HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-06-02 Correspondence~~®~ CITY OF IOWA CIT 3 (1
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Date: May 21, 2009
To: City Clerk
From: Kristopher Ackerson, Acting Traffic Engineering Planner
Re: Item for June 2, 2009, City Council meeting: Install bike lanes on Market Street and
Jefferson Street between Governor Street and Gilbert Street.
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council
of the following action.
Action:
Pursuant to City Code Section 9-1-3A (1): install bicycle lanes and associated signage on
Market and Jefferson Streets between Governor Street and Gilbert Street.
Comment:
This action is being taken to create a consistent location and direction for bicycle traffic on said
streets.
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S:\PCDUCCOG\TRANS\Bike and Ped Planning\Memos\Bike Lanes Market Jefferson_5_7_09.doc
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Date: May 20, 2009
To: Iowa City City Council
From: Kristopher Ackerson, Assistant Transportation Planner'~~
Re: Bike Lanes on Market and Jefferson Streets
In June 2008, staff presented options to Council on ways to improve east-west bicycle access
through downtown Iowa City. Soon thereafter, JCCOG staff was directed to prepare a regional
bicycle master plan, including on-street facilities (e.g., bike lanes and bike routes). The process
of developing the JCCOG Metro Bicycle Master Plan, including the on-street facilities, was
initiated to increase the likelihood that Iowa City is designated a Bicycle Friendly Community this
fall. This memo outlines initial on-street bicycle accommodations recommended for
implementation in downtown Iowa City this summer.
Based on roadway width, staff proposes installing bike lanes on Market St. and Jefferson St.
between Governor St. and Gilbert St. Studies have found that cyclists feel safer riding in bike
lanes and are more apt to ride when bike lanes are available. Local support for bike lanes -
detailed in the draft bicycle master plan -mirrors this trend.
Shared lane arrows (or "sharrows") are a new
alternative to bike lanes and are used where road width
is inadequate for bike lanes. Based on pavement width
and traffic circulation patterns, staff recommends
sharrows on Market St. and Jefferson St. from Madison
St. to Gilbert St., as well as College Street from Summit
St. to Linn St.
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Although popular in other cities across the country, this
will be one of the first applications of sharrows in
eastern Iowa. To help educate residents about the
purpose and use of sharrows, staff will prepare public
service announcements on local media and host an
unveiling event.
Shared land arrow in Denver; diagram of
stencil location with on-street parking.
Feel free to contact me at 356-5247 or Kristopher-Ackerson@iowa-city.org. Iwill also be at your
June 15t work session to answer questions.
S:\PCD\JCCOG\TRANS\Bike and Ped Planning\Memos\Bike Lanes Market Jefferson_5_7_09.doc
..
Page 1 of 1
Marian Karr
From: Cody Gieselman [cody.gieselman@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 6:34 AM
To: Council
Subject: I support sharrows!
Dear City Councilors,
Last week I was happy to see another great series of events in Iowa City celebrating Bike to Work
Week. The New Pioneer ride on Wednesday was a fun event with an unexpected surprise. Coralville
has sharrows! I was delighted as were the other cyclists around me as we rode over these simple but
significant traffic control devices. Of course, everyone was talking excitedly about this new addition to
5th St., and I was happy to hear Mayor Bailey supports sharrows, too.
I hope this means Iowa City will be adding sharrows to city streets sooner rather than later. We do not
need an elaborate ceremony to introduce this element to traffic flow, we just need them to be installed
without delay.
Thanks for helping to make better conditions on our city streets!
Kind regards,
Cody Gieselman
Resident & bicycle shop owner
Iowa City
5/19/2009
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Marian Karr
From: Nick Maddix [moonlightrose44@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2009 10:13 PM
To: Council
Cc: Kristopher Ackerson
Subject: Bike Lanes & Sharrows
Dear City Council,
My name is Nick Maddix, and I live at 2812 Sterling Drive in the Southeast District of
Iowa City. I would like to say I am very excited about the prospect of bike lanes and
sparrows (share the road arrows) coming to our city. I am an avid cyclist. This item will
be on your June 2nd formal meeting.
I would like to caution you however with the placement of the new bike lanes and Sharrows.
While I do support them, I would like to bring attention to the surface condition on which
they are being placed. As you may or may not already know, Jefferson, Market, and College
Streets in the area of question are quite rough for cyclists. There are large sections of
potholes, sand and debris. The obvious solution would be to repaved the entire section
where the bike lane will be placed, but money is probably tight on your end of things.
Quick seal patching may help prolong the life of the road but it is quite a bumpy ride for
CyC11StS.
I'm not sure if the Jefferson Street bike lane will be next to the parked cars, but I
don't see how there is room elsewise. Ideally, mimicing Market St would provide a good
solution and a great bike lane, but I suppose people would object to the relocation of
their parked cars. Certainly it's a tough balance between all forms of transportation and
you'll be faced with some tough choices.
Furthermore, your bicycle roadway network will grow and it might be a good idea to
formulate a "Bicycle Task Force". Many other cities with bicycle networks do this. A
Bicycle Task Force would make suggestions on ways to improve and expand the bicycle
network and would forward them to city planners and eventually to you for approval, much
like your other tasks forces currently do. There are many knowledgeable folks in the city
and on your staff that would serve well on this committee.
One final word of thought. Did you know that in the Iowa Code, designated business
districts are to have speeds not in excess of 20 miles per hour? It's true.
http://coolice.legis.state.ia.us/Cool-ICE/default.asp?
category=billinfo&service=IowaCode&ga=83
<http://coolice.legis.state.ia.us/Cool-ICE/default.asp?
category=billinfo&service=IowaCode&ga=83>
Now ultimately, the final decision is up to you, but I would personally advise that since
bicycles are to be ridden in the streets of the downtown district that a speed limit of 20
mph would allow cyclists and motorist to run as a much smoother pace together. There are
also many pedestrians and traffic hazards downtown and a lower speed limit might help aid
some of these concerns. Burlington and Gilbert Streets could remain at 25 mph.
Thank you for your understanding and attention to these matters. I hope that you will
bring about any concerns or questions to Kris Ackerson, who will be at the June 2nd formal
meeting, and that you ultimately approve the new Sharrows and bike lanes, allowing Iowa
City to become more bicycle friendly. We have a great cycling community and it's only
going to become bigger and better. Plan now for the future as people begin to re-evaluate
their transportation needs. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Nick Maddix
1
UO-V L-V ~
3 2
Marian Karr
From: Fishbaugh, Jill A [fill-fishbaugh@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Friday, May 15, 2009 10:06 AM
To: Council; Regenia Bailey; Matt Hayek; Mike Wright; Amy Correia; Ross Wilburn
Cc: Fishbaugh, Justin
Subject: Non-FEMA buyouts in Parkview Terrace
This correspondence will become a public record.
