Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-11-25 Correspondence0?IC OF SENATOR io.T, C. CUi,JERC�?�tnC ?�tTc 5i0UCH UNI, t 5 AiTES BET-.A� 202-224-wKhh 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 -