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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-09-03 Bd Comm minutesTo the Iowa CityACouncil: On Thursday August 29, 1974 the Johnson County Democratic Central Committee unanimously authorized me, as Chairperson of the Central Committee, to request the use of Urban Renewal Property from the Iowa City City Council for use in the upcoming election. The Central Committee is forced to make this request because of -the dearth of -available ground -level space in downtown Iowa City. If our request is granted, we intend to place a mobile trailer on the land provided* This trailer would then be used for either voter registration or a display unit for candidatew lit- erature and for volunteer recruitment. We believe that it is in the beat interests of the political process and of the country that this opportunity be afforded both recognized parties. We are willing to purchase insurance to protect the city and we are confident that if the Republicans were to also participate in a plan prepared by the council, that they toowould provide insurance against any claims arisAng from use of provided property. The site on the southwest corner of the Clinton and Washington Street intersection could possibly provide adequate space for both part;tes . Sincerely, 0•�,.,2R! l J. Por Chairperson JCDCC ® MINUTES IOWA CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION AUGUST 22, 1974 -- 4:00 P.M. CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS CJ • . MEMBERS PRESENT: Madsen, Horner, Ogesen, Galiher, Cain, Larew MEMBERS ABSENT: Henry STAFF PRESENT: Kraft, Schmeiser, Child RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY COUNCIL: 1. To adopt Z-7411, ordinance amending sign regulations. 2. To adopt Z-74161 amendment to Commercial Office Zone (CO) amending 8.10.25.A.16 -- off-street parking spaces. 3. To approve V -7403A. Vacation of east -west alley in Block 64, bounded by Dubuque, College, Linn and Burlington Streets. 4. To approve V-7404. Vacation of east -west alley in Block 83, bounded by Capitol, College, Clinton and Burlington Streets. 5. To approve V-7405, vacation of east -west alley in Block 84, bounded by Capitol, Washington, Clinton and College Streets. REQUESTS TO THE CITY MANAGER FOR INFORMATION OR STAFF ASSISTANCE: None LIST OF MATTERS PENDING COMMISSION -COUNCIL DISPOSITION: 1. 73-785. Zoning Ordinance changes for High -Rise Apartment Houses - Creation of a U Zone. Pending before Commission. 2. 73-1444. Summit Street Rezoning. Staff Report for R3A Area Study pending before Commission. 3. 73-1526. Provision of Neighborhood Parks in New Subdivisions -- Final report dependent upon outcome of a steps and procedures report. 4. 72-04. Board of Adjustment Appeal Amendments. SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION AND FORMAL ACTIONS TAKEN: ® Chairman Madsen called the._meeting to order and asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes of the August 81 1974 meeting. A motion was made by Mr. Galiher and seconded by Dr. Ogesen to approve the minutes as written. The motion carried unanimously, 4-0 (Ms. Cain and Ms. Larew were not present when the vote was taken). Z-7411. Ordinance amending sign regulations. Council referral: 5/11/74. it was moved by Mr. Galiher, seconded by Dr. Ogesen, to recommend to the City Council the adoption of Z-7411, ordinance amending sign regulations. Dr. Ogesen moved that the ordinance be amended to read, "In residential zones, one (1) non -illuminated political sign not to exceed six (6) square feet in area for each candidate or pertinent political issue may be displayed on each premise provided, however, that the total sign area shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet." The motion died for lack of a second. The vote on the original motion carried 3-1 with Dr. Ogesen dissenting. (Ms. Cain and Ms. Larew were not present when the ® vote was taken). Dr. Ogesen stated that by permitting a total sign area of forty (40) square feet, it would be possible for twenty two -square feet signs to adorn a person's yard. Z-7416. Amendment to Commercial Office Zone (CO) amending 8.10.25.A.16 -- off-street parking spaces. Dr. Ogesen pointed out that the proposed amendment constitutes technical change and not a change in policy. A motion made by Ms. Cain and seconded by Mr. Galiher to recommend to the City Council the adoption of Z-7416, amendment to Commercial Office Zone (CO) amending 8.10.25.A.16, carried unanimously. Z-7417. High-rise provision applicability to CBS Zone. Council referral: 8/8/74. Ms. Larew indicated that the ordinance, as prepared, was not presented to the Commission at the informal meeting, August 20, 1974. After further discussion, Chairman Madsen stated that the matter would be deferred until the next P&Z meeting, September 12, 1974. S-7414. Washington Park Addition, Part 9 (vic. north of Washington Street and east of back lot lines along Mt. Vernon Drive). Submitted by Bruce Glasgow and Frank Boyd. Date filed: 8/12/74. 45 -day limitation: 9/26/74. Associate Planner Don Schmeiser stated that the Washington Park Addition, Part 9, plat had not yet been reviewed by the City's Engineering Division. A motion to defer 5-74141 Washington Park Addition, Part 9, was made by Dr. Ogesen and seconded by Ms. Cain. T!.e motion carried unanimously. V -7403A. Vacation of east -west alley in Block 64, bounded by Dubuque, College, Linn and Burlington Streets. Required for implementation of R-14 Urban Renewal plan. A motion to recommend to the City Council approval of V -7403A, vacation of east -west alley in Block 64, bounded by Dubuque, College, Linn and Burlington Streets, was made by Dr. Ogesen and seconded by Mr. Galiher. The motion carried unanimously. ® V-7404. Vacation of east -west alley in Block 83, bounded by Capitol, College, Clinton and Burlington Streets. Required for implementation of R-14 Urban Renewal plan. It was moved by Dr. Ogesen and seconded by Ms. Cain to recommend to the City Council approval of V-7404, vacation of east -west alley in Block 83. The motion carried unanimously. V-7405. Vacation of east -west alley in Block 84, bounded by Capitol, Washington, Clinton and College Streets. Required for implementation of R-14 Urban Renewal plan. A motion was made by Ms. Cain and seconded by Dr. Ogesen to recommend to the City Council approval of V-7405, vacation of east -west alley in Block 84. Community Development Director Dennis Kraft stated that a demolition contract would soon be going to the City Council which would provide for the removal of all structures with the exception of the Iowa State Bank in Block 84, bounded by Capitol, Washington, Clinton and College Streets. To the best of his knowledge, no hardship would be caused and no business would be dependent on the alley, he said. 0 A vote taken on the motion passed unanimously. 11 -4- V-7406. Vacation of Capitol Street Burlington Street ROW to north side Required for implementation of R-14 from south side of of Court Street ROW. Urban Renewal plan. Chairman Madsen stated that it had been suggested by some Commissioners that only part of Capitol Street be vacated, i.e., the north 30' of Capitol Street south of Burlington Street. Dr. Ogesen moved and Mr. Galiher seconded a motion to vacate the north 30' of Capitol Street south of Burlington Street. Commissioners questioned whether adequate review had been given to the Capitol Street vacation proposal since Capitol Street is the only street that has a railroad underpass. Ids. Larew indicated that the proposed closing of Capitol Street was not included in the maps presented to the Commission by Mr. Jack Klaus, Urban Renewal Director. A motion was made by Ms. Cain and seconded by Mr. Galiher to defer V-7406, vacation of Capitol Street. