Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973-04-10 CorrespondenceLi..`"... y,•!r f 1 ':s. yr > >v.a.r ,.w. i uJ rl 1 t x � ♦r u... ,. , a 7^tr-r-r r...rr•`n, t z2i ..-+ • Jm^.m..i , z-s tiro- ""iT to:: City Council • To:', parking along seventh avenue near the 700 block $ WEt WHO ARE RESIDENTS NEAR. SEVENTH AVENUE NEAR THE 700 BLOCK#.WISH To HAVE PARKING ,RESUMED TO ONE SIDE OF SEVENTH ONLY. WE FEM, THAT THE;RECENT ADDITION .OF NO PARKING SiGN PARKING' ON S9 WHICH PROHIBIT 4, OF SEVENTH AVENUE IS A SEVERE NO PARKING ON ONE SIDE ONLY-IS `REASONABLE. ACTION AND THAT THE DENIAL ,OF"PARKING ON EITHER SIDE OF SEVENTH AVENUE IH OU=t ;AREAFLAG c,pR .•IA�UNT OF TRAFFIC IN T[M ALLEY AS ALMOST ALL -T THE"lIOkE4`5$AVE'-f6F�J„�t lWAYS AND GARAGES WHICH MOST BE ENTERED FAN T =.� Y: ;-;THIS- Qj�'CENTRATION OF-TRAFFI EX"REME;STRESS^C'NOT ONLY 'PLACES ..OF/THE~,TRA C"FIAi7'IN..THE:ALLEYS BUT'ALSO GREATLY INCREASES TPW'DANGER GF'CHILDREN,WNO COMiDNLY PLAY'I!1 THIS AREA. 'L ASE REApNSIDl,Y, PLAN ;DF'j' TRIS;, DECISION AND ADOPT THE REASONABLi 'ARKIM bN ONE SIDE"OFI-SEVENTH 'NARE AYEhIDE: ONLY. address ati Yl l r i m 1. 411 t r AIT i� `v 'L.���rh� +.i�SrirES.X'»r.•..� �'�'�,—'-+.� �:.�.r .1.�/!-• t�`-- lrW�+a F S� ' P v�t�:•f}•��i.� <�,.L�LLG�-!"Si-C.%/// I� /CLL Lc.GL.�-t SCJ �t C.,L,(„-c� _� � � ,.,,, •>� � � X.'<-,.L�-G-y.Z ..1.., 1. 7 `d jy �a �t .� �� • e,_Fr 1 4� , City Council Civic Center Iowa City, Iowa 52240 -:i Re: Rezoning Gentlemen By a letter of December 15, 1972 Plum Grove Acres, Inc. was notified that at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Iowa City Planning & Zoning Commission, which was held on December 14, 1972, their request,for,rezoning a tract of land west of Highway 1,and contiguous with Westinghouse Learning Corporation, was denied. By means of this letter, we hereby appeal that decision and request that the matter be referred directly to the City Council of the City of Iowa City. Respectfully yours, PLUM GROVE ACRES, INC.' By: �C Bruce Iasgo April 12, 1973 Bruce Glasgow 834 N. Johnson St. Iowa Cit•, Iowa 52240 Dear Bruce: Regarding your request appealing rezoning denial from Plan- ning & Zoning, the City Council set public hearing for May lst on the rezoning. Yours very truly, Abbie Stolfus City Clerk ASl:ja City Council Civic Center Iowa City, Iowa Dear Sirs: (om Kirk%%txxl Blvd. S.%X P.O. Box 2004 Crdar Rapids, low.1 52.106 We the undersigned students and staff of Kirkwood Career Center, 409 South Gilbert wish to make the Council aware of the acute parking situation that exists in our area. Originally when our center opened we were permitted to park on Gilbert Street. Since the street was widened, parking was prohibited, and even people who run in for a second to pick up a book are ticketed. Free parking was allowed on Court Street but then meters were installed, and the few spots there, are usually filled. We finally resorted to parking in the alley behind the building which is usually occupied with cars of people working downtown, and today we find one hour parking signs in the alley. We feel that Kirkwood is providing an important service to the Iowa City community particularly through Adult High School Completion, however it is:being hampered by the parking problems. It, does not appear that Gilbert Street handles enough traffic to warrant NO PARKING, particularly since parking is allowed on alternate sides of North Gilbert Street. We request your consideration in helping to relieve this situation. / Sincerely, z oS— ,,?9 ai 07= 5. W C c.17 73 5757%�Ewo-Xy 4?14;d -5"' eval itc,ii/S,Lc IaXa444 3/3173 3--23-73 C4, 3123 0 3 0 �p 3 O.20(� E.Ce�1c�Y. AN2NnOSA,2a.-'G-73 C•�.,.� .G. � � ` - 2 s"'6 s. J • c. JTZ.- 3 - .�2� - � � o\'.. ci� K o.\.O C, Glcz,. nrr Sa,Fi ;,,aYlO:L(/VZ �6wq ■ April 12, 1973 Kirkwood Career Center 409 S. Gilbert St. Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Staff and Students: The City Council received your letter concerning the parking situation in the area of the Kirkwood Career Center at their April lo, 1973 meeting. The Council understood the predicament concerning the lack of parking in the area occasioned by the completion of the Gilbert Street improve- ment, and referred your letter to the staff for review and report back 'to the Council. The staff will plan to review this situation in the areaoof the Career Center within the nggar future and make a report back to the Council. We will 1--fi touch with you concerning Council discussion when this matter is scheduled for their review. With my best regards, I am THP: ckb' , :. Sincerely, Thomas ff. Palmer Administrative Assistant 1 ) March 23, 1973' City Council Civic Center Iowa City, Iowa 6301Kirkw«x1Blvd. SYM P.O. Box 2004 Dear Sirs: Cater Rapids, IMca 52406 We the undersigned students and staff of Kirkwood Career Center, 409 South Gilbert wish to make the Council aware of the acute parking situation that exists in our area. Originally when our center opened we were 'permitted to park on Gilbert Street. Since the street was widened, parking was prohibited, and even people who run in for a second to pick up a book are ticketed. Free parking was allowed on Court Street but then meters were installed, and the few spots there, are usually filled. We finally resorted to parking in the alley behind the building which is usually occupied with cars of people working downtown, and today we find one hour parking signs in the alley. We feel that Kirkwood is providing an important service to the Iowa City community particularly through Adult High School Completicn, however it is.being hampered by the parking problems. It does not appear that Gilbert Street handles enough traffic to warrant NO PARKING, particularly since parking is allowed on alternate sides of North Gilbert Street. We request your consideration in helping to relieve this situation. Sincerely, //�0 3�3 -. 73 LYr Ou-�-2G' C.la. / 57 7 .C�'rku�ocr� h'Ij;01 -5") 3--23-73 /j�lC[� �00Da IaX 3/.13/3 7u...rq l.i/ 7OwQ• Cw�b� IJaaa :3U4c6 5Y, 31 23 - '3- - 2 6- 13 2o� E.Ce.Iar• A 1 April 12, 1973 Kirkwood Career Center 409 S. Gilbert St. Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Staff and Students: The City Council received your letter concerning the parking situation in the area of the Kirkwood Career Center at their April 10, 1973 meeting. The Council understood the predicament concerning the lack of parking in the area occasioned by the completion of the Gilbert Street improve- ment, and referred your letter to the staff for review and report back to the Council. The'staff will plan to review this situation in the areaoof the Career Center within the nar future and make a report back to the Council. We will`ifi touch with you concerning Council discussion when this matter is scheduled for their review. With my best regards, I am Sincerely, I— Thomas H. Palmer Administrative Assistant THP:ckb ■ IOWA CITY, IOWA 52242 April 5, 1973 Phone 353.3013 City Council City of Iowa City Civic Center Iowa City, Iowa 52210 Councilmen: The Protective Association for Tenants respectfully requests the following items be placed on the agenda of the next regularly' scheduled city council meeting for discussion. PAT requests that a representative of our organization be permitted to address the council relative to the requested agenda items. The items for discussion are: 1. The meaning of the recent Housing Commission vote relative to the proposed Tenant -Landlord, Code for Iowa City. 2. PAT would like to receive copies of any information collected by the Housing Commission as supportive data for its vote, along with a copy of the Commission's formal report to the council on why the Commission voted as it did. 3. The status of the proposed tenant -landlord ordinance relative to its examination by the city's legal staff. h. The status of the proposed tenant -landlord ordinance relative to its examination by a committee of the Johnson County Bar Association. 