Dear Members of the Iowa City City Council:
My home at 729 Manor Drive was significantly damaged in the flood of 2008. It has been gutted down
to the studs. Comparing the FEMA flood insurance adjuster's estimate of the damage with the city's
assessed value, our home is over 60% damaged. From our observations, the majority of the homes in
Parkview Terrace were just as extensively damaged.
I am writing to request that the Iowa City City Council list all flooded properties in Parkview Terrace to
be considered for non-FEMA buyout.
Sincerely,
Jill and Justin Fishbaugh
729 Manor Drive
Iowa City, IA 52246
5/15/2009
3 3
Marian Karr
From: Regenia Bailey [bailey@avalon.net]
Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 11:00 PM
To: Marian Karr
Subject: FW: Panhandlers
-----Original Message-----
From: Chris Jose [mailto:cjose@sbgnet.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 8:54 PM
To: matt-hayekCiowa-city.org; regenia-baileyCiowa-city.org; mike-Wright@iowa-city.org;
amy-Correia@iowa-city.org; ross-Wilburn@iowa-city.org; Connie-championi@iowa-city.org;
troy-kelsayCiowa-city.org
Subject: Panhandlers
Hello,
I'm currently working on a follow-up to an investigation that aired last week. The story
was about panhandlers in Cedar Rapids. After our 8 week investigation, we found three of
the men panhandling in Cedar Rapids were from Davenport. They said they would go home
with 200 to 300 dollars a day.
we un-covered they weren't really homeless and all had criminal backgrounds.
Cedar Rapids Police Chief Greg Graham is now talking about creating an ordinance just like
yours in Iowa City.
I was wondering if panhandling is a problem in Iowa City. I see that you updated your
ordinance. Has it helped? Do a lot of people still panhandle there?
Your responses would be helpful. If you have not seen the story, I copied a link below.
http://www.kgan.com/shared/newsroom/top_stories/videos/kgan_vid_335.shtml
Thanks,
Chris
Chris Jose
KLAN CBS 2/KFXA FOX 28
General Assignment Reporter
(319) 395-9076
Cell (319) 213-4761
cjose@sbgnet.com
1
3 4
Marian Karr
From: DeeAnna Blette [dblette@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2009 5:48 PM
To: Council
Cc: dblette@yahoo.com
Subject: optimistic vegetation + Rent Control
Attachments: Referendum.doc
Rent Control is here: I'm hoping that your email server will become full for requests for Rent Control in
the next few weeks. Please see the referendum, attached. Also regarding green building ordinance,
there is http://www.weho.or~/download/index. cfm/fuseaction/d_ownlo_a_d/cid/_622/
that I believe would be a model for our green building ordinance.
Regards,
DeeAnna Blette
ps. I will perform the actual legislature for implementing this proposal into law.
5/22/2009
Referendum: Rent Control (strong) laws, Fair Tenant's Laws, and Green Building
ordinance Laws
With the saturation of Iowa City's rental market and growing population of
college students, certain rental agencies, like ANC, and real estate owners have
predaciously targeted renters in IC, college students in particular. These rapacious
parasitic beings on society have no interest for the benefit of you, the community or
society as a whole. I love capitalism, but not when everyone else has to suffer for a
singleton's gain. What some of the rental agencies in particular are trying to do is corner
the market and make a new status quo. For instance, ANC/TGH just bought my building
at 612 E Court St. I could not prepare a meal for a week when they modified my kitchen,
a 2-hour job, which was milked and poorly executed. With a couple of modifications
they now want to charge $1.70/sq foot increasing my rent 40% to $849 fora 500 sq. ft.
apartment that they neglect and have been in breach of contract more than a dozen times
since 11/2008. They did not care that they started this on final's week or if you went
hungry for a week, let along trying to have privacy taking a shower.
Like hedge funds owners controlling the market of oil, when they work together
they drive prices up as they buy up all the stock, making a new status quo and pushing
gas prices above $4/gal. This is similar but on a smaller and local scale. What happens:
Gentrification -The restoration of run-down urban areas by the middle class (resulting in
the displacement of low-income residents), like Boston and LA. According to
bestplaces.net, in 2007, rent in Des Moines is 41% cheaper than in Iowa City, 37%
cheaper in Cedar Rapids, which are the only 2 cities in Iowa with a population over
100,000 people. Simply put, if ANC is getting $1.70/sq ft, then Bob, owner of a home
across the street wants that price too, however they are not new, well kept, or green, but
ran down. With the market nearly at full saturation, ANC and possibly Bob will increase
rents way above market, and during a national recession no less, establishing the new
status quo of DOOM.
The extra $$ you spend on rent, is simply a redistribution of money. More
homeless people, 3 to 15 homeless people are turned away every night on 331 N. Gilbert
street, while a 2°d shelter is being built to house 70 more homeless people as this
population has been growing and have had waiting lists longer due to foreclosures in
Iowa. You will eventually have homeless on every block pan handling. You will go out
less, less entertainment, less shopping, hence small businesses will suffer and eventually
close and jobs will be lost and vital workers in the community will move or go homeless.
The entire economy suffers from this and has a nasty dominoes affect. Taxes will go up
to offset homeless, as well as more families will be needy and need to use resources such
as Crisis Center, HACAP, and free medical clinic. While taxes are going up small
businesses will have to raise prices. People are not getting richer in Iowa City and prices
of properties are declining due to floods as well as overwhelming crime rate, such as U
now being a red zone due to sexual assaults, assaults, vandalism, criminal mischief etc.
Whenever crime is high, property value goes down. Something the owners could do in
IC is form a neighborhood watch or do something to keep the community safer, everyone
would benefit from this. Understanding their tenant's well being and being apart of their
investment is crucial, and all being a part of the community is essential to better and fair
living. This way tenants are less likely to move year to year, which is usually done
because of poor management and having no regard towards tenants whatsoever. Bottom
line: redistribution of money goes into your landlord's pocket, regardless if property
taxes go down or not.
