stoles and economies." /64 MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES IIOIIIES 1-1 The Buie Idi* Lig Line Volume 23 SIDEWALK INSPECTION NOW PART OF BUILDING INSPECTION July 1979 Effective July 1, inspections for sidewalks were transferred from the Division of Engineering in the Public Works Department to the Division of Building Inspection in the Department of Housing and Inspection Services. All public sidewalk inspections, releases, snow removal and replacement will now be undertaken by the Division of Building. Effective immediately, contractors are asked to call the Building Division for Form Inspection and Sidewalk Release inspections. This is the same procedure as used ni rough -in and n-aT-fnspectio' ns for building, electrical and plumbing. Mr. Jerry Denison, a newly hired building inspector, will be responsible for all sidewalk inspections. Jerry brings to the Department of Housing and Inspection Services a background of over twenty years of construction knowledge and is very knowledgable in concrete work. If you have any questions on the City's sidewalk ordinances you can contact Jerry at the lower level of the Civic Center or by phoning 354-1800, extension 322. REAL ESTATE SIGNS REVIEWED This summer the Department of Housing and Inspection Services has experienced an unusual amount of illegal signs in the City of Iowa City. The sign that is most often in violation is the for sale sign, the sold sign, and construction signs. The City of Iowa City not only discovers these violations on routine investigations but follows through on a citizen complaint basis. Real estate signs are in violation for one or all of the six following reasons: I. The sign exceeds six square feet. 2. There is more than one sign on the premises. 3. The sign is closer to the property line than five feet, unless located on the wall of a building. 4. The sign is higher than four feet above grade. 5. Signs with "Sold" displayed remaining longer than 48 hours after execution of an offer or a contract of sale. 6. The sign is located in the public right-of-way. (Signs placed on public property may be confiscated). We are asking that you help make certain that your staff complys with the sign ordinance by observing the above mentioned rules and regulations. It will not only save a phone call or a possible Order of Violation but it will help keep administrative costs and tax levels at a minimum. If you should have any questions on any sign regulations we ask that you contact Woody Kendall at 354-1800, extension 325. His office is in the Iowa City Civic Center, Division of Building, in the lower level of the Center. 107 MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB rnn„ aAN,'c.:)I •an:If s _ ." MINIMUM HOUSING STATISTICS During June, 1979, 233 struc- tures were inspected containing 1263 dwelling units and 281 rooming units. 332 dwelling units and 52 rooming units were found to be in compliance with the Minimum Housing Code of Iowa City. 931 dwelling units and 229 rooming units did not comply with the Minimum Housing Code. BUILDING INSPECTION During the month of June, 1979, 77 Building Permits, 14 Mechanical Permits, 24 Plumbing Permits, and 59 ElectricalPermits have been issued by the City. The total value of all June Construction in Iowa City is $1,611,389. There was 1 demolition permit issued. HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM During June, 1979, 16 units were brought into the Section 8 Program. Total units, Section 8 = 346. SSI 'aN 8�d VM01100 7 Ob225 emoi 'AITO emol alyd UOjsUTgSea, '9 OIU 30Y1SOd-371 saoTAJOS uoiloadsul pue an 3Rflt BuTsnoH ;o juaw4aedaQ k4m emol ;o A.IT0/�-- MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -,,)FS •IORIFS City of Iowa City Department of Housing and Inspection Services 410 E. Washington Iowa City, Iowa 52240 9VE = 8 uoTloaS 'shun TE1oy wEaBoad 8 uOTIOaS aq1 olut 1g8noaq aaaM shun 9T '6L6T 'aunt 8utan0 WVN9ONd 3ONV.LSISSV ONISIIOH 'pansst ltwaad uOTITTowap T sEM aaagy '68£'TT9'T$ ST A4TO EMOI ut uotlonalsuoO ounr TTE ;o anTEn IE1ol agy A4TO aq1 Aq PanSST uoaq aneg sltwaad,TE�taloaTH 6S puE 'sltwzad 8utgmnTd VZ 'sltwaad TE31 MD OW VT 'sltwaad SutPTtnff LL '6L6T 'aunt ;o gluow oTl1 3utan0 N0I1OHdSNI ONIO'IIN 'apoO SutsnoH wnwtutW aql glint ATdwoo IOU pip shun BuLwOOa 6ZZ puE shun SUTTTOmP T£6 'AZTO EmOI ;o opoO 8utsnoH wnwiuiW 9q1 glTm 00UPTTdwoo UT aq of puno;7 aaaM shun 8uiwooa ZS puE shun 8u?TIOmP Z££ 'shun BUtwOOa T8Z puE shun ButTTaMP £9ZT 8ututE4uoO poloadsut aaaM saanl anals ££Z '6L6T 'aunr SutanO SO I.LS I IVIS MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS•OEt `10111ES DNISn011 WnWINIW I., City of Iowa Cites' MEMORANDUM DATE: August 9, 1979 TO: City Council FROM: City Manager RE: Informal Agendas and Meeting Schedule August 13, 1979 Monday 1:30 - 5:00 P.M. 1:30 P.M. - Review zoning applications 2:00 P.M. - Council agenda, Council time, and Council committee reports 2:30 P.M. - South Gilbert Street acquisition - Planning and Program Development 3:00 P.M. - Ralston Creek Storm Water Detention Project: Current Status Report - Public Works 4:00 P.M. - Consider appointments to Housing Commission and Committee on Community Needs August 14, 1979 Tuesday 7:30 P.M. - Regular Council Meeting - Council Chambers fAugust 20 - 1979 Monday II NO INFORMAL MEETING 1 August 21, 1979 Tuesday NO FORMAL MEETING August 27, 1979 Monday 1:30 - 5:00 P.M. 1 1:30 P.M. - Review zoning applications fi 2:00 P.M. - Council agenda, Council time, and Council connittee reports r August 28 - 1979 Tuesday i 7:30 P.M. - Regular Council Meeting - Council Chambers PENDING ITEMS {i Northside Study JI j Area Transportation Study j Presentation on new Art Gallery - September 1979 Discuss major City projects Appointments to Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Appeals, United Action for Youth Board, Resources Conservation Commission and Committee on Community Needs - September 25, 1979 Appointments to Board of Library Trustees, Board of Appeals, Committee on Community Needs - October 2, 1979 MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS•DES MOINES ■ City of Iowa Citi MEMORANDUM Date: August 8, 1979 To: Depart ent Heads and City Council From: Ci anager Re: Acting City Manager The City Manager will be taking some vacation days between now and the end of August. Dale Helling, in accordance with my previous memorandum, will serve as acting Manager except for August 9, 10, 11 and 12. During that period Rosemary Vitosh will serve as acting Manager. bj MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOVES August 9, 1979 Mr. William Meardon Meardon, Sueppel, Downer & Hayes 122 South Linn Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Mr. Meardon: I am writing in response to your letter dated July 20, 1979, written on behalf of Old Capitol Hosts, the organization of hotel -motel -restaurant owners in the area. The issues raised in your letter are addressed in the order in which they were presented: 1. The hotel development is the second largest development in the long standing downtown redevelopment plan, and as such is of key importance to the overall redevelopment effort. While any future request would be judged on its own merits, given the status of the redevelopment program, it is unlikely that future developments as critical as this one will occur in the near future. I 2,3,4 The City has considered financial feasibility and project viability as very important criteria in judging all urban renewal proposals. Toward this end the City has taken several steps to ensure that proposals received will be most carefully evaluated. The City again is using the firm of Zuchelli, Hunter and Associates, which is currently involved in nearly a dozen hotel developments nationally, to advise and assist the City during the marketing process. The City Council is considering an ordinance requiring fees to be paid to the City to cover City costs involved in the evaluation of a revenue bond issue. The ! City will continue to use the professional services of our municipal finance consultants, Paul D. Speer and Associates, and our bond counsel, Messrs. Ahlers, Cooney, Dorweiler, Haynie, and Smith of Des Moines, Iowa, to assist in the evalua- tion of the merits of any bond proposal. 