5. A related matter. PAT respectfully requests the opinion of the council relative to PAT's earlier request for the names and addresses of all tenants under contract to the city under the Leased Housing Program. Mr. Lyle Seydel and Mr. Dennis Kraft have replied negatively to PAT's request. So has the Iowa City Housing Commission. If the council's reply is also negative, could PAT receive a legal memorandum from the city's legal office as to the legal reasons why the city feels a negative reply is justified? 6. PAT respectfully requests a clarification from the City Council of the status, or better, authority, of the Iowa City Housing Commission. If the Housing, Commission is purely advisory, then why the. long investigation,00r apparent investigation, of the proposed tenant - landlord ordinance? Does the City Council intend, as a matter of regular policy, to refer all housing related matters to the commission? Or only certain matters relative to housing? PAT, as an organization much interested in certain aspects of housing in this community, would greatly appreciate a clarification of ;these matters., Thank you for your time and consideration. cerely, rM I Ryan Coor for owa Memorial Union 1 L PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION FOR TENANTS Iowa Memorial Union IOWA CITY, IOWA 52242 City Council' -2 Phone 353-3013 6. PAT respectfully requests a clarification from the City Council of the status, or better, authority, of the Iowa City Housing Commission. If the Housing, Commission is purely advisory, then why the. long investigation,00r apparent investigation, of the proposed tenant - landlord ordinance? Does the City Council intend, as a matter of regular policy, to refer all housing related matters to the commission? Or only certain matters relative to housing? PAT, as an organization much interested in certain aspects of housing in this community, would greatly appreciate a clarification of ;these matters., Thank you for your time and consideration. cerely, rM I Ryan Coor for owa Memorial Union 1 Charter Commission Members City of Iowa City Civic Center _Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Ladies and Gentlemen: I am speaking as the Coordinator for the Protective Association for Tenants and es a tax -paying citizen of this community. Iowa City needs a form of government that will best represent the diverse interests of all its citizens. Better and better forms of government have been our nation's, our state's, and our county's traditions. Iowa City should adopt a representative government also. Namely, a ward form of government, dividing the city into eight numerically equal 'parts, with councilmen elected from each ward, and the mayor elected at large. The mayor should be a full-time executive, coordinating the council's business and working closely with the city manager and the city staff in developing programa, especially long-range programs, for the city. The mayor should be a policy leader. The city manager a coor- dinator of the city staff and an advisor to the mayor and council members on questions and issues before the council. Iowa City should leave the naive past of 'anon -partisan" politics, of which the council-manager form of government and the at -large, non- partisan elections are the offspring. The county, ',state, and federal governments are all highly par - operations. Millions of words are regularly sent up in a paean of praise of the gloriousmerits of our partisan based repre- sentative government. From President Nixon to Reps. Small and Hargrave, to county supervisors Burns and Bartels, our government bodies are run by partisan politicians. I emphasize the latter word, politicians. • Can anyone really believe that because Iowa City removes party labels from its councilmen that they somehow magically become non- partisan? My experience with the present city council members shows each to be highly partisan--each has strong beliefs on a variety of issues-- each one has a set of personal and political values on which he bases his decisions. Are they really so non-partisan? Are they any less political because they don't run for office under party labels? Let's put Iowa City back in the mainstream of American politics. Lets have party politics in Iowa City. Why should partisan county officials, partisan state officials, partisan federal officials look with any favor or feel any affinity for Iowa City's "non-partisan" council members? I suggest, in fact, that non-partisan city government works against the best interests of Iowa Citiana. Iowa City is not an isolated governmental unit--with or without Home Rule.. The non-partisan, councilmen at largeapproach.to city govern- ment is as!unreal as the, approach of many public university officials and students during the past several years who believed their campuses were somehow,^mysteriously" exempt from the laws of the U.S.--federal state and local. How often did such fantasy-based concepts of the college and university campus contribute to a distorted view of how our society actually operates? College administrators and students were wrong, I believe, in trying to opt themselves out of our system of laws when campus troubles arose in the late i960a and early 1970e. Were the Blacks in Detroit, Los Angeles, Newark, and Washington exempted from local law officials when disturbances broke out in their communities? Lets give Iowa City, governmentback to the citizens, back to politics as practiced at every level of government inIowaand across the country. The ward system, with eight councilmen chosen from numerically equal sections of the city, along with a mayor elected at-large, will give back to the citizens of Iowa City the responsibility for governing their community.' It is by far the most democratic form of government proposed to this commission. I don't believe the charter commission should recommend a form of government that works best for councilmen,the city manager, and the city staff. Iowa City government should be one that works best for the greatest number of citizens of this community. My 'final remarks are prompted by comments made, by one of the charter commission members and recently quoted in the Daily Iowan relating to student -citizen interest in Iowa City government.,_. _ Even the most superficial examination `of past voting laws and practices in Iowa would have shown this commission member that a person had to be 21 years old and reside in the city for as much as a year before becoming' eligible to vote. These restrictions alone worked very hard against the student - citizen becoming a voter. Such regulations told the student -citizen: - --.loudly and. clearly. that his participation in local affairs was not wanted. However, in November of 1972, 90 per cent of all the registered voters in Johnson County went to the polls. A great portion of this go percent was wade up of newly enfranchised student -citizens. Does this record reflect apathy --disinterest? What about the recent ramp episode? What about the formation of 'PAT? _ At every level last year, from precinct caucases to the state I party conventions to working on the campaigns, tudent-citizens were I everywhere. I predict that student -citizens will likewise be highly visible this fall during the Iowa City elections., Student -citizens are just as interested in the