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned. Louise B. Larew, Secretary 11 Members Present: Buchan, Farber, Kirkman, Bywater, Cantor, Newsome, and Trumpp Members Absent: Richerson Staff Present: bone Citv Staff Present: None Others Present: None Business: The meeting was called to order at 7:35 PM by President Buchan. A motion to go into executive session to dis- cuss personnel matters was passed. (Cantor/Newsome) At 9:50 PM the executive session was dissolved, and the open meeting resumed. The meeting was adjourned. (Farber/Downer) Respectfully submitted, 1 David J. irkman, Secretary 11 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES JULY 25, 1974 LIBRARY AUDITORIUM Members Present: Buchan, Farber, Kirkman, Bywater, Cantor, Downer, Newsome and Trumpp Members Absent: Richerson Staff Present: Burton, Carter, Eggers, Kelley, Moses, Proesser, Spaziani, Tucker and Westgate Others Present: A wide representation of the Press and members of the Community Business: Meeting called to order by President Buchan at 4:07 P.M. Minutes of the June 24 Special Meeting, June 27 Regu- lar Meeting and July 2 Special Meeting were approved. (Downer/ldewsome) A motion was made to set aside the agenda to read a statement to the Staff. (Cantor/ Bywater) (See attached copy) A motion was made to adopt the statement read by Dr. Cantor as an expression of the Board. (Downer/Farber) Financial Report: The financial statement and bills through July 3, 1974 were approved. (Newsome/Trumpp) Director's Report: Mrs. Eggers reported that Jeanette Carter has been appointed as our BiCentenial representative. The weeded out and surplus book sale is still being worked out. Two new Staff Members were hired. Jan Abbott as Library Secretary. It was pointed out in discussion by Trumpp and Bywater that the Board had agreed to permit the new Director to hire his secretary. It was then agreed to re -advertise for the position to enable Mr. Kauderer to interview the candidates. Bill Peck was hired a$ the new custodian. The Library's six month circulation is up 4% as compared to 10% last year. Correspondence: A letter from P. Jones of the human Relations Commission was read by President Buchan. Motion was approved to receive the letter and place it on file with no action. (Downer/Farber) Old Business: None New Business: A request was received from Tom Summy to hold a Board Meeting of the New East Central Library District in the Iowa City Public Library on September 10, 1974. Permission was informally granted. Meeting adjourned at 5:00 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Davi J. K -man, Secretary E July 25, 1974 Statement on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Iowa City Public Library: This statement, is directed to the members of the Iowa City Public Library staff who ri-P.i stered "di.sappoi.ntme.nt, ror*ardinr, the recent. appointment of an unqualified person as Director of the Iowa City Public Library," in their letter to the Board dated July 12, 1974. I shall refer to this group hereafter in this statement as the "Dissenters." The Dissenters who consider themselves professionals are currently raising a storm over the Board's actions in appointing - Mr. Charles Xaudprer as Director_ The criticism seems to bP taking_ shape in what appears to be a destructive action to destroy Board -Staff relationships and Library -Community relations if it continues unchecked. At first the Board was accused of sex discrimination in its selection of a Director. This accusation was made even before facts were known by the accusers as to the procedures the Board used in i.ts selection and ® whether the Board was actually covered by the so-called contract betwPen the City and the TFCC to hire females as administrators. The accusation of sex discrimination will die, if it hasn't already, because of its falsity. Now we are accused of incompetence, i.P., the Board in Pssence has acted stupidly, used poor judgment, and was misled when it chose Mr. KaudPrer over Ms. vvaers (the choice of the Dissenters) to be Director. That Ms. r:r!aers is one of. the Dissenters can be understood although Food judgment and politic behavior would sup,P..est that she not attach her name to petitions of protest and accusations against the Board. Therefore, she no longer can claim objectivity and fairness in her evaluations of the Board's decision. ® Well, the charge of stupidity is one that I can live with, for it does not impugn my honor nor the motives of the Board. It is human to was thn Board stupid? Did it show poor judgment.? Was it. irnoomp^t.ent. in sel netinp Mr. Kaudermr to b(% the. Director of the 1 owa C i 1Y " Uhl i e Li hr:i ry? Let us look at some .farts and processes that will a]1o, unbiased observers to first understand the bases for the Board's il0 rimr•nts and than evaluate the situation. Then let them ask If the 1?r,-ird Baas stupid or misguided. But they must also consider that the Diss-nters had ali-r;ady made their choice for the Director, even before the Boar; had completed its deliberations, and that now they'll be damned if they will accept a decision contrary to their choice. I mention this possibility because of the amount of heat that's been generated and the kinds of emotional statements and accusations made by various members of the Dissenters about Board members to other persons in this community. As it comes now to be revealed, the experience of the former Director of the library with this group was similar to what the Board•is now enduring. Now let us consider -some of -the other petty charges being made. How ignorant were Board members of Mr. Kauderer's lack of the MLS degree? In its deliberations and evaluations of this candidate it was pointed out. to the Board that Mr. Kauderer did not possess the NLS deF*reP. It was pointed out, however, that he did have the MA d�:gree in Educr :ion with a major in Library Science from Iowa Although the degree was obtained at a time when there was no School of Library Science in the state of Iowa nor any MLS degree granted, the School of Library Science at the University of Iowa was formalized subsequently on the very core program that made up the major field for Mr. Kauderer's M.A. degree. Given this degree and his major Plus his subsequent library experience and his attendance in specialized library workshops, it was the judgment E El - True, '` of the Board that Mr. K.audnrer had tho Pquivalotit in education of the i;LS dr�rree. This: ,iuciare•,nt. is supported not only by onp of Uin :oa.rd mrvibc,rs who i . a former faculty member of the Iowa School. of Lihrary Science but by the current Dean of the College of rducation. To insist. on the specific dPgreF as opposed to its Pquival.nnce in both "ducation and experience particularly in view of the transition perio-i r(-ferrnd t.o'smacks of the worst kind of guil.di sm. It is not professionalism. Some of us who have been in academia, as well as in the applied areas, long, enoueh would suvpest that there is more to competency and Pffecti.v,.- ness, especially in eval.uting, executi.vP ability, than in the mere ac- cummulation of academic credits. In the long run, the specialized program or school will help to ensure that minimum standards are being met. But there are transition periods, and there are persons on the margins of them because of change overs in programs. Individuals have to be evaluated in their own right. Course work may provide a foundation for competency, but it will never guarantee it. It is naive and narrow- minded to think otherwise. There are numbers of fine librarians in this state and elsewhere who never had the oppo-tunity to get the MLS degree. Nor would it be to their advantage noraadd to their skill or knowledge to go back and get A once they'd achieved status in their profession. Does a proven record need to be reinforced by a degree? I think not. Now, what about the charge that Mr. Kauderer is not a public librarian? True, he comes to us from a junior college library in -a community where there is also a public.li.brary. This fact was also known to the Board. But it is also known that the library in question is part of a consortium of libraries in the regional system that serves the public. Mr. Kauderpr E organized and admird stnrnd outreach programs for the rural poor and the isolated