5. We are aware that issuing municipal industrial revenue bonds serves as a financial incentive to the developer directly benefiting from i! the issue. Because the City believes that escalating construction costs and high interest are major impediments to this development, the City is willing to consider such a bond issue. This hotel j development is of sufficient importance to warrant such action. /6 i9 MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS•DES MOINES Mr. William ML .don August 9, 1979 Page 2 The rebidding process proposing the use of revenue bonds must be competi- tive. The City together with the consultants is evaluating whether the 30 -day requirement set forth in the Code is adequate in this instance. If, as a result of this evaluation, it is concluded that a longer bidding period is needed, the longer bidding period will be established. If you desire to discuss this matter again, please contact me. Sincerely yours, Neal G. Berlin City Manager cc: City Council City Clerk bj MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS•DES MOINES ■ August 2, 1979 Mrs. Della A. Grizel 1530 Sheridan Ave. Iowa City, Iowa 52240:. Dear Mrs. Grizel: This letter is written in reply to your recent correspondence, comments You made at a recent City Council meeting, and our conversation over the telephone approximately ten days ago. In rephy to your letter -of July 10, 1979, the Towncrest bus will be routed on Seventh Avenue and F Street outbound, and on Muscatine Avenue inbound. This routing will provide service similar to that which you suggested; persons living along both F Street and along Muscatine Avenue will each have service in one direction. The area south of Muscatine Avenue and west of Seventh Avenue, which has formerly been served by the Towncrest bus, will now be served by the new Seventh Avenue route. In spite of the fact that this route will be paired with the Hawkeye route, it is our feeling that the level than that of the of service will be equal to or better Towncrest bus, if only because the degree of rush-hour overcrowding will be reduced. In your letter of July 2, 1979, you made two suggestions regarding new bus routes. Your suggestion that the Towncrest bus operate outbound on Muscatine Avenue and inbound over its present alignment certainly has its advantages, but our feeling is that it will be easier to operate if F Street and Seventh Avenue are run in the outbound direction. Also, as stated earlier, it is our feeling that the Sheridan Avenue and Rundell Street area can better be served with a different route. Regarding the pairing of the Towncrest route with North Dodge, we believe that more persons will be better served by a route traveling from Towncrest across the river to the vicinity of University Hospital; this is the route operated by the City from the time it took over the transit operation until 1975. Your suggestion for a Seventh Avenue route also has certain advantages, but due to narrow streets, several difficult corners and the very large loop it would entail, we feel overall it is less attractive than the Seventh Avenue route utilizing Summit Street, Sheridan Avenue, Seventh Avenue and College Street. /6 / 9 MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES IIDIIIES Mrs. Della A. Grizel August 2, 1979 Page 2 In our telephone conversation, I indicated that a map showing all of the new proposed routes would appear in the Press -Citizen Key Edition, which would be published at the end of July. We prepared a map, and delivered it to the Press -Citizen, but due to reproduction problems the newspaper was unable to print our map. I regret that we were unable to get this much-needed publicity, but we hope to salvage some value from the map we produced by reprinting it ourselves and posting it behind the driver's seat in each of our buses. We are currently in the process of getting this map reproduced, and as soon as it is returned from the printers we will have it posted. At the City Council informal session of June 16, 1979, you expressed concern over the quality of service that could be provided on the new Seventh Avenue route, because it was to be paired with the Hawkeye Route. As you pointed out, the Hawkeye route is a very long one so it is imperative that we pair it with a very short route. It has always been paired with the North Dubuque route, but in an effort to use the buses we have more efficiently, we are proposing to reduce service to North Dubuque to one trip per hour during mid-day, so we can no longer operate the Hawkeye-North Dubuque route pair. Of our remaining routes, the new Seventh Avenue route is by far the shortest, and therefore is the only logical pairing for the Hawkeye bus. Because the Seventh Avenue route is so short, it will have a sizable layover in the vicinity of East College and Summit Streets. This layover should provide enough slack time so that even during the worst weather the bus will run reasonably well on schedule. Responding to your recent letter concerning bus service to Court Street, between Gilbert and Clinton, let me reiterate the points we discussed over the he new Sycamore ebus nand the drevised o plan tLakeside o run obus swill es nprovide Court sservice tboth inbound and outbound along Court Street. These two routes can serve Court Street and actually shorten their trip time, because the traffic signals on Burlington Street are bypassed. To serve Court Street with the Seventh Avenue bus would require the route to be lengthened by two blocks and would result in coverage by the inbound bus only. We recognize the need for serving Court Street, but feel it can be done with the Lakeside and Sycamore buses more efficiently than with the Seventh Avenue route. Let me take this opportunity to thank you once again for your interest in the Iowa City transit system. Even though we do not concur with all 611CROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES 4 Mrs. Della A. Grizel August 2, 1979 Page 3 of your suggestions, we appreciate the fact that you have taken the time to think about the effect that the transit system has on your neighborhood, and have brought these matters to our attention. Should you wish to discuss further any of these points, or any other ideas you may have regarding the transit system, please do not hesitate to contact me. Very truly yours, Hugh A. Mose Transit Manager Iowa City Transit bj2/1-3 cc: City Council City Clerk MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS•DES MOINES August 2, 1979 Mrs. Della A. Grizel 1530 Sheridan Ave. Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Mrs. Grizel: This letter is written in reply to your recent correspondence, comments you made at a recent City Council meeting, and our conversation over the telephone approximately ten days ago. In reply to your letter of July 10, 1979, the Towncrest bus will be routed on Seventh Avenue and F Street outbound, and on Muscatine Avenue inbound. This routing will provide service similar to that which you suggested; persons living along both F Street and along Muscatine Avenue will each have service in one direction. The area south of Muscatine Avenue and west of Seventh Avenue, which has formerly been served by the Towncrest bus, will now be served by the new Seventh Avenue route. In spite of the fact that this route will be paired with the Hawkeye route, it is our feeling that the level of service will be equal to or better than that of the Towncrest bus, if only because the degree of rush-hour overcrowding will be reduced. In your letter of July 2, 1979, you made two suggestions regarding new bus routes. Your suggestion that the Towncrest bus operate outbound on Muscatine Avenue and inbound over its present alignment certainly has its advantages, but our feeling is that it will be easier to operate if F Street and Seventh Avenue are run in the outbound direction. Also, as stated earlier, it is our feeling that the Sheridan Avenue and Rundell ` Street area can better be served with a different route. Regarding the pairing of the Towncrest route with North Dodge, we believe that more persons will be better served by a route traveling from Towncrest across the river to the vicinity of