My plan is to not stop reasonable rental increases or prevent the honest landlord
from a making an honest living, but to stop these rapacious Incubi increasing rents by
40% overnight. Many students do not live in the same place for more than a year because
of unreasonable rental increases, which is a terrible financial burden on the
student/resident every time you move, as well as that money could be better spent. My
last landlord, where I've lived for 3 years increased rent from $595 to $605. With my 3%
3-year and 5% 5-year plan, my X landlord could have raised the rent by $18 versus $10.
While still promoting new developments in IC, anything built in 2009 or after in
accordance to the green building ordinance that I'm also attempting to pass through
legislature, will not be under Rent Control. West Hollywood adopted one of the nation's
first mandatory green building ordinance on October 1, 2007. The ordinance ensures that
new buildings will be healthier for residents, and use energy and resources more
efficiently. This includes placement of windows to get the most sun, to reusing grey
water and/or rainwater for a rooftop garden, toilets, washing cars, etc.
Taken from wikipedia on Rent Control: protect the public and to prevent
landlords from imposing rent increases that cause key workers or vulnerable people to
leave an area. Maintaining a supply of affordable housing is believed to be essential to
sustaining the local society.v Homeowners who support rent control point to the
neighborhood instability caused by high or frequent rent increases and the effect on
schools, youth groups, and community organizations when tenants move more
frequently.
Regarding property taxes going up, this is also deductable as well as depreciation
and modifications, all while increasing rent. Renters are not entitled to any of these
deductions on their income taxes. Otherwise, I would recommend prop 13 in CA.
This also brings us full circle to tenant's rights. Housing is a positive human right
that equals or even exceeds property rights of landlords. New, actually old in other
states, tenant laws should be implemented. First off, there should be 30 days to pay or
quit, not 3. You don't want more homeless people here. I've no idea what the homeless
population in IC is, but for 67,000, students over half the populuation at the U and
kirkwood, there's quite a bit of homelessness. Most other states have had 30 days
eviction laws with due process, why doesn't Iowa? Perhaps it's time to update the laws
and catch up to other progressive states. Tenants have to be protected. I recently had
ANC frivoulously evict me through the court, I appealed when I found out about the case
as I sit in my cushy chair at home, but is obvious they are used to walking over people
and breaking the law, being in contempt of court as well as perjury, but why isn't any of
this enforced, but enabled? There has to be better standard operating procedures, if a
crime does happen, then the court NEEDS to enforce that law, lying and providing false
evidence is absolutely criminal as well as bad business practices, they should also have
had their business license permanently taken away and be prosecuted in criminal court
with restitution. Full disclosure should also be given to tenants when moving in to a
property as to make an apt and informed decision, as well as reasonable time fixing
things. Reasonable access laws and penalties of these statutes would also result in
penalties. I.e. For the week my kitchen was unoperational, I would charge government
per diem rate, plus gas, plus not pay rent for every day worker was in apartment.
Precedent may also establish this in a future court case.
We must adopt rent and eviction control laws to look out for the best interests for
our people of our community. More laws need to be implemented to protect tenants'
rights, as too often there are shady practices by particular rental agencies/landlords. We
need these positive rights in order to protect ourselves. The discrimination towards
college students and renters in general are unacceptable. Providing this law is passed
before 8.1.2009, you will be grandfathered in, in other words, if your landlord is charging
more than 3% from last year's rent, he cannot, nor can he raise the rent again until the 4`~'
year. You would need a new agreement that doesn't violate this new proposition, aka
you won't overpay rent or pay more than 3% from the previous tenant. This referandom
is not for vacancy decontrol, where next tennt is subject to rental increase beyond RC
laws. 3% in a 3-year period, then a review of RC; then 5% in 5-year period, then offer a
review after that. Hopefully RC will not be needed after that and more laws will be
implemented protecting the rights of tenants.
My proposal for violation of RC codes are: Violation of rent control = a $10,000
penalty per incident that the landlord is guilty after finding of the fact, which county
enforces and receives 75% of penalty and 25% due to burdening and violating, plus
reimbursal of overpaid rent with 3% interest added; tenant has a right to implement writ
of exec and give sheriff's assistance reposessing assets by legal claim given by the
authority of a judge enforcing the law.
If you want to pay rent you can afford, have less homeless and enjoy all the small
businesses in your community where you shop as well as be able and stable to go out and
socialize, and encourage new developments, please contact council(c~iowa-city.or~,
anything you submit is on public record to this address. You may also email me at
rent.control~a yahoo.com, and I can forward your message saying, "I want Rent Control!"
Ms. Blette
In a nutshell:
Reasonable Rent Control
Help Stabilize Your Economy
Cover Your Butt!
1) Stop landlords increasing rent by 40%, by limiting
3 % in a year period.
2) Implement Green Building Laws encouraging new
development that will not be affected by rent
control laws.
3) Tenants' Rights -have the national standard of 30
days, rather than 3 days for eviction. Have
reasonable entry laws preventing abusive access.
Get full disclosure from your landlord before
signing a lease about the property.
4) Stop Gentrification!
5) Contact council(a~,iowa-city.org and say, "I want
RENT CONTROL!" This is public reed. You
may also contact me rent.control(a~,yahoo.com and
can fwd your comments.
Page 1 of 1
Marian Karr
From: DeeAnna Blette [dblette@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2009 6:30 PM
To: Council
Cc: dblette@yahoo.com
Subject: updated referendum
Attachments: Referendum.doc; In a nutshell.doc
I made some refined touches to my referendum for the city. I hope you like it. Also I requested the link
to show the archives to track my supporters emails to you, but have not received that yet.
Regards,
DeeAnna Blette
5/28/2009
Referendum: Rent Control (strong) laws, Fair Tenants' Laws, and Green Building
ordinance Laws
With the saturation of Iowa City's rental market and growing population of
college students, certain rental agencies, like ANC, and real estate owners have
predaciously targeted renters in IC, college students in particular. These rapacious
parasitic beings on society have no interest for the benefit of you, the community or
society as a whole. I love capitalism, but not when everyone else has to suffer for a
singleton's gain. What some of the rental agencies in particular are trying to do is corner
the market and make a new status quo. For instance, ANC/TGH just bought my building
at 612 E Court St. I could not prepare a meal for a week when they modified my kitchen,
a 2-hour job, which was milked and poorly executed. With a couple of modifications
they now want to charge $1.70/sq foot increasing my rent 40% to $849 fora 500 sq. ft.
apartment that they neglect and have been in breach of contract more than a dozen times
since 11/2008. They did not care that they started this on final's week or if you went
hungry for a week, let along trying to have privacy taking a shower.
