HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-11-25 Correspondence0?IC OF SENATOR io.T, C. CUi,JERC�?�tnC ?�tTc 5i0UCH
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WASHINWON, D.C. 20510 _
FOR RE1EASE ?.:4.
CCTO� 31, 19'5
DUBUQUE - OCTOBnt 31 -•- Senator John Culver (D -Iowa) tonight called for an
extension of revenue sharing for -five or a minimum of three -- years in order
"to give lead time to state and local governments for prudent planning of operating
budgets and capital investments."
Culver, who -spoke at a community neeting here honoring members of voluntary
municipal boards and commissions, said that "general revenue sharing is one
innovation of government in recent years .that -has -proved its worth as a constructive
and cohesive element in our federal -state -local system.
"It has permitted local officials who know local needs the best a measure
of flexibility sorely needed in governmental decision-making," the Iowa Senator
stated. "But if it is to continue to work, it must be extended over along enough
period to allow state and local officials -to exercise the foresight that is
essential to maximum efficiency.and economy in government."
Culver added that "the record shows that, by and large, Iowa has made
responsible use of its revenue sharing, funds." Culver continued, "I have seen'
documentation of the fact that many constructive, urgently needed projects have
been carried out by counties and -municipalities that would have been impossible`
without these general revenue sharing funds.
"And this," Culver stated, "is true to the central legislative purpose of
the revenue.sharina act." --
Culver, said that while he supports extension of general revenue sharing'"'
n
its presentgeneral form, some problems have arisen that will have to bedealt with
by Congress when legislation for extension of the act is considered. It appears
that not all areas have as responsible a record in the use of these funds as Iowa
does..
"There is evidence that some funds have gone to communities with little
need cand :into projects with little social impact. Some modifications of the
present program need to be made and doubtless will be made. But the basic fc_-?t
of the Mrs: inn 5;?Ouluu: t_.: reserved, and 1 expect it to be,. a!thourh the leg1-t.1.:'ion
may experience some heavy sledding before final enactment."
Culver said that according to sources in the Congressional committees handling
revenue sharing, it would appear that the extension legislation will come up early
next year.
Nb'NNNNNN
• November 12, A7
1
Mayor Edgar Czarnecki \ ,
Civic Center
Iowa City; Iowa 52240
Dear Mayor Czarnecki:
The Arts Council would like to continue to encourage sculptures in the
downtown area for the aesthetic enrichment of the downtown business district.
We believe it will also serve to highlight the city as a cultural center and
link the wealth of art to be found in the Museum of Art at the University of
Iowa to the new sculptures which the City of Iowa City has acquired.
The Iowa City -Johnson County Arts Council accordingly requests per-
mission to continue to display sculpture on the streets of downtown Iowa
City. The Arts Council will be responsible for coordinating the placement
of each piece in order to maximize the artistic impact and to minimize pro-
blems regarding logistics, traffic now, etc. The Arts Council will also co-
ordinate fully with the City Center Association insuring the complete
Cooperation of the downtown merchants. We anticipate having each sculptor
sigma waiver stating that he holds the City harmless if something happens
to his work of art. It is hoped that the sculpture will originate from
local artists as well as those associated with the University of Iowa Sculpture
Department.
The City would be asked to provide assistance in loading and unloading
sculpture in the event that the weight proves impossible to manipulate by
hand. It is understood that assistance will be required no more often than
once each six months, preferably in the spring and in the fall. Itis also
understood that the City is only willing to move sculpture that city -owned
equipment is able to move.
We look forward to your positive response in the very near future.
_ Very truly yos,
W. Summerwill, Chairman
S pture Project Steering Committee
Alan I. W• ss, Co -Chairperson
_ Iowa City -Johnson urty Arts Council
-- Schmidt,Andreo-Chairper_=on
Iowa City -Johnson County Arts Council
.-..� r, :975
Linda Steveson
RR 1, Box 2 08
North_ Liberty
Iowa 52317
t City Council -
Iowa City
Iowa 52240
Dear City Council,
I WOU]dlike'to go on record as opposing the MadisonStreet
closing. While the goal of a pedestrian campus for the
University of Iowa is no doubt as admirable one,; it would
cause a great deal of inconvenience to those faculty and
staff and studentswhomust commute from north of Iowa
City. This is especially true during the rush hours and
during time; of bad weather, when people trying to reach
the southeast section of campus, such as the library or
the English -Philosophy -building, would be forced to come
through the downtown area or Riverside Drive.
Most of the complaints lodged against motor vehdiles on
Madison Street -could -be solved through construction of -a
pedestrian walkway over Madison Street, and perhaps a
traffic light regulating the corners of .Washington and Madison
Streets. In the two years I have been attending the
University, by far the most traff¢c violations have been
committed by pedestrians and bicycle riders who seem to
feel that the trafficlawsgoverning lights, crosswalks,
right-of-way, and sidewalks apply only to motor vehicles.
on several occa,$sions, I have observed minor accidents
between cars caused by bicyclists and pedeyestrians
ignoring the law, 'forcing -the cars to swerve into each other
to avoid them.
In short, the closing would only aggravate the already serious
rush-hour and bad weather congestion in the downtown area,
at the expense of thoseleastin fault over present traffic
hazards.
Sincerely,
Linda Steveson -