HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-02-18 Transcription#2 Page 1
ITEM 2 MAYOR'S PROCLAMATION
Lehman: Item 2 are proclamations. I'm going to do two proclamations. After
that we are going to have to clear the area in front of the door.
Kart: We have three proclamations.
Lehman: Three? I only have two.
Karr: I know. Here's the third one. It just arrived.
Lehman: Alright I have three. Then we will ask the crowd to move, but the
doorway has to be kept open for fire purposes.
a. Breath of Fresh Air Month
Lehman: Our first proclamation. (Reads proclamation).
Karr: Here to accept is Doctor Beth Ballinger, Spokesperson for CAFI~ -
Clean Air For Everyone - and Stephanie Castillo, Tobacco Project
Coordinator.
Champion: They're back.
Ballinger: Mayor Lehman, City Council, other guests...
O'Donnell: Marian didn't bring any tonight.
Ballinger: Thank you for tonight's proclamation.
Champion: Oh, beautiful.
Ballinger: And thank you again for marking what you did one year ago. And that
was to pass an ordinance assuring clean air for workers and diners in
Iowa City's restaurants. It is still the strongest and the best ordinance
in the State of Iowa. As we mark the first birthday of this pro-health
ordinance we should remember why it's such an important
accomplishment. Involuntary second-hand smoke kills at least 53,000
people in the United States each year. Experts also believe that at least
500 Iowans will die due to disease from second-hand smoke this year.
So Clean Air For Everyone thanks you for your efforts. A birthday
celebration needs cake so we brought some for each of you and for
some of the guests in the audience. Congratulations on the first
birthday of clean air in Iowa City restaurants. We look for, yard to
celebrating many more. We also invite all of you - everybody here
tonight - to a celebration where members of CAFI~ and other
supporters will be at Gringos on March 1st to have a celebratory
birthday dinner. And that will be at 7:00 in the evening. Thank you,
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Lehman: Thank you.
Vanderhoef: Thank you.
b. National Nutrition Month
Lehman: (Reads proclamation).
Karr: Here to accept the proclamation is Sheila Wright, Vice President, and
JoAnn Miller, Treasurer of HADDA. Mr. Mayor we also have a
photograph.
Champion: And we all love nutrition.
Wilbum: As we sit here with our cupcakes.
Vanderhoefi Thank you.
Wright: On behalf of HADDA the Hawkeye Area District Dietetic Association
I'd like to accept this proclamation from the City of Iowa City for
National Nutrition Month and be sure you all aware of there will be
activities throughout the month of March in different areas, not only in
Iowa City, but also up in Cedar Rapids where we represent an entire
area of the cities. And be sure to look for the new projects that will be
going on. Thank you.
Champion: Thank you.
c. Special Olympics Month
Lehman: Our next proclamation is a very special one. (Reads proclamation).
Kart: Here to accept is Joyce Rossi, Board of Directors, Special Olympics.
Rossi: We really appreciate you making this proclamation for us. As you
know our Mid-Winter Tournament is held March 14 and 15th here in
Iowa City at the University of Iowa Fieldhouse and anyone wishing to
attend we'd love to have you. (Reads statement). Another thing that
I'd like to note to our Council is we are the only Council in the State of
Iowa who proclaims the whole month of March Special Olympics.
Other ones may give a day, a week, possibly two, but we give them the
whole month. Thank you so very much.
Champion: Thank you.
Lehman: Thank you.
Rossi: l'11 greet our athletes as we go across: Coach John Meskimen.
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Lehman: How long have you worked with Special Olympians?
Miskimin: This will be my 24th year.
Lehman: That's phenomenal. Let's give John a tremendous ....
Rossi: Our athletes that we have in attendance tonight is Kristin Watkins,
Nathalia Fahl, Tina Davis, Randy Noel, Sarah Parker, Eliana
Friedman, Mallory Earnest, Mary Ruth Arsendorf, Janet Leonard,
Coach John Meskimen, Katie Lammers and Jane Bragg who's one of
our sponsors from Merit Electric.
Lehman: Congratulations young folk. Thank you very much.
Rossi: Kristine Watkins one of our athletes here is going to Dublin, Ireland
for Team USA this year to compete in World Games also.
Champion: Wow. Great job.
Pfab: Nice going. Thank you.
c. Mayor's State of the City Message
Lehman: lfyou folks in front of the door could move up along the wall. We
have to keep the doorway clear. So...get that and then we'll get
started. We can't stand in front of the doorways folks. You have to
move up along the wall. Please. The next item on the agenda is the
State of City address which is required by our charter. You know
today we turn on the T.V. and read the newspaper, turn on the radio
and I think all of us hear probably a lot more bad news than we really
want to hear. Well tonight the State of the City message is not going
to be the bad news. It's going to be some of the things we feel are
very good about this community and the things that we're very proud
of. (Reads State of the City Address). Thank you.
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ITEM 3 CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS
PRESENTED OR AMENDED.
Lehman: Item 3. (Reads item 3).
O'Donnell: Move adoption.
Vanderhoef: Second.
Lehman: Moved by O'Donnell, seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion?
Kanner: I had a question for Steve - number 3e(1) resolution authorizing the
Mayor to sign an application for de-annexation of certain property
owned by the Alliant Transportation Company aka Cedar Rapids and
Iowa City Railway Company from the City of Hills. Could you
explain what that's about?
Atkins: Excuse me if my voice fades a tad bit tonight. Let me give you a
moment of history. A lot of folks don't know it, but the City of Hills
and the City of Iowa City adjoin each other. It's virtually a balloon on
a string. And at the time that Hills Bank was locating in Iowa City
apparently there were State and/or Federal banking laws that required
it to be adjacent to the community which it hoped to open a bank.
Well Hills bank...the City of Hills chose to annex the railroad between
the City of Hills and the City of Iowa City. So that's the balloon on a
string. For some time we've talked off and on with the folks from
Hills about this and it does cause some problems with respect to our
development potential on that part of the City because in effect when
you're on the railroad track or you cross it you're crossing another
political jurisdiction that being the City of Hills. We have worked
with a number of folks. This is a proposal to begin the process of
detaching that. Apparently the state law does no longer require that
the communities adjoin each other. (Can't hear).
Kanner: Detach?
Atkins: The railroad right-o~'-way...is it right-of-ways?
Lehman: It would right-of-way.
Atkins: Would it be called right-of-way Jay?
Honohan: Mr. Mayor?
Lehman: Yes.
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Honohan: Jay Honohan. I represent the City of Hills. I have one slight
correction. The original impetus for that annexation was CRANDIC.
They were going to buy the line from Rock Island and they wanted the
City of Hills to bond that line.
Atkins: Okay.
Honohan: And that's what initiated it. After we got it done in the process the
bank recognized that that would make them contiguous so they could
become a bank in Iowa City. It is 100-foot wide strip and it runs from
Hills to Iowa City. And we're attempting to de-annex half of it. And
this will 1 think and I think Karin would agree will make it easier for
the zoning boundaries and things like that. And we felt that when we
sent it to the State board we would like to have not only Hills' Council
doing it, but the City of Iowa City and the Board of Supervisors.
Champion: Thank you. I don't understand a thing.
Lehman: But we're not de-annexing Hills.
Honohan: Not yet.
Kanner: But will eventually claim half of that...
Honohan: Maybe you'd Iike to annex us. Yes?
Karmer: So we'll eventually...will we have to pay for that half of the railroad?
Honohan: Pay for half of the railroad? No.
Lehman: Why would we pay for it?
Honohan: Why would you pay for half of the railroad? You will receive - I don't
think it's going to be a great deal - but you'll receive a little tax
revenue from it. Sinai1. Thank you.
O'Donnell: Thanks, Jay.
Lehman: Other discussion on the consent calendar? Roll call. Motion carries.
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ITEM 4 PUBLIC DISCUSSION
Lehman: Item 4 is public discussion. This is the time that is reserved on the
agenda for the public to address the Council on issues that do not
otherwise appear on the agenda. If you'd like to address the Council,
please sign in, and limit your comanents to five minutes or less,
Darrell Yeaney: Good evening. Members of the City Council and ladies and gentlemen
my name is Darrell Yeaney. I have been a resident of Iowa City for a
little over I6 years. 1 have served as a campus minister at the
University of Iowa for 11 of those years and now retired. And it's
good to be here tonight. I appreciated Mayor Lehman extremely -
your State of the City address and learned a great deal from it. Thank
you. It is an honor to be a member of the City...a citizen of this City
and to be here tonight. I want to begin really by thanking each one of
you for your willingness to serve on this City Council. It is sometimes
I know a thankless job that requires a lot of long hours and a lot of
heavy responsibility and trying to make, as you have indicated on a
number of issues, fair and just decisions in a wide range of matters that
come before you and indeed that effect the lives of all of us who live
and work in Iowa City. I assume that your primary motives for
serving on the City Council is your desire to represent all of the
citizens of Iowa City - not just a special sector of the City. And of
seeking that which is in the best interests in the welfare, in the
security, and in the best quality of live of everyone who lives and
works in Iowa City. I assume that that is your primary motive for
agreeing to put your names on the ballot and to be elected to serve on
this City Council. That is both I think a very noble and a very difficult
responsibility. I personally am very grateful to you for the work that
you do and for the work that you have done for all of us. Tonight I am
beginning a dialogue bringing to your attention that a number of us
will speak to about an issue that is not only citywide importance but of
national and global importance as well that will have an effect on
every resident of the City of Iowa City. There are of course, as we all
know, very different opinions, views on the issue of war. But there
can be no question among any of us on the powerful and on the long-
lasting effect that this pending war will have on all of us. I'm sure you
agree with me on that. Before we begin tonight to even think or
consider about this resolution which I know you all heard and which
I'm sure you have seen. I would like to ask you members of the City
Council and also everyone else in this room to hypothetically,
theoretically step back for just a moment. To take a few seconds and
get in touch as fully as you are able with your own inner wisdom, your
heart, your soul confrontation, harm, damage, destruction are what war
is all about. We do not want to have in this City Council chamber
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tonight a war about war. We are all on the same page, on the same
side here. We are all on a heart and soul level committed to the peace,
the security, the well-being, the quality of life of every citizen in Iowa
City. We're together on that I assume. Our common goal is for the
highest quality of life. I want then for to take...I want to invite you
therefore to take just a couple of seconds as I conclude to invite you to
join me in a moment of quiet, silent reflection. I'd like to invite you
and everyone in this room if you will join me in closing your eyes for
just a moment, taking a deep breath and letting go of feelings of
tension or resistance or confrontation that may be stored in any of our
bodies or our minds. And in this moment of quiet allow the deep
wisdom, the concern, the compassion that we all have for each other to
come forward to guide our thinking and our feeling as we seek the
common good, the peace, the security and the well-being of every
person who lives in Iowa City. Amen.
Lehman: Thank you.
Yeaney: Thank you.
Lehman: I have to remind folks the door has to be...the way to the door has to
be kept open. So I mean I can't...I need to remind the public also
public discussion will end at 8:00. So my suspicion is a number of
you folks probably will not be able to address the Cotmcil until the end
of the Council meeting when we can again have public discussion.
But we do have to keep that doorway open. Bums?
Bums Weston: Mayor Lehman, honorable Councilors. My name is Bums Weston.
I'm the (can't hear) professor of internal law emeritus, University of
Iowa College of Law and Director of the University of Iowa Center for
Human Rights. I rise to speak to the same issue as my predecessor. I
urge you to place on the agenda the resolution that has been I
understand sent to you that you, I believe, have seen. And ultimately I
urge you to adopt it with regard to the sentiment of requesting the
government of the United States not to go ahead and engage in the war
that is...seems to be at this point at least almost inevitable. I do so
mindful of the fact that all of you may well have reservations about
whether this Council is the proper venue for such discussion and
debate. I would point out to you that this war is going to be of
enormous cost that's going to cause budgets at the most local level to
be severely strained. It is going to pull personnel from our police
forces, our fire fighters who will be called up by National Guard duty.
It will affect people who will be in themselves in the military. It
potentially can have an impact on the public safety of this community
by virtue of the fact that I believe this war will very likely will enhance
the prospect of increased terrorism against Americans in American
communities. Just think about the fact that our National capital is right
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now filled with gun in placements all through the City to try to shoot
down potential terrorist attacks. I also urge you to think about it from
the standpoint of the fact that this particular was that's being
contemplated is in my judgment illegal and that if we are going to take
seriously the principals of the Nuremburg Judgment following World
War II we should want to disassociate ourselves from it and in so
doing also speak a message to our troops in the field that this
resolution supports on whose behalf it is also proposed. Let me be
very clear I am not a pacifist. I believe that the use of armed force is
sometimes necessary to safeguard legal norms just as police are
necessary to maintain legal systems in our national communities. I
would have favored military action in Rwanda and I did so in the case
of Kosovo. Two situations in which genocide and other unlawful
atrocities were in actual process. I also believe that there is a strong
case to be made for using muscle to force compliance with Security
Council resolutions. Indeed I even can imagine a carefully calibrated
UN sponsored multilateral use force against Saddam Hussein whose
longtime villainy merits his oust beyond a shadow ora doubt. I never
the less urge you to adopt this resolution because I oppose this war by
virtue of the reasons that I indicated. It is an illegal war if engaged in.
It would violate Article 51 of the United Nations charter which is a
solemn tread to which the United States is internationally obligated.
Article 51 provides for the inherent right of individual and collective
self defense in the case of an armed attack. It has been interpreted to
authorize preemptive warfare in the event of an immediate threat of
aggression of whoever is being attacked. In this case the facts do not
stand to that particular fact pattern. The need to eliminate weapons of
mass destruction which is of course one of the justifications that our
government has been advancing as a principal reason is by the CIA's
own admission not an immediate threat as it is for example in North
Korea or for that matter Pakistan where U.S. lead war has been
determined not to be considered an option. The need to combat
terrorism another reason that's been given is unsubstantiated by any
solid evidence that Saddam Hussein has any connection whatsoever
with al Quiada which in fact derives him as an infidel unworthy of
Islam. And the notion of the promotion of democracy frankly just
doesn't sit very well. I don't think it's very easy to accept that
proposition as a serious one given the continued involvement of the
United States government and coziness with a number of Middle
Eastern autocrats and despots throughout the region. The war in short
is not a preemptive war as we're being often told, but rather a
preventive war which in international law makes a whale of difference
aimed at some vague, log term threat that for this very reason sets an
enormous precedent that is horrifying to contemplate because of the
subsequent reverberations that it could create. I urge you to not
associate yourself with an illegal conflict. I urge you to contemplate
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that hundreds of thousands of people are going to loose their lives, that
American troops are going to be endangered. I urge you even in the
event that life is spared to substantial degree in the manner in which
the conflict may be waged. That it nonetheless would constitute an act
of aggression a violation of the United Nations charter, violation of the
statute of IntemationaI Criminal Court and would be seen an act
committed of such nature that one could say that anyone involved in it
would be engaged in a war crime. Thank you very much.