Like hedge funds owners (actually Morgan Stanley) controlling the market of oil,
when they work together they drive prices up as they buy up all the stock, making a new
status quo and pushing gas prices above $4/gal. This is similar but on a smaller and local
scale. What happens: Gentrification -The restoration of run-down urban areas by the
middle class (resulting in the displacement oflow-income residents), like Boston and LA.
According to bestplaces.net, in 2007, rent in Des Moines is 41% cheaper than in Iowa
City, 37% cheaper in Cedar Rapids, which are the only 2 cities in Iowa with a population
over 100,000 people. Simply put, if ANC is getting $1.70/sq ft, then Bob, owner of a
home across the street wants that price too, however they are not new, well kept, or
green, but ran down. With the market nearly at full saturation, ANC and possibly Bob
will increase rents way above market, and during a national recession no less,
establishing the new status quo of DOOM.
The extra $$ you spend on rent, is simply a redistribution of money. More
homeless people, 3 to 15 homeless people are turned away every night on 331 N. Gilbert
street, while a 2"d shelter is being built to house 70 more homeless people as this
population has been growing and have had waiting lists longer due to foreclosures in
Iowa. You will eventually have homeless on every block pan handling. You will go out
less, less entertainment, less shopping, hence small businesses will suffer and eventually
close and jobs will be lost and vital workers in the community will move or go homeless.
The entire economy suffers from this and has a nasty dominoes affect. Taxes will go up
to offset homeless, as well as more families will be needy and need to use resources such
as Crisis Center, HACAP, and free medical clinic. While taxes are going up small
businesses will have to raise prices. People are not getting richer in Iowa City and prices
of properties are declining due to floods as well as overwhelming crime rate, such as U
now being a red zone due to sexual assaults, assaults, vandalism, criminal mischief etc.
Whenever crime is high, property value goes down. Something the owners could do in
IC is form a neighborhood watch or do something to keep the community safer, everyone
would benefit from this. Understanding their tenant's well being and being apart of their
investment is crucial, and all being a part of the community is essential to better and fair
living. This way tenants are less likely to move year to year, which is usually done
because of poor management and having no regard towards tenants whatsoever. Bottom
line: redistribution of money goes into your landlord's pocket, regardless if property
taxes go down or not.
My plan is to not stop reasonable rental increases or prevent the honest landlord
from a making an honest living, but to stop these rapacious Incubi increasing rents by
40% overnight. Many students do not live in the same place for more than a year because
of unreasonable rental increases, which is a terrible financial burden on the
student/resident every time you move, as well as that money could be better spent. My
last landlord, where I've lived for 3 years increased rent from $595 to $605. With my 3%
3-year and 5% 5-year plan, my X landlord could have raised the rent by $18 versus $10.
While still promoting new developments in IC, anything built in 2009 or after in
accordance to the green building ordinance that I'm also attempting to pass through
legislature, will not be under Rent Control. West Hollywood adopted one of the nation's
first mandatory green building ordinance on October 1, 2007. The ordinance ensures that
new buildings will be healthier for residents, and use energy and resources more
efficiently. This includes placement of windows to get the most sun, to reusing grey
water and/or rainwater for a rooftop garden, toilets, washing cars, etc.
Taken from wikipedia on Rent Control: protect the public and to prevent
landlords from imposing rent increases that cause key workers or vulnerable people to
leave an area. Maintaining a supply of affordable housing is believed to be essential to
sustaining the local society. Homeowners who support rent control point to the
neighborhood instability caused by high or frequent rent increases and the effect on
schools, youth groups, and community organizations when tenants move more
frequently.
Regarding property taxes going up, this is also deductable as well as depreciation
and modifications, all while increasing rent. Renters are not entitled to any of these
deductions on their income taxes. Otherwise, I would recommend prop 13 in CA.
This also brings us full circle to tenant's rights. Housing is a positive human right
that equals or even exceeds property rights of landlords. New, actually old in other
states, tenant laws should be implemented. First off, there should be 30 days to pay or
quit, not 3. You don't want more homeless people here. I've no idea what the homeless
population in IC is, but for 67,000, students over half the populuation at the U and
kirkwood, there's quite a bit of homelessness. Most other states have had 30 days
eviction laws with due process, why doesn't Iowa? Perhaps it's time to update the laws
and catch up to other progressive states. Tenants have to be protected. ANC recently
attempted to frivoulously evict me through the court, I appealed when I found out about
the case as I sit in my cushy chair at home, but is obvious they are used to walking over
people and breaking the law, being in contempt of court as well as perjury, but why isn't
any of this enforced, but enabled? There has to be better standard operating procedures,
if a crime does happen, then the court NEEDS to enforce that law, lying and providing
false evidence is absolutely criminal as well as bad business practices, they should also
have had their business license permanently taken away and be prosecuted in criminal
court with restitution. Full disclosure should also be given to tenants when moving in to
a property as to make an apt and informed decision, as well as reasonable time fixing
things. Reasonable access laws and violation of these statutes would also result in
penalties. I.e. For the week my kitchen was unoperational, I would charge government
per diem rate, plus gas, plus not pay rent for every day worker was in apartment.
Precedent may also establish this in a future court case.
We must adopt rent and eviction control laws to look out for the best interests for
our people of our community. More laws need to be implemented to protect tenants'
rights, as too often there are shady practices by particular rental agencies/landlords. We
need these positive rights in order to protect ourselves. The discrimination towards
college students and renters in general are unacceptable. Providing this law is passed
before 8.1.2009, you will be grandfathered in, in other words, if your landlord is charging
more than 3% from last year's rent, he cannot, nor can he raise the rent again until the 4cn
year. You would need a new agreement that doesn't violate this new proposition, aka
you won't overpay rent or pay more than 3% from the previous tenant. This referandom
is not for vacancy decontrol, where next tennant is subject to rental increase beyond RC
laws. 3% in a 3-year period, then a review of RC; then 5% in 5-year period, then offer a
review after that. Hopefully RC will not be needed after that and more laws will be
implemented protecting the rights of tenants.
My proposal for violation of RC codes are: Violation of rent control = a $10,000
penalty per incident that the landlord is guilty after finding of the fact, which county
enforces and receives 75% of penalty and 25% to the tenant due to burdening and
violating tenant's rights, plus reimbursal of overpaid rent with 3% interest added; tenant
has a right to implement writ of exec and receive sheriff's assistance reposessing assets
by legal claim given by the authority of a judge, enforcing the law.