University Hospital; this is the route operated by the City from the time it took over the transit operation i until 1975. Your suggestion for a Seventh Avenue route also has certain advantages, but due to narrow streets, several difficult corners and the very large loop it would entail, we feel overall it is less attractive than the Seventh Avenue route utilizing Summit Street, Sheridan Avenue, Seventh Avenue and College Street. I I MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS•DES MOIRES Mrs. Della A. Grizel August 2, 1979 Page 2 In our telephone conversation, I indicated that a map showing all of the new proposed routes would appear in the Press -Citizen Key Edition, which would be published at the end of July. We prepared a map, and delivered it to the Press -Citizen, but due to reproduction problems the newspaper was unable to print our map. I regret that we were unable to get this much-needed publicity, but we hope to salvage some value from the map we produced by reprinting it ourselves and posting it behind the driver's seat in each of our buses. We are currently in the process of getting this map reproduced, and as soon as it is returned from the printers we will have it posted. At the City Council informal session of June 16, 1979, you expressed concern over the quality of service that could be provided on the new Seventh Avenue route, because it was to be paired with the Hawkeye Route. As you pointed out, the Hawkeye route is a very long one so it is imperative that we pair it with a very short route. It has always been paired with the North Dubuque route, but in an effort to use the buses we have more efficiently, we are proposing to reduce service to North Dubuque to one trip per hour during mid-day, so we can no longer operate the Hawkeye-North Dubuque route pair. Of our remaining routes, the new Seventh Avenue route is by far the shortest, and therefore is the only logical pairing for the Hawkeye bus. Because the Seventh Avenue route is so short, it will have a sizable layover in the vicinity of East College and Summit Streets. This layover should provide enough slack time so that even during the worst weather the bus will run reasonably well on schedule. Responding to your recent letter concerning bus service to Court Street, between Gilbert and Clinton, let me reiterate the points we discussed over the telephone. We do plan to run two buses on Court Street; the new Sycamore bus and the revised Lakeside bus will provide service both inbound and outbound along Court Street. These two routes can serve Court Street and actually shorten their trip time, because the traffic signals on Burlington Street are bypassed. To serve Court Street with the Seventh Avenue bus would require the route to be lengthened by two blocks and would result in coverage by the inbound bus only. We recognize the need for serving Court Street, but feel it can be Lakeside and Sycamore buses more efficiently than with done with the the Seventh Avenue route. Let me take this opportunity to thank you once again for your interest in the Iowa City transit system. Even though we do not concur with all MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDs•DEs do IIIEs I' � I I I I i i I I r , i i r 1, I � I , I i � I i Mrs. Della A. Grizel August 2, 1979 Page 3 of your suggestions, we appreciate the fact that you have taken the time to think about the effect that the transit system has on your neighborhood, and have brought these matters to our attention. Should you wish to discuss further any of these points, or any other ideas you may have regarding the transit system, please do not hesitate to contact me. Very truly yours, Hugh A. Mose Transit Manager Iowa City Transit bj2/1-3 i i cc: City Council City Clerk MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS•DES MOIIIES '~City of Iowa Cit": MEMORANDUM = Date: August 10, 1979 To: Neal Berlin and C uncil From: Dick Plastino i Re: Council Referr - s n Creek Stonnwater Detention Project - Status Report i There are now three projects on Ralston Creek. 1. South Branch Detention Structure 2. North Branch Detention Structure C3. Ralston Creek Channel Irtprovemmments 1. South Branch Detention Structure The schedule for this project to completion is as follows: 1 Present - November 1979 - continue aapiri.rg property. January - February 1980 - bid project April - August 1980 - construction project i Cost: ARIOUnt budgeted $845,000 HCDA Latest estimate: $1,205,703 HCDA (additional funds to be acquired from North below) Branch Detention Structure HMA funds; see � 14 2. North Branch Detention Structure The schedule for this project to mrpletion is as follows: i Present - January 1980 - prepare plans and specifications January 1980 to August 1980 - aaluire land March 1981 to August 1981 - construct the facility Cost: Amount budgeted $1,050,000 Latest estimate: $946,350 i Funds available: $389,297 HCDA and $557,053 General Obligation Bonds NOTE: Council had originally allocated $750,000 HCDA and $300,000 General Obligation Bonds. Since part of the funds are being transferred to the South Branch Detention Structure, additional general obligation funding is needed. i MICROFILMEO BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 11011JES 3. Ralston Creek Channel rrovenents The schedule for this Project and costs to completion are as follows: EY81 Reserve fund for land and Property Purchases along the entire channel $950,000 Engineering for F Street to Memory cemetery 50,000 $500,000 FY82 Construction of Project from F Street to Memory Gardens Cemetery $441,000 Engineering for Glendale Court to Sheridan Avenue and Sheridan Avenue to F Street 55,000 5496,000 FY83 Reserve fund for land and Property Purchases along the entire channel $185,000 Construction of Glendale Court to Sheridan Avenue and Sheridan Avenue to F Street 300,000 $985,000 E784 Construction and engineering Was}ington Street to Clapp Street $610,000 Cost: All funding would be General Obligation Bonds. bdw5/19-20 FIICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 14011JES '�'City of Iowa CIC, MEMORANDUM Date: August 10, 1979 To: City Council From: Dick Plastino Re: Transit Versus r Councilers, last month our ridership was up 21% over July of 1978. This is the largest percentage increase the Transit System has ever exper- ienced. Based on this trend and our experience of the last several months, we anticipate that September will be another recordbreaker. We think we will be able to handle the passengers in September, October and November with moderate difficulty. When bad weather strikes, as it did last December, January and February, the Transit System will once again be stretched to the breaking point. The purpose of this memo is to make you aware that we will not be able to carry all of the passengers that want to ride the Transit System this winter. In past years we have always made little changes in the routes, added a couple more buses, or in some other manner patched things together. There are no additional measures available that will quickly increase our capacity. In the past we have always considered it a right of every citizen to get a bus ride when they wanted a bus ride. That right will come to an end this winter. In the next few months the City and its citizens are going to have to give serious thought to transportation in Iowa City. The budget decisions made in the next few months will set the tone for transportation in Iowa City for many years to come. The staff will present various ideas to YOU- You will have to make the final decisions on transit and auto ridership patterns of the future. cc: Hugh Mose jm3/16 i MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOVIES 16a/ City of Iowa Cit - MEMORANDUM I . F Date: August 9, 1979 To: City Manager and City Council From: Hugh A. Mose, Transit Manager jj R/1 a Re: Mrs. Della Grizel's Transit Suggestions Mrs. Della Grizel has on several occasions put forth suggestions on ways the transit system could better serve the neighborhood in which she lives. She has written several letters to the City Council, has spoken in person at an informal session, and has talked with me over the telephone. The Transit staff has studied Mrs. Grizel's ideas; our