that ware snnport-nd by state funds r-armarkrr3 for th:i s purpo sn. Public education is not a library function restricted to the Eattoon Public library, for through Mr. Kauderer's efforts it was extended through his library to a wide area serving a combined public of over 300,000 persons, all of whom are potential patrons of his library. Is there something about the size of collection and the type of library consumer that automatically -bestows a person with the competency and excellency to direct a library? Should one give greater weight to a public librarian in the strictest sense, i.e., one who works in a city public library, especially onnAhat-has a ebllection-of 10Q,000.or morF volumes? As an aside, let A be pointed out that there is no requirement that the Board select a Director who is a public librarian. Technically speaking, the Director need not even be a librarian. If, in the judg- ment of the Board of Trustees a layman would be the best choice to give direction and leadership to the Iowa City Public Library, the trustees have not only the legal authority but the duty to make such a choice. They may be fools to do it, but if they can defend their actions, their decision might not turn out to be as foolish as some people might believe. A more foolish decision would be to turn the direction of the Iowa City Public Library over.to a public librarian who can't provide leadership -at a time when it is necessary. Now we have arrived at the crux of the matter as far as the Board is concerned: Leadership. The circumstances of the past two years in particular created a 40 crisis for the library and a most special atmosphere and pressure upon IC U 40 the Board that made it mandatory that the Board select- a director for the library who had proven to be not only competent but, an effective leader. 1 Why Mr. Kauderer and not Ms. Eggers or someone else? I will backtrack a bit and summarize how we arrived at our choice. It may appear repetitious to the Dissenters who were given an explanation of this procedure once before. But, apparently, they have overlooked the implications of our procedures and the thinking that went into them. Or th-y did not listen well. The need for the Board was to be not only objective and fair but to make the difficult judgment of leadership qualities. At the conclusion of the screening procedures, details of which are not prrtinPnt to the point of this statement, the Board had before it five names from which to make its choice as having been those selected by the Search Committee as the top candidates. The Search Committee at no time asserted its own choice upon the Board, for it had none. Its functions were to screen material, organize data, and provide tentative ratings. One of the five applicants, a male, removed himself from consideration. Who knows what held heard about the library? Of the remaining four, the most interest was expressed for a woman who by far had the most impressive credentials. She was the first choice to be called for an interview, but in the course of phone calls and letters it was finally learned that she could not ac- cept an appointment were it to be offered because of family and personal reasons. One wonders in the light of what has come to light since, what the fate of this person would have been had she been appointed as the Director. We thus had three candidates to consider: Mr. Kauderer, Ms. ":ggers and Mr. Dertien (Director of the Bismarck, N.D. Public Library). All three were judged by the Board to have appropriate credentials for the specific position as Director. Their references were good and their experience ® indicated pot.,!ntial. Interviews were held with gill throe applicants during which tho Board asked questions to form udFmerts tha.L would augment the paper credentials as to whether the candidate would he an effect:i.ve director and executivF. Keep in mind the r;p�cial conc.•rn of the Board, its recent recent hi -story, and the problems associated with the former leadnrship. With all the data available, voting took place and was carried out as follows: First, it was agreed that anyone of the three candidates would be acceptable as the Director. Second, the identical. salary would be, offered to any of the three (an indication that we weren't looking for the cheapest candidate nor discriminating. -against a woman). Third, we decided to select the least preferred candidate by ranking that person in third place. It was unanimously agreed that lir. Dertien would be. so ® placed at the moment. Four, by.secret written ballot the Board members voted their first choice. When Mr. Kauderer received the majority of votes, the Board rejected the possibility of a unanimous first choice and decided to accept this vote as the.wish of the. group. Next, we decided to offer the position in succession to the first, second and third choice until one of the applicants accepted. If none accepted, we agreed to go through the entire search, screening, selecting, interviewing, and voting; procedures again. At this stage, Ms. Viggers had just as good a chance as anyone. Mr. Kauderer's total income at Mattoon came close to what we could offer, so we wouldn't be able to bargain with him. Mr. Dertien could have decided that the salary we could offer would make him like Bismarck better because it didn't have a City Manager or some like reason. Then, why was Mr. Kauderer the first choice for the majority of the Board?.. I -shall try to analyze it. LJ E No onn had svr'r;-stud. that 1.1s. r'gr[vrs be deni.nd 1 -ho posi.ti on brcause of her past involv,,;rrnt in an action arainst thn City. kemr•mb!rr that we had already d�cldnd to offer her thr- position if :-'r. Kauderpr did not accept the off -r. In fact, som-t admi.rati.on was expres,�d for her a.ppar�n`. courage and forthri"htness in her action against the City before all this present furor developed. The determining factor that made 1 -re Kauderer the preferencn,vrar, his leadership ability. In the Board's judpmQnt, he had sufficiently more leadership qualities than nit.he.r Vs. rrr*ers or Mr. Dertien to make him the first choice. This judgment was influenced by Mr. Kauderer's experience in business management and with labor relations, his nine years experience as a library executive with primary responsibilities, his experience with a building program for his library (one which we are about to embark on ourselves), his answers to our questions on paper and in personal interviews, his philosophy of participatory management (if he is ever Poi.ne to be allowed by the Dissidents to display this), his perceptions of library, problems, his attitudes toward personnel relationships and prcblems, and his general manner and demeanor in dealing with people. iii.s personality cannot be ignored nor can his apparent effectiveness in communication skills be overlooked. We were not looking for an ordinary public library staff person with technical skills and ideas. We were looking, for a leader, and we have learned the hard way to pay attention to leadership qualities. If we had selected the Director on the basis of points for length of service, points'for the MLS degree over an equivalent 1-1A, points for public library work in the literal sense, points for size of collection, than I assure you that the greatest number of points would have been earned by Mr. Dertien. And he should have been our first choice. 