If you want to pay rent you can afford, have less homeless and enjoy all the small
businesses in your community where you shop as well as be able and stable to go out and
socialize, and encourage new developments, please contact council cr,iowa-city.or~,
anything you submit is on public record to this address. You may also email me at
rent.control~yahoo.com, and I can forward your message saying, "I want Rent Control!"
Ms. Blette
References:
With the recent increase of Foreclosures in Iowa, many of these shelters now have
waiting lists.
http•//www homelessshelterdirectory.ors/iowa.html
WEHO
The city established the Affordable Housing Trust Fund in 1986 requiring developers to
either provide affordable housing in new projects or pay a fee in in-lieu to the city which
it directs towards other affordable housing projects.
Currently before this August, rent in Des Moines is 41% cheaper than in Iowa City, 37%
cheaper in Cedar Rapids, which are the only 2 cities in Iowa with a population over
100,000 people.
htt~//www bestplaces net/col/salary=0&city1=51.938595&city2=51921000
sent 5.14.2009
Deann,
I am responding to the message you left for Zach yesterday. Zach no longer
works here.
If you go to our website we have our rent study flyer from 2007. We will be
starting our rent study for 2009 this summer. www.cook-appraisal.com If you
click on Info/Links it will take you to our rent surveys. Let me know if you
need anything else.
Susan Kishiue-Koval
Office Manager
Sent 5.11.2009
DeeAnna:
Shelter House is the only homeless shelter in Johnson County. There is a domestic
violence shelter in town for victims of domestic violence (Domestic Violence Intervention
Program}.
We start a wait list each night at 5:00 p.m. It does not roll over. On any given night we
turn away anywhere from 3 to 15 people due to lack of space. We are building a new
facility with a bed capacity of 70.
Thank you,
Crissy Canganelli
Executive Director, Shelter House
Reasonable Rent Control
Help Stabilize Your Economy
Cover Your Butt!
* Stop landlords increasing rent by 40%, by limiting 3 % in
a 3-year period.
*Implement Green Building Laws encouraging new
development that will not be affected by rent control laws.
*Tenants' Rights -have the national standard of 30 days,
rather than 3 days for eviction. Have reasonable entry laws
preventing abusive access. Get full disclosure from your
landlord before signing a lease about the property.
*Stop Gentrification!
Contact council~a~,iowa-city.org and say, "I want RENT
CONTROL!" This is public reed. You may also contact
me rent.control(a~yahoo.com and can fwd your comments,
as well as send you proposal.
Reasonable Rent Control
Help Stabilize Your Economy
Cover Your Butt!
1) Stop landlords increasing rent by 40%, by limiting
to a reasonable 3% in a 3-year period increase.
2) Implement Green Building Laws encouraging new
developments that will not be affected by rent
control laws. Green Building laws would place
windows for the best lighting, recycle rainwater and
possibly have a rooftop garden, solar energy would
rid utility bills.
3) Tenants' Rights -have the national standard of 30
days, rather than 3 days for eviction. Have
reasonable entry laws preventing abusive access so
your landlord doesn't camp out at your place while
fixing the kitchen for a week without getting
reimbursed. Get full disclosure from your landlord
before signing a lease about the rental property.
Don't get stuck with bad news after committing
living there for a year.
4) Stop Gentrification!
5) Contact council(a~iowa-city.org and say, "I want
RENT CONTROL!" This is on public record. You
may also contact me at rent.control(a~yahoo.com
and I can forward your comments and send you
proposal/referendum.
Page 1 of 1
Marian Karr
From: Rent Control [rent.control@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, May 22, 2009 5:11 PM
To: Council
Subject: Re: Auto Response from City Council of Iowa City mailbox
what address exactly is the archive?
On Fri, 5/22/09, Council <Council@iowa-city.org> wrote:
From: Council <Council@iowa-city.org>
Subject: Auto Response from City Council of Iowa City mailbox
To: "Rent Control" <rent.control@yahoo.com>
Date: Friday, May 22, 2009, 10:09 PM
Your e-mail correspondence has been received. Thank you for contacting the City Council of Iowa City
All correspondence addressed to the entire City Council becomes a permanent public record, and is
archived on the City website.
This message is generated from an automated response system. Do not respond to this e-mail
message, as this mailbox is not monitored.
5/26/2009
Page 1 of 5
Marian Karr
From: Rent Control [rent.control@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, May 22, 2009 5:10 PM
To: Council
Subject: Fw: RE: rent control
--- On Fri, 5/22/09, Hart, Holly J <holly-hart@uiowa.edu> wrote:
From: Hart, Holly J <holly-hart@uiowa.edu>
Subject: RE: rent control
To: "Rent Control" <rent.control@yahoo.com>
Date: Friday, May 22, 2009, 4:48 AM
No - I wasn't aware thsi was beign asked for.
This is going to be an extremely tough issue to promote, and will likely take awhile to succeed - if ever
think it's worth bringing up, if only to scare the larger landlords into holding to more reasonable rents.
want to ensure thatg reasonable landlords are not run out of business., One problem is that there has be
concentration of ownership and apartment complex management; another is that, every time the city ha
spaces near downtown to be used for apartments with the notion that "some affordable" and family-type
would be available, none have been developed. Instead, we end up with $1500/mo one-bedroom apam
Holly Hart
From: Rent Control [rent..control_~c~yahoo_.co.~n]
Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2009 10:42 PM
To: Hart, Holly J
Subject: re: rent control
oh btw, did you email council@owa-city_org<mailto:council@ow~-city.org> and say "I want Rent
Control?" :)
On Fri, 5/22/09, Hart, Holly J <ho_1ly-hart@uiowa__._ed_u> wrote:
From: Hart, Holly J <holly_-hai@uowa._edu>
Subject: re: rent control
To: "Rent Control" <rent.control@yahoo._com>, "the3rdiowa@mch_si,co~n" <the3rdiowa@mchsi.co»>>
Cc: "dblette@yahoo.com" <dble...tte@yahoo,c_o_m>
Date: Friday, May 22, 2009, 3:00 AM
Congratulations on getting this into the Press-Citizen! I am interested in looking into this fiu-ther, to see
possibilities there maybe ion Iowa City.