Lehman: Thank you Bums.
Dorothy Paul: Good evening.
Kanner: Could I make a quick procedural...
Lehman: Just a moment. Yes?
Kanner: This may or may not eliminate the need of some of the speakers to
speak tonight, could we take a straw poll to see if there are three
people that would be willing at this time to put it on the agenda for
March 1 lth?
Lehman: For a work session?
Kanner: For...on the formal agenda.
Lehman: Well the agenda will come from the work session. We'll put it on the
work session first. I don't care.
Kanner: Could we see at this time if there are three if anyone changes their
mind?
Lehman: Before we do that I would like very much because I have appreciated
the comments that have been said. I would...I guess I would poll the
Council. I honestly believe there is not a person on this Council who
would not like to see this crisis in Iraq be solved peaceably. I mean if
there is anyone on the Council disagree with that let them speak. Are
there three people who wish...who feel this is the purview of a
Council to discuss this? We do not have throe. Okay. Go ahead,
Dorothy.
Kanner: Thank you.
Paul: Okay. Good evening. I'm Dorothy Paul and I've lived in Iowa City
for 50 years. (Reads statement). Thank you.
Lehman: Thank you.
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Rev. Dee Lundberg: Mayor, Council Members, thank you for hearing us. I speak to the
same issue as well.
Lehman: Give your name first.
Lundberg: My name is Reverend Dee Lundberg from Faith United Church of
Christ. However, I do recognize when I was asked to speak I heard the
rational for why you did not want to put it on the agenda and I agreed
that this isn't really a place for national matters. But then this is not
just a national matter. I've thought about this a lot. And I also agree
in separation in church and state so let me just talk about here...about
the 150 members of my church, about the people I see at free lunch,
the emergency housing project, the folks I saw at the worship service
last night, the rally on Saturday. Many of them the same people, many
of them not. When I look at the 150 people that I am charged to care
for there are hanging heads. There is an increase in depression. There
are people losing their jobs. There are people that work for the City
that are having to turn away folks with disabilities because budgets are
being cut. These are the people that you are charged to care for too.
And it's only going to get worse. You know that. I know you know
that. You can read numbers. The free lunch line is longer. It does
affect this community. It is a personal issue. When I have to explain
to children during a children's sermon about duct tape and plastic and
face masks these am your children too. It's a personal, local issue.
The cuts in the University that have been talked about, the potential
cuts to funding what hurts the University hurts Iowa City.
(End of Side 1, Tape #03-19, Beginning of Side 2)
Lundberg: ...of life hurts Iowa City. And I appeal to you to think about how it's
effecting your own life, how it is effecting our economy. And if you
can honestly, honestly say that this war will not affect Iowa City then I
would agree with you it's none of your business. But if you in your
heart know that it will affect Iowa City then I can't see how you can
take any other choice then to take a position on this issue. It is your
issue. And it has been our failure throughout the history to speak up
when we had the chance. That has gotten us into a majority of our
messes. You have voices. We respect you. Please use them. Thank
you.
Robert Dotzel: Robert Dotzel, Pastor of Lutheran Campus Ministry. Resident of Iowa
City. Mr. Mayor to paraphrase your state of the City address tonight
quality of life doesn't just...
O'Donnell: Could you move that microphone. I can't hear you.
Dotzel: You can't hear me?
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O'Donnell: Now I can.
Dotzel: Okay. Quality of life doesn't just happen. It takes all of us working
together to make that happen. And I think that's what this resolution is
about. It's about democratic process. It's about getting our voice
heard by the executive power of this Country. It's about having a
collective voice. When many of us have been frustrated by the fact
that our individual voices have gone unheard or unheeded when we
write letters to Congress, when we write or call the White House and it
seems to make no difference, when our President dismisses millions of
demonstrators world wide as those special interest groups we need a
forum in which we can speak collectively and say that we have a mind
about it. And it's in the best tradition of this country that local
government serves as that public forum. The town hall where people
can come together and debate issues of significance that impact ali of
their lives. I'd like to readjust a brief quote from Windall Berry who
had an article in the Sunday February 9th issue of New York Times.
He wrote, "The idea of a government acting alone in preemptive war is
inherently undemocratic. Where it does not require or even permit the
President to obtain the consent of the governed. As a policy this new
strategy depends on the acquiesce of a public kept fearful and ignorant
subject to manipulation by the executive power and on the compliance
of an intimidated and office depended legislature. I submit that this
resolution is about not letting that happen and letting our voice be
heard in speaking as a community. However the Council decides,
however the public debates, but let the debate happen and let us decide
together. Thank you.
Lehman: Thank you.
Shams Ghoneim: Mr. Mayor, City Council and attendees. I'm Shams Ghoneim. I have
been a resident of Iowa City for 34 years and two years in Coralville.
That makes 36 years. I'm a co-coordinator of the Muslim Public
Affairs Council of Iowa among other things. As of February 16, 93
U.S. cities and counties have passed anti-war resolutions. This
number is growing every day. The journey of 1,000 miles begins with
a single step. To adopt the proposed solution is such a step. The Iowa
City community with the University at its heart is a diverse and
international place. Several Iowa City residents have loved ones in the
Middle East who were killed, wounded, or lost in the many wars that
ensued in that very sad and tragic part of the world. And some
violence and loss oflife is still raging. A new war in Iraq will not only
devastate several thousands of Iraqi civilians, but will also hit us right
here at home. Such war will destabilize the entire region. The City
Council represents all of us across ethnic, racial and religious
backgrounds. It must demonstrate leadership and vision during one of
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the most difficult times of our lives. Iowa City is not an island. The
quality of our lives is determined by the quality of our relationships
and ethical community is comprised of people who value
cooperatively traveling through life together. They enjoy an
environment in which people support each other and join together to
make a difference in the world. Tonight this is the challenge and the
opportunity presented to the City Council. Who will suffer from a war
in Iraq? The first of course will be the people of Iraq - civilians.
However smart our so-called smart bombs there is no doubt that a U.S.
war against Iraq will lead to massive human suffering. The second to
suffer - and it's not in that order ~- but jointly our own community
members who have relatives and loved ones in Iraq and other
neighboring countries that will be definitely also as devastated as well
as soldiers and reservists families. Patriotism means tough love and
speaking out when one sees dangerous decisions being made on our
behalf. We support our men and women in uniform. Our own
obligations to our enlisted brave men and women who are already in
the Middle East and are ready to put their lives on the line for us is to
speak loud and clear for a peaceful conflict resolution in Iraq and in
everywhere. What makes the war in Iraq City Council business some
of my predecessor colleagues have already spoken to it. But some
City Councils may feel compelled to reject any international resolution
on the grounds that it is not in their purview. We here in Iowa City
would like to demonstrate why in this case it is imperative for the Iowa
City Council to consider the present peace resolution or offer an
alternative one. Three reasons: one the local impact. There will be a
significant economic impact in case of war right here in Iowa City for
reasons already been addressed by my distinguished speakers. There's
already a threat to civil liberties here in Iowa City which is bound to
increase in the event of war. Hate crimes may also be another casualty
or I should say another disaster after or during such war. There would
be an increase danger of international travel by residents of our town if
this is of an interest to this community. The number of part-time
military personnel locally and state-wide are and will continue to be
called up leaving a vacuum in local first responders such as police,
fire, public health workers, EMTs, etc. just at the moment that our own
CIA tells us we will most need them at home. There's also a
widespread public sentiment supporting peace resolution. You do
represent us. So please hear us. (Can't hear) recent peace
demonstrations, visuals and local poll figures several hundreds have
signed peace petitions. Many of us have wrote and called several of
you honorable Council members. In the end I will end by saying one
verse from the Holy Qur'an on which I'm sure in other holy books, the
Bible and the Old Testament as well in different context and different
words, "There has come to you from god a light and a clear book with
which god will guide those who seek his pleasure to the paths of
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peace." May we all be guided to the path of peace. Thank you and
god bless you.
Maureen Connolly: Mr. Mayor and Council members my name is Maureen Cormolly.
I'm an Iowa City physician and resident. The Medical Director of the
Iowa City Free Medical Clinic and I'm also speaking as the co-
coordinator of the Iowa Physicians for Social Responsibility. On
behalf of the later group I ask that you please put on your agenda the
resolution which has been discussed so that it may be subjected to the
true democratic process, we may discuss it. And I also would like to
say that not only am I a citizen of Iowa City I'm a citizen of this
country and of the world and I really don't feel that I need to explain
in detail how this coming war might effect Iowa City. I feel that what
could happen is wrong on a humanitarian and a human level. It is
against everything I believe in as a physician and as a human being
that our country with its great wealth and might could attack and
already ravaged country 50% of the population of which is below the
age of 15. It is immoral and it is wrong. As a physician and a human
being I believe in the dignity of every single person no matter where
they live. No less whether they're living in Iraq or here. And the
painful irony of going through a day at work and examining and caring
for people while knowing that the administration of my country is
considering murdering innocent people really does not escape me.
And it is hard to live with. I also would like mention that I believe that
the sanctions that that country has been living under for the past 12
years represents a very slow and agonizing form ofbioterrorism. They
have been stripped of their ability to maintain a clean water source,
electricity, or basic health services. And therefore I feel compelled to
express my voice here because I believe that silence in such a
circumstance is tacit acceptance of what is wrong. And thank you for
the opportunity.
Lehman: Thank you. (Can't hear) one more speaker. We're going to take a
break. After that break we will proceed with the agenda. And if those
folks who wish to speak later would care to stick around when the
meeting is over which I can't tell you when that would be, but my
suspicion is at 9:00 or 10:00 we will again have public discussion. So
go ahead.
Katy Hansen: I'm Katy Hangen, the Executive Director for the Iowa United Nations
Association. We are a nonprofit educational organization. We support
the United Nations and we promote public participation in the
discussion and decision making process relative to the global issues
that are being discussed in the United Nations. We are a statewide
organization and we have an office here in Iowa City. We support the
resolution that the community is bringing forward to you to pass. It
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corresponds to what we stand for. We have our own statement which I
believe you many have copies of. We state in part that we believe
there should be no U.S. military action in the absence ora clear and
imminent threat, that the presence of weapons inspectors should be
continued as long as necessary for the purposes of disarming Iraq, and
that all actions for compliance by Iraq should go through the United
Nations security council. I understand some of you do not believe it is
your role to make statements on international issues. I wonder ifa
City Council in the town in Iraq would feel the same way. Either
about their own role to be able to speak out or about your desire to
remain quiet. I want to tell you that war is everybody's jurisdiction
because war will affect you here at the City Council and Iowa City,
and its citizens, its businesses, its hospitals and its educational
institutions. The question is not whether this is your just jurisdiction.
The question is do you want us to go to war or do you want to solve
this problem through the United Nations. The United Nations has had
55 peace keeping operations since 1948. Currently there are 13 under
way. There should be no rush to war. We have had UN peacekeepers
in Cyprus since 1964. And in other areas, in the Middle East for
instance, for more than 50 years. Our own troops have been in Europe
and Korea and other places since the end of World War II and the
Korean War. We can have weapons inspectors in Iraq for years to
insure compliance. There is no need to go to war. War on the other
hand will cause immediate disaster for the Middle East and it will rest
the destruction of our international legal system which will in turn
affect you. It is in the interest of the City Council to have international
peace and a peaceful way of working out those problems. The Iowa
United Nations Association urges you to reflect your concerns for your
community through the acceptance of the resolution. Thank you.
Lehman: Thank you. Alright I'm going to break my own rule. There's two
young folks who that we're going to talk to. Go ahead.
Tareq Abuissa: Hello. My name is Tareq...hello. My name is Tareq Abuissa. I'm a
fifth grade student at Shimek Elementary. I'd like to recite a few
quotes about peace. "Peace through strength is much less effective as
strength through peace." "If war were effective all of our problems
would have been solved thousands of years ago." "Non-violence is the
finest quality of the soul, but it is developed by practice." "Almost
anything you do will seem insignificant but it is important that you do
it." That's it.
Lehman: Thank you.
Carson Bodnarek: My name is Carson Bodnarek. I'm a 6th grader at Shimek Elementary.
Mayor Lehman recently visited us for our geography bee. I would like
to recite two quotes that have moved me deeply. "World peace starts
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here. I will not raise my child to kill your child" by Barbara Rue.
"We cannot shake hands with clenched fists." Please vote for
opposing the war on terrorism. Thank you.
Lehman: Thank you. Okay we're going to take a break until 10 minutes after
8:00 at which time we will start with the regular agenda. Thank you
folks very much.
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ITEM 5 PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS
Lehman: Okay Item 5 are Planning and Zoning matters.
Champion: Mr. Mayor could I just ask a question? I don't know if it would be
appropriate at this point, but we have a lot of people waiting. I don't
know if the Council would support not an anti-war resolution, but a
pro-peaceful settlement resolution. Is there any support on the Council
to do that?
Lehman: Well why don't we discuss that during Council time.
Champion: Okay.
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ITEM 5c PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS
c. Consider a motion setting a public hearing for March 11 on an
ordinance changing the zoning designation from the CB-2,
Central Business Service Zone to CB-5, Central Business
Support Zone for Block 67 of the Original Town Plat,
excepting the 6,000 square foot property at 130 North
Dubuque Street (REZ03-00006)
Lehman: (Reads item).
Champiou: Move to set the public hearing.
Vanderhoef: Move to set the public hearing.
Lehman: Moved by Champion, seconded by Vanderhoef. Ail in favor?
Kanner: Hold on a second, Ernie.
Lehman: Yes.
Kanner: I wanted to point out again to the public that the block that we're
talking about here is Market, Dubuque, Jefferson, and Linn. And if
you are concerned about perhaps historic preservation or what the
neighborhood would look like this could change pressures in that
block, densities, there will pressures for buildings to sell and bigger
ones to be put up there. It could be good. It could be bad. I'd like to
hear from you at the next...at the public hearing that's being set with
this resolution.
Lehman: Which is March 12th.
Vanderhoef: 11 th.
Lehman: 11th. I'm sorry. Item d consider a motion...
Karr: Sir, do we have a vote on setting the public hearing?
Lehman: We did.
Karr: Okay.
Kanner: I'll throw in an aye.
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ITEM 5e PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS
e. Public hearing on an ordinance rezoning 1.6 acres of
Community Commercial (CC-2) to Public (P) for property
located at 1828 Lower Muscatine Road.
Lehman: (Reads item).
Champion: Move to set the public...
Lehman: Public hearing is open.
Vanderhoef: This is the one that is property that was purchased by Kirkwood
Community College which was the old Hardees...
Lehman: Hardees.
Vanderhoef: ...location down there. So this is just a technicality that we have to
remove it from the public role and it will become non-taxable
property.
Lehman: Public hearing is closed.
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ITEM 5h PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS
h. Consider an ordinance vacating portions of Madison Street,
Davenport Street and Bloomington Street right-of-way.
(VAC02-00008) (Pass and Adopt)
Lehman: (Reads item).
