HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973-09-18 Council minutese
e MINUTES OF A REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 11, 1973
4:00 P,M,
The Iowa City City Council met in regular session on the
11th day of September, 1973 at 4:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers
of the Civic Center. Mayor Brandt presiding.
Members present: Brandt, Butherus, Hickerson,White.
Absent: Czarnecki. The invocation was given by Rev. Roy Win-
gate, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.
It was moved by Hickerson and seconded by White to consider
the amount read to be 'a full reading and to 'approve the min-
utes -of a Special Council meeting of August 31, 1973 and a
regular Council meeting of September 4, subject to correct-
ion. Motion carried.
Laurie Van Ausdal,',514 Meadow Street,; representing Friends
of Children of Vietnam, requested the Mayor to proclaim November
5th through 11th as Vietnamese Orphan Week. The Mayor then so
proclaimed. Robert Welsh, 2526 Mayfield Road, appeared request-
ing application be made for Federal Funds to use for, purchase
of buses for Mass Transit. Forest Rose, 410 Iowa Avenue,
appeared stating the bicycle racks 'downtown were inadequate
and 'asked that there be one bike rack per block. Skip Laitner,
of Johnson County Commission on Environmental Quality, appeared
in 'regard to recycling report submitted in January and funding
for a pilot program.
It was moved by Butherus and seconded by White that the.
minutes of the Human Relations Commission meeting of August 27,
1.973 be received and filed. Motion carried.
It was moved by White and seconded by Hickerson to adopt
the Resolution to Approve Class B Sunday Sales Permit Applicat-
ion for the Sanctuary, 405 South Gilbert Street. Upon roll
call Hickerson, White, Brandt, Butherus voted 'aye'. Czarnecki
absent. Motion carried.
It was moved by White and seconded by Butherus to adopt
the Resolution to refund Class C Beer and Liquor License for
the Highlander, R.R. 2. Upon roll call White, Brandt, Butherus,
Hickerson voted 'aye'. Czarnecki absent. Motion carried.
It was moved by Hickerson and seconded by White that the
letter from Donald A. Hoy, Chairman, Iowa City Human Relations
• Commission concerning Council -Staff -Commission relationships
be received and filed. Motion carried.
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Council MinutLS
September 11, 1973
After explanation of the problem by City Engineer George
Donnett and discussion of alternatives,. it was moved by Butherus
and seconded by White that the petition from residents of Oak -
woods Skogman Addition to make Scott Boulevard passable for
motor vehicles in all types of weather be received and filed,
and referred to the City Manager and City Attorney for action.
Motion carried.'
It was moved, by Hickerson and seconded by White that the
letter from the Iowa City Human Relations Commission concern-
ing a 1974 Budget allocation for their commission be received
and filed. Motion carried.
It was moved by White and seconded by Butherus that the
letter from June Lorraine H. Patton concerning ornamental de-
corative items from old buildings in Iowa City be received and
filed, and referred to the City Manager. Motion carried.'
It was moved,by Butherus and seconded by White that the
letter from Robert E. Belding, 608 Whiting Avenue, requesting
moderation in changes for bus fares for the Iowa City Transit
System be received and filed. Motion carried.
It was moved by Hickerson and seconded by Butherus that
the letter from Ray S. Wells, City Manager, concerning mod-
ifications to Urban Renewal Plan City -University Project I,
Iowa R-14 be received and filed. Motion carried.
It was moved by Hickerson and seconded by Butherus that
the letter from Thomas H. Charlton, Associate'Professor, Univer-
sity of Iowa concerning possible use of Hickory Hills Park for
an archaeological investigation be received and filed and re-
ferred to the Parks and Recreation Commission with indication
of Council concurrence. Motion carried.
It was moved by Hickerson and seconded by Butherus that
the letter from Iowa -Illinois Gas and Electric Company, re-
questing approval of application for construction on Highway
01 intersection with Sunset Drive right-of-way be received
and filed and approval granted as recommended by Staff. Motion
carried.