reply to each of these is contained in a letter dated August 2, 1979, which is attached. To summarize, we have agreed with her suggestion to route the Towncrest bus along Seventh Avenue and F Street in one direction and on Muscatine Avenue in the other. We appreciate her concern over Seventh Avenue bus being paired with the Hawkeye route, but theresimply is no alternative, and our feeling is that there will be little inconvenience due to this arrangement. Regarding Mrs. Grizel's suggestion for a different Seventh Avenue route, our feeling is that the route she presented is somewhat .less attractive due to several operational problems. Her suggestion that the Seventh Avenue bus be operated in.one direction along Court Street, between Gilbert and Clinton, has also been turned down, because two buses, the new Sycamore and the revised Lakeside route, are already scheduled to provide service on this street. I believe the route and schedule realignments will provide a superior service to almost all areas of the community; the neighborhood around Seventh Avenue, Sheridan Avenue and F Street i new routes are implemented s no exception. When the and the initial confusion subsides, the area in which Mrs. Grizel lives will almost certainly have a higher level of transit service, including greater frequency of service, increased bus capacity, and improved schedule adherence, than it has at the present time. jm3/20 MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 110INES I /6,Z ab August 2, 1979 Mrs. Della A. Grizel 1530 Sheridan Ave. Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Mrs. Grizel: This letter is written ih reply to your recent correspondence, comments i you made at a recent City Council meeting, and our conversation over the telephone approximately ten days ago. i j In reply to your letter of July 10, 1979, the Towncrest,bus will be routed on Seventh Avenue and F Street outbound, and on Muscatine Avenue inbound. This routing will provide service similar to that which you suggested; persons living along both F Street and along Muscatine Avenue will each have service in one direction. The area south of Muscatine Avenue and west of Seventh Avenue, which has formerly been served by the Townc( spiteroftthesfactll nothatWthissroute willhbenpairedewithAthevenue route. In Hawkeye route, it is our feeling that the level of service will be equal to or better than that of the Towncrest bus, if only because the degree of rush-hour overcrowding will be reduced. I In your letter of July 2, 1979, you made two suggestions regarding new bus routes. Your suggestion that the Towncrest bus operate outbound on Muscatine Avenue and inbound over its present alignment certainly has j its advantages, but our feeling is that it will be easier to operate if i F Street and Seventh Avenue are run in the outbound direction. Also, as stated earlier, it is our feeling that the Sheridan Avenue and Rundell i Street area can better be served with a different route. Regarding the Pairing of the Towncrest route with North Dodge, we believe that more persons will be better served by a route traveling from Towncrest across the river to the vicinity of University Hospital; this is the route operated by the City from the time it took over the transit operation until 1975. Your suggestion efor a advantages, but duetonarrowstreets,feAvenue severaldifficultacorners andlso has thevery large loop it would entail, we feel overall it is less attractive than the Seventh Avenue route utilizing Summit Street, Sheridan Avenue, I Seventh Avenue and College Street. MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MONIES Mrs. Della A. Grizel August 2, 1979 Page 2 In our telephone conversation, I indicated that a map showing all of the new proposed routes would appear in the Press -Citizen Key Edition, which would be published at the end of July. We prepared a map, and delivered it to the Press -Citizen, but due to reproduction problems the newspaper was unable to print our map. I regret that we were unable to get this much-needed publicity, but we hope to salvage some value from the map we produced by reprinting it ourselves and posting it behind the driver's seat in each of our buses. We are currently in the process of getting this map reproduced, and as soon as it is returned from the printers we will have it posted. At the City Council informal session of June 16, 1979, you expressed concern over the quality of service that could be provided on the new Seventh Avenue route, because it was to be paired with the Hawkeye Route. As you pointed out, the Hawkeye route is a very long one so it is imperative that we pair it with a very short route. It has always been paired with the North Dubuque route, but in an effort to use the buses we have more efficiently, we are proposing to reduce service to North Dubuque to one trip per hour during mid-day, so we can no longer i operate the Hawkeye-North Dubuque route pair. Of our remaining routes, the new Seventh Avenue route is by far the shortest, and therefore is the only logical pairing for the Hawkeye bus. Because the Seventh Avenue route is so short, it will have a sizable layover in the vicinity of East College and Summit Streets. This layover should provide enough slack time so that even during the worst weather the bus will run reasonably well on schedule. , Responding to your recent letter concerning bus service to Court Street, i between Gilbert and Clinton, let me reiterate the points we discussed over the telephone. We do plan to run two buses on Court Street; the a new Sycamore bus and the revised Lakeside bus will provide service both inbound and outbound along Court Street. These two routes can serve Court Street and actually shorten their trip time, because the traffic signals on Burlington Street are bypassed. To serve Court Street with the Seventh Avenue bus would require the route to be lengthened by two blocks and would result in coverage by the inbound bus only. We recognize the need for serving Court Street, but feel it can be done with the Lakeside and Sycamore buses more efficiently than with the Seventh Avenue route. Let me take this opportunity to thank you once again for your interest in the Iowa City transit system. Even though we do not concur with all MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIOS•DES MOINES Mrs. Della A. Grizel August 2, 1979 Page 3 of your suggestions, we appreciate the fact that you have taken the time to think about the effect that the transit system has on your neighborhood, and have brought these matters to our attention. Should you wish to discuss further any of these points, or any other ideas you may have regarding the transit system, please do not hesitate to contact me. Very truly yours, Hu�jAMM 'se i Transit Manager Iowa City Transit bj2/1-3 I cc: City Council City Clerk MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 110111ES "City of Iowa cit - MEMORANDUM MEMORANDUM Date: August 10, 1979 To: City Manager and City Council From: Hugh A. Mose, Transit Manager Re: Publicity for Transit Route and Schedule Changes During the past several weeks the Transit staff has spent considerable time preparing publicity material on the mute and schedule changes to be implemented August 27. The following list includes some of the means we are employing to convey the message to the public: 1. In an effort to get as much information to the public as possible, as quickly as possible, a nap showing all seven new route pairs was prepared and printed, and copies were posted on each of the City buses. These maps, unfortunately, are somewhat difficult to read, and their value in communicating the complexity of the route and schedule revisions is somewhat limited. 2. Because the maps posted on the buses are so difficult to read, we are now preparing some larger scale maps for distribution on the buses prior to the new routes' going.into effect. These maps, each showing a smaller section of the City, will be available to bus riders to help show them which of the revised routes will serve their particular travel needs. 