affairs of this community as any other artificially constructed group. The charter commission memberfs comments were so unreal, so distorted,, so unbelievable, a reaction was absolutely necessary. No one I know of either elected or appointed the commission member quoted in the Daily Iowan a spokesman for'student-citizens in this community. To dismiss the legitimate interests and needs of such a large portion of the citizens in, this community borders on crassneas, if not outright hostility towards the thousands of student-citizone in this town. Eighteen year-olds, as of July let, are full-fledged citizens of Iowa, and that includes Iowa City. They have certain rights as citizens, and everyone should work to see that these rights are protected. At the same time, instead of saying student -citizens don't care about the community, everyone should work twice as hard to encourage the new citizens to became involved, become informed, became participants. I hope my remarks convey may utter distaste for such mindless and unfounded remarks as those attributed to the charter commission. member in today's paper• Thank you. <- NEN AMERICAN MOVEMENT POSITIONT ON,TJJE FORM OF • CITY GOVERNMENT The position of New American Movement on the form of city government in Iowa City is as follow94 1, ren'lace the city manager with a mayor elected at lsirge and a competent administrative assistant; 2,, enlarge the size of the city council to nine members; 3. elect city council people by wards. The council manafier form of government which we presently have in Iowa City has its roots In the municipal rsform movement in 19110 Its Preitest rro-,ctn occurred during a 15 year period after the Second World War when u-Aproximately ?5 municipalities a year adopted the system But this trend had cooled considerably, since then with numerous munieioalities dropping it in favor of the elected mayor, This experience would indicate that the council manager form wortcs best in smaller homogeneous communities where confldect Is minimal. The more heterogeneous municipalities with greater differences among People over Issues have tended to be predominant rimong cities chat either dropped the r x%2nxmx council manager syst.sm or failed to adopt it to begin with, Iowa City is a heterogeneous community with widely varying Opinions rnd,interests in city policies, The studies of cities like ours with council'msnage.l' F.M vernments indicate that managers either surfer from short tenure in their positions or they form key poij.ti allignments to prevent their dicmissa.l and tnen act 'like a mayor, Our observation. of Iojra City 11that the Manager Y -as taken the le.ttef course. This is undesireable bacauss it tendo to remove key are,^:.s of Policy making from the people in the community, In such a sit,,,tj n the city Is literally run by the manager and Utaff with the sune.ger responding to his political. allignments0 For this reason are feel that art elected mayor should assume the political -functions which the more adequately represent our diverse population by being responsible for smaller more cohesive areas of the communitg Secondly the larger council would be able to force committees on key policy areas and thus be able to initiate more legislative policy sri: without being dominated by the city staff. At the present time the small council of five can°t keep up with all policy areas and they are not la=ge enough to specialize in different: areas, This is one factor that causes the council to mainly rc::ct to ideas generated by the manager and his staff, with respect to ward elections several points can be made, In the first place, running a city vide campaign is expensive and thin ewclLdes. people who either lack resources personally or who are not backed by an organization with money. This distorts the make up of the council ` wa ,. in favcr<of moniedt',intere.;n, Secondly in :.diverse community like Io City it is difficult to represent all segments of the population r Loper income people, stude;:.• and people living in specific neighborhoods with distinct problems all should be represented directly on the -council. This is literclly impossib'a under thepresent system, In summery our gree recommendations would"mNkE provide a ati-ucture far more accessible to all people than our present structure, It Is our position that the comb -'nation of a political rw.:na.ger and council • people elected at large i:uu-1 tend to respond to a constituency of monied Interests that cfcicde the bulk of the people, In short, New American Movement believes that our r.ity shouldhove n structur•9 thae is, capable of responding to all of the people, 1 March. 29 1973 LJ Mr. William Meardon, Chairman City Charter Commission 100 S. Linn Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear Bill: r In recent action by the Iowa City Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors several suggestions were raised in regard to the form of government which the Board deemed in the best interest of.Iowa City, The Board went on record as supporting the following points and present them for the Charter Commission's consideration. 1) The City should retain the present Council -Manager form of government. The Board feels that the present system is workable and that we should not change only for the sake of change, 2) The Board does not specifically object to expanding the City Council from 5 to 7 members or electing council members from !lards, but feels that several points should be kept in mind --that the larger the group, the more awkward it becomes and that talent or interest in government is not necessarily dis- tributed in precisely divided geographical areas. 3) The Board opposes a separately elected full time salaried mayor, and urges retaining the present system of electing the mayor from the council, The Board believes that any elected official who could erode the authority which our present city manager's position has'been delegated, would seriously dilute the professionalism of the office of city manager, 4) A concept that the Board chose to support was that of recall -- as long as it would take 25% of the registered voters in the preceding governor's election to initiate it, • tI La. :•f ACCRCDITCD CMIMM[O OF COMMtn;C CM•u.I. Y. I • go J ,.,�:<, ��: _; , 0 R.R 2 Cedar Rapids Iowa 32401 R.R. 2 FortDodge Iowa 50501 . 1 +,, a,d .,,-m.,.a. ' _ ' ._.. 31557),38Bh: 319363.7276 ':; .. r._,.,.., . _. ._..... _...-� .._._. ...:. April 5, 1973 The Honorable;C. L Brandt Ma or of Iowa. City City. Hall Iowa City, Iowa r Dear Mayor Brandt: You may `,recall my corresponden'c'e of February, 1972, soliciting your support 1` 'for a proposed amendment to the act relating,to taxation of, motor fuel used gin aircraft. The Iowa, Airport Executives Association again, asks that you contact Bob Hays; Executive Director, League of Iowa Municipalities, 444.Insurance Exchange Building, Des`Dloines; Iowa,:50309(515-288-2119), as well as ; elected representatives to seek their, favorable support of this legislation. "The House File is 200 and sponsored by Representatives Lipsky,,Bittle, Rinae,,Kreamer, Junket, Wells, Connors, Kiser; Readinger, Crawford, Norland pa., -... ... and Miller. i 'The Senate File is 192 introduced by Tom'Riley. Indications are that the opposition, headed by fixed baseoperatorsand airline lobbyists, has gained momentum and the bill may be defeated without ' your support The whole idea of this amendment,-is to reduce ,taxes<of local property taxpayers by.creating a fund,derived from non-refundable aviation fuel 'tax and more closely align airport costs to the user pay theory. It is estimated that total 'revenue from this source could be in excess of $680,000 per,'year.' The need for this type of financing was highlighted in a recent study, Iowa state 'Airport System Plan, and parallels similar legislation.in.neighboring states. I believe it is good legislation and would be pleased to furnish you with any additional details or answer'any.questions that you may have. Please contact Bob andyourlegislators without delay. 