Champion: Move adoption.
Pfab: Second.
Lehman: Moved by Champion, seconded by Pfab. Discussion? These are
vacations to the University to (can't hear) in using the old water plant
site which they are purchasing from the City. Roll call. Motion
carries.
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ITEM 6 A PUBLIC HEARING TO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED
OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2003
THROUGH JUNE 30, 2004, THE PROPOSED THREE-YEAR
FINANCIAL PLAN, AND ALSO THE MULTI-YEAR CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM THROUGH FISCAL YEAR
2007.
Lehman: (Reads item). Public hearing is open. Prior to any public comment I
would like Mr. Atkins if you would give us kind of a thumbnail sketch
of where we are and what we're proposing.
Atkins: This evening's hearing is for budget year fiscal '04 which begins July
1 of this year and concludes June 30 of '04. The process of preparing
our budget begins in late September and early October and takes about
a full nine months before we're complete. One of the interesting
things about budget preparation in Iowa is it's also right in the middle
of a State legislative session so you never know for sure whether
you've done what you're suppose to do until somewhat after the fact.
A budget is an estimate of revenues and expenditures for a given
period of time. And in Iowa the format for the budget is generally
prescribed by law. We prepare an extensive summary budget which
we distribute to our citizens upon request. We've put out about 150
copies as well as having the budget on our web page. I believe we can
expect a difficult budget year for the State. You'll recall last year we
anticipated fiscal '03 and '04 would be problems with respect to the
State and thereby the monies that are made available to us by the State
and the regulations that govern our budget preparation can be rather
profound. In anticipating a two-year we have balanced the budget for
'04 understanding that there would be those difficulties. What it
means to us is that we really have very little room to make any kind of
dramatic changes. There are a number of influential factors that we
use in the balancing of the budget. And again I would propose to you
that we would have no layoff or reduction in force. There are a
munber of noticeably cost increasing many of which are beyond our
control. I'll site a few examples. Last year the county chose to reduce
the Senior Center financial contribution of $140,000 to $100,000.
This year it has been reduced to $75,000. We directed the
Commission and they're actively involved in the process of preparing
recommendations that will make up for the approximately $60,000
loss in income from the county. We have projected a $575,000
contract with the county for the SEATS program. After discussion the
final budget is $680,000 or approximately a 19% increase. Our airport
- three years ago the airport received a general fund subsidy of
approximately $100,000. This year it's $180,000 and that was only
after extending some debt payments and making a number of changes
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in order to keep that as low as we possibly could. Employee pensions
- notably our police and fire pensions - underperformed with respect
to their income. This is plan managed by the state and has the effect of
the state sending us a bill and we will have to appropriate an additional
$400,000 to meet our obligations to the police and fire pension. Our
property insurance also increased $130,000. This is a 22% increase in
the cost of general property insurance for the City much of which is
the fallout from 9/11. and our health insurance we're experiencing the
same problems as many providers of health insurance and over the last
two years our increase in cost has been approximately 50%. I think
you can understand that the budget balancing with all of the state
regulations has been difficult. But we have been able in this budget to
maintain our reserve position which supports our credit rating. As the
Mayor announced during his State of the City we enjoy the highest
level of credit rating with respect to our general obligation and our
revenue bonds. Unfortunately again to repeat it does not leave us
more room for initiative. There are two pending issues that I believe
need your attention. The Farm Bureau has created or has proposed a
new program called the state tax increment renewal plan. It has the
effect of taking 4.5% of our tax base and transferring it to the state.
It's about an 85 million dollar hit on our tax base. That's rather
substantial. The effect of it instead of being able to budget 100% of
our tax base for local purposes we would budget 95%. Also there is
pending litigation called Senate file 41 which would limit the City to
any growth and revenue to the CPI, would consolidate all of our tax
levies which would virtually kill our bond rating and fix the amount of
money that would be available to us. Our estimates are that our
general fund would lose about 14% of available income. Again these
are pending. Hopefully they will adjust it in reasonable periods of
time in order for us to manage accordingly. The Council also in this
budget plan that we have reduced the level of indebtedness. That is we
have slowed the expansion of our general obligation debt as a matter
of policy. By having the effect of limiting our new debt to
approximately the debt that we retire. So that we will not be growing
our debt burden. This reduces our ability to raise capital and to do
certain projects, but it also I believe in these times is good fiscal
policy. The budget is balanced within the state law. You're schedule
for adoption on March 11th.
Lehman: Thank you, Steve. Comments from the public.
Kevin Boy& I'm Kevin Boyd. And I'm here tonight on behalf of the Iowa City
Parks and Recreation Commission. You've got several of our other
members here tonight although our Chair and Vice-Chair aren't here
so I'm speaking. We have Sarah is here and Judith and I think I saw
Nancy outside. And we're here tonight to support...to show our
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support for funding the development for the Water Works Park in
fiscal year '04 and in fiscal year '05. We appreciate your past support
of the Parks and Recreation Department. We appreciate your hard
work on the City budget. We know it's no easy task. But we do have
some concerns about the proposed budget. In your Council packets
there should be a letter from our Chair, Matt Pacha, to you the Council
expressing those concerns of the elimination of the proposed funding
of the Water Works Park. I'll just highlight, amend and emphasis a
few of the major points in the letter. As you note the Department staff
works very hard to maintain all of our parkland with the limited
resources we have. They do a fantastic job, but you are all aware of
the need for additional staff to support our growing parkland. Our
primary concern with not funding the FY'04 portion of the project -
the part that develops the private or that develops the prairie grasses
m~d wildflowers - is the amount of staff time that will have to be
devoted to maintaining the park. Our letter states the mowing would
take 16 to 20 person hours for every two or three weeks. We have
since learned that employee in the Water Division last summer started
mowing at one end and by the time he finished at the other had to
begin again where he left off just to maintain a reasonable level of
grass. Which essentially is a full-time worker mowing the 100-150
acres. We also feel that the prairie development is important not only
to help alleviate the staff time, but also it would become a community
asset. And it takes time to do that. Prairie development will take 3-5
years before it fully matures. Additionally the prairie will provide an
example of good stewardship of the land. Finally, this is a project that
is a top priority of our Commission and has been for the last few years.
And as a Commission we urge you to reconsider your decision and
include the development of the Water Works Park in the budget.
Thank you.
O' Donnell: Thanks, Kevin.
Lehman: Thank you, Kevin.
Sarah Wal×: Hi. My name is Sarah Walz and I'm also here on behalf of the
Commission and also as a park user. When I first heard about the plan
for the prairie project at the Water Works Park I was really excited
because it's a fantastic plan to restore a high quality prairie. And for
those of us who love prairies - and there are a lot of people in Iowa
City and Johnson County will drive a long way to see a nice prairie.
The nice thing about this prairie is it will be in the City. It's in bike-
able distance. It's easy for people to get to. I think also that it
represents a great step forward in the management of Iowa City's
natural parks. As my colleague just mentioned park staff can move
away from the expenses of turf management and get into more
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sustainable management. I had a lot of things that I wanted to say
tonight, but I'll keep it short because I know you have a lot of big
issues in front of you. But what most impressed me about this plan
and the way that I hope that you'll think of it is that seed money and
that's, you know, a pun, but it's also something real because the way
that I looked at it was this is really a unique opportunity to educate
people about native areas in Iowa. I heard Paul Johnson from the
DNR speak a few years ago and he said that although you wouldn't
know it Iowa is the most developed state in the country. We have very
little natural land set aside. This is a really great opportunity. I think
the Parks Department sees this as a great way to educate people, teach
them about prairie restoration. And it also is seed money because in
the future there are other parks that are looking - Friends of Hickory
Hill Park is one example - to do prairie restoration projects. If this
prairie is restored a common thing that a lot of cities do it you bring in
volunteers to hand harvest seed and you can seed your other areas and
you don't have to buy seed anymore. So I see this park as setting a
great example for all of Iowa City's natural areas, for all of Iowa
City's open lands that you're not just investing in this one place, but
that you're investing in all the parks. So I hope that you'll have an
open mind and think about this and consider putting it in the budget.
Thanks so much.
Lehman: Steve I have just a question. Once we publish the budget and have a
public heating if we make changes in that budget that can down, but
not up?
Atkins: Can go down, but not up.
Lehman: In other words we cannot add to the budget that was published for this
public hearing.
Atkins: You cannot add to it. You have to amend something else.
Lehman: Right. Okay. I think that needs to be clear. Melvin?
Melvin Dvorsky: Melvin Dvorsky. I just wanted to commend you folks on the excellent
job. I reviewed the budget from top to bottom this afternoon.
Considering the hard times we're in - and I know it's hard for
everyone. This was an excellent work like I said considering the hard
economic times. You're all to be congratulated and sincerely thanked
for your work for the good of the citizens of Iowa City. I thank you
very much.
O'Donnell: Thanks.
Lehman: Thank you, Melvin.
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Karmer: Just to clarify a little. This does give a blueprint for the year - fiscal
year '04. We do amend the budget and can change things once it's out
there and we could add things.
Atkins: Yes you can.
Lehman: We can't add to the total.
Karmer: No, not this year. But once it's in effect for fiscal year '04 we
certainly are able to add projects or delete.
Atkins: You can add projects Emie, but then you have to go back to a hearing
remember to amend the budget.
Lehman: Okay.
Atkins: It requires another hearing.
Bob Welsh: My name is Bob Welsh. I live at 84 Penfro. I have had in my
possession for a couple of weeks, but was shocked when I looked at
the first line of your budget on page 78 which is the Senior Center
budget. I realize the historic formula of 80/20 - City/County and that
whole philosophy. I realize that last year you contributed not 80%, but
85.57% of the Senior Center budget. I was really shocked when I
looked again at the first line which is property tax that you all have
decreased the property tax going to the Senior Center by $83,537 over
what is in this year's budget. If you use the same percentage rather
than $545,000 you would give $580,000 - an increase of $35,000. If
you continued at the same level as last year you would increase it the
$83,537. Let me assure you that I'm an equal opportunity citizen at
this point. I am not only here tonight to encourage you in your
considerations and deliberations to increase your portion of the
property tax for the Senior Center, but I've also in the last four hours
talked to five members of the Johnson County Board of Supervisors
urging them to increase their giving to at least that of last year. I have
no assurances from them just like I don't expect tonight to get any
assurances from you. I am laying that on their table and I'm laying it
on your table. I think that, you know, you speak very highly of your
commitment to the Center and I appreciate that and I respect that, but
then don't decrease your tax giving, tax amount. There's nothing
sacred in that 80/20 formula. It was not the case last year. And so I
trust it in your considerations and deliberations you will consider that
issue on page 78 of your budget. I realize what City Manager has said
about the fact that you cannot Lncrease the budget and it means you
would have the task of finding $35,000 some place else or $83,000
some place else. But my guess is that you are creative enough that you
could do that if you desire. And I guess I want to express appreciation
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for your support of the Senior Center. I just want you to do more than
what is manifest on page 78. Thank you.
O'Donnell: (Can't hear).
Lehman: Thank you, Bob.
O'Donnell: I hope your next appearance is in front of this Board of Supervisors as
a group. We had a 20/80 agreement for a lot of years...
Welsh: I understand that.
O'Donnell: ...that dropped $40,000 then another $25,000.
Welsh: I understand that.
O'Dormell: And I sincerely hope that you approach them as a group.
Welsh: I think they understand that I'm going to approach them at the next
meeting which is on Thursday.
O'Donnell: Okay. Thank you.
Welsh: And I'm approaching you tonight because this is your time and your
public hearing. Thank you.
O'Donnell: Appreciate that.
Lehman: Thank you, Bob.
Holly Berkowitz: Holly Berkowitz, Iowa City. It seems that the budget is not an
isolated, local event either. It's very interlinked with the national, state
and global situation. And I'm going to read a couple of slices from the
newspapers and magazines that make that clear.
Lehman: As long as they're relevant to the budget because this is a budget
hearing.
Berkowitz: Okay
Lehman: Okay?
Berkowitz: First of all I would like to point out that you would like to build a
center for mass transit in Iowa City, but the section from the budget -
the Federal section may not come through about 2 million dollars. Is
that right? And I'm not sure what the reason is for that because mass
transit Amtrak only uses like one percent of the federal budget of
transportation whereas highways use about 30% or more. And then
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Amtrak is expected to make a profit also. Probably the buses are too.
I don't know. I don't think that buses and trains should be expected to
make a profit because they are helping reduce the dependence on our
subsidies to the transportation sector. So I think our privatization and
segregation of our minds to world events is really killing our local
economy and our national economy. I would urge you to apply the
same kind of statistical analysis that you made with First Avenue,
Scott Boulevard saving gas and trips because that was really
phenomenal. I lost the piece of paper that told me that. Do you have it
there Ernie.
Lehman: I do.
Berkowitz: Can you read some of those?
Lehman: I'I1 get it to you later, but I do have it.
Berkowitz: Okay.
Lehman: But you're right it's very outstanding.
Berkowitz: Read one of them.
Lehman: Well I think it's like 1.3 million dollars a year savings in fuel.
Berkowitz: That was phenomenal.
Lehman: Yeah.
Berkowitz: What would happen if we had a City policy, a City department to try
to do this kind of thing with car pooling, walking, try to reduce trips. I
bet that everyone in this room...let me take a straw poll. Raise your
hand...
Lehman: Holly, you need to talk in the mic.
Berkowitz: ...if you think that you could reduce your trips into town by one trip
per week. Okay who couldn't do it raise your hand. Nobody has their
hand raised. What would be the calculation of the amount of gasoline
solved then. We could prevent a war if we had...if our city and other
cities had a department of fuel conservation. And I urge you therefore
to think more globally both on this issue and on the war because it is a
local issue. I want to point out that the federal economy does affect
the local economy. And you have a responsibility to give feedback to
the federal economy economics so that the system can work. The
national system has to have feedback between the local and the federal
and the federal and the local. Otherwise it's going to fail. A captain
of a ship has to listen to every single voice because the smallest voice
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on a ship may have been the one to see the iceberg. So one of these
comments from one of these people who have spoken tonight or that
will speak afterwards or that you get a letter from may have a very
important point. And I think it's important for you to open up the
discussion for that. And war is an economic issue. I'm getting
distracted. I feel that the reason that the national economy is failing is
because it instituted policies of deregulation, privatization and theft of
public resources. We saw that with Reagan. We saw it with the...
O'Donnell: Holly, you moved away from the...
Berkowitz: We saw it with Reagan, the theft of the savings and loan scandals. The
use of public funds in the Iran Contra and we saw it in the Enron that
is infecting...the Enron scandal which was a scandal. And you need to
say something for...about that. You need to give the feds feedback
that you don't...
Lehman: You need to wind this up, Holly. Your five minutes is just about there.
Berkowitz: Okay.
Lehman: Okay?
Berkowitz: You don't believe that it's the right of the federal government to take
from the local and the state or to shift costs onto the local or the state.