3. We have also contacted all three local radio outlets, and have made arrangements to purchase radio time in the last two weeks of August. We expect to advertise the new routes and schedules very inten- sively, both with paid time and with public service announcements. 4. Immediately before the new mutes go into effect, and during their first several days of implementation, we will buy large-scale display ads in both local newspapers, in which we will run maps showing the new routes. Because so many people are out of tam at the present time, and the Daily Iowan is not currently being pub- lished, we will wait until the fourth week of August to employ newspaper advertising. 5. A revised "Guide to Streets and Public Transportation in Greater Iowa City", better known as our red -covered City map, has been prepared by Pat Westercammp of the Planning and Program Development Department. This map shows all of the new routes, has a narrative to describe each one individually, and also shows the proposed downtown transit interchange area. This nap is currently in the process of being printed and will be available to the public within the next several weeks. MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES M01ME5 L ; �A 6. The individual route -pair schedules are currently being prepared by the graphics staff of the Johnson County Regional Planning Ccmds- sion. These individual schedules are corpletely revised, not only to reflect the new routes and schedules, but also to permit easier readability and some degree of consistency with the schedules of the two other local transit systems. The various schedules are in different stages of production; several are ready to go to the Printers, others are still being drawn up, and work has not begun yet on several others. 4 The Transit Division is currently doing its utmost to make adequate Preparations to implement the new routes and schedules on August 27, as planned. However, the immensity of the task, which includes hiring and training new drivers, retraining our existing drivers, reeducating our office staff, revising all of our internal scheduling and bookkeeping documents, as well as revising all of our maps and schedules, has left i us with limited time for publicity efforts. Given the time and manpower available, the best that•can be done, is being done. Still, it is very likely that when school starts there will be some confusion in the transit system for several days. Hopefully, after the initial sorting - out, the operation will return to normalcy, and the end result will be a more workable transit system that better serves the needs of everyone involved. jm3/17 I i 1 { I MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 11011jES City of Iowa Cit - MEMORANDUM Date: August 8, 1979 To: Neal Berlin and City Council � From: Eugene A. Dietz, City Engineer (((/add Re: Steve Cook Alley Request C A few weeks ago a Mr. Steve Cook submitted a tape recording to Council discussing a problem that he had with a vacated alleyway adjacent to his property at 218 W. Benton Street. An assignment was given me requesting additional information on how the problem could be resolved. Attached is a sketch of the area to which I will refer to in this memo. Based on our research of the situation, the following factors exist: 1. There are two possibilities for a street to service these areas. A street could be installed in the vacated right-of-way along the north edge of the subdivision from Orchard Street. Or, a street could be installed in the 15 foot vacated right-of-way from Benton Street north along Mr. Cook's property. The first alternative is not very practical since it does not provide access to the small parcel immediately north of Mr. Cook's property. Therefore, it would seem that if a street were to be considered in this area, it should originate at Benton Street and continue north. 2. The present status of the vacated alley is that it is owned by the adjacent property owners. In order to attempt this project, it would be necessary to obtain the right-of-way which could involve simple dedication or perhaps condemnation. 3. The original alley was only 15 feet wide, it may therefore•.be desirable to obtain an additional one to five feet in order to conform with our present alley standards. Normally, alleys are 20 feet wide and the pavement is built either 16 or 20 feet in width. 4. Assuming that the alley would be built 15 feet wide, the cost of the Project would be approximately $25,000 to begin at Benton Street; continue north to the south boundary of Orchard Court Subdivision; turn west to the vacated Olive Street right-of-way. The north -south portion would cost approximately $16,000 while the east -west portion would cost approximately $9,000. 5. There would appear to be approximately six property owners involved in the project of this nature. At this particular time only Mr. Cook has voiced an opinion about the matter. 6. There could be some difficulties with the east -west portion of this alley since some of the homes are built fairly close to where the pavement would have to be installed. 160W MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB r.EDAR RAPIDS -DES IIOInEs h+ - 2 My staff and I have spent several hours on this project to bring it to this point. Frankly, I have been reluctant to spend further time on it because of the many negative factors listed above. It is my recommendation that Council suggest to Mr. Cook that he obtain a petition containing the signatures of at least 75 percent of the front footage effected by this project indicating their interest in it. The properties that are immediately adjacent to and east of the north -south portion of this alley would have very little benefit if any since their frontage is on Orchard Street to the east. Also, the new subdivision called Orchard Court that lies immediately north of this subdivision has a street system of its own and would also derive no direct benefit to the project. Therefore, at least 50 percent of the adjacent property owners would have to be extremely generous to pay for this project or in the alternative, the City would wind up picking up the cost. Mr. Cook has offered to pay 25 percent of the cost of this project. However, I believe it will be very difficult to secure any other private commitment for the project. Until the adjacent property owners can be encouraged to pay for the project themselves, I don't believe the City of Iowa City should become involved with it. For the record, it would appear that Mr. Cook purchased this property in October of 1978. I should think that he would have been aware of this situation upon purchasing the property and should not expect the City to resolve the problem without a clear majority of citizen support. bdw3/21-22 MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS•DES 1I01MEs 0 ;sem. ------------ MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES MEARDON. SUEPPEL, DOWNER 61 HAYES WILLIAM L MCAROON WILLIAM F. SUEPPEL LAWYERS ROBERT N.DOWNER 122 SOUTH LIHN STREET TELEPHONC JAMES P. HAYES 330.9222 JAMES O. MCCARRAGHER IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240 AREA CODE 319 THOMAS J. CILEN MARK T. HAMER THOMAS D. HOBART August 3, 1979 MARGARCT T. LAINSON Mr. Eugene Dietz City Engineer Civic Center Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Gene: It is my understanding that the City Council has referred to you a matter involving Steve Cook's property at 218 W. Benton Street and more particularly an easement over the east 17.5 feet of his property which apparently serves several houses to the rear of his property which do not border on any City street. 