It was moved by Butherus and seconded by Hickerson that
the letter from Sarah Stewart, 1035 River Street, concerning
Prices of movie theatre tickets be received and filed and a
copy sent to the Central States Theatre Corporation. Motion
iCalllt'd.
It was moved by Hickerson and seconded by White that
the letter from Mrs. William Blackburn, Co -Chairman, Governor's
Committee on the CIN, concerning United Nations Day 1973 be
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Council Minutes
September 11, 1973
received and filed and referred to the Mayor for proclamation
at the appropriate time. Motion carried.
It was moved by White and seconded by Butherus that the
letter from Gloria Canney, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, concerning
the Iowa League of Municipalities Annual Convention in Cedar
Rapids on October 3, 4 and 5th be received and filed. Motion
carried.
It was moved by Hickerson and seconded by Butherus that
the letter from Allyn L. Mark, M.D., Department of Internal
Medicine, University of Iowa, objecting to increase in bus
fares in Iowa City be received and filed. Motion carried.
It was moved by White and seconded by Butherus that the
objections by Florence Chervinka and Jane Ann Smith to the
vacation of the alley ,abutting their property on the West at
1222 East Davenport Street be received and filed. Motion
carried. The City Attorney presented a letter from Attorney
Will Hayek, representing George Chervinka Estate, objecting
to the vacation. It was moved by White and seconded.by Butherus
that the objection be received and filed.Motion carried.
It was moved by Hickerson and seconded by White that the
memorandum from Robert N. Downer, President, Board of Trustees
of Iowa City Public Library, clarifying the library's vacation
policy be received and filed. Motion carried.
It was moved by White and seconded by Hickerson that the
rules be suspended and the second reading of the Ordinance
Vacating a'Walk-way in Oakwoods Addition, Part 6 be, given
by title only. Upon roll call White, Brandt, Butherus, Hicker-
son voted 'aye'. Czarnecki absent. Motion carried and second
reading given by title only.
It was moved by White and seconded by Butherus that the
rules be suspended and the second reading of the Ordinance
Vacating Portions of Alleys in Pleasant Place, Second Addition,
Block 5 be given by title only. Upon roll call Brandt,
Butherus, Hickerson, White voted 'aye'. Czarnecki absent.
Motion carried and second reading given by title only. Mrs.
Paul Ipson appeared requesting additional time. Jane Smith
appeared for Christopher Wilkie, 1226 E. Davenport, noting his
objection to the vacation.
The Mayor announced that this was the time set for public
hearing on Plans, etc., for Transit Building Modification
Project. Thera being no interested persons present- to speak
for or against the plans, the Mayor declared the hearing closed.
It was moved b White and seconded b Butherus to adopt the
Y Y P
Resolution approving Plans, Specifications and Form of Contract
Page 4 Council Minutes
September 11, 1973
• for the Transit Building Modification Contract. Upon roll call
Butherus, Hickerson, White, Brandt voted 'aye'. Czarnecki
absent. Motion carried.
Councilman Hickerson moved that the additions made to the
Environmental Impact Statement, as discussed at the noon session,
be approved as the Council's communication to HUD in response
to their request for Council comments on their tentative draft
of the Environmental Impact Statement. Motion carried.
Councilman Hickerson requested clarification concerning
the budget, asking whether the additional 2 mills must be
accounted for in.,publication of the budget as a line item
addition. The City Attorney replied that it must be shown
somewhere in the budget how the 2 mills are to be used. Mayor
Brandt noted concern over the legal implications of, Home Rule.
The City Attorney advised that he did not mean to imply that
the entire', budget would be invalidated because 2 mills were
added, only the,2 mills would be stricken.
Councilman White discussed the arrangement with the
University concerning the bike racks, and the Mayor requested
that the City Manager investigate. Councilman Hickerson sug-
gested that it could be on the agenda for theMondaymeeting
with the University representatives.
"Councilman White reported that concerning the funding pro-
blem for the feasibility study, the Kansas City Office of the
Law Enforcement Assistance Administration has made good their
word and sent an individual here to help. The Mayor mentioned
a $60,000 allocation for Johnson County.