0 ® Would that have satisfied the Dissenters? Probalfl,,, not.. Only bi n. rrpers would have sat.i.si.fed them. It may well be that anyone coming, here as D]ro�i.or, other than Ms. Fg,g,ers, will be faced with a clique that would be difficult to work with and have been doomed to failure. There is some reason to bmlievc- that our former Director had problems in dealing effect:i_vely with such a power bloc. Further investig,ation may reveal more about this, l.but I hope it doesn't have to come to that. The point is that the Board has selected someone it believes can lead and deal effrcti.vel/ with the library personnel, be there a clique or riot,. We are going; to see this thing; throufrh! No amount of attack, innuendo as to movi.t.ati.ons , incompetencies, etc. d i rec trnd toward the Board members will deter this action or turn us around. The fact that ® some of the Dissenters, or:their hirelings, have already seen fit to visit Mattoon, Illinois, the hometown of Mr. Kaudr%rFr and the place of his employment, to ask all manner of persons questions concerning Mr. Kauderer's behavior, attitudes and character is most repelling; and disgusting,,. What have we here? Iowa City's version of the "plumbers"? Is this ethical and professional conduct? Is there no awareness in the group of Dissenters that such inquiries lead to damaging gossip and possible character assassination) Or was that the intent? 1 do not like to believe so, but apparently there is a course missing, in the MLS program: One concerned with ethical conduct. We seem to be heading into a track of behavior and actions that are not only irrational, petty and vindictive bu':. display poor judgment on the part of persons who with power and control. claim to be professionals most concerned with the Public Library. Their actions do not show concern for the library; they sufgest concern with power and control. E The Board r;.;y have been st.upi_d in the past because of thr� lack of I inrorma.tion as as the misinformation it rnceivrd. Thi :,�wrr..r: for this state of affairs are not, entirely clear, but the Poard is not sturic-_. in recon structi.nl- Nhat has b -nn Poi.np, on in this library as w� ,-i. mere data and can draw our own inferences. Of course, wq are not infalliblr. But I can assure thea citizens of .Iowa City that th• Board was net, st.unid in its decision to appoint Mir. C:hnr]es Kauderer as llirrctor of flip library. The Iowa City Public. Library belongs to the people of Iowa City. Tt is not the personal possession of three, seven or ten of its staff members be they professional librarians or not. Neither is it the possession of the Board of Trustees. But as trustees r:a, by law, are responsible for the library and, in particular, for t.ha anpointmnnt of its Director even though we b- laymen. If, because of the acti.ono of ® the Dissenters or others on the library staff, Mr. Kauderer chooses to turn down the position and remain in his "Podunkville" we will Po through the entire process of search and selection for a Director all over again. Do not mistake our intentions nor our views on this matter. There is no longer a number two or a number three choice to fall back on. Where does this leave us? In the estimation of the Board, the Dissident group has acted in an excessive manner that reflects a poor image of this community. Already the people of Mattoon wonder if we Iowa Citians have Pone mad. The Dissidents have not even waited to see if the new Director is capable as a leader or not. They have pre -judged him. They appear to be blinded by the shock of their emotions in the disappointment that their local E 11 candidate did riot ;test, the job. They wanted her in thn r o:;:i ti.on so h;?rll y they could tnnte it, '111•:1 thry w. -r(-. making plan.,, for -it -w- r re thn i;oard had even fi.ninhrd its work for selecting a Director. Now it has turned sour in their mouths. I am personally shocked and deeply disappointed in this group of Dissenters, a feeling shared by other members of the board. I am appalled at the underhanded actions taken and by the implied smears made on the Board's integrity, intellivence and attitudes toward library professionals. What has been happening does not speak well for the professionals in our library. What are the choices for the Dissenters? The Board has made its decision, and it will not reverse it. It has no reason to do so. The Dissenters can "cool it" and join forces with the new Director arra assist him in developing even a better library for Iowa City than it now is. Fmployees who cannot accept or tolerate a new boss can leave. If the Dissenters find this to be such an intolerable situation, they may resign. The Board will accept those resignations. If the Dissenters choose to remain but hinder or obstruct the work of the new Director, they will be asked to resign on the basis of insubordination and inattention to duties in their respective positions. If they thought that the Board would quail under the furor and publicity they've created, they made a serious error in judgment. If the thought was that one could pressure the new appointee enough ahead of time to dissuade him from accepting the position and thus bring in the local candidate, they must think again. That kind of tactic reflects poor judgment and offends everybody. r%ffici(-.ncy and competency are prized skills for I i.brary pe.rsonnrl as for any specialized employee, but ther- is no person who is i.ndis- pP nsibl .P .. There As only dependency that can be brok,. n. Mortal humans, by reason of their mortality alone, are replaceable by other mortal human beinrrs. Competency is learned, and it can be bouffht in the market place. Rveryone of us is replaceable including the staff members of this library. Respectfully submitted, -r Z--. , I -r 7•L -i Dr. Arthur Canter for the Board of Trustees Iowa City Public Library E El July 25, 1974 To The Iowa City Public Library Board of Trustees: Since the July 2 announcement by the Board of the appoint- ment of Charles Kauderer as Director of the Iowa City P ubiic Library, the~majority `of the professional staff have beco,<<e greatly concerned about the choice of a person who does not hold the qualifications requisite for the position of Director. The Board chose not to involve the professional staff in the selection process in even an advisory capacity, althouGh this is currently accepted procedure in all levels of the educa- tional profesions and is now beginning to be practiced in public•libraries as well. Because a' staff member was among the applicants for Directors position the staff made every effort to remain ne•: -• during the selection process. Although therebelieved rt'-, member .to be qualified for the job, they y prepared accept',JJe possibility that there might be someone more wel7- qualified among the 70 or so applications. (Detailed descr_, o taff is attached and marked upper.•. of the involvement of the s 1) They assumed that the Board's Search Committee's screen;:.: process would rule out anyone who clearly did not meat the J; description requirements (See Appendix 2, 3, 4., and 5.) not until the Board President, Vivian Buchan, plot with tho Library staff or, July 3 ( Lho day nl'tor' the Board appoi.nuo<. _ Kauderer) to inform them of the appointment (soo notes of IG meeting, Appendix J;) that they received their first complete information about his background and experience. When they learned from Mrs. Buchan that Mr. Kauderer's degree was an M.A., received from the University of Iowan i o, (before this University had a graduate program in Library Sc:u::ce, and that he had no experience in public libraries, they oecU„« concerned. While they do not now and have never in the past i 0 questioned the., legal authority ;of the Board. to appoint the Director, they. as'professional librarians and permanent rer31dl,ntn of this community, deeply concern themselves with the future of this Library, and feel obligated to oxplain to the Board the reasons for their concern and to request that they reconsider this appointment. On July 12, they requested a hearing; with you for this pur- pose and have received no response to their request except a call to the :�,ibrary Secretary from Mrs. Buchan directing them to attend the Board's regular meeting. They, therefore, assumed that this is the opportunity for them to present their case. Mr. Kaudererts Lack of An Masters of Library Science Seven professionals currently on the staff hold Masters of Library Science degrees from graduate schools of Library Science. The preceding three directors also held this degc ee. None of them would have been. eligible for even beginning professional jobs at the Iowa City Public Library without it. Past