1 j I have the abstract of this property and can pretty well show you when the easement arose and what the conditions are. This involves some of the Max Yocum deals in the late 1950's and early 1960's and I believe, involved the moving of houses onto this area to the rear of the properties fronting on the north side of West Benton Street. I will be happy to cooperate with you in any report that you i or your staff are preparing as to the problem in this area. Mr. Cook has related to me that the easement is becoming a nuisance and that there are no apparent attempts being made to put a street into these properties from Orchard Street to serve them. It is his belief that this could be done. Thank you for your courtesy and consideration in this matter. Very truly yours, %,4V O � William F. Sueppel WFS:tmp cc: Steve Cook MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MONIES City of Iowa Cit MEMORANDUM Date: August 8, 1979 To: Neal Berlin andit Council From: Dick Plastino Re: Investigation f ffic Signal at Iowa and Gilbert Last fall the Council received a letter from Mr. Harold Bechtoldt in which he commented on a recent car/pedestrian accident at Gilbert and Iowa and requested a traffic signal be considered for this intersection. At that time Public Works hoped to do a traffic study of this inter- section and present recommendations to Council in November or December. In December it became apparent we would not be able to complete the study on time and it was rescheduled for June or July, 1979. The study has been completed. In broad terms we find that Gilbert has a high volume of traffic (9,000 plus or minus) while Iowa Avenue has a low volume of traffic (3,000 plus or minus). The startling thing is the high number of pedestrians. In a typical morning hour there 125 to 150 people crossing Gilbert Street at Iowa Avenue. Now the dilemma. The easiest thing to do is install a traffic signal. Unfortunately Iowa City does not have that gasoline tax fund that it had in previous years. Many other cities have faced this problem and it became impos- sible to decide when to install a signal or when not to install a signal Thus were born the infamous "traffic signal warrants". A warrant is just a measure of how many cars and pedestrians there are at an inter- section. Cities and states have agreed on when a signal should be installed based on the number of cars and pedestrians. Based on these warrants the intersection of Iowa and Gilbert would not justify a traffic signal but the numbers are starting to edge up so a signal could be considered either if (1) plenty of money is available so that cost is no consideration, or (2) it can be justified on the fact that traffic and pedestrian volumes during the school year are higher than those in the summer. My recommendation is as follows: 1. Go ahead and consider a traffic signal as part of the FY81 Capital Improvement Program. This means the project will be carried on paper for the next couple of months while Council is matching money against projects. 2. We will do some spot pedestrian and automobile counts so that we can determine how much greater school semester volumes are than the counts taken in summer. We will not have to do all of the count /604e MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MONIES 1 ` I i I I I ! I I i i r 1 1 } i ! I I' �1 i' L i ! ! I i 2 again but we can get enough account to develop a trend. By the time Council has determined how tight the money is we will be able to tell Council how critical the situation at Iowa and Gilbert is. As always Council is not to be envied in a decision like this. Human lives are at stake at this intersection but money not spent at this intersection will be spent on other traffic improvements where lives and property is also at stake such as Benton and Riverside. I believe by not discarding the project at this point and getting a little more information the Council will be in a better position to match the money against the needs in two to three months. cc: Jim Brachtel Harold Bechtoldt jm3/19 MICROFILMEO BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS•DES MOIRES 1 ■ t 'City of Iowa CIY'1 MEMORANDUM -� Date: August 7, 19 To: City Council From: Dick Plastino Re: Street Superi ent Craig Minter, the Str t/Sanitation Superintendent, has resigned effective August 24. He will be accepting the job of Street Superintendent in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The move represents an advance for Craig in both responsibility and salary. The City will be begin advertising immediately for the position. bdw2/3 MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES HOMES D k i. la.r • '"• 'o,, DEPART,AENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT J.;',SERVICE OFFICE ' i IIII�I�I �• F FDERAL BUILDING, 710 WALNUT STREET :• 1 111 "r,.,•..• UFS MOINES, IOWA 50309 H LIiION VII I ,d.r❑ Inm. urd enroll July 30, 1979 (' 'rIl N'x In ut $b„1 Kxm xr ('il Y. Muumr11r11U4 \, Mr. Lyle Seydell, Housing Coordinator City of Iowa City \ /� 410 B. Washington Street I \I Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Mr. Seydell: Subject: IA 22-3 Iowa City, Iowa IN R1:1•(Y NCI ER lot 7.4FDH (Martin - 515-284-4687) We have completed our review of Preliminary Site Report #13 on the above project: We do not feel this site is acceptable for the following reasons: I. Site has excessive slopes and long, narrow configuration. Cost of development is considered to be excessive for Public housing use. 2. We do note, that this site report places all 48 units proposed for the entire project on this one site. while this is likely to minimize public opposition and any imagined negative effects on established neighborhoods, given the site's encirclement by cometary lands, land unlikely to be developed, and a funeral home, we feel it is contrary to the principal of scattered sites. The potential exists for from 104 to 188 children to be housed in the units Proposed. Such a population should be dispersed over a wider area in order to minimize problems once the manage- ment stage is achieved. If you have questions or concerns on the information provided above we would be more than happy to discuss this with you. Sincerely, Norman C. Jurgens 1 Supervisor MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES ?1O RIES /66S7 City of Iowa Cit•- MEMORANgUM Date: To: From: Re: August 7, 1979 Mike Kucharzak Glenn Siders—^" Pentacrest Garden Apartments This memorandum is in response to the department referral dated July 30, 1979 concerning the tree planting progress and unfinished pavement for the Pentacrest Garden Apartments. As a result of an inspection conducted August 6, 1979 it was found that all paving is complete including handicapped accesses and all parking approaches. A certificate of occupancy has been issued for the complex. The entire tree planting schedule has been complied with except for about six to eight plantings on the east side of the complex between the Pentacrest Garden Apartments and the new Perpetual Savings and Loan building. The contractor for Perpetual Savings and Loan has asked Mr. Clark not to put in the plantings until they can erect a retaining wall for the Perpetual building. Mr. Clark agreed to withhold the plantings to prevent construction damage to the trees and inconvenience to the Perpetual contractor. . Mr. Clark has assured me that as soon as the retaining wall is in these six or eight plantings will be put in the ground and the entire project will be complete. If you should have any further questions or comments concerning this project, please do not hesitate to talk with me. Thank you very much. bdw2/2 MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES /da00 I City of Iowa Cif" MEMORANDU Date: August 7, 1979 To: Mike Kucharzak llllll �1/ From: Glenn Siders""`' 1 Re: Wedgewood Apartments IIJ In response to the department referral dated July 31, 1979, this memorandum is to notify you that the Wedgewood Apartment complex located on Broadway Avenue does not have to comply with the Iowa City Tree Ordinance. As you are aware the Iowa City Tree Ordinance took effect on November 16, 1976. The Wedgewood complex went through the large scale residential development process. The final and preliminary plats for that development were approved on February 16, 1976. Because this development was approved nine months prior to the effect of the Tree Ordinance, the Tree Ordinance does not apply. If you should have any further questions concerning this complex, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your consideration. bjl/10 MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES HOMES /6;1,9 ■; CITY OF IOWA CITY REPORT FOR JULY WILLOW CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER, INC. July has been a hot month of activities at the Center. We have had both an afternoon and morning program. Our morning planned program begins at 10:30. This includes