Stand up and say something. I am going to run for Council if you
don't do that,
Lehman: Thank you, Holly.
Berkowitz: In other words privatization is essentially the same as segregation.
Thank you.
Lehman: Thank you.
S~even Nelson: Steven Nelson, 1033 Sandusky Drive. I want to comment on the
proposed budget both for 2004 and as the agenda lists the three-year
financial plan also the multiple year capital improvements program. I
represent the neighborhood along Sandusky where we have frequent
storm water retentions and we object that this project is not included in
the Council work sessions. It was dropped out. This summer Dave
Robertson worked with City Engineer to come up with an idea that
was acceptable to the neighborhood. You were given a petition last
fall asking that our convents be reinstated so that we can limit
development on the backyards where flooding occurs. You've not
responded to that. We've asked for two capital improvement projects
to lessen the pool height and we think those should be included if not
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this year at least in the three year or somewhere in the capital
improvement plan. You've put this off for 20 years. It's been a
problem for over 20. Everyone recognizes it, but nothing gets done.
And it's time. We're getting tired. Now our covenants are gone. We
have no way of controlling flooding.
(End of Tape 03-19, Beginning of Tape 03-20)
Nelson: ...an unsafe division in Iowa City. You've known about it for 20
years and still you propose to do nothing. And as a neighborhood
we're small. Our problems are tiny compared to what's happening,
but they're real. There's no excuse. A lot of problems inthe south
district are hard to solve. This one can be solved with one good
project. And I think it is time...
Lehman: We will look into this, but this has been looked at many times in the
last 20 years and there's been lack of cooperation in the neighborhood
and that's why nothing has happened.
Nelson: No, no...
Lehman: We will look into it.
Nelson: The neighbors have a right to their yard. What the City doesn't have
the right is to dump all the water from the Hollywood subdivision to
our backyards. I know you have the easement. That's gone. The
covenant is over. It's time to move on this project.
Lehman: We'll look at it.
Nelson: Thank you.
Lehman: Anyone else like to speak to the budget?
Berkowitz: Two more things. From the Washington Post December 16th, 2002 -
new tax plan may shift in burden...may bring shift in burden. Poor
could pay a bigger share. New York Times, February 11th, 2003 -
renters receivix~g U.S. aid to pay more under budget proposal. Bush is
planning on lifting the $50 maximum charge to a $50 minimum. Just
thought I'd bring that to your attention.
Lehman: Thank you. Public hearing is closed.
Karr: Motion to accept correspondence.
O'Donnell: So moved.
Pfab: Second.
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Lehman: Moved by O'Donnell, seconded by Pfab to accept correspondence.
All in favor? Opposed? Motion carries.
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ITEM 7b AMENDING TITLE 3 ENTITLED "CITY FINANCES,
TAXATION & FEES," CHAPTER 4 ENTITLED "SCHEDULE
OF FEES, RATES, CHARGES, BONDS, FINES AND
PENALTIES" OF THE CITY CODE TO DECREASE OR
CHANGE THE RATES FOR FEES AND CHARGES FOR
WATER SERVICE CHARGES.
b. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE (FIRST CONSIDERATION)
Letm~an: Do we have a motion?
O'Donnell: Moved first consideration.
Vanderhoef: Second.
Lehman: Moved by O'Donnell, seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion? You
know I'm not sure and no one is old enough to be able to tell me, but
I'm not sure this won't be the first time in the history of Iowa City that
a water rate has been reduced. Historic event. Roll call.
Kanner: Emie?
Lehman: Yes.
Kanner: I'm going to vote for it of course (can't hear) going to vote for this.
But there is history, there was decisions made in the early '90's on the
size of the plant that people disagreed with. Some say it's perhaps too
big for our need and just promotes turnout line development. And also
you talk about our Aaa bond. It's been sold to us that we had to put a
large down payment. One of the reasons we had such high prices is
because there was a philosophy of Council that agreed with that - the
majority.
Lehman: That policy came from the Council.
Kanner: Right along with the recommendation of the City Manager.
Lehman: No. I don't think so. That recommendation of 20% down did not
come from the City administration. It came from the people sitting
right here.
Kanner: Okay.
Vanderhoefi In '96.
Lehman: And that is a fact.
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Vanderhoef: In '96 or '97.
Lehman: Actually it was '93.
Vanderhoef: Well there was another one.
Lehman: Yeah, but that's where it came from.
Kanner: And I...when I joined the Council I voted for a few of those, but I
think it's something that needs to be a part of the future discussion that
Aaa is not all golden and the only thing that we have to work for.
People took tremendous burdens when the water rates have risen the
past 5, 8 years - tremendous rates of increase. It makes it difficult.
We do have a discount program for low-income. And people make
use of that. But still it's a tremendous burden on people that don't
qualify for that. And we have to keep that in mind that Aaa is not the
answer for everything ....
Lehman: I don't think...
Kanner: ...at all expenses...
Lehman: I agree with you if these are revenue bonds not subject to Aaa ratings
any~vay.
Kanner: One of the things though that we say is...what I heard is that we
wanted to have 20% down so that overall it would look good for our
finances to get our Aaa rating.
Lehman: No, it was to keep the cost of the project down. Because if you pay
20% down, you don't interest on 95%, you pay interest on 80%.
Kanner: So is that wrong that it doesn't affect the ratings - revenue rating, bond
rating, general...
Atkins: Everything affects the bond rating. Water revenue bonds are rated
differently than general obligation bonds.
Karmer: Doesn't that effect having a bigger down payment in theory one might
say that it affects the ratings that we can get.
Atkins: Our water revenue bond rating is due substantially to several things.
One is the money management. Two is the fact that we enjoyed very,
very good bids on the project. And a third was that you chose to use
cash in lieu of debt to pay for a portion of the project and that was the
20% policy that was developed.
Lehman: But that's a revenue bond. It has nothing to do with Aaa bond rating.
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Kanner: But the cash down payment in theory that was what was being
proposed. Whether it contributes directly to Aaa I would still argue
that it still contributed indirectly.
Champion: To the water bond rating.
Lehman: Yeah, but that's...
Kanner: (Can't hear) to the overall health too. If affects our overall health and
our general...
O'Donnell: I think we need to decide whether we want to reduce the water bills
5%.
Karmer: But just let me...I have one or two sentences to finish up, Ernie.
Lehman: Go ahead.
Kanner: I think that it again we have to look at things a little more in-depth
than just supposedly helping our ratings here and down the road. It
could be killing a lot of people figuratively in the near tenn.
Lehman: ! don't disagree with Steven, but the down payment was designed to
lower the cost - total cost - of the project so it would actually cost the
users less money in the long run. And that's why we had the 20%.
Champion: And I just want to refute the Aaa bond rating not being important
because with a lot ofpeople who have trouble paying rents - and rents
in Iowa City are exorbitant - but a Aaa bond rating saves the taxpayers
of Iowa City millions and millions of dollars. That also means that it
saves renters millions and millions of dollars. So I disagree with you.
I think it's important to all levels of the economy that if we can
possibly keep that Aaa bond rating and save our taxpayers millions of
dollars more power to us.
Lehman: Let's vote and save everybody 5%. Roll call.
O'Donnell: 5% is all we're asking for.
Champion: I can't stand it. It drives me nuts.
Lehman: Motion carries.
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ITEM 8a THE CITY'S INTENT TO PROCEED WITH AND
AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY RIGHTS
FOR THE SCOTT PARK TRUNK SANITARY SEWER
PROJECT.
a. PUBLIC HEARING
Lehman: (Reads item). Public hearing is open. Boy you barely made it.
Vanderhoef: Walk faster, Glenn.
Glenn Siders: I promise I'll be brief.
Lehman: I know you will.
Siders: My name is Glenn Siders. I'm here representing Southgate
Development Company. I would like to say that as you probably
know a majority of this trunk sewer will be going across our property
and we are in favor of the alignment of the sewer and we think it's
going to be a good thing for the east end of Iowa City. It's going to
bring residential and convert the commercial development available. I
say that with a caveat. I realize this is public hearing on the
acquisition of the property, however, it's my understanding in talking
with the engineers that this is done as a City project and going to be
done on an assessment basis. We would request that we be given the
opportunity to put our own section of the sewer in. We feel that we
could have a significant savings if we're allowed to put the sewer in
through our own property. Thank you.
Lehman: Thank you, Glenn.
Vanderhoefi Has there been discussion of that with Staff, Steve?
Atkins: I'm not aware of it. I'll find out.
Lehman: You'll check it out. Okay. Any other input at the public hearing?
Public hearing is closed.
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ITEM 11 CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 1,
"ADMINISTRATION," CHAPTER 5, "MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL," SECTION 3, "COMPENSATION" TO ALLOW
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE
CITY'S GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN AT THEIR
OWN EXPENSE. (SECOND CONSIDERATION).
Lehman: (Reads item).
Champion: Moved.
Wilbum: Second.
Lehman: Moved by Champion, seconded by Wilburn. Discussion?
Vanderhoef: We had a letter from a citizen that seemed to not quite understand that
and I would like to just have a reply to be sure that Mr. Spratt
understands.
Atkins: I'll take care of that.
Vanderhoefi Thank you.
Lehman: Roll call. Motion carries.
Karr: Motion to accept correspondence.
O'Dounell: So moved.
Vanderhoefi Second.
Lehman: Moved by O'Donnell, seconded by Vanderhoef to accept
correspondence. All in favor? Opposed? Motion carries.
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ITEM 12 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR
TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST A PROJECT
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION, THE CITY OF IOWA CITY AND THE
BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
Lehman: (Reads item).
Vanderhoefi Moved the resolution.
O'Donnell: Second.
Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by O'Donnell. This project is
relative to the repair and restoration of the pedestrian crossing bridge
on Riverside Drive outside of what - Iowa Avenue.
Vanderhoefi And it's a split up cost sharing. This is an Iowa DOT 50%, University
of Iowa 25%, and City of Iowa City 25%.
Lehman: Roll call. Motion carries.
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ITEM 13 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF
IOWA CITY TO PARTICIPATE IN AN AGREEMENT FOR
SERVICES OF CONSULTANT REGARDING A JOINT STUDY
OF FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING MUNICIPAL
UTILITIES AND AUTHORIZING THE IOWA ASSOCIATION
OF MUNICIPAL UTILITIES TO SERVE AS AGENT FOR THE
AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES.
Lehman: (Reads item). Do we have a motion?
Vanderhoefi Move the resolution.
Wilbum: Second.
Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by Wilbum. Discussion?
Dilkes: Ernie, I'm going to have Andy Mathews of my office come sit where I
am since he was directly involved in choosing the consultant if you
have questions.
Lehman: Okay.
Karmer: Andy what was the process that folks went to to pick the consultant?
Just briefly outline that please.
Matthews: A request for bids was sent out to interested organizations, interested
companies prior to that RFP going out. Inquiries were made with
numerous firms around the country asking whether or not they were
interesting in responding to a RFP. Those that responded favorably
were included on the list. The RFP went out. We received the
proposals. We reviewed them as a group. We then selected from that
list two companies to interview. And from those interviews we
selected one consultant.
Kanner: Was it unanimous?
Matthews: Nearly with respect to the final decision- nearly unanimous. Ithink
there was one municipality that had some concerns with respect to the
independence of the consultant. And there was another municipality
who had worked with the other firm and because of that felt more
comfortable going with that. But other than that it was near unanimity.
Kanner: Concern of the independence going which way? That they went the
independent towards? One way or the other?
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Matthews: The consultant chosen works with a number of entities in purchasing
power. Additionally that consultant had background in the utility side
of the business.
Kanner: And the private utilities.
Matthews: Yes.
Karmer: Thanks.
Lehman: Larry?
Larry Baker: My name is Larry Baker, 1217 Rochester Avenue. First of all I'd like
to thank Ernie. I talked to him earlier this afternoon asking iii could
speak tonight about this particular issue and he was gracious enough to
allow me even though there's not a formal public hearing attached to
this. I have two issues tonight. I'd like to thank the Council tbrmally
for taking this important second step. And I've been asked by the
Citizens of Public Power to read a short statement, copies of which
you have. And then after that I have a separate statement from me
only based upon my experience in city politics and city government
with issues that are very relevant to this decision that you're making
tonight. So first of all let me quickly for you and for the public thank
you for this decision - for allowing an opportunity to meet to protect
Iowa City businesses and residents from historically high electric rates.
And as we've pointed out in our presentations before you in the past
Iowa City small businesses and residents pay respectively at least 32%
and 28% more per month than the average paid by their counterparts in
137 municipal utilities in the state of Iowa. It's important to remember
that this is not a debate tonight about the pros and cons of public utility
because what you're doing is allowing that debate to occur. And it can
only occur if we have information and that's what you're doing
tonight. It's an extremely important step to take. This letter from
Carol Spoziani and Solemn Mikies of co-chairs of Citizens of Public
Power ends with this paragraph - "This historic opportunity for the
current and next generation of local electric rate payers is in your
hands. Your decision to join hands and launch a feasibility study with
some 20 other communities including the University of Iowa is a case
in point. We can only gain by wisely, intelligently and objectively
exploring all possibilities." And it is that exploration, that being with
this process, and it's an exploration I think that will be absolutely
essential for an intelligent debate in the future. Now that's what the
Citizens for Public Power would like to say tonight publicly. ! have a
personal comment and it comes from the last paragraph of Mr.
Matthews report to you. And let me quote that. In his words,
"Legislation may be considered in the Iowa House of Representatives
which would block formation of any new municipal utilities currently
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served by another utility if that utility objects." In other words
legislation is being considered at the state level that would preempt
any debate in Iowa City. Put in the clearest possible terms
MidAmerican Electric is attempting to prevent an open and informed
debate in Iowa City and all the other communities who are
participating in this feasibility study. Now regardless of your
individual feelings about this issue - whether your pro or con,
municipal utilities or not - and we don't know as a group because
we're looking for information. It may be that this feasibility study
comes up with facts and figures that do not warrant proceeding any
further. We don't know that. Regardless of that I think you have to
recognize that this legislation which is winding its way through the
legislature now is another attempt - and some of you have been on the
Council long enough to remember other issues in which the state
legislature has preempted your power - it's another attempt to
circumvent the democratic process at the local level. And by doing so
there is a bedrock of local government in Iowa called "home rule" and
that is gradually being eroding more and more. And for that reason
alone again regardless of your feeling about public power I would ask
this Council to direct the City Staff to keep it informed about the
progress of such legislation and as soon as the substance of that
legislation is known and you can junction with the Iowa League of
Cities to formally oppose its passage. We'll be back to talk about that.
And let me emphasize again the issue is not public power. The issue is
about Iowa City's ability to speak for itself, think for itself and vote for
itself. And those are our rights and we're sure that you'll help to
protect those. In addition I would hope that everybody else in Iowa
City contacts their local state legislatures and ask them to study this
and oppose this because this decision tonight can be rendered
meaningless if that legislation passes. So Joe Bolkum and Mary
Masher and Bob Dvorsky and Vicki Lensing and Dick Meyers will be
hearing from us as well. And we're counting on their intelligence,
their integrity and their energy on all those issues that they have to
deal with in the state legislature. We're confident that they will agree
that Iowa City's energy future is an issue that must be decided here
and by us. And we'd like for you to be well aware of that process.