state- ments of the Board of Trustees confirm this policy (see letter to the City Manager, Appendix 0)`/ H They have all gone to considerable expense and ix, some cases hardship to acquire the degree needed to enable them to pursue work as librarians. One of them left her home in Iowa City•to attend Library School at the University of Illinois because there was no accredited program in Iowa at that time. Others were advised by faculty in the College of Education to wait until Iowa had a graduate school rather than enroll in the college of Education's program. Others were given no credi,, at Iowa City Public Library for library experience obtained prior to obtaining their MLS (See Appendix g,`l6tT, ) Several of the clerical and paging staff hold masters Ce-rees in other fields but were not considered eligible for professional jobs at the Iowa City Public Library, The MLS degree is the standard requirement across the nation for jobs as professional librarians. (Statements attached from the Directors of the Des Moines and Waterloo Public Libraries substantiate this fact; see Appendix 3;, 10'x) The M.A. in Education with a concen- tration of courses in scLol library work is not an equivalent degree (see Appendix —fX, 12i)) The hiring of`,a".person` holding this degree contradicts the advertised-, requirements;?for:-the and the -job description ,job as written &.p4wide1y distributed by the Search Committee. There ® may be many other people who would have applied had the adver- tisement stated an MA in Education would be acceptable. Two of the finalists for the job hold the-.M.LS DeC ee. Mr. Kauderer does not, and yet he was given the job. We believe this con- stitutes: 1)*Changing the rules in the middle of the game 2) Unfairness to otherP rofessioral staff, to clerical staff holding•master's degrees, and to potential appli- cants. . 3) A.lowering of the standards of this Library 4) Setting a precedent which may affect future hiring policies 5) Possibly endangering this Library's qualifications to receive state,and federal libary funds (see Appendix 39, 14) to train practiot}j�eylstudents, and to exercise leadership among the public libraries of Iowa. Mr. Kauderer's Lack of Public Library Experience, Charles Kaudererts experience consists of four years at Lakeland.College Library in Sheboygan, Wisconsin (some of this prior to obtaining his MA) and five years az Lakeland Community College Library at Mattoon, Illinois. This does not consitute ® "Public Library Experience" or'"thorough knowledE.e of modern public library administration, organization, procedures, policies, practices, aims and services." (Stated in the Search Committee's Job Description, Appendix !�.) College library experience is quite different from public library experience, -in clientele served, purposes, book selection, programming, promotional activities and degree of admininstrative aaobns�jin matters such as building planning, maintenance, budget defense and position in the political process. Obviously, Mr. Kauderer has had no experience working tw%ir� City Councils`'budget matters. LakeLand College receives no funds from the City Council of Mattoon for the library and the library budget is submitted to the College Board through the Business office (See Appendix 15). .Mr. Kauderer stated during his tour of the Iowa City Public Library (See Appendix 1) that 1his college library served as the public library in Mattoon. While it does allow non -students in the district to have cards, it is located four miles outside the City of Mattoon, is closed on weekends and has about 700 u r ti non -student registrants from the whole district. The City of Mattoon (population 19,681) maintains a public library of its own which owns 137,137 items, circulated 135,500 items in 3.972 and is open 63 hours per week. (Iowa City Public Library is open 58 hours and had 513,000 circulations.) 'Thus, in no sense does the Lakeland College Library serve as Mattoon's public library anymore than do Coe or Kirkwood in Cedar Rapids (See Appendix 15). The size of both colleges (Lakeland in Wisconsin enrolls 500-700 students; Lake Land in Illinois enrolled 2800 in 1972/73); the size of both libraries (Wisconsin -45,000 volumes; Illinois - 50,000 items); the size of the staff (Wisconsin -professional staff of 2; Illinois -profession sta�'�f. of 2); the size of the library budgets (Illinois -$117,000) illustrate that experience obtained in these Libraries is in no way comparable to the experience needed to run the Iowa City Public Library (serves 65,000 people, has over 100,000 items, 62 professionals full-time equivalents) and a $265000 budget). The Lake Land College Library, on.an average day, checks out about 40 items (includes student reserve use), whereas the Iowa City Public Library circulates over 1500 items on an average and handles over 16,000 information questions in one year, Iowa City Public Library is relatively autonomous and deals with city, county, and regional contracts, whereas at Lake Land the college admini- strativewoffices handle many of the budget, maintenance and personnel jobs.(See fact sheet, Appendix /(o ). The staff's professional judgment tells them that experience in this type of library would not equip someone to administer the Iowa City Public Library, Kauderer's Experience With Planning a New Library Building The Library at Lake Land College is one section of a building that was under construction at the time Mr. Kauderer arrived in 1969. This is not the same.experience as formulating objectiYes, working with an architect and working with a library staff to plan a building which will'provide a suitable framework for these objectives. Yet,`the press wasinformed that "Kuaderer's experience as director of the Lake Land,.system while a new library was being constructed played an important part'in his selection," -(See Appendix 17).1- J 7).1 - i J E i Kauderer's Exp ri.ence with the "Lake Mid -Illinois Regional Library Sys Land" or em As Mr. Kauderer had neither the required degree nor public library experience, there are indications that many Board members gave heavy weight to his experience as director of.a regional system of 19 public libraries called variously '�Eake Land" or "Mid -Illinois" Regional Library System (See Appendix 5, 17). It seemed`'` he staff - most unusual for the head- quarters of a public library to be in a,Community College, and, as Mrs. Buchan had been unsure of this point, they began to research the matter. What they discovered is that there is indeed a public library system covering the Mattoon area --it is called the Lincoln Trail System, contains 41 member libraries and is approved by the Illinois State Library under Section 81, Paragraph 115 of the Illinois Public Library System Law (See Appendix 18 and 19). Anthony Baldarotta is the director of this system. The Mattoon Public Library is one of,the three eligible libraries which do not belong to the system.. The Lakeland Community_College_L_ibrarf is not affiliated with the Lincoln Trail System./ Neither (except Baldarotta nor the Illinois State Library have heard of for 1 -ho- a system with headquarters. at Lake Land College (See Appendix �Tluarlibrary 20, 21). loan Mr. ,Kauderer is involved with a "Community Consortuim network. (an inter -Library program for art and cultural activities)." This is one program of'the Public Services Division of Lake '_Land College; the contact for this program is listed in the 73/74 College Catalog as Frank G. Adams, Associate Dean of Public Services (see Appendix 22), It is funded from a Federal grant to the College and consists of a series of art exhibits or crafts programs coordinated by Mr. Kauderer which some public libraries in the -area have agreed to accept. While an interesting program, this in no way constitutes administration of a public library system within the meaning of that term in Illinois State law or in general library word usage. For all these reasons, they object strongly to the idea of the future of this library being determined by a person with these