1 IOWA AIRPORT EXI ROY W. JAMESEN, Pmsidanl R.R. 2,'. Ceder R,pids, low, 52401 319-363-3276 The Honorable C. L Mayor of Iowa. City City, Hall Iowa Cit I Brandt April 5, 1973 Y, owa Dear Mayor Brandt: You may recall my correspondenc for a, e of.February, 1972,,soliciting yoursupportproposed amendment to the act relating to taxation of motor fuel used in aircraft. The Iowa Airport Executives Association again asks that you contact Bob Hays, Executive Director, League of IowaMunicipalities, 444 Insurance Exchange Building, Des Moines, Iowa, 50309 (515-288-2119), as well as elected representatives to seek their favorable support of this legislation. The House File is 200 and sponsored by Representatives Lipsky, Bittle, Rina s, Krealer. r, Junker, Wells, Connors, Kiser, Readinger, Crawford, Norland and Miller. The Senate File is 192 introduced by Tom Riley. Indications are that the opposition, headed by fixed base operators and airline lobbyists, has gained momentum and the bill may be defeated without` Your support. The whole idea of this amendment is to reduce taxes of local property taxpayers by creating a fund derived from non-refundable aviation fuel tax and more closely align airport costs to the user, pay theory. It is estimated that total revenue from this source could be in excess of $680,000 per year. The need for this type of financing was highlighted in'a recent study, Iowa State Airport System Plan, and parallels similar legislation in neighboring states. I believe it is good legislation and would be pleased to furnish You with any additional details or answer any questions that you may have. Please contact Bob and your legislators without delay. RWJ/ds April 5, 1973 Nr. Ray Wells City Manager Civic Center Town f i 1 , T-,,, Dear Mr. Fells: We arerequestingthe alley, Block #39 Old Town between Dodge and N. Market Square be paved. If at all :possible, we would like this included in your paving program for this year. Otherwise, as soon as possible next year. Since the Church owns all 'property on the south and almost all of it on the north, we forsee no problem in obtaininP the necessary " consent. -for this. Yours truly, Rev. tisrr. Cletus P. Madsen, Pastor Chairman, Building and Grounds Committee pins cc: City Cnuncil April 12, 1973 Rev. Msgr. Cletus P. Madsen Pastor St. Wenceslaus Church Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Rev. Madsen: The City Council received your letter requesting, that the Alley between Dodge Street and North Market square be paved at their April 10, 1973 meeting. The Council referred your request to the staff and asked that this paving project be included in the next paving program. The next program is tentatively being planned for either late fall, 1973, or early spring, 1974, and we will plan to include this alley in the list of locations for paving improve- ments. Sincerely, Thomas H. Palmer Administrative Assistant THP:ckb CC: Ralph Speer, Public Works U June 7, 1973 Mrs. Lena Abarr 305 Westminister Street Iowa City, Iowa 52250 Dear Pars. Abarr: Some time ago we wrote to you concerning your request for repair of a fallen section of storm drainage tile on your property at 305 Westminister Street. In our April 12 letter to you, we stated that the Council had referred your letter to the Staff for review and appropriate action. It has come to my attention that the Public Works Department staff has planned to include repair of this broken storm drainage tile in their 1973 program for this king}„of work. If you have any questions regarding the needed repair work, you might wish to contact Mr. George Bonnett; City Engineer, regarding your specific situation. Again thank you for bringing this situation to our attention. with my best regards I am Sinfcerely, Thomas H. Palmer Administrative Assistant T11P : kw cc: George Bonnett 1 • April 12, 1973 Mrs. Lena Abarr 305 Westminster St. Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Mrs. Abarr: The City Council received your letter requesting repair of a fallen'section of storm drainage tile at their April 10, 1973 meeting. The Council referred your letter to the staff for review and report back as to recommended action. The staff will plan to look into the situation which you brought to the Council's attention in the very near future, and make a report as to recommended action. We will be in touch with you when the Council has had an opportunity to discuss this situation and make a decision as to appropriate action. Sincerely, �-F-(• Thomas H. Palmer Administrative Assistant TIIP : ckb CC: Ralph Speer, Public Works .s Conoco of Me OO Mateo �ou�e of 3tepregentutibe>� M49bfnat6n, ;D.C. 20515 i April .6, 1973 Dear Mr. Mayor:. The Federal. -Aid Highway Act of 1973 is expected to be voted on by the House within the' next Nu weeks. . . As you kno%'�, our country 'is moving toward a transportation crisis of monumental proportions:, PuUl.ic!transportation throughout: the nation has ecli.nedzprecipitously in the,last two decades=-fr.om':17 Uillion passengers annually to 7 billion. Over 230 transit systems have collapsed. More and more: coimnuters116ve become . victims of- rusli—hoour;*';:,,"` ur traffic congestion on sk � bighways afactor which contributes.significantl.y to`nur present pollution ,- and energy problems. 1Yet, ironically, we continue to build more roads while transit. service. continues to'.deteriorate. The trends which have. ifPveloped,ove-r recent years underscore the urgent need for `a fundamental realignment of our tr.ansportati.on investment priorities, especially in urban areas. .utile the bill which has,been reported from the . Public Works ,Committee;',the so-called Wright compromise, purports to :recognize= "'pro theP y it real) is no compromise.-at'al.l. The promise of abundantfunds) with which urban areas could combat thein transportation problems is not more than false hope. The mass transit revenues in the Wright bill would be ,.,Pr.ovided from thegeneral. treasury. The mune ' is notnow available and is not' likely -to be available'in the future. ' Ata time when we are attempting to reduce executive impoundment, the Wright proposal would actually mandate the President to impound more funds. ' As we move to reform the, Congressional budgetary process, this measure; also y ' would open' theway to even mora 'rbackdoor" spending beyond the control"of Congress.; And while the American people have demanded a simplified, more streamlined bureaucracy, this legislation would create a new labyrinth of red tape.., ` A far better approach, we feel, would be the amendment to be offered on tlao floor of the House; by Congressman Glenn Anderson of California. It would allow $706 million in urban system funds;fxom the lli.ghway Trust Fund to be used for either bus or rail ca Pital Programs or for hi.,liwa related 1 P R g y- purposes, at the discretion of local: officials. It rmbcidies the some principle as the hluskie- :, Baker Amendment, already approverlUv thr Senate, which permits a local option in the use of .sq850 million of' tu•ban'system funds. f i1v 0000 MERCY HOSPITAL 500 MARKET STREET IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240 :319/3S6-1331 April 6, 1973 Mayor C. L. Brandt "a the Iowa City City Council Civic Center Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Mayor Brandt and Council: Last year during the May observance of National Hospital Week, Mercy Hospital invited you and the city manager to be our guests at a luncheon to kick off the special week. This year, National Hospital Week begins May 7 and it is especially noteworthy ,for two of Iowa City's health care facilities. This year, Mercy is celebrating, 100, years of service to Iowa City and University Hospitals is celebrating 75 years of service to Iowa and Iowa City. In observance of this double anniversary, we would again like to ex- tend'an'invitation to.a luncheon on;Monday; May 7,'1973,`at 12:10 p.m. at Mercy Hospital. Representatives of University Hospitals and Veterans Hospital will also be invited. 