City Manager Ray Wells reported that concerning the Glas-
gow offer of a windmill, that although it could be used in
a later park scheme, recommended declining the offer. After
further discussion, he agreed that it could, be dismantled and
stored. It was moved by Butherus and seconded by Hickerson
that the offer be accepted and the windmill be stored for future
use. Motion carried.
City Attorney Jay Honohan reported on action taken on
Friday, on varsity Cleaners building on Washington Street
owned by Alice Dykes as the NE corner of the building could
collapse. An independent structional engineer verified the
City analysis. He also reported that the agreements had been
received concerning the retaining wall and sidewalk on Rochester
for Watkins and P.ron, and requested adoption of the Resolution
Authorizing the Agreements. It was moved by Hickerson and
seconded by White to adopt the Resolution. Upon roll call
Hickerson, White, Brandt, Butherus voted 'aye', Czarnecki absent.
• Motion carried.
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Council Minutes
• September 11, 1973
The City Attorney also presented the first draft of the
Noise Ordinance with his letter stating that the Ordinance
should have more work done on it. Mayor Brandt requested
that informal discussion be set for the September 25th in-
formal meeting.
An interested citizen appeared concerning thru traffic on
Rochester. The Mayor informed him of the discussion earlier
in the meeting. The City 'Manager 'commented that the road
would be kept passable, one-way traffic._
Skip Laitner, 422 Brown, appeared stating that he had
hoped that his comments earlier would generate discussion of
recycling. Councilman White noted he was in favor of a pilot
program in the budget, but they were waiting for the report
on recycling and requested status of the report and asked if
it would deal with a pilot ',program. 'Mayor Brandt advised that
the Council would not use Federal Revenue Sharing money for
operating expenses. The City Manager advised that the report
would be done in a week and it included the beginning of a
Pilot program, and pointed out need for citizen participation.
Robert Welsh appeared repeating his request that the Coun-
cil authorize the staff to 'file an application for Mass Transit
funds for the additional busses. There was further Council
discussion.
It was moved by Butherus and seconded by Hickerson to ad-
journ the meeting. Motion carried.
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COUNCIL DISCUSSION
SEPTEMBER 13, 1973
7:15 P.M.
The Iowa City City Council met in informal session on the 13th
day of September, 1973 at 7:15 P.M. in the Conference Room at
the Civic Center. Mayor Brandt presiding.
Councilmen present: Brandt, Czarnecki, Butherus, Hickerson
and White. Absent: none. Others present: Wells, Honoh'an,
Pugh, Pappas, Strabala, Stolfus, Maune, Zelenka.
The Mayor announced discussion of Mass Transit. The City
Manager presented a new proposal, serving the three new areas
rate of 25C 27% reduction in ridership - levy of 2 mills -
three new buses with 80% grant, local share 20%, $26,550 -
order buses as soon as possible, start new routes in July
20 minute headways for four months - 2 mill increase in taxes,
$10.80 on $40,000 home; noting', that ridership is 'flattening
out', a good sign, and that ridership is ahead of first 8 months
of last year.
Council then discussed: expansion of Hawkeye route; May-
flower route a loser route, competitor of Cambus; 27% loss of
ridership; energy crisis; now that cities have bought transit
systems, could get better results from legislature; use of
per cent of parking revenue money for mass transit (Mr. Pugh
commenting that revenue could be used for improving the system
or paying debt); keeping 15C fare, look at revenue sharing
philosophy, reallocate to pick up deficit; reduction for 'elderly
and students in fares.
It was the concensus of the Council to publish the public
hearing on the budget with the 2 mills for transit included.
Mr. Pugh advised that Council should discuss the 18 month budget.
Further discussion included: Johnson County supervisors
funding for Health programs; rationale for employment of planners
in Community Development, encouragement of Regional Planners;
need for regional planning for grant applications and special
revenue sharing. Councilman white noted that City Manager
Wells presence on the Executive Board adds tremendously in getting
problems,as discussed, solved.
The Mayor then announced discussion of the City Attorney
Budget. City Attorney, Jay Honohan, discussed the budget he
submitted, salaries and $10,000 for recodification - in legis-
lative Budget and noted that under Home Rule, the City.has to
recodify every 5 years. He stated he did not see the assistant
City Attorney in the Executive Administration Branch, that
their supervision should be under the City Attorney and that we
do need two assistants.