Have your staff keep you informed and once again thank you very,
very much for this first step. This is, you know...let me close with this
some people ask me do I miss city politics.
O'Donnell: Be truthful.
Champion: If the answer is much longer we're going to sit you up here.
Baker: The answer is "no" for personal reasons, but let me tell you you all
know that 95% of your job is processing paper. It doesn't....you could
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#I3 Page 39
have seven monkeys up there you get the same vote. It doesn't matter.
It's the 5% of issues. You could have a monkey as a City Manager. It
doesn't matter. I just wanted to make sure I threw that in.
Lehman: Larry, your time is well over.
Baker: 30 seconds and I'll come back, Emie.
Lehman: Will somebody remove the monkey from the mic?
Baker: This is one of those key issues where you will make the difference and
for that 1 thank you.
Lehman: Thank you, Larry. Before the next speaker let me just explain to those
- I think everybody is up to speed on this. But I just want to do a little
history. Our franchise with MidAmerican Energy expired, I believe, a
year ago last November if I'm not mistaken. There were a group of
folks within Iowa City who felt that the City of Iowa City should
pursue the possibility ora municipal utility. We did have speakers
speak to us from MidAmerican Energy. We had somebody from the
Municipal Power Association. We had Bob Latham who is the person
who has submitted the RFP which we're going vote on tonight. He
spoke to us and indicated the incredible complexity of the electrical
business not just for municipalities for whatever. This Council
instructed our Staff to work with - and it turns out we have worked
with 17 other entities in Iowa. I believe there are 16 other cities and
the University of Iowa is the 18th participant. We received a bid for a
study that I believe is approximately $165,000. The consultant agreed
that based on the number of folks who had expressed an interest in this
project that the charges would be based so much per entity plus a
certain factor for the population. The issue that we have tonight as a
Council is whether or not the proposal that we have received from
Latham & Associates is acceptable to us. We have already agreed to
do...and I have to emphasize this is absolutely a preliminary study.
That's where we are and that's what we're talking about.
O'Donnell: Could I just ask one question to Andy first?
Lehman: Sure.
O'Donnell: Andy, when...I read that article when is this vote likely to take place?
Matthews: I'm glad you asked that because I was going to interrupt as a point of
clarification. As of last week I had spoken to Iowa League of Cities
staff and staff at Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities. At that point
as of last week formal legislation had not been introduced yet. It was
being discussed and considered to be modeled after a somewhat
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# 13 Page 40
similar statute in Missouri, but to the best of my knowledge a formal
bid had not been submitted to the House yet. It was being discussed
as... contemplated to be introduced.
Bob Elliott: I'm Bob Elliott, 1108 Dover Street. Larry speaks as well as he writes.
So I'll try to follow up briefly. I may be late with what I suggest
tonight. We'll wait and see. I think that the Council, as Larry said, to
look into this. It's worth looking into. I think the Council, however,
has overlooked what I think is a very obvious initial step in that it
would take very little time I think to put together an inquiry as to what
the initial cost of a municipal utilities would be. And if I'm accurate
in what I understand that to purchase the infrastructure from
MidAmerican would be at least in the neighborhood of 50 million
dollars if not closer to 80 million. And purchasing that infrastructure
may not even be possible because I'm sure that we are not their only
users in this area and they might want to keep that. There would also
be extensive litigation involved. And I think that when you look at the
millions of dollars involved in this it seems to me that my initial
thought is we can't afford to get into it no matter what the long range
study might show. That said it just seems like the obvious initial step
to take. I want to say before I go that I had a talk with Carol Spoziani
a person whom I like very much and respect immensely and she is
very much in favor of this and perhaps she and her people know a little
more than I do - many people do. But I think this is the first step that
should have been taken because if you ask me do we want to spend
upwards of 50 to 60, 70 million dollars I think the study is warranted
after that. Thank you.
Lehman: Thank you, Bob.
Kanner: Bob, I'm not quite clear, but my understanding is this study is the first
step. Our share will be about $17,000 to $18,000 matched by UI and
as part of the greater one. And I think it's unfair to throw out figures
like that because we don't know what it is and in the long run I'm sure
our friend Terry is going to be fair if we do get to the point of
negotiation because they're good folks there. So thanks.
Elliott: We disagree.
Terry Smith: No comment. Terry Smith, 2220 Balsam Court, Iowa City, Manager
of Operations for MidAmerican Energy located here in Iowa City. I
want to compliment City Staff and Council here on the State of City
address tonight. I think it was very appropriate and timely in fact. I'd
like to stand proud with my fellow employees here tonight to insure
you that even after the water main is fixed it would still be a cold, dark
shower without the gas and electric provided from our employees here.
So we stand proud with you on those. I speak with you this evening
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#13 Page 41
with no expectation that you will vote against this resolution. My
goal is to set the expectations to ensure that everyone understands
what to expect from this investment. When it comes to service and
reliability MidAmerican has an excellent reputation that we all take for
granted. It becomes one of those things that we won't realize how
important it is unless we lose it. I let the reputation of our employees
speak for itself. This is being billed as a pocketbook issue. The
guarantee is the Public Power Initiative Group is getting into your
pocketbook. They are spending taxpayer funds and they will be back
for more money to further the studies or to fund a public referendum.
The opposition would have you believe that you could save 30% on
the average municipal rates. This analogy is seriously flawed. No
single number can be used to make a direct comparison of rates.
There are simply too many variables involved in the comparisons. My
advice to you is simple - a phrase my father used to tell me -
"numbers don't lie, but liars will use numbers." A key existing fact to
consider is the existing municipalities don't pay property taxes.
Granted some do contribute to the general fund, but not all of them and
that does skew the average. Last year MidAmerican paid 1.6 million
dollars in property taxes to the City of Iowa City. 1.2 million of that
was based on its electric facilities installed. A second key issue is the
generation cost the municipal utilities that has been subsidized by the
federal government for years. Those subsidies are no longer available
and any new municipality would pay market rates for its energy
sources. The real story on rates is local cable TV rates here in Iowa
City increased at a minimum 3.5 to 4 percent per year. Our only
experience with a municipal run utility here in Iowa City is with our
local water company and while we did reduce rates 5% tonight they
have increased 350% since 1986. I have a chart here with me tonight
that indicates the rates for the electric residential prices for
MidAmerican Energy since 1986. Prices have been very stable during
that time with no increases over the past 8 years and a guarantee of no
increases in the future. And in fact when you consider inflation those
rates have been decreasing. Utility rates are regulated by the state
through the Iowa Utilities Board with intervention with Attorney
General's office and the office of Consumer Advocate. There is no
guarantee that MidAmerican will ever return a profit on its operation.
We earn a profit only by the efficient operation of our business like
any other business does. The difference for us is that our profits are
capped. Unlike normal businesses we at MidAmerican operating in
the state of Iowa are allowed only to return...make an earn of return
on our investment of I2%. Should our returns exceed 12% and fall
between a range of 12% or 14%, 50% of that return is returned directly
to our customers. In the event our return on investment would exceed
14%, 85% of that is returned directly to our customers. As for the
proposed study it is sponsored by the Municipal Utilities Association.
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They have a biased, vested interest in this study and it will prejudice
its outcome. I'm sure that all of you if I came to you tonight with a
similar, independent study sponsored by the Utilities Association you
would look at me with a jaundice eye and skew the results and the
figures presented to you. This study will be no different. It has been
our experience that these studies underestimate the cost of investing in
a utility structure. They exaggerate the potential benefits and they fail
to identify the associated risk. The portion of the typical bill that
we're really talking about impacting with this study is really quite
small. Think of your typical customer's bill. We're not talking about
the gas rates, only the electric rates here. So you can cut the bill in
half probably to begin with. Then we're not talking about generation.
We're not talking about transmission. We're simply talking about
distribution. By the time that you get down to that increment the
impact on the typically bill is likely to be one-sixth of what you would
typically see. And at what cost? The numbers that have been heard
here tonight are minimizing that expense. We are talking hundreds of
millions of dollars. MidAmerican is adamantly opposed to any effort
because it is not in the best interest of our company, of our employees
and most importantly of our customers. The reason there has been
no...let me try that again...there is a reason there has been no
municipalities formed in over a quarter of century. In the end the
public power initiative will fail. The question is at what cost. As a
member of the community, as a commissioner for this City, as a
taxpayer, ! know this Council takes its fiduciary responsibility
seriously and I encourage you to use prudent judgment on every action
you take on this measure. With that I take back my opening statement.
The persistence of a vocal minority should not be allowed to
overshadow the interest and the will of the entire community. This is a
waste of public funds and it will not end here. Thank you.
Lehman: Thank you, Terry.
Mike Kriegermeier: I'm Mike Kriegermeier. I'm the Business Manager for IBW Local
109. We represent approximately 50 members in the Iowa City area
that are employed by MidAmerican Energy. IBW Local 109 members
are trained and qualified workforce and have spent four years in an
apprenticeship learning that job. That apprenticeship program now is
registered with the Department of Labor. After the technical portion
of that apprenticeship is completed the continuing education process
begins. There they continue to learn about safety, system design and
the interconnected system that they will be working on. IBW Local
109 members staff the operation during the day and they also have a
provision that allows for after hours calls which provides the citizens
of Iowa City with around the clock response to any emergency that
may arise. The Iowa City lineman each worked an average of 700
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#13 Page 43
hours of overtime last year. IBW Local 109 members have negotiated
a wage and benefit package that is higher than what has been
traditionally negotiated for a muni. The question becomes what would
be the incentive for these members to move and start over. In 1998
when the straight line winds went through Iowa City MEC has a
mutual aid assistance with other utilities and was able to pull crews
from other MEC areas and utilities to restore power to the citizens of
Iowa City without any additional cost to the rate-payers of MEC. The
members oflBW Local 109 havejobs with MEC today. If they stay
with the utility you would lose the ability to retain those valuable years
and knowledge and skill that built the system that you're trying to take
over. The availability of lineman on the open market is just not there.
If you can find someone you're going to pay a premium. You're going
to pay moving expenses, signing bonuses and a higher wage and
benefit package to higher these people away from their other
employers. In closing I would like to thank the City Council tonight
for their time and I look forward to the lively debate on this issue in
the future. IBW 109 is not going to go away.
O'Donnell: Thanks, Mike.
Lehman: Thank you.
Kanner: Mike, is IBW in any of the other munis in Iowa like Muscatine or
anything like that?
Kriegermeier: Those are different locals.
Kanner: IBWs?
Kriegermeier: Right. Local 55 is the one.
Mark Douglas: Mr. Mayor and City Council Members my name is Mark Douglas. I
am President of the Iowa Utility Association. Our association is a
statewide organization representing the investor owned electric and
natural gas companies in this state. Those being Alliant Energy,
MidAmerican Energy, Aquilla as well as Atmost Energy. I'd like to
take ifI may offer a few brief comments tonight from that utility
industry perspective on a couple of issues that I think merit certainly
consideration by the Council and maybe better perhaps an
understanding...promote a better understanding among the proponents
o£municipalization that happen to be in this community. Let me begin
by also talking about what the City Attorney's office has answered
about the legislation in Des Moines fight now. In my capacity with the
Utility Association I'm also a registered lobbyist with investor owned
utilities. I can assure Mr. Baker and I will assure the proponents there
is no legislation that has been introduced either in the House or the
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#13 Page 44
Senate in Des Moines. There have been no discussions - any formal
discussions - in any subcommittee in either chamber or any formal
committee - large committee - full conunittee in either chamber. I
would caution Mr. Baker and others to make sure that they're not
listening to rumors or innuendo or maybe an inquiry from a legislator
on what they might do to stop municipalizations. But certainly there
have been no legislation introduced in this legislative session. The
current discussions in this community and some others as to promote
local government takeovers of state and federal rate regulated private
utilities seem to center on two primary issues. The first one is a
promise of lower rates and the second one is local control or the
protection of local control. It concerns our industry that the
proponents of such efforts are incorrectly framing those two issues by
drawing comparisons between Iowa's current municipal utilities and a
proposed new government utility. Unfortunately what is getting lost in
their comparisons is the energy environment today versus the
conditions long ago that govern the establishment of most of Iowa's
current municipal utilities. All of Iowa's 137 municipal utilities are at
least 25 years old with most of them in operation for 50 to 100 years.
Today as opposed to decades ago a new municipal utility faces
significant obstacles. Those obstacles include -just some of them -
today's federal limits on municipal bond financing, the absence of
low-cost federally subsidized power that was once available, the
prospect of purchasing or duplicating today's fully built out electric
distribution system, the reality of paying for substantial power
generation and transmission capacity that has been built or is currently
in construction to serve the community, the 1998 state law that
requires a new municipal utility to replace the property taxes of the
private utility that it would displace and of course the uncertain of
today's deregulated wholesale power market. Members of the Council
this is the reality of today's energy market place. One that even my
counterpart at the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities recognized
in a letter last week to one of our member companies. In that letter
Executive Director, Bob Haug, correctly acknowledges that, "Iowa has
almost the same number of municipal electric utilities now as it did in
1938." Mr. Haug further states and I quote from that letter, "the
barriers to new municipal utilities have grown considerably in the last
30 years." Let me repeat that, "The barriers to new municipal utilities
have grown considerably in the last 30 years and no municipal electric
utilities have formed in Iowa since 1976." (Can't hear) most of Iowa
established municipal utilities they've either built or bought in to
inexpensive power plants, generating facilities or have the access to
that federally subsidized power. It is simply unrealistic to expect
significant rate savings from a new utility. Even in a publication
which is the 2002 rates comparison again by the Iowa Association of
Municipal Utilities that publication acknowledges the weakness of rate
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#13 Page 45
comparisons that proponents are promoting. I quote from that
publication, "Exercise caution when using rate comparisons. They are
at best a snapshot of a continually changing picture. They reflect facts
and decisions that may no longer apply or are subject to change."
Lastly the claims of local control providing greater protection for
citizens is probably one of the greatest fallacies of local government
takeover. The facts are unless the circumstances as I just mentioned
exist and they do for established municipal utilities a new city
municipal utility would expose its customers to greater risk and
actually less control over rates because of the volatility of the
wholesale market. Today's Iowa investor utilities are investing
upwards of two billion dollars in power plants to serve Iowa
customers. These new plants along with the existing facilities will
provide a portfolio of reliable generation resources utilizing a diverse
mixture of fuel supplies to ensure stable energy prices into the future.
And speaking of prices and rates unlike city operated systems it has
been mentioned of course that investor owned utilities by law undergo
strict and federal regulation. A three-member board that appointed by
the Governor. It's confirmed by the legislature. It is supported by a
staff of 70 professionals at the Iowa Utilities Board sets and controls
the rates of Iowa's investor owned utilities.