Please keep in touch,
5/26/2009
Page 2 of 5
Holly Hart
From: Rent Control [rent.control cr,yahoo.com<http://us.mc447.mail.yahoo.comhnc/compose'?
to=rent,control~ yahoo.com>]
Sent: Sunday, May 17, 2009 6:11 PM
To: the3rdiowa c ,mchsi.com<http://us.mc447.maiLYahoo.com/mc/compose`?to=the3rdiowa(q~.mchs_cor
Hart, Holly J
Cc: dblette_c~yahoo cons<http://us.mc447 mail.yahoo_com/me/eompose~to=dblette~yahoo.com>
Subject: Rent Control
I've been busy with finals and handing certain nautius maximus' asses to them in court. Otherwise, wor
out a bit trying to work on my narcissus :)
I unveil, rent control referendum, this is not published yet, but will be. I've to go through some hoops h
the U will not censor me and am submitting this to DI and PC opinion pieces.
If you want to hang up, let other members know, whatever, you've my expressed permission to do so,
providing you don't ever say anything bad about it.
cheers and enjoy,
DeeAnna
--- On Mon, 4/20/09, Hart, Holly J <holly-hart cr u_owa.edu<http //tsmc447_..mail._yahoo,_com/mc/comhc
to-holly-hart~uowa.edu» wrote:
From: Hart, Holly J <h,olly__hart~a ui_owa edu<http//us.mc447.m_ail._yahoo.c_om/m,c../compose?to=holly-
11art~ uo_wa.edu»
Subject: RE: [JCFAIR] [Fwd: [FAIRSC] Fair SC Meeting, 4/20/2009, 5:30 pm]
To: the3rdi,owa~~mchsi_.eom<http;//us mc447_mal_yahoo com/mc/eomp~se?to the3rdiowa~c~,mchsi,._c<~
<the..3.rdiowaa>mchst com<htt~_//us mc447.mail,yahoo_com/mc/compose?to=the3rdiowa~i~mch i.com>
Cc: "rent.controlnyahoo.com<http:/%us mc447 mail~ahoo.com/mc/compose`?to=rent.control a?yahoo.c
<rent.control(cwahoo.com<http•//us mc447 mail yahoo com/mc/eompose~to=rent.control cr~yahoo.cotn=
Date: Monday, April 20, 2009, 9:58 PM
Thanks.
It wouldn't have mattered when the announcement went out, since I have to be zt the station one way or
other, but I would be interested in following up on this.
Thank you for getting back to me.
Holly
From: the3rdiowa ~mchsi.com<http•//us mc447 mail yahoo.com/mc/compose`?
to=the3rdiowa~mchsi.com><http•//us mc447 mail~ahoo.com/mc/compose?to=the3rdiowa cr mchsi.co:
[the3rdiowa~.mchsi.com<http•//us mc447 mail yahoo.com/mc/compose?
to=the3rdio_wa~mchsi.com><http•//us mc447.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose`?to=the3rdi_~wa cx mchsi_.co
Sent: Monday, Apri120, 2009 2:59 PM
To: Hart, Holly J
Cc: rent.control~yahoo_ .com<http://_us mc447,ma1 yahoo.com/mc/compose?
to-rent.control~yahoo_.com><http_//us mc447 mal,_yahoo com/mc/_c_ompo_se?to-rent.control~yaho~,_c~
5/26/2009
Page 3 of 5
Subject: RE: [JCFAIR] [Fwd: [FAIRSC] Fair SC Meeting, 4/20/2009, 5:30 pm]
Holly,
Sorry you can't make it, I realized it did not go out in time to the general listserv.
DeeAnna Blette is a renter who has taken this on her own. I've copied her. Perhaps you and she can con
notes?
rcnt.control ci~yahoo coln<http//us_mc447_mail_._yahoo.cotn/m__c/compose?
to-rent.control~yahoo.com><http_//us mc447.ma_il yahoo com/mc/compose ~
to rcnt.control cz)yahoocom><mailto:rent.control c~yahoo com<http_%%us mc447.mail.yahoo.com/mc/cc
to rent control cr yaho_o._com><h~//us mc447.mail,yahoo.com/mc/co~npose_~to rent.control(c~yahoo.cc
-------------- Original message from "Hart, Holly J" <h:o1~-
hart cr~ulowa.edu<htt~//us.mc447_.mail.yahoo com/mc/compose?to ho_1~-
hart~u7uiowa._edu><http;//us_inc447.m_ al~~ahoo com/mc/compose?to-holly.-h_art~a~uiowa_.ed.u»: ---------
> Hi Gary,
> I was hoping to be there, but have to work until 7 p.m. I am very interested in both the tax information
extremely interested in any discussion of rent control. Is there any chance there will be any follow-up tc
of these? Is the person talking about rent control someone advocating for it locally, or
> is this just an informational talk??
> I would have a few things to add, I'm sure. My experience has been that too many well-intentioned pf
don't "get it" when it comes to the serious need for rental housing for individuals, couples or small fami
and that even the recent zoning attempts are doing nothing to resolve this. I have wanted to find a way t
ensure stable decent rental units, both small houses and especially apartments, which means finding lan
who will hang on to such properties, or ways of keeping the. Co-ops are a partial answer, but, again, no
possibility for everyone, especially many renters. Likewise, any mention
> of "rent control" I've seen generally is unaware of the need to preserve decent
> stable rentals, not quite understanding how the most gwillign landlords could be
> the worst affected with a porrly crafted policy.
> Not that it will happen for awhile, anwyay...
> Holly Hart
> From: JCFAIR~~yahooo~roups.com<http•//us mc447 mail.xahoo.com/mc/compose:?
to=JCFAIR a,yaho~ouRs.com><http•//us mc447 mail,yahoo.com/mc/compose?
to=JCFAIR ay hoogroups.com> [JCFAIR ~ahoogroups.com<http://us.mc447.mail.yahoo.com/mc/cc
to=JCFAIR c ~ahoo~roups.com><http•//us mc447.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?
to-JCFAIR~yahoogroups_c_om>] On Behalf Of Garry Klein
> [the3rdiowa~mchsi.com<http //u_s.,mc447_. mail_._yahoo.com/mc/compose'?.
to the3rdowa cr mchs.com><htt~://us mc447 mail.yahoo com/mc/compose?to __th_e3rdi_o_wa~c~,mchsi._co,
5/26/2009
Page 4 of 5
> Sent: Monday, Apri120, 2009 6:37 AM
> To: JCFAIR chi yahoo~,roups_coin<http://us.mc447.tnai~ahoo_com/~nc/_compose?
to=JCFAIR~yahoogroups.com><http•/his mc447 mai~ahoo.com/mc/compose?
to=JCFAIR~c~y_a_hoog_roups.com>
> Subject: [JCFAIR] [Fwd: [FAIRSC] Fair SC Meeting, 4/20/2009, 5:30 pm]
> FAIR! Members are invited to attend this meeting. Speakers for the local sales
> tax option, Roosevelt school, and an advocate for rent control will be on hand.