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Council Discussion
September 13, 1973
The City Manager commented that for day to day problems,
the Manager should be able to direct and supervise,set priorities,
that if the City Attorney was full time, it would be different.
fie also stated that he should be able to hire the assistants.
City Manager Wells, discussed the Parks and Recreation
Commission Budget, noted that out of our $1,309,000 Revenue
Sharing, $293,400 went to Parks and Recreation and that if the
minimum wage increased, they would need to decrease their numbers
of people. -Parks and Recreation budget was 71.3% of the Leisure
and Cultural Activities Budget dollars. Four part -.time workers
were added to Parks and Forestry crew. Programs were discussed
along with need to evaluate. He advised that the Mercer Park
Tennis Court was a priority item for the Parks and Recreation
Commission.
In answer'to the Mayor,'s question if Council decisions on
revenue sharing money are valid, Councilman Czarnecki objected
to construction projects; in answer to his question, if revenue
sharing money 'should be reallocated into operating money, the
majority of the Council said,`no. There was a short'' discussion
on the pilot, recycling program.
The Mayor advised that if the transit mills were added with
no expansion to the system, he would vote against,the budget.
The City Manager announced discussion of -the additional six month
certification of taxes for next Tuesday, noon, and a meeting
with University representatives Monday at 4:00 P.M., there.
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COUNCIL DISCUSSION
SEPTEMBER 18, 1913
12:30 P.M.
•
The Iowa City City Council met in informal session on the
18th day of September, 1973 at 12:30 P.M. in the Conference
Room at the Civic Center. Mayor Brandt presiding.
Councilmen present: Brandt, Butherus, Czarnecki, Hickerson
and White. Absent: none. Others present: Strabala, Wells,
Honohan, Pugh, Zelenka, Maune, Taylor, Stolfus
The Mayor announced discussion on the 18 months budget.
The City Manager presented three pages, the first a new summary
page for the budget which incorporates the levy of 2 mills for
transportation and ending balances, showing an increase in
receipts to $313,720, increase in expenditures to $266,108
with a net difference of $47,612. The second sheet is the six
month period, January 1, 1975 to June 30, 1975. The next to
last page showing ending balances for period 12/31/73 to 6/30/75.
The 18 month budget necessary because of conflict between the
Fiscal Year Bill and Home Rule legislation.
Council and Staff discussed how the levy would be divided;
additional debt service required by November lst added to first
levy in 1975; assessed valuation frozen for 18 months levy;
collection procedures changing; no answer as to when taxes will
be delinquent; new fiscal, year, problem to get detail and back-
up; property re -appraisal; growth rate -property values; assessor's
abstract; using estimate of $84,500,000 property on tax roll
of January 1, 1973, 'actual figure available September 1st;
the certification of 12 month budget, rather than extra burden
on people, is possible violation of the law, Auditor can accept
and multiply expenditures by 150%; tort liability and trust and
agency increase explained.
The last sheet was the budget estimate to be published,
but will file the entire budget with the County Auditor. The
City Attorney noted that the City reappraisal assessment will be-
gin to be paid by tax payers in 1976. Mr. Pugh said that if
we look at the growth in assessed valuation, the tax levy for
the city services is fairly consistent. In 1960, the City
percentage of tax asking was highter than in 1973. He stated
that the State 178 equalization will be payable in 1975. He
repeated that by June 30, 1975, we need balances to cover
principal and interest due for 1975 plus outstanding coupons,
and if there was any change in 1974 by legislature, the City
could cancel what had been spread. He also noted the budget
would need to be certified to the Auditor by October 15th. The
Mayor stated that extra meetings would be set after the October
2nd public hearing for discussion.
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Council Discussion
September 18, 1973
It was moved by Butherus and seconded by Whito to adjourn
to executive session to discuss appointments to Boards and
Commissions. Upon roll call Hickerson, White, Brandt, Butherus,
Czarnecki voted 'aye'. Motion carried.