1 If you desire, this would be ideal time for an official proclamation by the mayor proclaiming May 7-12 as Iowa City Hospital Week since the health, professions do play an important role in our community. We sincerely hope all of you and city manager Wells will be able to accept our invitation. We will contact you'on April 20 to ask whether or not you can attend or if another date would be preferable. Thank you for your continuing interest in Mercy Hospital. Yours very sincerely, Sister Mary Venarda, R.S, . Administrator SMV/sla l ' 1 V.F ' % ) � !�� 1 � -.a �Tlt �1 1 T� •:RV 1 ! f �.� �� _ � 1 �� �f �1�C14 Y P � April 9, 1973 ■ Iionorable Mayor and City Council of Iowa City, Iowa Civic.Center Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Re: Application by The Super Cab, Inca for stalls and stands in Iowa City, -Iowa Mr. Mayor and Members of the Council: On behalf of The Super Cab, Inc. , ,and pursuant to hearing held this date with the Traffic Control Commission and on behalf of the above corporation, I`hereby make Application for a location of a stand and stall at the Jefferson Hotel building at the corner of Dubuque and Washington Streets in Iowa City, Iowa. This would be the stand or stall formerly held by Royal Cab Company which has now been vacated and abandoned. In the event if for any reasonable or sufficient grounds we cannot have the above referred to location for stand and stall, then as an alternative we hereby request to be'allowed to have a stand or stall in front of the First.National Bank building at 204 East Washington Street on Washington Street and adjacent to and south of the First National Bank building. Your consideration and attention to the above is greatly appreciated. Res ct ully Ralp i Oxford for The Super Cab, Inc. City of Iowa, city, Iowa " Department of Public Works O F F I C E M E 0 R AN` D U M Date: April 61 1973 To: Ray S. Wells City Manager From: Ralph h E . Speer, Jr.f Director ctor of Public Works Subject: Parkins Restrictions Adjacent to Churches This Memorandum is Written -in reply to, your request of. March 23, 1973, and letter a -which the City Council received from the St. Paul Lutheran Chapel located at 404 East Jefferson Street'concerning the City's parking policy adjacent to :churches throughout the 'community. The parking restrictions in effect around churches had been established prior to my coming to Iowa City in 1967.. The policy that was in 'effect then and, for that matter, is still in " effect permits,,parking.on certain streets adjacent to churches from 6:00.a.m..,until 1:00 p.m. on Sundays only. The ' legend °oh these signs reads as follows: "No Parking Anytime Except, Sunday from 6:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.". This type of parking is permitted on"such streets as Dubuque Street, Jefferson Street, Muscatine Avenue and North Riverside Drive, to.nane but a few of the streets. Ever since I have been in Iowa City we have received requests, Particularly 'from `the Catholic Church located on North Riverside Drive, to permit parking in that area on Sunday evenings from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 P.M. Apparently this church has an evening church service which draws a particularly large congregation. There have been communications, numerous both written and oral, to the City Council during,the six past years requesting the City to permit such parking. The staff has continuously argued against.such a parking provision on the basis that if we were to permit parking on North Riverside Drive then the same type of regulation should apply to of all the churches throughout -the community. The rationale for permitting parking on certain streets only on Sunday mornings ,was that, for the most part, all denominations held at least one church service which was their primary one sometime between 6:00 a.m. and'1:00 p.m. At the time the bicycle lanes were installed. on Jefferson and Market Streets some confusion arose as to whether or not people would be permitted. to park along the prohibited parking ureas where bicycle lanes were in existence. At that time the City Council,, based upon a recommendation from the City staff, decided April 12, 1973 Rev. W. E. Eckhardt Pastor St. Paul Lutheran Chapel 404 E. Jefferson Iowa City, Iowa 52240 DHar Rev. Eckhardt: The staff made a report to the City Council concerning your earlier request that cars be allowed to park on Jefferson Street east of Gilbert during church services and also on Gilbert Street during church services. The staff recommended and the Council concurred that parking be allowed on Jefferson Street between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. on Sunday morning during the time church services are taking place. The Council also concurred in their recommendation to allow Sunday morning parking between 6:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. on Gilbert Street north of Jefferson also to accommodate parking of auto- mobiles for. Sunday church services, The Department of Public Works plans to install signs to this effect in these areas within the next two weeks. These signs will specifically state that parking is allowed only on Sunday morning between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. in these locations. I hope the installation problem which you brought to regards, I am of these signs will help solve the Council's attention. With my best Sincerely, 1. Thomas H. Palmer Administrative Assistant THP:ckb CC: Ralph Speer, Public Works Mr. William P. :Gilpin Gilpin Paint & Glass, Inc. 330 East Market Street Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear Mr. Gilpin: At its regular meeting of Tuesday, April 10,-1973 the City Council discussed your letter of March 26 and asked that I inform you of the results of that discussion. The staff reviewed with the Council the number of one hour meters located on the street and in the parking lot in the immediate vacinity of your store. We also presented monthly statistics on the usage of the Market Street Parking Lot which shows a'current average of 33% occ- upancy. _The .Counci1 is also, aware that, the sixty seven long -,term meters in the parking lot on Market will accept a coincombination permitting short-term as well as long-term parking: It was the conclusion of all members of the City Council that the present: metered parking situation near your, store is sufficient to handle and control the demand for parking at this time and in the fore- seeable future. The Council asked that I express their appreciation for your continued interest in the City's parking program. If you have any questions in regard to this matter, please do not hesitate to call me. Sincerely, J. D. Pugh, Jr. Director of Finance cc: VCity Clerk, Councilman Connell Don Akin /dc 04-10-73 CITY OF IOWA CITY DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE MEMORANDUM To: Ray S. Wc11s City Manager Re: Council Correspondence This memorandum will document our response to the letter from Mr. William P. Gilpin to the City Council dated March 26, 1973. The attachments are included as reference information for this memorandum. Mr. Gilpin has made frequent requests to both the City Council and the staff over the past few years to increase the availability of short-term parking in the general area of Market Street between Gilbert and Linn. Specifically, lie is concerned with the immediate area of his business location which is at 330 E. Market Street. (See rough diagram attached). I have discussed this situation with Don Akin, Parking Systems Super- visor, and our recommendation is that this area is adequately controlled at the present time and that there is no need for change. In arriving at this recommendation the following information was considered: 1. As can be seen on the attached diagram there are 13 one hour meters on Gilbert between Market Street and the alley North of Market, as well as 1 thirty minute meter and 1 one hour meter immediately in front of Gilpin's store and 3 one hour meters adjacent to the {Vest side of the store in the off-street parking lot. There are 4 additional one hour meters located West along Market Street which are available for Mr. Gilpin's patrons. 2. The parking space utilization information which is main- tained on a monthly basis for all off-street parking lots indicates only a 33% revenue comparison for the Market Street lot during the past two months. As the enclosed copy of this chart demonstrates, the avail- ability of parking in this particular lot has increased substantially since MRC moved to new facilities and vacated its location across the street. 3. All the meters in the Market Street lot will accept it coin combination which allows parking from one to ten hours no matter what the specific meter designation. With an average of 67% availability, there should be no problem with short-term or long-term packers at this location. Page 2 April 10, 1973 Based on the information available to us at this time, we cannot share Mr. Gilpin's concern that there is a deficiency in the number of short-term meters in this particular area. As a matter of fact, changes to shorter term meters in the past in response to similar requests has resulted in more one hour meters available to Mr. Gilpin thap to probably 95% of the merchants in any other specific location in Iowa City. 4J. B. Pugh, (,JF Director of Finance /dc tee IYA? EE! .......... iL 41 171 —70 5.7 3Is' 1 CJ 3 _1fl 802,!% I 5 333'6li II 147 t, II 0! 0 I C, bo rll'—71 6 Ij ej. 0; 0 7 71z' 0' Z 0 0 1 l )j"e 114. -11-7f 1 SAL! it CIO tIo! C) 5 lei L1 :s' 711 $'0,1�'- , I((7�,UJ j ( .�4 I I I i ,'�,�P I 'I 1 i) I,v I I I ("', 70. S 10 V'� �. ti 1:4 1 k I U, 110 4V V2 le 2 f 7.jy 101" 7 It 7. 7 1i '� ,1 � II � � G3 I I ' j � 'lJt t l 5 `1' •� � � �' I '� jl , , rL 5�;) i I I lit 7 3' 0 0 33 ; 3..%;! li"11,03 I J. . ........... i,lI k 4814 1973 Sidewalk Assessment Program Iowa City, Iowa, April 10, , 1973 The Council of Iowa City, Iowa, met on the above date in regular session pursuant to law and the rules of said Council and in accordance with the terms of a notice of meeting, a copy of which was served on each member of the Council within the time required by law -and accepted in writing by each member thereof, said notice of meeting being as follows: NOTICE Iowa City, Iowa, April 10 , 1973 TO: Robert Connell, Edgar Czarnecki. Loren Hickerson; J1 Patrick'White Counci men Iowa City, Iowa Dear Sir: You are hereby notified that a meeting.of the Council of Iowa City, Iowa, will be held on the T 10 day Of April 1973, at the Civic=Center, in Iowa City, Iowa, at 4:00 o'clock "p_ M., for the purpose of considering the adoption of a Resolution Adopting Plans, Specifications, and Form of Contract, and for such other business in connection therewith as may come before the meeting. Respectfully submitted, Mayo Service of the foregoing notice is hereby acknowledged. .SIC_- 7. 14ranAt- S !Robert C'onnall 'S/FdcT ar Czarnecki S/ :o en Hick .s.'ni' . .S/T_ Patrick'Whiip _1_ ANLERS. GOONEY. DORWEILER. ALLBEE h HAYNIE.. LAWYERS. DES MOINES. IOWA I The meeting was called to order by 'C. L. 'Brandt _- Mayor, and on roll call the following Council Members were present: Brandt Connell `Czarnecki Ricker on, white Absent: Norie This being the time and place for a public hearing on the matter of the adoption of plans, specifications and form of contract for the construction of the 1973 Sidewalk Assessment Program, the Mayor called for any oral objections to the making of said improvements,- or to the adoption of the plans,specifications and form of contract. No oral objections were offered and the Clerk reported that no written objections thereto had been filed. Councilman Connell introduced the following Resolution entitled "RESOLUTION ADOPTING PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND FORM OF CONTRACT" and moved that the same be adopted. Councilman White - seconded the motion to adopt. The roll was called and the vote was, AYES: Brandt' Connell CzarnecY,i. Hickerson 'White NAYS None Whereupon the Mayor declared the following Resolution - - duly adopted. _Z_ AHLERS. GOONEY. DORWCILER. ALLDEE @ HAYNIE. LAWYERS. DES MOINES. IOWA The concept of sound financial planning is at least equal in importance to physical planning and is critical to the success of any program whether it be public or private. The Capital Improvement Program which has been sub- mitted for your consideration should be both a determination of (1) the levels of capital outlays and (2) the sources of "financing those outlays. It is the later determination to which this memorandum will address itself inasmuch as the City presently does not have a written fiscal policy. Further, it is suggested that the proposed fiscal policy be a part of the administration's presentation to the City Council of the long-range Capital' ImprovementProgram and that the City Council consider adoption of this policy as a guide to future City expenditures and indebtedness. ADVANTAGES OF ESTABLISHED FISCAL POLICY A formally approved fiscal, policy could be expected to provide the following ' advantages: 1. Th _ .. e debt service levy on which there is no.State maximum limit could be projected and regulated to either' remain'` relatively constant or to increase at an even, controlled rate. 2. Investors interested in City of Iowa City bonds could refer to a fiscal policy and rely on it in making dec- isions on whether to buy obligations of the City and in determining the rate of interest they.will bid. A'form- ally approved fiscal policy would have a strong bearing on the City's ability to maintain and improve'bn its credit rating. 3. Planning for public improvements normally takes place over :a period of years. Nearly always funds are spent for engineering and right-of-way prior to the years in which actual construction takes place.A fiscal policy could establish amounts of money which would be spent for several years in the future and thus facilitate public' improvement planning and make it possible to concentrate time and funds on those priority projects, which could be financed and con- structed within the financial limitations of the policy. d. A very significant advantage of a fiscal policy would be to demonstrate the need for additional revenue sources in future years by matching expenditures and indebtedness per- mitted by such a fiscal policy against the much greater need for additional public improvements. 