> All FAIR! members are encouraged to come.
> Yahoo! Groups Links
> <*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://groups yahoo.com/ r~ oup/JCFAIR/
> <*> your email settings:
> Individual Email ~ Traditional
> <*> To change settings online go to:
> http//groups..yahoo_co__m/group/JCFAL_R/joiil
> (Yahoo! ID required)
> <*> To change settings via email:
> mailto.JCFAIR.-digest~yahoogrouRs c.om<http:/__/usmc447_.ma~l.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=.TCFA1F
digest cr y_ah_oogroups com><h~://us.mc44.7 mail.yahoo_.com/me/compose?to-JCFAIR-
digest~ayahoolroups con>
> mailto:JCFAIR-fullfeatured~ic yaho_ogrouPs.com<htt~/[_us mc447.ma~1 yahoo.c~7n/mc/co~i~pgsc?t~=;1(
lullfeatured(awahoogroups.com><http•//us mc447 mail_yahoo.com/me/compose?to=JCFAIR-
filllfeatured ~ahoogroups.com>
> <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> J.C.....FAIR.-unsubscibe cr,yahoogroups,co_m<http_//us_mc447.mail..yahoo.com/mc/compose?to-JCFAIR.
tmsltbscrbe__cr yahoogroups.com><http://us.mc447_mail..yahoo.com/mc/compose?to JCFAIR-
unsuvscribe~yahoogroups com>
> <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
> http://docs.yahoo.com/..info/terms_/
> A potentially unsafe attachment has been removed from this email
> message. See http://cs.its.uiowa.edu/email/cdp.shtml for further
> information.
5/26/2009
Page 1 of 1
Marian Karr
Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2009 5:10 PM
To: Council
Cc: rent.control@yahoo.com
Subject: Fw: i want rent control!
email server full yet? :)
--- On Thu, 5/21/09, victoria schweiger <victoria.schweigera~mail.com> wrote:
From: victoria schweiger <victoria.schweiger@gmail.com>
Subject: i want rent control!
To: rent.control@yahoo.com
Date: Thursday, May 21, 2009, 1:23 AM
Hello,
Loved your article and am willing to help you organize students and others. I can only volunteer
1 hour a week. let me know what your plan is and if you need additional voices.
Regards,
Tori
Victoria schweiger
victoria.schweiger@gmai l.com
563-650-8187
UI College of Public Health
UI Former Worker Program
Student Assistant
319-335-8023
Global Health Club
Student Faculty Liaison
victoria-schweiger ~~uiowa.edu
5/22/2009
3 (5
Marian Karr
From: Gary Sanders [garyiclabor@yahoo.com]
Sent: Saturday, May 23, 2009 12:57 PM
To: Council
Subject: Spying on Iowa group raises privacy issues
You have been sent an online news article from Gary Sanders as a courtesy of
DesMoinesRegister.com.
Article Title:
Spying on Iowa group raises privacy issues
To view the contents on www.desmoinesregister..com, go to:
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?
AID=/200905230405/OPINION03/905230304
1
Page 1 of 1
Marian Karr
From: garyiclabor@yahoo.com
Sent: Sunday, May 17, 2009 7:03 PM
Subject: FBI infiltrates Iowa City Peace Group
--- On Sun, 5/17/09, Gary Sanders <garyiclabor@ahoo.com> wrote:
From: Gary Sanders <garyiclabor@yahoo.com>
Subject:
To: council@iowa-city.org
Date: Sunday, May 17, 2009, 6:39 PM
To the City Council--After reading today's Des Moines Register article by William Petroski, I
am very upset that the FBI sent an undercover Ramsey(Minnesota) County Sheriff s Deputy to
Iowa City to "infiltrate" an Iowa City peace group that was planning anon-violent act of civil
disobedience at the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota. I realize that
the City of Iowa City can do very little to stop the FBI from doing whatever it wants to do, but I
urge you to pass a resolution stating your displeasure that the FBI used these tactics on a non-
violent group in Iowa City, and ask that it refrain from doing so in the future. I could
understand the FBI's tactics if this group had ever advocated violence, but this group is well-
known as being completely non-violent. I hope you will consider a resolution at this week's
Council meeting. Thank you. Gary Sanders
5/18/2009
Page I of I
Marian Karr
From: Gary Sanders [garyiclabor@yahoo.com]
Sent: Sunday, May 17, 2009 6:40 PM
To: Council
To the City Council--After reading today's Des Moines Register article by William Petroski, I am very
upset that the FBI sent an undercover Ramsey(Minnesota) County Sheriffs Deputy to Iowa City to
"infiltrate" an Iowa City peace group that was planning anon-violent act of civil disobedience at the
?008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota. I realize that the City of Iowa City can do
very little to stop the FBI from doing whatever it wants to do, but I urge you to pass a resohrtion stating
your displeasure that the FBI used these tactics on a non-violent group in Iowa City, and ask that it
refrain from doing so in the future. I could understand the FBI's tactics if this group had ever advocated
violence, but this group is well-known as being completely non-violent. I hope you will consider a
resolution at this week's Council meeting. Thank you. Gary Sanders
5/I 8/2009
3 6
Marian Karr
From: the3rdiowa@mchsi.com
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:04 AM
To: Council
Cc: Dale Helling; michaelcarberry@hotmail.com
Subject: FW: DNR press releases regarding fish kill in Iowa City
Dear council members,
This notice forwarded by Mike Carberry by the DNR is highly concerning to me. A week ago myself
and some neighbors were cleaning the Ralston Creek. I actually waded in the creek. It is not uncommon
for children to play in the creek. What rights and responsibilities does the city have with regard to
protecting the creek, our residents, and the wildlife within?
Garry Klein
628 2nd Ave
Lowa City, IA 52245
-------------- Forwarded Message: --------------
From: "Mike Carberry" <michaelcarberry@hotmail.com>
To: "Garry Klein" <garryklein@gmail.com>
Subject: DNR press releases regarding fish kill in Iowa City
Date: Mon, 25 May 2009 18:26:00 +0000
~/~WII
Mike Carberry
Executive Director
Iowa Renewable Energy Association (I-Renew)
PO Box 3405
Iowa City IA 52244
mobile: 319-594-6453
office: 319-643-3160
mike_.c~i ren.ew._org
www. i renew.,_org
Please consider the environment before
this email.