qualifications. They -say nothing regarding Charles Kauderer's personal characteristics or abilities in his own field --that of.small college libraries. They do ask the Board to reconsider his qualifications for the directorship of the Iowa City Public Library and to reaffirm their support of profession4•lism at this -Library. Staff ` Involveme in Selection of a New Dir§ctorer the Iowa • 1 4 City,Publio. Library, Spring, 7( {� There was considerable discussion among the professional staff regarding their �tyfeeling that they should be involved In the process of selection of a new director In somewhat the same way that academic faculty 14 university department might �h be, i.e. an opportunity to interview applicants eitherlf tho finallly rainointtnament�lly and to express their opinions to those in chaFge of making, PP in this case the Board of Trustees of the Iowa City Public Library. After much discussion it was felt that initiation of this would have to come from the Board as it had never been done here before. Also, as an ICPL staff member (Lolly Eggers) was among the applicants, such a move on the part of the staff might be interpreted as an attempt to promote her candidacy. Therefore, although we all felt strongly about it, we did not suggest this to the Board. Lolly Eggers, in her capacity as Acting Director of ICPL, relayed to the entire staff Mr. Kirkman's message that the Board was trying to think of some way to involve us in the selection process but could think of no "legal" way to do so. They had decided that staff would be allowed to submit questions in areas of concern to them, and the Board would possibly use these when they interviewed candidates. Most of the staff decided this would be a meaningless use of their time, as they would not be able to evaluate the answers to their questions or express any opinions on the answers to the Board members. To my knowledge, I was the only staff member to submit questions. The questions I gave to the Board were prefaced with a statement to this effect: ,,Of course it would be more wtXjtj satisfactory to be able to evaluate the responses and comment to the Board on my reactions, but if this is not possible, I am glad of the opportunity to express to you my areas of concern." vv► ® Mr. Kirkman circulated copies ofpsiatement and questions to the Board members at one of their meetings prior to any personal interviewing of the candddates. After the meeting, he thanked me for my questions and said the Board would "do what they could with them". To me, this response meant that the Board had decided against any opportunity for staff to interview candidates or express opinions to the Board. When subsequently two of the finalists for the position came to Iowa City for interviews, Lolly Eggers asked me if I would give them a tour of the Library as part of their interview procedure. She had suggested to the Board that it was fairer to the candidates to have seen the Library and met the staff beforeons, their interviews with the Board. In view of the Board's response to my q I did not interpret this in any way as an invitation to interview candidates, but that my role should be to enable them to see and learn as much about ICPL as possible to assist them impartially in their interviews with the Board. Board members David Kirkman and Ron Farber accompanied James Dertien and myself on the first tour. Time constraints were such that only brief introductions to staff who happened to be on duty were possible. P7o staff members except Hazel WEstgate posed any questions to the candidate. Westgate asked, "How important are children's services to you?" Dertien asked quite a few questions which I felt were intelligent and Showed a real grasp ofproblems of a public library. h so volunteered a few things he was interested in doing such as a union list of' business periodical holdings) which seemed to me interesting ideas. The staff was given no time alone with him and no Board member subsequently asked my ® opinion of him. I volunteered none for the reasons already described. of course, Lolly Eggers did not need a tour, and no Board member asked my opinion of her as a candidate_ for Director. • Charles 4uderer was due to be in Iowa City for interview on a Saturday and Mrs. Newsome suggested that since I was on duty at Reference that day that I give him a tour. She also toldme that he had been a sutdent of hers in the early '60's at the University of Iowa. Arthur Canter (the member of the search committee who was assigned to escort Kauderer on the day of his interview) called me on Friday evening to arrange a time for the tour. He said that he had "been given strict instructions to bring Kauderer to the Library and to leave him there for his tour." I replied that I didn't feel strongly about Canter disappearing during the tour. (At this point my feelings were that it made no difference to have a chance to interview only one of the candidates, and it seemed a good chance to have Board members tour the Library too. I did not explain these feelings to Canter, however.) Canter therefore accompanied us on our tour. At times, Mrs. Canter and Mrs. Kauderer were present, although they toured mostly separately. At one point Kauderer left us and returned to the Children's Room. I later learned from Hazel Westgate that they had had a private interview in the Story Room. When he returned, he told Canter that he wanted to speak with me alone. Kauderer asked me what kind of sAirector the Staff wanted. I replied that we would not want an authoritarian person, but that anyone who was competent and fair would, I was sure, be acceptable. I deliberately did not say that most of the staff was enthusiastically supporting Lolly Egger's candidacy (which was in fact the truth) as I did not think this would be fair to other candidates whom the staff had not had an opportunity to know. He asked me where the professional staff degrees were froml whether we had frequent staff meetings, and whether the staff felt free to speak up at these meetings. I told him that a high degree of departmental autonomy had developed in the last 4 years, largely due to the previous director's failure to exercise leadership, and that it would be hard for any director to reverse that process= that staff did indeed feel free to speak up at staff meetings, but that they were very infrequent and most decisions had already been made informally by default. The only question I asked of Kauderer was, "I hear you're from a community college?" He replied quickly, Yes, but my library serves as the public library." On Monday, Mrs. Newsome called me at the Library to ask what I had thought of him. I told her that I was impressed with his request to speak alone with the staff but that his questions about library operations had seemed to me not as sharp as Dertien's. At that time she conveyed to me that she was somewhat concerned that his degree was not from an accredited library schook, but that the others on the Board tended to think this was not important because "he looked so good on paper." I did not dispute this point then UJ - Staff Involvement in So tion of a Dire 6tor for ICPL,'ceinued 3 because I assumed that he must have had an outstanding record of public library administrative experience somewhere in his background to have been ranked among the top five out of 70 some candidates by the Board's Search Committee. This would, in my opinion, have been the only justification for choosing a person without the proper degree which had been advertised. Also it was not clear to me then that he did not even hold an MLS from any school, but instead an x M.A. in Education. (There are many people holding clerical jobs at ICPL with M.A. degrees (art, English, history) who have not been considered eligible for professional library positions at ICPL). It was not until Mrs. Buchan's statement to !