1 A proposed fiscal policy is attached as a part of this memorandum. The following paragraphs comment on the significance of the various sections of this policy. Annual Operating Expenditures Revenues to support expenditures in the annual operating budget come from several sources. The most important of these is the property tax levy which consists of three parts. The first part supports what are generally referred to as the seven funct- ional funds. These funds are: (1) General, (2) Street, (3) Public Safety, (4).Sanitation, (S) Municipal Enterprises, (6) Recreation, and (7), Utilities. As the'first:section of the proposed fiscal'policy -indicates, there is -a State imposed maximum totallevyof 30 mills for these general operating funds, and for all, practical purposes the City of Iowa 'City will have to con sider'this limitation both the minimum and maximum during the next four or five year period. The second part of the property tax levy is the trust and agency levy over which the City has practically no control. This levy is for the purpose of providing the City's `share 'of employee retirement and social security benefits Which are determined either by the State or Federal government. In addition, approximately 25t of the levy provides for insurance premiums and other lia- bilities incurred as a result of claims against the City. There is no maximum levy for trust.and agency purposes. The third part of the property tax levy is the debt service levy which provides funds for principal and interest payments on the City's general obligation debt outstanding. While there is no specific limit on the debt service levy, it is limited indirectly by State restrictions on the total amount of general oblig- ation indebtedness permitted. As discussed later in this memorandum, the proposed fiscal policy is 'aimed primarily at controlling and regulating this third 'section of the property tax levy. Capital Exnenditures This section of the proposed fiscal policy begins by defining a capital expend- iture and continues on to explain that there are certain ramifications in- volved with the various financing programs available to the City. Basically, there are three ways in which capital expenditures can be financed: (2) 1' I : Self -supported loans. Revenue bonds and Generaj'Obligation bonds can be used to finance projects that produce adequate income to support the payment of principal and interest on a'self-liquidating basis. Revenue bonds are an unlimited source of funds, providing that State law permits the fin- ancing of, the project involved and also providing that the loan can be adequately supported. Bond issues to finance parking facilities and utility improvements are an example of this type of loan. Under the proposed fiscal policy, General Obligation bonds which could be repaid from facility revenues would also be considered self-supporting loans. For example, the $1,000,000 in Sewer Construction General Obligation bonds issued in 1970 and the $900,000 in Water Treatment Plant General Obligation bonds issued in 1971 are termed self-supporting because both of these utilities produce sufficient revenues to service the debt. 2 Tax supported loans.Loans which obligate the full faith and credit of the municipal tax base and which 'require 'tax money to pay principal and interest on the debt. 3. Pay -As -You -Go Financing. Money available from any permitted current revenue source which can be spared from financing routine services to finance capital improvements. Debt Levy Projection Before discussing the effect of an adopted fiscal policy on the financing of capital expenditures, it is necessary that there be a clear understanding of the assumptions that were made in projecting the future tax rate during the next five to 'ten year period. This is an extremely difficult task to accomplish because of, the great number of variables involved and the result can only be a tentative estimate at this time. However, we can make such an estimate based on the following assumptions: 1. It will be necessary because of the continuing increase in costs and the demand for greater levels of service to tax at the 30 mill limit for operating funds.) 2. To continue to levy for the City's share of employee retire- ment benefits and tort liabilities outside the 30 mill limit. 3. Utility fund revenues currently being used to off -set a portion of general obligation debt service costs will 'continue to be available into the forseeable future. 4. Financial relief that may be continued to the cities by the Iowa legislature and/or that which would be available as a result of general federal revenue sharing will be used to increase the level of present services and initiate new high priority programs and not diminish the tax effort in the general funds substantially below the 30 mill limit. (3) S. New debt projected to be issued will be retired in ten years with even principal paymenis'over that term. 6. Property values in this taxing district will increase at the average rate of 5% per year over the next ten year Deriod. Based on the assumptions cited above, an estimated tax levy for the gen- eral operating funds and trust and agency requirements will be 36.0 mills in 1974 and will increase to 37.7 mills by 1982. New tax supported debt over and, above the $4,981,000 outstanding as of December 31, 1972 would materially affect the present debt service levy of 6.48 mills. Although the financial condition of the City is definitely quite sound and the debt margin substantial, the effect of new debt on the tax levy and future financialcondition of the City will certainly need to be considered in planning public improvements. The current debt margin is shown in the following table: TABLE I COMPUTATION OF LEGAL DEBT MARGIN AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1972 Total Actual Property Valuation $299,036,021 Debt Limitation -- 5% of Actual Valuation 14,951,801 Amount of Debt Applicable to Limit 4,981,000 Legal Debt Margin 9,970,801 SUGGESTED FISCAL POLICY LIMITATIONS FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURES The proposed fiscal policy cites the maximum statutory limitation on debt pledged as a general obligation of the City. Currently, the amount is $14,951,801 and it can be expected to 'increase as market value in the tax- ing district increases. However, we would suggest that the proposed fiscal policy place a more restrictive limitation on permitted bonded indebtedness to,provide a "borrowing reserve", or a required debt margin always available to meet emergencies. It is proposed that the borrowing reserve consist of a minimum of 20% of the total amount of debt which the City is legally authorized to issue. Thus, while the State law would currently permit the City to incur $14,951,801 of general obligation debt, the fiscal policy establishes a more restrictive locally enforced maximum of $11,961,441 to allow a $2,990,360 borrowing reserve. This procedure would also reduce the debt margin to $6,980,441. (4) j. State law does not limit the levy which may be established to service general.obligation indebtedness. However, financial analysts generally agree that the debt service levy should not exceed 25% of the total levy.