tennis lessons at West High School, (average 10) story time (average 6) kickball (average 15) and various arts and crafts (average 10) besides the regular drop-in t ime. The number one afternoon attraction this month has been the skating day at Skateland in Coralville. This event was made possible through HACAP. Over 35 energy filled children embarked on the arena with shouts of laughter. Other fun filled trips have included the Hoover museum in West Branchp Willow Creek Park, McBride Museum in Iowa City. The average attendance for these trips is around 30 children. Christ the King Lutheran Church sponsored a three day camp out at Camp IO -DIS -E -CA. This proved to be a wonderful trip of fellowship and sharing. The Center has had a lot of emphasis on physical activities this summer. Wednesday remains as the popular swimming day at recreation pool. This summer we have had a volunteer swimming instructor. Water games have also helped cool everyone down. Foosball has been an ever popular game. Because of its popularity, a foosball tournament was held. The foosball table was moved outdoor to give our 16 contestants more elbow room. Softball gapes average around 20-25 children weekly. A highlight of the summer has been the participation of several teenagers in the planning and helping with activities. MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES /630 0 I f I i 1 i I i +1 I � � i i I 1 1 1 _ p _ To keep with the centers concept or working with aLL age groups, a Friday morning womens group was formed. This group meets weekly at 10:00 with an average of 5 residents. Last week the group did their planning for future meetings. The senior citizens have remained involved in the center too. Last week we went to MacDonalds for sandwiches and then the dairy queen for ice cream. This meeting was also a planning time for the month of August. The Teen Club held a Mexican dinner as a fund raising project. $41. was raised which allowed the teen club to go to Godfathers Pizza and a movie. The Mark N gardens have been not only beautiful# but productive this year. They have been a source of bringing people together. During the months of June and July the center appeared as plaintiff in small claim court #9458 seeking $08.40 based on unauthorized expenditures of corporate money. The center won the claim and is waiting to make arrangements with Robert Long as to return of funds. MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS•DES IIOIMES D MINUTES OF STAFF MEETING + August 1, 1979 Referrals from the informal and formal Council meetings of July 30 and 31 were distributed to the staff for review and discussion (copy attached). The City Manager noted that the next Council meeting will be on August 14. Therefore we will not have a staff meeting next week Wednesday. The Secretary to the City Manager was requested to send to the staff the list of materials furnished to Council candidates in 1977. The staff was asked to review the list and make any suggestions for information to be furnished prior to the election in 1979. i Items for the agenda of August 14 include: Awarding bids for South Gilbert Street Project, Asphalt Project, and Sunset Street Project Resolution establishing fees and permit form for use of City Plaza ! Prepared by: ! Lorraine Saeger i j I f I i i f Ii II � l fi I I I I I 1 � i , I I i MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS•DES I901HES i r Informal Council Meeting July 30, 1979 DEPARTMENT REFERRALS MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 1101NES W CT DATE RECD REFERR® TO DATE DUE ~ COM EM/STATUSS a. Check panting progress and repor Pentacrest Garden Apartments 7-30 Mike K. 10 Aug compliance with approved plan. b. Middle apartment (off of alley) -- certificate of occupancy been i.__.'ed? a. Can City oil and chip it? i Mercer Park parking lot 7-30 Dennis S. 110 Aug Wetherby Park b. What has been done re. Wetherby.' Hugh Mose to report back to Council - 7-30 Dick P. 10 Aug interested in 7th Avenue route along Della Grizel letters post office and Court Street route, Memo to Manager/Council re. what jPlastino/ 10 Aug advertising will be done for changed Advertising for bus routes 7-30 Mose bus routes and when. Include material on budget processld Information to Council candidates 7-30 IlHelling/ Saeger Council goal setting. No change in policy. See memo from' Leaf burning 7-30 Keating Manager. i i 1 i' MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 1101NES L, Regular Council Meeting 'July 31, 1979 DEPARTMENT REFERRALS 10;7-' - - MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES SUBJECT DAM REUD W -FM TO DATE Ow /STATUS1 i Public hearing set for 8-28-79. ` Court Hill - Scott Boulevard PAD and 7-31 City Clerk I! LSRD i North Dubuque Interchange 7-31 Public Wks Why are lights burning all day. e Check with IDOT. i. Re. compliance with tree ordinance =` Wedgewood Apartments 7-31 H&IS were permits issued before passage of tree ordinance or must these comply? City Service Center Truck Wash 7-31 Public Wks/ Is it possible to bid out in separate packages as Mr. Knapp recommends? Legal Report to City Manager the allegation j and what changes can be made in i! specifications. Legal apprise Council re. problems of separate bid packages i r • i. I i I 10;7-' - - MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES CITY OF IOWA CITY CITIZEN INPUT SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE DATA MONTH OF June 1979 NUMBER OF QUESTIONNAIRES MAILED 250 NUMBER OF RESPONSES RECEIVED 20 g % NUMBER OF REQUESTS MADE lWITHIN THE PAST YEAR FROM THE FOLLOWING DEPARTMENTS Animal Control 2 Code Enforcement q Fire Housing Inspection 6 Library —a— Parks — I Police 3 Pollution Control Recreation 2 Refuse 2 Streets 3 Transit Water 3 Parking 1 Finance City Manager's Office 1 WERE CITY EMPLOYEES COURTEOUS? Yes 10 83 % No 2 WAS YOUR, REQUEST HANDLED Immediately 5 56 % Within one week —3--- 3T--% Within one month __% Longer — j— —TT--% WAS THE RESULT SATISFACTORY? Yes 1_ R5 % No 19 % WHAT IS YOUR GENERAL REACTION TO CITY SERVICES? Very good _3 20 _% Good % Acceptable_� t� % Poor 7% FIICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES IIOIIIES i WHAT DO YOU LIKE DEE_�BOUT THE IOWA CITY GOVERNMENT? -'1 �P CQt.i.L. ,),. J Pe/nq A", r y�f�awrww j• w.d +��"eti7ii .t c.ow�oCL.�i y0.fa..w...un.U.� e-uw "r , 111714 ,ccer. J¢2`c.. JJa.a.++1w .44 �Lvw o Jl1 tL � fy � zL c �o �+ J wud x � i &-Pd . �-1.f6.c.c ./wPCGp..,,•.H�S-T, ce+.L�au,,. ,aL.w:L.-L. WHAT DO YOU LIKE LEAST ABOUT THE IOWA CITY GOVERNMENT? C.L. ;, tG A,L .& A(dew AA",L La AAdtsed. r)&t y PA h2 . wv�L�.Xa.jde eedAa. o�a.e�� � # rH d t ana - o-Odtn leu4_" . y- R{{[�iL.La. /LAn.�.-LwaL[aa,L.�.IN.Gaw 2Lncuua.t�Pai.%u.L RNrnp/rbaw.��mq ML2(ZI.i, aI/'a9 llld �l1Pyl •rLt•u/etu-Lnc( .t.w aLvt7C-�F.,L7 O'�"�i.u/�.8.. y O FLL�I.ttgg.. �Lttjj dN/4 � �L 0-L� r.� CpvµAy�.[.v�a�.Lw Cd,.AQcJ1 an+T. �a aA ¢ QLs �s(. µg�� t a�ttaa ons C GP eta t �l✓ie Qa w a. tt JIL C P ,Cpw,,..�my, e�,,l�.ayapL:.•�� ¢.,,.z-el�t L/�-�Lc.a�.o.a. of �i A4-f.tt+.c�t.. l•1HAT ONE THI G 4IOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT TIIE IOIIA CITY G VERNMENT OR SERVICES IF YOU COULD? Paii all Crit � t,a_ .a.yetpx clan.Goc7.L_+.a-L�tctmLeuuX�+a.u.ce_��pC[. .&i.0 C✓. c(t/'�.lsa+� a..u( /9.�t�tL,r e.1/ zQie ('e.L.w.u�• fp�ae-iL..'LI, XG owpaA.im�LC.t..rr a,.Lcl 7.w' a.i •../•L.u,teA.Lo .G-Lu.luG.L+LP.a. WHAT SERVICES SHOULD BE REDUCED OR ELIMINATED AND WHY? ,1 ie eh mnL.aCa, lQyn OtLPctnuLcrena,a_lelL lticAaZlia4L1of /L/ zov ntn. t1n•a A.ta.t�d J,, A.-ductd en, r"-,.-ns.o.rdt.L. !J LpA.�uV,-ali.a.�Tj.:L.6Li�L4atCaA, 54�aw u.......µ y, A"PL cY d n / L� I[d CdAL - o� ca dg.L,iCtL-P<a.,,. ,p w ,t i�u + .ul� l)�d1lhLGp�LLLOi4. JYIi.L.�e//•.v-c4Qfo T/YYLJ�L-��L�q• WHAT NEW SERVICLE^S^ WOULD YOU LIKE OR WHICH EXISTING SERVICES WOULD YOU IMPROVE OR EXPAND? (�a1J,Q XLI'J•LL42. Pq,a.Q. /YCf,.4GL L7�-L�,Y�a;LIfL . j o Crl htrnowL n�uu✓ a,Ld oa _d a of aa.P_C fa[a lfL . pya,_4 (o� 44XX4 ,.)a. l o(au[L 'Ar LLawa. m .�L.L h-LA.,a�• ..�.a.Lw �L.La .a.A,r,,.u. . onLtne 07-I �G swc: Lm-wnd peaa�P� �eamLa u� �y�Q P OTHER COMMENTS: jL/4,jdw - JYv"�'f1eLtnavCKwiLLVj1-.V0u.a.a41V,LvJ�-u t Ce Ljc� A"41L A;VLuCLaL _._T' �,,.,^•• y�aa.e.ad J,� e� �.a.r�- <'"• �„fyanA. A_,. {� dw,a eO A�v aie"LLoV a.QCI'i o -L La� J/UAA .1 tiro ern nazi n. e (dL ��w p z� . C<.4mWA a." --�.