Lehman: Mr. Douglas you need to wind this up.
Douglas: Alright. I'll go to last then. Mr. Mayor and members of the Council
you are considering participating in a study, a study that last night at
another city council meeting was characterized by Mr. Haug of the
Municipal Utilities Association as providing a best guess, educated
guess on the range of potential savings. I certainly encourage this
Council not to let the uninformed enthusiasm of some replace the fact-
based reality of today's energy market place.
Kanner: Mark...is it Mark?
Douglas: Yes, Mr. Kanner.
Kanner: Could you assure us that your organization is not going to introduce a
bill at the state level to limit the ability to form municipal utilities this
year?
Douglas: I will assure you that our association is no~ going to introduce
legislation that was referred to by the Council. I think you referred to
Missouri legislation which is actually entering into condemnation
proceedings. But we do not have an interest and will not be
introducing that.
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Kanner: And you might though enter into other legislation that might limit the
ability to form a municipal?
Douglas: At this point in time it's not on our radar screen. That's for sure. In
fact there's even legislation where we're probably going to have to be
working with municipal utilities on some transmission issues.
Kanner: Thank you.
Jim Larew: My name is Jim Larew, 228 Wolf Avenue. I've been active with a
group who started 18 months ago began to consider whether or not it
would be reasonable for the City Council to consider a proposal that
we study before we act. A very large decision important to our
community. That is to say whether or not we should sign a franchise
extension with MidAmercian Company, not the same franchise that
was signed 15 years ago when it was an investor owned utility with
stockholders before it was owned by a handful of investors. A new
entity whether we should continue with MidAmerican Energy in its
present form or whether we should consider the prospect of a
municipally o~vned utility company. It's interesting that it arouses so
much interest that we have a series of out-of-city speakers coming to
tell us what we should not do for our community, And it also
interesting that whatever MidAmerica may like one thing that it does
not care for it competition, competition in the marketplace, the
competition of ideas. Because the whole thing that we're asking for
tonight in which I think the Council will support is a feasibility study
so that you can make an informed decision down the road as to what is
in the best interest of Iowa City. It seems like a difficult position to
take to discourage you even from collecting information and to attack
the integrity of the information before it is delivered. When we first
approached the City Council and approached a number of you as you
were running for office if you'd agree to a modest study. At that time
MidAmerica was saying it's going to cost so much to do a feasibility
study you shouldn't even do it. We accepted the challenge of tight
fiscal times. It's an unprecedented action. Before this there were two
cities, non-contiguous, in the state of Florida who had ever joined
together to do a feasibility study to see whether municipal power
should be adopted by a city. In response to your challenge we have
more than ! 8 cities who have taken an interest in the negotiation
representing 200,000 Iowans who think it's possible that our energy
future might be different than what it's been in the past. MidAmerica
may argue the fact that there have been no new municipal utilities in
recent years...
(End of Side 1, Tape 03-20, Beginning of Side 2)
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Larew: ...be a reflection of political power and status quo. It may not be what
is in best interest of Iowa City residents and all we do is ask you to
consider it. It is interesting that one community in recent months has
had that option placed before it and the citizens of that community
voted in favor of municipal power. If you have not done so visit with
the folks at Emmetsburg, Iowa - a city of 4,000 people, the county seat
of Palo Alto County in north central Iowa served by MidAmerican
Energy. By a report MidAmerica spent nearly $100,000 to defeat -
unsuccessfully spent that money, brought in employees. These people
are placed in a difficult position. They are hard workers. They are
loyal people. They are skilled workers and they deserve to be well
paid. But they are put in a very difficult position by MidAmerica to
come and speak against a proposal even before it's formally in front of
the Council. In Emmetsburg, Iowa it was the business community
when they compared and looked at neighboring communities that had
municipal power - cities like Algona, Bancroft, Spencer, and Hartley.
Cities that were enjoying increased revenue streams because they pay
6%...
Lehman: You need to wind it up, Jim.
Larew: ...on average of their gross utility bills to support city services. That
was not happening in Emmetsburg and they could look over their
shoulder and see a difference. As you consider the issues ahead rather
than say it's a scary proposition I don't want to consider it, think in the
fact that cities like Columbus, Ohio with Ohio State, the Michigan
State University that many cities - 137 in Iowa do it and do it well.
What is it that those cities and communities can do that we in Iowa
City could not do if we chose to go forward. Thank you for funding
the feasibility study so that we may have an informed and intelligent
discussion in the months ahead.
Lehman: You know this isn't a public hearing. I'll take one more person.
Come on. Because, I mean, we're going to be here all night. All
we're really trying to do is ratify something we said we were going to
do six months ago. Go ahead.
Susan Frey: Good evening Mr. Mayor and the City Council Members. My name is
Susan Frey. I'm a resident of Iowa City. I'm a lawyer here in private
practice and I'm here tonight representing MidAmerican Energy
Company. I have three points for you consideration and I will be
brief. The first point concerns the City of Sheldon, Iowa which is a
town of approximately one-tenth the size oflowa City. In 1987
Sheldon too was very interested in exploring municipalization. It
proceeded with preliminary feasibility study and following that study
three years, approximately half a million dollars later, the City of
Sheldon after it filed an application with the Iowa Utilities Board for a
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certificate of authority failed in its efforts. The 1UB denied its
application after analyzing the final price that would be imposed upon
the city. The reason that Sheldon is important to you...there's several
reasons. One, it started out just like this. Two, it failed. Three, it
created a huge financial setback for the city. And fourth, and most
important, it is your legal precedent for the State of Iowa. The second
point involved the City of Las Cruces, New Mexico which is
comparable demographically to Iowa City. It has a population of
70,000 people and it's the home to New Mexico State University.
Again, Las Cruces had a similar movement of interested people. It
engaged in a preliminary feasibility study that lead to additional
studies and in short 14 years later and 21 million dollars later the City
of Las Cruces signed a settlement with E1 Paso Electric for a seven
year legal franchise. Third, I urge you...
Kanner: What about the option...didn't they keep the option open for at a later
time to form a municipal a few years down the road. I think that was
part of the agreement of Las Cruces.
Frey: That could...I'm not sure if that is correct. That is part of settlement
agreement. Finally, I urge you tonight to refrain against...a refrain
from participating in the feasibility study with these other
communities. This is an extremely risky business. It may not seem
like that to you now, but the risks are huge. The electric industry is
exceeding complex, it's constantly undergoing technological changes.
The public sector in this day and age cannot and is not able to react as
fast or well as the energy providers in the private sector. The
capitalization costs are enormous. That's already been presented to
you and they escalate very, very rapidly. You all know that for the last
several years the Iowa Legislature grappled with the issue of
restructuring the electric power industry in this state and they
concluded every year for, 1 believe, three years that it was unwise to
do so. Most of the reasons that the legislature relied upon for not
deregulating or restructuring the electric power industry in this state
are the very reasons for you not to municipalize in this community. If
ever there was a case of"if it ain't broke, don't fix it" this is it. Thank
you very much.
Lehman: Thank you. Discussion from Council? I should like a roll call.
O'Donnell: Well you should say Ernie that...and you did say it. This is something
we said we'd do months and months ago.
Lehman: No, I think Mike you're exactly right. Go ahead.
O'Donnell: That's all I wanted to say.
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Lehman: Well I think this is...we said we would do a preliminary study and
we're doing a preliminary study for a fraction of what we thought it
was going to cost us and I think that any comment pro investor owned
or municipal utilities that we've heard from the public for the most
part have been from folks who don't understand the complexity of this
issue. And I think that it is imperative if we're even going to look at
this which I...we're going to have to wait until we get the results back
from Latham. We agreed to do it. Now it's a matter or whether or not
the present RFP meets the criteria (can't hear).
Kanner: Ernie?
Lehman: Yes.
Kanner: Just a couple things. One in reaction to this chart that we have down
here. Our state consumer council has said that prices should have
gone down lower actually.
Lehman: I know. We're talking about the contract with Latham.
Kanner: Right.
Lehman: This has nothing to do with that chart.
Kanner: Right. I think that's what we should keep in mind. That that chart is
not accurate of what our prices probably should have been.
Lehman: I agree and that's why we need Latham's study. Any other comment.
Wilburn: I guess ! would just add that, you know, along with this study it's been
pointed out that there are other risks and other factors and that's what
we're going to use to make the determination on where we go as well
as if it ends up at that point consideration of the workers and making
sure that that issue is taken care of too.
Kanner: And also I wanted to mention that I was wary when Latham was hired
because I felt he had a bias toward the private investor owned utilities.
But looking at the end result I think it's a good thing that we have him.
He's in state. He's accessible. He gave a good presentation when he
was here before so I think he's going to do a good job and he's going
to do an impartial job. There hasn't been one study that I've seen over
the last 30 years - and I've seen a few that municipal is going to cost
more. And I think we're moving in the right direction.
Lehman: Roll call. (Motion carries.)
Karr: Motion to accept correspondence.
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Vanderhoef: So moved.
Pfab: Moved.
Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by Pfab to accept correspondence.
All in favor? Opposed? Motion carries.
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ITEM 14 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR
TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST A CHAPTER
28E AGREEMENT FOR PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCH
SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA
AND THE CITY OF UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, IOWA.
Lehman: (Reads item).
Pfab: Move the resolution.
Lehman: Moved by Pfab.
Champion: Second.
Lehman: Seconded by Champion. Discussion?
Kanner: A good step in the right direction for some regional efforts and save
University Heights a little money and I think it will be good for all of
US.
Lehman: Further discussion? Roll call. (Motion carries.)
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ITEM 17 PUBLIC DISCUSSION
Lehman: Item 17 is public discussion. We did cut the public discussion off at
8:00 and we can resume that for a short period. If someone would like
to address the Council.
O'Dormell: Emie, set the period.
Lehman: We will take public discussion for 15 minutes and then at 10:00 we
will discontinue public discussion.
Kanner: Well Emie if people here have been waiting...
Lehman: No.
Kanner: No, what do you mean no?
Lehman: Because...
Kanner: Why don't we let them talk.
Lehman: We are going to listen to what we heard. I think we know how the
public...we have a large number of people here who feel the same
way. And I have no problem if someone wants to come up with
something different. I'm not going to sit here all night and listen to the
same thing we heard earlier whether it's pro, con or indifferent.
Kanner: That's why we get paid the big bucks.
Lehman: Yeah.
Kanner: These people waited hours.
Lehman: Now are we going to take their time by discussing it here or are we
going to let them talk? Please go ahead.
Candace Peters: Thank you. My name is Candace Peters and my issue here is
regarding the Johnson County Local Homeless Coordinating Board.
I'm the Chairperson for that board. I'm also a clinical supervisor with
MidEastera Council and Chemical Abuse. A moment of your time
and I will be brief I promise. The assumption that I stayed this long is
the assumption that I do have something important that I'd like you to
hear and I thank you. On behalf of the Johnson County Local
Homeless Coordinating Board I'd like to draw your attention to the
letter in your packet tonight. It's in regards to the interest policy for
the CDBG HOME funded ownership project. I encourage you to
consider the issues that we have addressed in this letter and give it
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some time. And I thank you for that. Also, on behalf of the Johnson
County Local Homeless Coordinating Board I would like to publicly
thank City Council Members as well as our City Manager here in Iowa
City, Steve Atkins, thank you for your attention. I'd also like to thank
also City Planning Department staff Steve Long and Johnson County
Council of Government Linda Severson for the recent support of the
Johnson County Local Homeless Coordinating Board and also State of
iowa efforts in reinstating the HUD funds directly related to
programming that serves persons who are homeless in this county. I
appreciate you assistance and your constant support regarding that
issue. I also would like to draw your attention to the fact that we were
supported by our elected officials namely Governor Vilsack, Senator
Harkin's office, Senator Grassley's office, Representative Leach and
we currently have reinstated from HUD the renewal projects. They
will be funded. We are continuing to work on the new projects. They
have not been funded to date, but we are continuing to support the
efforts toward reinstatement of the new projects. This directly affects
persons who are homeless here in the City of Iowa City as well as
Coralville and Johnson County in general. So we'll continue to bring
forth our advocacy that we're doing with the Board and I appreciate
your time. Thank you.
Lehman: Thank you.
Anjali Khosla: Hi. My name is Anjali Khosla and I represent the Campaign against
war at the University of Iowa. I am a citizen of Iowa City and I am
also a registered voter. I just came from tonight's University of
Iowa ....
Pfab: Could I ask you a questiofi?
Khosla: Yes.
Pfab: Could you speak more into the microphone?
Khosla: I'm sorry. Yes.
Pfab: Okay. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt you.
Khosla: Is this better?
Pfab: Yeah. That's great.
Khosla: I'm not like a star. I don't know how to use this. Okay. Can you hear
me? Alright. I just came from tonight's University of Iowa Student
Government meeting during which Senator Nick Smith's anti-war
resolution was debated. A UISG Senator questioned as many of you
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members of the City Council have questioned the relevancy of a City
anti-war resolution and the right of members of local elected council to
make decisions that are "national" issues. A new graduate senator
named Dee Vee gave a fabulous answer. He told the senate that he
had had the privilege or the cultural privilege of having lived in
totalitarian state and he said that now that he lives in a democratic
country he has realized that one of the major benefits of living in a
democracy that whereas in the totalitarian state people are not allowed
to question the authorities and the decisions and the statements that
come from on high in this case from our Bush administration. In a
democracy people are allowed at the lowest levels of power, you know
at the City Council level, at the student government level, are allowed
to make a statement against what those people have said to them. That
is the purpose of the democracy. In a totalitarian state there aren't
people in place - elected officials whose job is to represent the local
constituency. Not everyone can be a representative. Not everyone can
make decisions for their community. That's why we have
representatives to represent the views, the wishes of the people to be
their voice. And you members of the Council are my voice. You are
the voice of me because the President won't listen to me, the military
won't listen to me, but you are supposed to listen to me and be voice.
Where the media failed you are the ones who are supposed to speak
for me and address my issues. And I am thrilled to tel1 you that
tonight the University of Iowa student government overwhelming
passed and anti-war resolution on behalf of the student government.
They fulfilled their duty, seriously considered the wishes and the
issues that concern most of the constituents and acted upon that by
being their voice and putting out a statement that does not support the
war against Iraq that the Bush administration is currently pushing for.
And now ladies and gentlemen of the Council it's your turn to
represent your constituents. Citizens of Iowa City are very concerned
about war in Iraq. We're very concerned about how it's going to
affect our budget. We're concerned about how its affect people our
age, my age who are going to have to go to war. What we're
concerned about what's going to happen to our children when we have
to grow up in a world that is absolutely overrun with terrorism, with
geopolitical instability, with anti-American sentiment. These issues
affect people in Iowa City. They affect people in New York City.