- The17.0% of the total tax 197 3 is approximately The debt service levy for levy. During previous years it has been necessary for the City to issue general obligation bonds 'on'an infrequent basis; however, it is desirable to settle down to a policy which provides for the issuance of approximately the same amount of general obligation bonds each year. This would allow the regulation and projection of the millage levy for debt service and assure the retention of the City's strong rating in the bond market. There- fore, the proposed fiscal policy suggests that beginning in 1973 new tax supported loans be limited to $1,000,000 per year. In addition to the proposed $1,000,000 in tax supported loans; it is sugg- ested that an amount equal to 10% of the tax supported loan be provided from current operating funds to make a total of $1,100,000 per year avail- able to finance capital improvements. Any self -supported loan using revenue bonds would, of course, be in addition to this amount. While this provision establishes the pay-as-you-go principal as part of fiscal policy, its use in future years may be increased to more than 10% depending upon the use of general revenue sharing ,funds either from the State of Federal Government. EFFECT OF PROPOSED FISCAL POLICY Under the proposed fiscal policy the following amounts could be expected to be available each year beginning in 1973 to finance' capital expenditures; 1. General Obligation Tax Supported Loans $1,000,000 2. Pay -As -You -Go Financing 100,000 3. General Obligation Unknown 4. Revenue Bonds Unknown S. State Federal Grant Sources Unknown Total $1,100,000 The amounts for the last three categories will vary considerably from year to year with perhaps no anticipated revenues in some future years. They would also depend on legal requirements, ability of the project to support an issue, or applicability under specific State or Federal aid programs. The effect of issuing $1,000,000 in general obligation bonds annually for a period of ten years is shown in the following table: (5) 1982 1,000,000 BONDS OUTSTANDING END OF YEAR $4,981,000 5,542,000 6,053,000 6,464,000 6,745,000 6,901,000 6,907,000 - 6,813,000 6,619,000 6,600,000 6,600,000 DEBT SERVICE LEVY 6.92 Mills 6.48 5.97 7.03 8.30 9.11 10.32 10.89 11.17 o OF TOTALLEVY 18.4 0 17.0 14.2 16.1 18.5 20.0 21.6 22.5 23.0 9.32 19.8 9.00 19.3 ■ Under such a program, outstanding debt would never exceed 37.30 of the State debt limit and would leave a borrowing reserve of no less than $3,139,879 in any one year. Also as the table indicates, the issuance of $1,000,000 would keep the percentage of the debt service levy several points below the 25% maximum suggested in theproposedfiscal policy. In our opinion it is better to follow such a policy of regular annual issues unless unusual or emergency situations arise.` However, should the City Council wish to attack the back log of public improvement projects as soon aspossibleand to the greatest extent possible, tax supported loans could be issued which would raise the debt service levy to a point equal to 25% of the total levy. However, this -would have a substantial impact on the debt service.and beginning in 1974 the City would probably be restricted to issuing only an amount equal to the bonds retired during the year and whatever the increased valuation could support. (6) NEW YEAR BOND ISSUED 1972 $ -0- 1973 1,000,000 - 1974 1,000,000 1975 1,000,000 1976 1;000,000 1977 1,000,000 1978 1,000,000 1979 1,000,000' 1980 1,000,000 1981 1,000,000 1982 1,000,000 BONDS OUTSTANDING END OF YEAR $4,981,000 5,542,000 6,053,000 6,464,000 6,745,000 6,901,000 6,907,000 - 6,813,000 6,619,000 6,600,000 6,600,000 DEBT SERVICE LEVY 6.92 Mills 6.48 5.97 7.03 8.30 9.11 10.32 10.89 11.17 o OF TOTALLEVY 18.4 0 17.0 14.2 16.1 18.5 20.0 21.6 22.5 23.0 9.32 19.8 9.00 19.3 ■ Under such a program, outstanding debt would never exceed 37.30 of the State debt limit and would leave a borrowing reserve of no less than $3,139,879 in any one year. Also as the table indicates, the issuance of $1,000,000 would keep the percentage of the debt service levy several points below the 25% maximum suggested in theproposedfiscal policy. In our opinion it is better to follow such a policy of regular annual issues unless unusual or emergency situations arise.` However, should the City Council wish to attack the back log of public improvement projects as soon aspossibleand to the greatest extent possible, tax supported loans could be issued which would raise the debt service levy to a point equal to 25% of the total levy. However, this -would have a substantial impact on the debt service.and beginning in 1974 the City would probably be restricted to issuing only an amount equal to the bonds retired during the year and whatever the increased valuation could support. (6) SUMMARY In summary, the proposed fiscal policy would permit the issuance of $1,000,000 in tax supported bonds annually beginning in 1973 to finance capital.expenditures. Any revenue bonds or self-supported general ob- ligation bonds, plus the $100,000 from current revenue, would be avail- able in addition to tax supported loans. As we proceed further along with the Capital Improvement Program and it is determined that the $1,000,000 figure for annual loans is less than the amount needed to finance the program, we would be happy to prepare other statistical data which would show the effect of that situation. I ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENDITURES I. Balance_ _ d,Budp t: The budget of the City of Iowa City shall be drawn so _that estimated revenues and anticipated expenditures are equal. (State law requirement). 2. Tax Ceiling: The budget of the City of Iowa City shall be drawn so that tax revenue in the general operating, or "seven function- al," funds do not'require.a tax levy of more than 30 mills, (State law requirement). CAPITAL EXPENDITURES 1.Definition: Current year expenditures (first year of the five year Capital Improvement Program) for all public improvements and their, preliminary studies and the acquisition of property or equipment; for a new public improvement shall be defined as "Capital Expenditures" and shall be financed under the provisions of this fiscal policy and .planned in terms of the five year Capital Improv- ement Program:' 2. Project Analysis: - A clear distinction shall be made between tax supported and self -supported loans. All projects supported by self -supported loans must demonstrate ability to develop suffic- ient income to repay their cost. 3. Maximum limitations on General Obligation Bonds: The following two maximum limitations shall, apply to General Obligation bonds; a. Debt limit: Debt pledged as a general obligation of the City of Iowa City shall not exceed 5% of the market value of the taxable property within the corporate limits as established by the City Assessor. (State law requirement). b, Borrowing Reserve: A minimum of 20% borrowing reserve, or debt margin, shall be maintained to meet emergencies. 4. Ceiling On Debt Service; Debt Service charges payable from the general tax levy shall not exceed 25% of that levy in any one fiscal year. S. Tax Supported Loans: New tax supported loans (General Obligation Bonds) shall not exceed $1,000,000 in any of the years of the Capital Improvement Program except for selected projects of a non- recurring type. l 6. Pay -As -You -Go Financing: In addition to the $1,000,000 in tax supported loans, an amount at least equalto10% of .the tax supported loans shall be financed from current operating funds fora total of $1,100,000 available annually to finance capital expenditures. 7. Bond Issues: Bonds shall be of a serial type and general oblig- ations of the City of Iowa City. ' Tax supported loans shall have maximum maturities of 20 years. Insofar as it is practical, the maturity schedule shall provide for payment of principal in equal installments over the period to maturity. S. Outstanding Debt: The outstanding general obligation debt of the City of Iowa City shall be leveled off at the earliest possible date. R ,,