}le staff on July 3 that I slowly began to realize that Kauderer had neither public"'Ok"v ience nor an MLS degree. Since then I have come to feel quite indignant that myself and the rest of the professional staff were so scrupulous in avoiding any appearance of favoritism toward Lolly Eggers' candidacy. We tried to be fair and impartial although we all (except Hazel Westgate) believed that Lolly is well-qualified, sensible, fair, and just the type of director needed right now for ICPL. We also strongly believed that the professional staff should be consulted before the Board made such an important decision. In retrospect I now believe that Board should have availed itself of the professional advice of the staff. The choice of a person with Kauderer's qualificatdons seems extremely unfair to Lolly (whom the Board ranked second of the 70 some candidates) as well as to others who may have failed to apply or dropped out thinking they did not meet the advertised requirements. It is also unfair to the professional staff members now at ICPL who all, I believe, hold MIS degrees which were obtained at some hardship and expense, to have the top professional job go to a person without this degree. Carol Spaziani ® MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES JULY 30, 1974 IOWA CITY RECREATION CENTER AUDITORIUM Members Present: Buchan, Farber, Kirkman, Cantor, Downer, Newsome and Trumpp Members Absent: Bywater, Richerson Staff Present: Kelley, Prosser, Westgate Others Present: About 30 members of the community including representatives of the news media. Business: Meeting was called to order at 7:36 PM by President Buchan. She announced that there was a short business agenda, which provided for comments from the floor at the conclusion of business items. Secretary Kirkman read a statement from Charles Lee Kauderer (enclosed) submitting his resignation. Motion to accept the resignation was approved. (Newsome/Trumpp) Motion was made to re -direct the Search Comm. to renew the search for a new director of the Iowa City Public Library. Committee Chairman Newsome expressed reluctance to continue, but accepted the assignment. She then made a detailed statement concerning the committee procedure. Dr. Cantor made a statement of reluctance, but accepted the assignment. Motion passed. (Trumpp/Farber) Secretary Kirkman read a letter from Frederick Wezeman protesting the appointment of Kauderer, who also requested that his letter become a part of the minutes. (see attached copy) It was moved by Farber and seconded by Cantor that City Atty. John Hayek be appointed to represent the Library Board in regard to questions raised by the Human Relations Commission submitted to EEOC. Motion carried. It was moved by Cantor and seconded by Trumpp to include state- ments submitted by Staff Member Spaziani and Attorney Kamath as a part of the minutes of the July 25, 1974 Special Meeting. motion carried. Public Discussion: Board member Downer made a statement requesting retraction of a news story on KXIC which made the accusation that he withheld information regarding Mr. Kauderer's resignation. Mr. Philip Shively then in- dicated that he had been asked to deliver Mr. Kauderer's--- statement to the media. Clara Olson then made the suggestion [] ® that the discussion should proceed under three headings: 1. the candidates qualifications, 2. the possibility of sex discrimination, 3. the conduct of: the July 25 meeting U E Dr. Cantor attempted to speak but yielded to Bill Asp who thanked the Board for the meeting and the opportunity to pro- vide input on the selection qualifications. He indicated that an MLS degree should be expected plus extensive exper- ience with perhaps a minimum of 5 years. Dr. Cantor then made an analogy on qualifications and equiva- lent degrees and experience. Mr. Asp defended his insistence on the MLS degree. Philip Shively commented that one of the important considera- tions in hiring a new director should be remuneration for travel in connection with relocation in Iowa City and of possible moving expenses. Esther Sherman spoke in support of the Library Staff position. Clara Olson suggested that the Search Committee place its ad in some 35 publications listed at City Hall which would in- clude minorities and disadvantaged. She said that the ad should also indicate that we are an affirmative action equal opportunity employer. Carl Carer argued against the qualification of equivalency and supported the MLS degree. Mary Mascher, a former employee, suggested a staff member be placed on the Search Committee. Gerald Bruns suggested that the Library Board's first respon- sibility was to re-establish harmony within the Staff. Mori Costantino expressed concern from the Human Relations Comm. that we should make it possible for present staff mem- bers to be promoted. Ms. Kamath lectured the Board on acceptance of criticism as public officials and indicated that she felt that her clients were not involved in activities to directly embarrass and criticize the Board. She also indicated that she felt that City Atty. Hayek may not be able to represent the Board in Civil action with EEOC. Mary Schaefer, a former librarian, was critical of Dr. Cantor's statement, and felt that the professional staff should be supported. Dick Hutchins was shocked at the tone of the statement and asked the Board to reconsider. ■ Clara Olson expressed concern about the statement and in- quired how it could have come about. Board member Kirkman replied that it had to be considered in light of the special circumstances that developed and that he was satisfied with the explanation of how it had come about by Dr. Cantor. Cantor described the process in the discussion period follow- ing the Board meeting on July 25. Sylvia Johnson commented on the tone of the statement and asked the Board to reconsider. Gerald Bruns suggested that we start anew to develop harmony rather than rehash the animosity. Carl Ogren suggested that we accept the suggestions from the floor on qualifications as we begin our new search. President Buchan thanked the audience for their suggestions. Meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM Respectfully submitted, .� David J.uXirkman, Secretary (Farber/Newsome) July 27, 1974 To: The Iowa City Library Board and the People of Iowa City From: Charles Kauderer In light of recent allegations concerning the background I bring to my work as a librarian serving the public, and the training I received at the University of Iowa, I feel it is impossible, at this time, for me to continue my plans to accept the position of Director of the Iowa City Public Library. I feel, as a professional in the field, and after my years of experience as a library director, that certain individuals in Iowa City are attempting to subvert the resources of the public library to serve their personal goals of self-aggrandizement and empire building. At this time I can see no valid reason to become embroiled in their machinations. In my professional opinion, what is occuring in Iowa City now ® is what happens whenever inner-directed people seek to serve their own personal needs at public expense. Every village, town, or city has people in the public employ who put service to self before service to the public at large. To allow a clique of self-serving individuals to gain control over the library, which belongs to the people of Iowa City, is foolish and dangerous. The library is the property of the citizens of the community and must serve their needs, and not the interests of any one group - be they staff, university personnel, or anyone else. With regard to the attacks made on me personally, I can only say that they strike me as the desperate actions of people who are threatened or frightened, or both. The unbending emphasis on a specific degree is ludicrous, at best, in what should be a sophisticated community. It is indeed possible to find university administrators with Bachelor's Degrees, as well as directors of library schools without the Master of Library Science degree, considered by some to be so vital to the comprehension of library service. Obviously, in such instances, the presence of applicable experience or other considerations becomes the condition