They affect people who live in other countries. They affect people
everywhere. And therefore I urge you to make, if not today in the
coming weeks an official written statement that represents (can't hear)
all the people who have waited here for hours to talk even if you're not
willing to wait and stay and hear us who've been waiting and waiting
to come and tell you how we feel. I spoke to Dee Vanderhoef, the
Mayor Pro Tern today, and she told me that she didn't think that the
majority of people cared about this, that she needed to see 60%. But
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you don't need to see 60% of petitioning or votes to get like a utility
thing passed or like a 21-under issue passed. You never get, like, you
know...you rarely get people who sit out there for hours and hours
waiting to speak about an issue.
Lehman: Would you let someone else speak too?
Khosla: ! will.
Lehman: I hear you and I appreciate...
Khosla: I'm just trying to tel1 you that I just think that you should have same
standard for making decisions for everything. If you want like written
signatures on this issue then you should want them on everything. Or
you should want them on nothing and you should base it on who
comes and talks to you. So I just hope that you'll take the example of
the students, of the younger generation and maybe follow in their
footsteps. Thank you.
Lehman: Thank you.
Miriam Timmer: Hi. My name is Miriam Timmer. I live at 647 Emerald Street. I've
only lived in Iowa City for one year, but I was born in Pella, Iowa and
I consider myself at home here. I came here to marry my husband.
We got married in December. He's of draft age. I hope he doesn't get
drafted to go to war. That would affect me very much. And I think it
would affect a lot of people in Iowa City because he has lots of friends
here. I'm sorry. It's not funny.
Champion: No, I'm not laughing at you. I think you're being really candid. I'm
not laughing at you.
Timmer: I just...a lot of friends who are getting...I'm 23. My friends are all
getting married. They're having kids and it really hurts me to think
that some of them are going to go over to Iraq and kill people. And I
don't know what I'm more scared of that they're going to kill other
people or that other people are going to kill them. Or that we're going
to make people so mad at us that we're going to have more terrorism.
I just can't believe that so many people are so passionately talking
before you that this affects them so much that they are crying in front
of you that they are waiting and that you won't even put it on the
agenda so that you can discuss i~t. And maybe if you put it on the
agenda people will come here and say no we don't want you to
pass...maybe pro-war people will come out. But what would be
wrong with that? We would have a discussion. Like can't you just put
it on the agenda? And I just want to close with a story of the widow in
the Old Testament who wasn't getting justice from the judge. He was
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corrupt. But she annoyed him and annoyed him and annoyed him until
he gave her justice just because she was so annoying and he wanted to
get rid of her. And I'm afraid that that might be what this activist
community is. I know I'm a pretty stubborn person. I feel things very
strongly. And you're my public representatives. I have the right to
contact you and I hope that you don't mind if I contact you a lot
because this is an issue that's very important to me. Thank you.
Lehman: Thank you.
Mary Tiedeman: Hi. My name is Mary Tiedeman and I'm a student. I also came from
the student government meeting and I was just very excited that they
passed that. And I do know that a large percentage of the students
who...I mean the ones who do care about the war are the ones that
vote and so they are your constituents. And I just wanted you to know
that as a young person I know that this war does affect me locally as a
person. The environment isn't something that is just isolated. It's the
whole war. So anything with nuclear weapons that is going to make
the world more unstable really scares me. And also as a student I'm
sickened by the fact that my tuition is getting...I mean that is really
stupid issue that people are dying, but if you want to put it on a level
that's local my tuition keeps going up. Social services are getting cut.
I'm a social work student. But yet we're willing to pay over 100
billion dollars to murder people in the name of fighting terrorism. And
so as the entity that has to pick up the slack for these national budgets I
just ask you to take that into consideration. Thanks.
Lehman: Thank you. Holly, would you let other folks speak first.
Berkowitz: Let me say something first.
Lehman: You've already spoken and there folks who haven't spoken. Pardon?
Berkowitz: It's not in the name of terrorism, it's in the name of cash.
Lehman: Okay, now let someone else please.
Berkowitz: That's what it's for.
Lehman: Please let someone else speak. I mean you can come back, but there
are people who haven't spoken.
Ralph Knudson: Thanks. I'm Ralph Knudson. I'm a family physician here. I've been
in Iowa City for about 18 years. And I just felt compelled to come. I
haven't done this before. But I'm a member of Physician for Social
Responsibility. I.just want to join in stating that I think this is going to
be more and more of local issue if doesn't feel like it now. I was here
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in those bad years in the '70's when the Vietnam War was going on as
a student and I well remember how much it became a local issue. And
I'm afraid that this will become increasingly one. And I would like to
appeal to the City Council to being a discussion at a point when maybe
we could have this more of a discussion rather than on of a
confrontation which I'm concerned is going to be happening. I'm very
concerned this Country is going to be divided as we go through this
process. I, myself, have serious doubts about the legitimacy of this
whole process. And you've heard that over and again. I'm not going
to go in with the details of that, but I do have grave concern about how
this is going to affect our community. Thanks.
Lehman: Thank you.
Garry Klein: Hello. My name is Garry Klein and I sent an e-mail to the City
Council. So instead of reading a whole Ietter to you that I feel you
have probably already read I just want to highlight for some of the
folks who obviously don't take advantage of the opportunity to look at
public records. So I just want to highlight one part of the letter for
you. Over this weekend millions of people around the world spent
Saturday marching against a war with Iraq. Two members of our City
Council locally did that as well. And 300 of more people here locally
marched in the snow and the cold to make the point. Of course I was
among them. Now it may be easy or easy temptation to dismiss such a
protest as being the voice of the minority. But I just want to point out
the we just had a City bond election that 71% of the voters passed. Of
course it was only about 28% of the people who could vote that did so.
So maybe what I'm saying to you is that it's not the majority always
that you should listen to, but those who show up. And we're here
showing up. So this is an opportunity as they say to act locally as
you're thinking globally. And I respectfully ask that the Council look
inside your hearts and minds and think of this petition as a way that
you, each of you as City Council Members can make a difference to
everyone in Iowa City. I thank you for your time.
Lehman: Thank you, Gary.
Kyle Lesline: Hi. My name is Kyle Lesline and not the most articulate speaker here,
but I'm going to do my best. I looked on the Internet today and on the
national priorities website. It has a bunch of figures. And it said that
in Iowa the cost of war with Iraq is an estimated 638 million dollars of
individual income tax dollars, not including corporate taxes. So that's
going to be a lot spent on that. I'm not really worried about the money
part of it. But on a plaque outside the front door I read, "This house
shall stand for the happiness, safety and the advancement of all the
people of our beautiful city." That was written by James E. Stronks,
Council Member from 1933 to 1934. And the atrocities that will come
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from a war with a 50% population under the age of 15 will not serve to
the advancement of the people of this City. And the racism that will
occur if we were to start attacking Iraqis and people from that country
will just broad banded and it will not serve for the safety of the people
of this city. That's all I got to say.
Lehman: Thank you.
Alisa Meggitt: Hi.
Lehman: Hi. You know I've always said 10:00, but I'm going to give you each
two minutes.
Meggitt: You just tell me when I hit t~vo minutes. I'I1 stop. I spent three hours
preparing this. But I'll stop at two minutes. Alright (Reads
statement). Is it time? Alright I'll skip part I just want to leave with a
quote...
Lehman: No, you go right ahead and you need to give us your name because
you didn't.
Meggitt: Oh, Alisa Meggitt.
Lehman: Yes.
Meggitt: Okay.
Lehman: Thank you.
Meggitt: (Finishes reading statement).
Karly Whittaker: (Tape skipped) City August of 2001. So I'm a new resident, but I
consider this my home. And I want to start by saying that there have
been many, many moments in the last year and a half where I've felt
very blessed to be in this city and found a community of really like
minded people who are interested in working for peace. It's been an
amazing experience and I feel like we've accomplished a lot and done
a lot. I do want to reiterate what some of the other people have said
about why this is a local issue. The human rights issue is what moves
me, but how I think it is logical is opposed to The Gazette editorial I
do think the money connection is the most legitimate approach that
we can say why I'm asking you to take this stand today. That 638
million dollars translates to $213 per person or 13 million dollars for
the Iowa City budget. We've been spending a lot of time tonight
talking about the Iowa City budget and it seems to me that 13 million
dollars is such a large amount that you would hope that you would
want to have some local control over that money. In this past year I've
been involved in a campaign, a group of residents - Iowans for Peace
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- and we were able to get together a petition to Jim Leach and we had
hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of signatures asking him not to
vote for the authorization for the use of force. Luckily he did. He
listened to this constituents and he voted against the authorization of
the use of force. Unfortunately that authorization of the use of force
was passed. And in my mind it's a severe abdication of responsibility
on the part of our representatives. And I hope that you will not
continue my disillusionment with representative goverarnent by
abdicating your responsibility here tonight. Thank you.
Lehman: Thank you. We have stretched this to 10:07. We are not going to
stretch it past 10:15.
Elena Perkounkova: I'1I try to be short. I'm kind of losing my voice because of a cold.
My name is Elena Perkounkova.
Pfab: Could you speak in the microphone. You're quite a ways a way from
it.
Perkounkova: Dear members of Iowa City Council, dear neighbors I say this because
in a small, wonderful town Iowa City we are all neighbors. Very soon
after we moved here in 1991 I realized that this is place where I would
like to stay for good. So we stayed. I'm sorry, however, that I
neglected municipal election so far. It just didn't seem important. Not
anymore. I can see now the change begins from home. I mean the
global change. And I do hope that we can bring it about and make this
world safer and happier and prosperous. But we must start here in our
city. That is why I was so excited when this effort started in Iowa
City. I am speaking about the Iowa City for Peace resolution
campaign. The idea behind this campaign is to reaffirm Iowa City's
values - our commitment to non-violent because peace starts here in
our community. That is why I'm asking this Council to represent this
community by passing a resolution that would oppose a preventive
attack against Iraq. And I'm happy to say that I'm not alone. In two
weeks over 600 people have signed the petition to the Council. Seven
community leaders express their support for this resolution by signing
under a separate statement from the (can't hear) community. Dozens
of I0wa City business owners express their support and 27 of them as
up to date have agreed to lend the name of their business to this
campaign. And we just started. And this is a statement - it is very
short - from the business community.
Lehman: You need to wind it up because there's two more folks who want to
speak.
Perkounkova: Okay. I'm actually very close to be done.
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Lehman: Okay.
Perkounkova: As a business owner and resident of Iowa City I believe that the
President has not made a convincing case for a preemptive war with
Iraq. Instead of rushing into war that may plunge U.S. and the world
into an economic recession I support resolving the conflict between the
government of the U.S. and Iraq and (can't hear) Saddam Hussein
through containment and diplomatic means. I believe that Iowa City
Council should pass a resolution expressing local opposition to the war
with Iraq. 27 businesses. We will submit this list tomorrow. And I'm
finishing up. I hope the honorable Council members will recognize
that this effort is backed by all the sectors of Iowa City community. I
hope you will listen to the many voices in the community and start a
discussion at the next meeting or maybe a special meeting or I don't
know how you decide to go about it. And make a decision to reflect
the mood of this City. Please understand that we are not seeking a
confrontation. We want a dialogue and an action on our behalf
because war will affect our community. We want to state our position
now by joining the 90 American cities that have passed anti-war
resolutions as of to date. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to
speak.
Newman Abuissa: Good evening. My name is Newman Abuissa. Thank you very much
for staying this late to hear us. I'm originally from Syria and I came to
this city about 8 years ago. I am very proud to be in this city and in
this country. I consider myself as part of the global village. It's not a
small community anymore. We are all living in one global village.
We can communicate in an instance on e-mail across the globe. And
it's really going to be different. This is not 100 years ago, this is
today. And we have to look at this war in today's eyes. I'm going to
skip some of the stuff that I was going to say, but I'd just
basically...I'm not going to talk emotionally. I'm not going to talk
ethics. I guess I'm going to talk a little money here and maybe
democracy. The money part of it your Honor mentioned that the City
is worth about 2 billion dollars. This war is going to talk about 100
billion dollars. We going to be basically bomb 50 to 100 cities in Iraq.
I mean that's how much the war is going to bombing. And they're
going to ruin as much probably or more by doing that. Just imagine
Burlington Street and other streets in the city and all other cities people
and everything they are going to be affected by this war. That brings
me, I guess, to the other point that I was going to make on money I
guess. Turkey today requested 32 billion dollars to be part of this war.
They just want 32 billion dollars from us, 16 Iowa cities, to participate
in this war. The same thing applies to other countries around the area.
Europe in general has a different opinion about this war than the U.S.
does. That brings me to an important point that means the media is not
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covering the same issue here that it is doing elsewhere. So that's why
we need to a democratic discussion on this issue. And we depend on
you, our representatives, to have that democratic discussion. We need
only one of you to change our mind. That's ali that we need. Because
we already have two o£you and we need to bring it up to the table and
discuss it in a democratic way. That is all that we are asking for.
England is supporting this war of course. The English public are
saying that 90% of the public is not supporting the war. We don't
know I guess. There are some issues we are not seeing eye to eye. We
need more discussion on this war. It's important that we discuss it.
Just last statement here. I just wanted to say that I came to this country
because I'm proud of this country. I want this country to prosper. I
want this country to be a leader in the world as it has been. And a war
is not a civilized way to deal with the world. This country is civilized
and we should be looking for civilized ways to deal with this war.
One of the civilized ways is the democratic ways - discussion,
arguments - and that's what we should bring to this table here. Bring
the people who want to discuss the war. Who are the supporters. We
are waiting to talk to them. We are expressing our opinion. We want
you to express your opinion about this war loudly and clearly and say
exactly what you want. And that's what we're asking. We're asking
you only to express your opinion. That's ail we are asking for.
Lehman: You need to wind it up. Okay?
Abuissa: Summary here. We saw the Turkish Empire got retreated. We saw
the English got retreated. We don't want to follow suit with the
American Empire. We ~vant this country to stay prosperous, to stay
fair, to have the moral authority in the world. Thank you.
Lehman: Thank you.
Jim Throgmorton: Good evening, friends.
Lehman: Jim.
Throgmorton: Ernie, we stayed here to 1:30 one night talking about water rates.
Lehman: Yep. We're not going to tonight.
Throgmorton: It would seem to me appropriate and reasonable to stay until 10:25...
Lehman: No, we're not going to, but please go ahead.
Throgmorton: ...to talk about deaths in Iraq. My name is Jim Throgmorton. I live at
1020 Church Street here in Io~va City. I strongly encourage you to
adopt a resolution opposing the contemplated attack on Iraq. In part I
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do so on behalf of fair, voluntary membership based organization that
stands for social, economic, and environmental justice and for
strengthening local democratic practices. Last Wednesday night the
members of FAIR unanimously endorsed the draft resolution that has
been presented to you. I speak also as a former member of this
Council. As a former member I say to you oppose this unjustified
attack on Iraq. This state of ours, the state of our City and the quality
of our lives here depends on it. In a speech given on the Senate floor
last Wednesday Senator Robert Bird who's a Democratic from West
Virginia spoke about the possible attack. I want to read a very brief
excerpt from that speech. Senator Bird said, "One can understand the
anger and shock of any President after the savage attacks of September
11tn. One can appreciate the frustration of only having a shadow to
chase and an amorphous fleeting enemy of which it is nearly
impossible to exact retribution. But to turn one's frustration and anger
into the kind of extremely destabilizing and dangerous foreign policy
debacle that the world is currently witnessing is inexcusable."