¢.Vice24t.,..X. I o ..,,,F na.Ln, UAC L��/i.o;•wA_ 0-,Pl yLf,�O-t..L. �••J �l.Lt.O. aA, .A,/.f�,It.V�e-G'''G.L[{��s I.L;. ,oE. if2.�,U.•l.L cLeL.,.LwVLI/q„ a�.CLL,_ (.lJflG nJ. 2'wp�w�.GLa. /�,(,�. �,yr�,, P6QlJt,(, ✓ �?C���P(((///VVV ✓ _ T, ' 9. MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS•DLS MOINES I Li WHAT DO,J YOU LIKE BE`'IBOUi THE IOWA CITY GOVERNMENT? ' �..Cfi oCawwCu�✓�.p.tta,..f:�.t...c.+sa. v.urooet/' gead yo-.. 0 �CN.Qr.�y /fit L(tr car -a WHAT DO YOU LIKE LEAST ABO/UT THE IOWA CITY GOVERNMENT? •�.,b/-o maa ,tau. c.u_CZtw.e, qA 0";"C' Z.1 N . +.o' u 't tsr�Tn.s! - a.t.t/,.. .t�..Cor... a .,d -A-a M�n.n rN.ai rte•/,ry/.hnUt�.a.u. -4t. ✓.., . rh.a l�a WHAT ONE THING WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT THE IOWA CITY GOVERNMENT OR SERVICES IF YOU COULD? Flo c[d0�. c i act ooma.euukei_4..d.aga.w:l salt Xi o7atnai,,. O , WHAT SERVICES SHOULD BE REDUCED OR ELIMINATED AND WHY? WHAT NEW SERVICERS WOULD YOU LIKE OR WHICH EXISTING SERVICES WOULD YOU IMPROVE OR EXPAND? leo-Lia'. o..Q.i.Ce.u. it -t tea.a,1� Wn�.a.d OTHER COMMENTS: a�-.wt lime /�rrvinaA COa�a /.R, /YN.u<G' . / to ,dfl Qti� did tana.a.u.�,� yoi-,.plt. a.�aa.y YF�[u:�t.�i7oan�� ..Zlua 90..1. .�V4v..t Q2CQ im.wV<p���p�2 Q.Pgq tLt,u� c�u.c .CJCW, �—Cy�1 . MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MONIES �� I er X979 s � m 1 T 2 HOLIDAY T w TH 4 5 6 LOAM -Staff Meeting BAM-Magistrates (Conf Room) Court (Chambers) 12noon-CCN (Rec CtjyPM-Bid Opening 7:30PM-Informal 3:30PM-Housing Com (Conf Room) P&Z (Conf Room) (Conf Room) 7:30PM-P&Z Formal 7:30PM-Riverfront (Chambers) Comm (Conf Room) 7 u11 12 3 14 AM -Magistrates 2PM-Bid opening & 10AM-Staff Meetin Court (Chambers) special Library (Conf Room) g 8AM-Magistrates •30PM-Informal meeting (Chamb) 7:30PM-Parks & Court (Chambers) Council (Conf Rm) 4;30PM-Resources Recreation Comm SAM -Housing Appeal Conservation Comm (Rec Center) Board (Conf Room) (Conf Room) 7:30PM-Council (Chambers) 8AM-Magistrates 4:30PM-Broadband lOAM- Court (Chambers) Telecommuncations (Con 1:30PM-Informal Comm (Conf Room) 7PM-U Council (Conf Rm) 7:30PM-Council Meet 7:30PM-Informal (Chambers) 7.30P, P&Z (Conf Room) Comm ee 25 8AM-Magistrates 4:30PM-Resources Court (Chambers) Conservation Comm 1:30PM-Informal (Conf Room) Council (Conf Rm) 7:30PM-Council 7:30PM-Human Rghts (Chambers) Comm (Conf Rm) .aff MeetingAM-Magistrates Room) Court (Chambers) (Friends •30PM-P&Z Formal Senior g Room) (Chambers) Conf Room) r •30PM-Airport Coi (Conf Room) aff Meeting[27 AM-Magistrates Room) Court (Chambers) IIICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES hlolllEs 21 G 1 Plaza Previews City of Iowa City, 410 E. Washington, Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 354-1800 Vol. 2, No. 6 Paul Glaves, Development Coordinator Linda Schreiber, Editor Recently, the following ad appeared on the door of the Development Coordinator, Paul Glaves. FOR SALE: One city block. Prime location. New public grounds abut property. Close proximity to new library. Near major arterial trafficway, connected to interstate highway system. Parking terms arranged. Excellent site for a major development. Municipal financing available. Interested persons call City Hall, 354-1800, extension 335. The ad was the result of City Council action which approved rebidding the hotel site by releasing the Dey Building Corporation as designated developer for the project. This action followed Dey Building Corporation's request that the City issue revenue bonds to help finance the project. City Manager Neal Berlin and Development Coordinator Paul Glaves felt revenue bonds could not be issued without rebidding the entire project because bonding would be a change from the conditions of the original competitive bidding. The Urban Revitalization bill passed by thI urban renewal redevelopment projects to bE sold by cities are paid off only with Income are not an obligation of the City. Legislature during the last session permits financed with municipal bonds. The bonds generated from the facilities they build and The staff is now preparing the marketing document to place the land back on the market. The documents will be reviewed by City staff and Don Zuchelli, the consultant who helped market all of the City's urban renewal land two years ago. The new plan calls for a minimum of 125 rooms and a 3 story structure. The original prospectus called for 80 rooms and a 2 story minimum. Anyone interested in receiving documents to prepare a proposal may contact the Development Office so that the information can be mailed as soon as it becomes available. NEARING COMPLETION The Mod Pod Realty office building is nearing completion. Wes Fotsch expects to move into the building at the corner of Dubuque and Burlington Streets in September. His new facilities will be somewhat larger than the existing offices which are presently located above the Englert Theatre. Mod Pod's seven member staff will occupy about one-half of the 6,000 square foot space on the lower and street level of the building. The remaining space on the first and second floors will be leased as offices. Fotsch's office will have a touch of his home. Walnut trees grown on a farm belonging to Fotsch In Johnson County were used to build some of the office furniture in his new location. SIDEWALK SALE DAYS, the super sale of the year was held July 19. The Chamber of Commerce helped promote this annual sale which featured summer and closeout Items and drew hundreds of shoppers to retail stores located in Iowa City. The Sycamore Mall and 'outlying shopping centers also participated. Sale items offered by the merchants were not the only feature of the day. The downtown was filled with activity. The Plaza was filled with music and live broadcasting by local radio stations. Unusual items were offered for sale. Shoppers could "Invest in a piece of the downtown" by purchasing a brick for Governor Lucas Square from KRNA. Shoppers could also register at participating Downtown Association merchants for a Moped bicycle. In addition, the Chamber sponsored a costume contest for retail employees. Most of the activities began at 9:00 a.m. and continued throughout the evening hours. 163 �/, MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB cF0AR RArIDS.f)r', ;iFS After the hussle of the day was over, many merchants said they experienced a greater sales volume from this year's sidewalk sale over the previous three years. A few boasted of a 100% increase over last year's rainy sale day. Congratulations goes to Ralph Allen, 287 Hawkeye Court, the winner of the drawing for the Moped. THANK YOU - LEE STAAK. Staak is the owner of Hardee's Restaurant in Plaza Centre One. The Hardee employees deserve recognition for their control of the litter in the downtown. Hardee's employees tour the City Plaza to collect litter two to three times a day as a part of their daily schedule. Hardee's efforts followed STASH TRASH weekend (Vol. 2, No. 5) in April. Since then, Staak has received a lot of positive feedback from other merchants in the area who have seen the Hardee's crew in action. Staak feels the Plaza won't be nice if it isn't kept clean. During the summer months the Plaza serves as an extension of his dining room. Staak feels it's his responsibility to keep the neighborhood picked up. Keep up the good work, Hardee's, it's nice to have neighbors like you. SHORT NOTE. This isn't exactly the time of year to worry about winter snow storms. But if you operate a business located on City Plaza, you won't have to worry about all of the snow this winter either because the City Park crews are going to be shoveling snow. Rubber tipped blades and a snow blower will be used to remove snow and preserve brick work on City Plaza. If snow accumulation is heavy, it will be removed by City crews. PLAZA DEDICATION Donald Kaul, Des Moines Register columnist, has accepted the invitation to be guest of honor for the grand opening of City Plaza on September 22. The Iowa City/Johnson County Arts Council and other community groups are planning a week of activities for September 22-29. More details will follow. II i