of employment. After nine years of directing libraries serving colleges and the resident public, and a year supervising a manufacturing plant in New York, I have learned that basic training must be augmented with practical applications to specific situations. E r To: The Iowa City Library Board and the People of Iowa City From: Charles Kauderer In light of recent allegations concerning the background I bring to my work as a librarian serving the public, and the training I received at the University of Iowa, I feel it is impossible, at this time, for me to continue my plans to accept the position of Director of the Iowa City Public Library. I feel, as a professional in the field, and after my years of experience as a library director, that certain individuals in Iowa City are attempting to subvert the resources of the public library to serve their personal goals of self-aggrandizement and empire building. At this time I can see no valid reason to become embroiled in their machinations. In my professional opinion, what is occuring in Iowa City now ® is what happens whenever inner-directed people seek to serve their own personal needs at public expense. Every village, town, or city has people in the public employ who put service to self before service to the public at large. To allow a clique of self-serving individuals to gain control over the library, which belongs to the people of Iowa City, is foolish and dangerous. The library is the property of the citizens of the community and must serve their needs, and not the interests of any one group - be they staff, university personnel, or anyone else. With regard to the attacks made on me personally, I can only say that they strike me as the desperate actions of people who are threatened or frightened, or both. The unbending emphasis on a specific degree is ludicrous, at best, in what should be a sophisticated community. It is indeed possible to find university administrators with Bachelor's Degrees, as well as directors of library schools without the Master of Library Science degree, considered by some to be so vital to the comprehension of library service. Obviously, in such instances, the presence of applicable experience or other considerations becomes the condition of employment. After nine years of directing libraries serving colleges and the resident public, and a year supervising a manufacturing plant in New York, I have learned that basic training must be augmented with practical applications to specific situations. E El El t page 2 The situation in Iowa City today, as I see it, is the reluctance of certain individuals to give up their private dreams of power over a public facility. The Library Board is aware of its duty to the citizens of the area and is working hard to cope with a difficult situation. Now the people of Iowa City must respond in kind - with support for the Board and its policies. The Library Board should be commended for its adherence to the principles of duty and service to the community. These people, who serve without remuneration of any kind, have devoted long hours to the cause of library service, often without the support of tl:-- very people they represent. The public, in its own behalf, must unite in support of the Board, as it endeavors to continue the fine work it has been carrying on. Under its direction and the excellent leadership of the Children's Librarian, the library had developed what is indisputably the finest children's program in the state, and one of the best in the nation. Programs such as these must be allowed to flourish and grow - and the present climate of intrigue and mis- representation can only do irreparable harm to such services. le Mrs. Vivian Buchan, President Iowa City Library Board The Public Library of Iowa City Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Library Board Members: I wish to render a formal of an unqualified candidate as Public Library and wish to note July 26.1974 I protest on the appointment director of the Iowa City the following concerns. 1. In the above matter, the Library Board of Iowa City was not an equal opportunity employer and conducted its recruitment and hiring in a discriminatory manner. 2. On July 12, seven members of the professional library staff requested in writing a hearing to discuss the director appointment matter. There was no communication from the library board to the staff members. 3. On Sunday, July 140 I called the President of the Board and expressed my concerns at the appoint- ment of an unqualified candidate for the position of library director and requested that my concern be communicated to members of the library board. I never heard from the President or any member of the board. 4- On the morning of July 25, two members of the library board visited me in my office at the University'and invited me to attend the afternoon board meeting, I attended and listened to a scut;- ing, unjust attack on professional library staff members - unanimously approved by the library board. I was denied an opportunity to speak. I protest these actions of the Iowa City Public Library Board. I ask that this letter be read at the next meeting of the Board and be included in the official minutes. Sincerely, .11 Wezeman Vernon Drive Iowa 52240 Frederick 114 S. Mt. Iowa City, August 30, 1974 Mayor Czarnecki and Members of the City Council City of Iowa City Civic Center Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Mr. Mayor and Members of the City Council: I I4airIC4 V^te Cb-• _ You have previously received copies of the proposed Transit Improvement Program for the metropolitan area (dated August 19, 1974). This draft program was received by the Regional Planning Commission at its regular meeting of August 21, 1974, and referred to the three local transit agencies for review, comment, and adoption. It is intended that the Regional Planning Commission will adopt the Program in this or an amended form at its meeting of September 18. It would be appropriate if Iowa City's voting representatives could present the response of the city to the proposal at that meeting. As noted in the report, it will ultimately become a part of a more comprehensive Transit Development Program, an areawide five-year schedule of proposed mass transit investments. Such a program is a prerequisite to obtaining capital grants from the Urban Mass Transportation Administration. It is required that the program be adopted by each of the transit operating agencies as well as by the Regional Planning Commission. My staff and the transit consultant are available to meet with you at your convenience to discuss the items proposed in the development program. Please let us know when a meeting can be arranged. transit maintenance systems to consult with local agencies and us On a related matter, the Commission recently retained a specialist in mass regarding the design of an appropriate system for coordinated maintenance arrangements. Mr. L. C. Huffman of Kansas City visited the area last week, met with the operators, and is preparing a report on his findings. This report, not yet received, is tentatively scheduled for discussion by the Transit Advisory Committee on September 5 at 7:30 PM. Ray Wells represents Iowa City on this committee, while Steve Morris and Dennis Kraft attend the meetings as non- voting resource persons. Depending on the nature of Mr. Huffman's recommendations and the conclusions of the Transit Advisory Committee, the draft Transit Improvement Program may be revised with respect to projected maintenance arrangements. Unless such changes would be substantial, it is expected that the Commission could UUP w approve zne rrogram at the meeting of September 18 and that a combined capital grant application could be submitted to UMTA soon thereafter. If you have any questions about the draft development program or its implications for the City of Iowa City, please do not hesitate to call my office. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Robert Hilgenberg Executive Director RH/km cc: Ray Wells, City Manager s