"Frankly," Senator Bird said, "many of the pronouncements made by
this administration are outrageous, yet..." (and this is the key point)
"...this chamber, the Senate" Senator Bird said, "is hauntingly silent
on the eve of what could possibly be vicious terrorist attack in
retaliation for our attack on Iraq, it is business as usual in the United
States Senate. We are truly sleepwalking through history" he said.
And he went on. I ~von't belabor. There are other points, but I don't
want you...I'm sorry...I want you to...my notes are bad here...I want
the people of the City acting through you, not to be hauntingly silent
on this matter, not to sleepwalk through history. Now I know you
have personal concerns with this. I talked with several of you on the
phone. I have a pretty good idea about how you think. But notice that
we...well let me just jump to the quick here...we no longer have the
luxury of imagining that Iowa City is an isolated, self-interested
municipality with clear impermeable boundaries. We no longer have
the luxury that we must defer to a foreign policy that's dictated by a
single administration supposedly acting on behalf of the people of the
United States. Economic globalization which we're a part of, global
communication systems, transnational migrations of people -we've
seen so many of them speak tonight - and complex environmental
flows and cycles have radically transformed conventional boundaries.
Iowa City is inescapable part of the world and we must understand
I0wa City as being a transnational place. Don't be hauntingly silent.
Don't sleepwalk through history. On this issue let the voice of the
City ring out through you. Oppose this attack on Iraq. Thank you.
Lehman: Thank you. Hold it. Holly, you can have one minute. You've been
up for...quickly because we're done.
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Berkowitz: Ernie, I have a right to speak to this as does everyone else.
Lehman: And you have spoken.
Berkowitz: Two minutes.
Lehman: Alright two minutes is what you have because this has gone long
enough tonight.
Berkowitz: Alright. We are talking about going to war. We are talking about the
Executive orders that could nullify the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of
Rights, the Congress, the acts of the Congress of the United States.
This is no light matter. With one stroke of Presidential pen President
Bush could institute martial law in which we are all slaves. We have
no rights. Soldiers have no rights in war. They give up their rights
when they go to war. When George Bush wants war he's working to
get war since he talked at the Republican Convention in 2000. He
wants war because he wants the profit of war. The oil industry and the
weapons industry and the religious right that worships authoritarian
pyramid schemes and cash are the driving force behind this. If you
stay silent on this you are submitting to that authority and you are
subjecting all the people in Iowa City and as an example to other
people in the United States, everyone in the United States and the
world to a destruction of democracy. I think it's very hypocritical that
George Bush says that the reason we're going into Iraq is for
democracy and then we're going to change the regime and we're going
to put in someone representative of the oil company.
Lehman: Alright. Holly, your time is up. Thank you.
Berkowitz: I've said enough. But you need to at least allow this on the agenda of
the City Council. Thank you.
Lehman: Thank you.
Kart: We have a motion to accept correspondence.
Lehman: Do we have a motion to accept correspondence?
Pfab: So moved.
Vanderhoef: So moved.
Lehman: Moved by Pfab, seconded by Vanderhoef. All in favor? Opposed?
Motion carries.
Champion: You know I certainly don't want you to think I was laughing at you at
all. I was actually looking back 35 years to the vigor and commitment
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of a lot of myself and my peers in the Vietnam War. I was not
laughing at you at all believe me. I am going to ask the Council if they
would consider...
(End of Tape #03-20, Beginning of Tape #03-21)
Lehman: We want to take a quick...is that what I'm hearing?
Vanderhoefi Well, can we finish in 10 minutes.
Lehman: Oh yeah. I think so.
Vanderhoef: Okay. Let's finish in i0 minutes.
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ITEM 19 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION
Lehman: City Council information. Now go.
Pfab: I will let Connie go.
Champion: Thank God. I've got to go home and get food. I have to have some
food. I'm wondering if the Council would consider instead of an anti~
war resolution a pro-peaceful resolution that we would encourage
Bush to sign a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Iraq which is not
quite as strong ora statement, but certainly it speaks to the fact that all
of us here are in favor of a peaceful resolution and not in favor a war.
So if the Council would consider that maybe we could rewrite a
resolution that would tone this one down, but it would make a
statement at least.
Pfab: Are you suggesting we put that on a work session?
Champion: Yeah, I am.
Pfab: Okay. I'll support that.
Lehman: My frustration and this is terribly frustrating because I don't disagree
with anything anybody has said tonight. I mean, absolutely. My
frustration is that there's not a thing I can do about it. And I
understand that we want to open an area for debate. I fail to see the
purpose of listening to each other argue whether this war is for this or
for that or if it's politics or religion or whatever. I don't think it serves
any purpose for the City of Iowa City. I have no problem with the
City - and I think we all agree - that there should be a peaceful
resolution to this. But our role in this thing I think is so limited. Other
than expressing our sincere desire to see this come to a peaceful
conclusion I do not believe that sitting here and listening to debate for
hours serves...
Champion: Well we wouldn't have to debate it.
Lehman: ...any purpose whatsoever because we are...
Champion: Who could possibly argue with a resolution that states that you would
prefer that Bush used peaceful means to solve the problems with Iraq.
Who could possibly argue that?
Lehman: I don't think anybody could argue with that. I think xve could debate it
for hours.
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Dilkes: If you've got three to put it on, I think you need to put it on a work
session. You don't have it noticed for discussion tonight.
Champion: Okay.
Lehman: Are there three who would like to put that on a work session?
Champion: Not this resolution.
Lehman: May I see that for a moment?
Champion: Not that resolution, but a resolution...somebody has to help me state
this for me. I'm getting hypoglycemic.
Lehman: Yes, please do.
Wilburn: I'm sorry we're you done?
Champion: Yeah.
Wilburn: Okay. It's not the content of the suggested resolution that I'm
disagreeing with. A question in response to what you're suggesting
Connie...
Dilkes: You know, I'm sorry, but...
Wilburn: Can I just use my Council time to make a statement. I'll back away
from what she does...
Dilkes: Okay. Let me just make it clear so that everybody knows. We have
an obligation to give 24 hours notice when Council is going to discuss
or debate an issue. They're well aware of that. That's why we know
that we need three to decide whether we're going to put it on a future
agenda item. So if you want to have a discussion or debate about this
issue we need to schedule it for a subsequent meeting.
Wilburn: May I use my Council time to respond to the events that occurred
here?
Dilkes: (Can't hear).
Wilbum: Okay, so may I have my Council time now? Alright. As I had said in
a memo that I had passed out to Council - some of you may have not
seen that, you may have seen excerpts from that in the press. I do not
support formal action by Council on this. That's why I took informal
action representing my personal views against the war and some of the
constituents by contacting through letter Senators Harkin, Grassley,
Leach, BaswalI, etc. of the Iowa delegation. I agree with the
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sentiments here tonight. I just disagree that this is the jurisdiction of
the Council to do that. A gentleman began tonight by saying let's not
have a war tonight about war. And what I take from that - and I
respect him for that - is that reasonable people can disagree. We're
not...I'm not disagreeing about going to war. I'm disagreeing about
this is the vehicle for formal action. I'm pro-choice. I'm pro-gun
control. I'm pro-affirmative action. But I would not use and do not
believe that this is the vehicle to debate that. It's a philosophical thing.
If you...whatever someone might want to have on the table to discuss
those national issues, you know, that's up to each individual Council
member and Councils to decide. I understand there have been
precedent because one Council...former Council member was taking
about precedence with me of other Councils taking this type of action.
So I'm just saying that we just have a philosophical disagreement
about that. I certainly respect you and your opinions for coming here
and expressing them tonight. I hope you appreciate that you...and
some of your frustration is that you wouldn't be able to walk on the
House or Senate floor in Washington D.C. or in Des Moines and just
walk up and say what you did now. So again, reasonable people can
disagree about this and I, you know, continue your protest and letters
and hopefully we won't end up in a place where none of us wants to
be. Thank you.
Lehman: Okay.
Pfab: Okay, do we have three people that want to put this on the...?
Lehman: Are there three people who want to put some sort of resolution on a
work session?
Champion: Yes.
Pfab: Just to work out something that will work session.
Kanner: Yeah, I'd be in favor of that.
Pfab: Connie, you are?
Champion: Yes.
Pfab: Okay, let's do it.
Lehman: We have three. So it goes on a work session. Anything else? Dee?
Vanderhoef: Just a couple of things. In talking about the state bill on park impact
fees which they are using Iowa City as a model I started thinking a bit
more about it and I would like to see if there's agreement on this
Council an amendment to our neighborhood open space plan. And
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what I would like to see is that the money in lieu of land that goes into
a neighborhood could be used for development of that neighborhood
park as well as acquisition of land in that neighborhood. As you all
know we have a little problem with getting some of the parks
developed and I would like to get concurrence here to at least explore
this idea and probably send it to Parks and Recreation for them to look
at to.
Lehman: Do we have concurrence?
Dilkes: I'm sorry. Are you suggesting that that be done before we see whether
the bill passes?
Vanderhoef: I think we need to explore it anyway because that's a piece that at this
point at least ~ve don't have. And whether it goes forward at the state
level or not I would certainly like to have that opportunity.
Dilkes: I guess my suggestion would be that you hold off until you see if that
bill passes because if it passes there may be issues that we need deal
with in addition to that in connection with the open space ordinance.
Vanderhoefi I was trying to address somewhat some of the concerns that the Parks
and Recreation Commission also have voiced right along their budget
and that this would be one way to assist the budget. So...
Dilkes: You understand my issue is if we're going to have to do it once...
Vanderhoef: I understand.
Dilkes: I mean if that's a separate issue for you I understand that. I just...
Lehman: Well, they'll be through with it in Des Moines in a couple of months.
Karmer: I think it's important to talk about that.
Vanderhoef: Okay. If there are three people that want to talk about it.
Lehman: Well, I would concur with Eleanor that we wait until after the
legislature acts and then discuss it.
Vanderhoefi Whichever.
Pfab: One quick...
Vanderhoef: I would prefer sooner than later because I don't know whether it will
ever get through this session or not and then it's just another year later
and we're moving towards development season.
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Pfab: I'm going to be going to Des Moines with a group and talk to the
legislature and this is going to be with a group of seniors. And if
anyone has any comments or any messages they would like to send
along I'll be available to 11:00 o'clock by phone or from 6:00 to a
quarter to 8:00 tomorrow.
Kanner: Are you interested in putting this on a...
Pfab: Pardon?
Kanner: ...work session?
Lehman: Dee, let me suggest that the legislature gets through in what April. If
they don't act on it bring it up again at that time. We can address it. If
they do act on then we'll be in a more timely thing. We don't have to
wait for a whole year for it.
Vanderhoef: While was in Des Moines last Wednesday for legislative day I spoke
with Senator Shull who happens to be the chairman of this particular
committee for the impact fees. So I made sure that I let him know that
I wanted to be sure that they allowed development of parkland in their
ordinance. So I'll keep on that with him.
Lehman: Okay.
Vanderhoef: And I was going to report on some of the stuff that went on in Des
Moines and I think we're all tired and I think we kind find another
time to do that.
Lehman: Thank you.
Wilburn: I used mine?
Lehman: Steven?
Kanner: Ernie, I appreciate your remarks - the State of the City. I think there
are a lot of positive things going on. I think though that using statistics
about less gasoline and miles traveled may be true in absolute sense
now, but there's no engineering added which you talk to Jeff Davidson
about. If you build it, they will come. And what that means is people
think by building extra lanes and new roads is going to cut down on
traffic and what it does is increase traffic (can't hear) and you have
increased traffic and again I think we have to look at ways to reduce
that traffic. Building new roads is not the answer to that.
Lehman: Steven you're correct, but if we took the cars off of neighborhood
streets where they were going and put them out where they belonged
in this case we probably didn't increase traffic as much as we save
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congestion (can't hear). And those are the numbers that we got from
the traffic counts. And those are folks who used to be using...going
through Goosetown, going through Governor and Dodge Street
neighborhoods that really didn't belong.
Kanner: For another time for further discussion on that. Also to just quickly
address some of the points that were made by some of the people in
regards to item number 13. I believe, and I think there's a lot of people
concur. One of the reasons we have to build a new plant and spend
that money is because of gross disregard by the previous private owner
of that plant. And I think we can thank municipal services for taking
over that plant, bringing it up to high standards and getting us a new
plant that's going to open in a month that's going to be producing
great water. And so I think municipalization is a positive in almost
every sense and we got to fight this privatization that's going on all
over the country and the world, especially for water plants that's
happening. That's something to look out for. And the other side of
Bob Haug's statement that was not reported by our friends from
MidAmerican is that Sheldon was a different size and they were
overcapacity and right now we're under capacity in this state and
things should be much more favorable (can't hear) before the IUB
terms of what we would have to pay for facility distribution system.
So I'm hopeful we're going to get some good results back from that.
Also interims of the anti-war resolution I'm glad we're looking for
some resolution. The ultimate goal, I think for all of us is peace. We
got to ride the train that Ross and others voted for about Amtrak as a
national issue and make that same connection, I think, with this issue.
One of the first things that are going to get cut when the war budget
goes through is that Amtrak that we voted for which I believe is a
national, regional issue just like this anti-war resolution is an issue.
Just like we voted on the bottle bill. We have to write a stricter bottle
bill which we voted on as a Council which we don't have direct
oversight over those issues - that was a state issue that we said is
important to us because it eventually affects us. And I think that's the
case people made very well tonight. And I hope we're going to be
able to put something together that shows our concern.
Wilburn: I didn't say there were no links. And in my letter that you received I
als0 pointed out some examples like racial profiling where we have a
more direct link in my opinion.
Kanner: And also hopefully someday we'll also act on a resolution against the
Patriot Act which has even more direct links what's happening in this
country putting.., as people said putting people at risk, international
people, people who have been here for many years, putting our library
personnel in bad positions. And I think we need to discuss that. We
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were waiting for a reply from Connie. I guess your reply is that you
don't wish to discuss that because.
Champion: I need to go home and get some food. Please, Steven. Please dismiss.
Karmer: So I'll take that as a no. And sorry to hear that. And that also that
legislative day one of the things that I talked about last Wednesday is
that contrary to what the MidAmerican lobbyist was saying there's a
lot of people that are scared there about what's happening with the
MidAmerican proposed bill to do away with future municipal electric
and we have to be wary about that. And the league is on the lookout
for that. I think they're going to work to try to stop that along with a
number of other people that are looking out for people power.
Lehman: Are you through?
Kanner: I'm through.
Lehman: Thank you very much=
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