5/26/2009
Page 2 of 2
Iowa DNR News
Environmental Services Division
For immediate release May 25, 2009
DNR INVESTIGATES FISH KILL IN IOWA CITY
IOWA CITY - A fish kill at Creekside Park in Iowa City was being investigated over the
weekend by the Iowa DNR.
Hundreds of dead fish were found along approximately amile-and-a-half long stretch of a
tributary of Ralston Creek which runs through the park and a residential area, The fish kill was
reported Sunday afternoon by a citizen. The creek was traced back to a the line in a rural area,
but there was no indication of manure or fertilizer run-off based on field testing. Water samples
were taken and have been sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Investigation of the fish kill is continuing.
For more information, contact Kevin Baskins at 515-249-2814.
-30-
Kevin Baskins
Communications Bureau Chief
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
515-281-8395
kevin.baskins@dnr.iowa.gov
5/26/2009
Page 1 of 2
~~~
Marian Karr
From: Carol Sweeting
Sent: Monday, June 01, 2009 8:13 AM
To: 'garryklein@gmail.com'
Cc: Rick Fosse; "City Council
Hi Gary,
Thanks for your e-mail regarding the fish kill on the southeast branch of Ralston Creek. We
have been following this issue as well. Let me share with you what we know. I met with Brian
Lee, Region 6 IDNR and Paul Sleeper, Fisheries Wildlife Biologist, Tuesday at Creekside
Park. Brian investigated the fish kill that was called into ICPD on Sunday, he indicated at the
time he found ammonia and dissolved oxygen levels to be normal as well as pH. He found
fish dead from Scott Blvd to the confluence with the north branch of Ralston Creek. Paul
Sleeper was doing fish and small critter counts today and indicated that there wasn't anything
alive along that tract. He said from the condition of the fish it might have been Thursday or
Friday when the kill actually occurred. The water appeared clear in most places today and
the fish were tangled in riffles and brush. I requested that IDNR send us the report as it is
completed for our records. Is the water safe? Sleeper and Lee indicated to me that after a
few rains things would be flushed out and the biological stream base would replenish itself.
The IDNR's investigation indicates that something occurred near Scott Park and impacted the
stream down to about Bloomington St. Perhaps something was dumped into the storm sewer
system. They have told me that more than likely they will not be able to determine the cause
because the fish were to decomposed to evaluate. Water tests were taken on Monday and
the indicators such as ammonia, dissolved oxygen, and pH were all in normal ranges. With
the significant rainfall this week the stream will have a flushing effect. Our staff took samples
from Creekside park back to Scott Blvd. again today and did not see any elevated levels.
IDNR's report is not complete at this time. However it is most likely that someone may have
dumped some chemical in a storm drain not realizing the impact when it would be flushed
with rain water. The initial article in the Press Citizen was incorrect about the contaminate
coming from a the line in the rural area.
Who's responsibility is it to protect our water ways? The answer is everyone. The City is
responsible for a small amount of creek area in the parks in comparison to the number of
property owners who live and own the property adjacent Ralston Creek. The City has been
working in the neighborhoods over the last three years marking every storm drain with
decals to remind people that the water goes to a stream and not to dump anything down
them. I have received a number of calls since the fish kill telling me that they saw people
dumping over the past week. We can't do much about the accident this past week, however
we can do more to educate the community about the storm sewer system and how people
can prevent water pollution and a fish kill from happening again. It will also take neighbors
reminding each other about the proper way to dispose of products they don't need.
Neighborhood household hazardous waste cleanups can be set up by contacting our
recycling coordinator, Jennifer Jordan at 319-887-6160.
6/1/2009
Page 2 of 2
If you have questions, please give me a call at 319-356-5164
Thanks,
CaroC
Carol Sweeting
City of Iowa City, Public Works
Public Information/EducationNolunteer Coordinator
410 E Washington St,
Iowa City, IA 52240
319-356-5164
Cell 319-541-2385
Fax 319-356-5007
carol-sweeti_ng a~iowa-city.or~
6/1/2009
T os-b2=6s
3 7
Marian Karr
From: Regenia Bailey [bailey@avalon.net]
Sent: Monday, May 25, 2009 5:50 PM
To: Marian Karr
Subject: FW: Building a park in the Lakeside area
-----Original Message-----
From: jamie@moonrisingdesign.com [mailto:jamie@moonrisingdesign.com]
Sent: Friday, May 22, 2009 8:26 AM
To: amy-Correia@iowa-city.org; regenia-bailey@iowa-city.org; matt-hayek@iowa-city.org; ross-wilburn@iowa-
city.org; mike-Wright@iowa-city.org
Subject: Building a park in the Lakeside area
Dear City Council members.
I am a citizen and home owner south of the lakeside area. My wife and I
attended the meeting at Grantwood Elementary last night. After the meeting
we were talking about the sugestions that were brought up, it was
mentioned that the city should buy more land for parks. Of course that
takes money, something that I know the city is struggling with. I was
wondering if there are grants out there to help poorer areas to build a
park.
Everyday I drive from our home up Whispering Prairie and there is a chunck
of un-devoluped land maybe enough for 3 home sites. That I think would be
a nice place for a park. Nothing fancy just a safe place for kids to play
that is not on the street.
I would be willing to head the project, gain support from the
neighborhood, write grants, talk to businesses to donate materials what
ever it takes. I just need some help to get started. I would think a
petition may be needed to show a need in the area?
If you have any suggestions to get me started Please contact me
Jamie Good
53 Thistle Ct
Iowa City
(319)512-0415
5/26/2009
3 8
Marian Karr
From: Joseph M. Jason [jmj2400@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, May 22, 2009 9:57 PM
To: ' Council
Subject: Univerity Of Iowa Graduate-Daniel s. Jason- From Illinois With A- Average Continues To Stay in Jial
In Iowa
This correspondence will become a public record. I have e-mailed this City Council
a number of times They have not responded to any of my e-mails.
I am a board member in Illinois of a NAMI group and also on the Legislative Committee. I have a
son unjustly being kept in the Iowa prison system. He has Asperger Syndrome and severe mental
illness. Other than individuals in the prison system, the judges, prosecutors, attorney general etc.
do not have any understanding of mental illness issues nor do they seem to care. Their solution is
to lock them up and not let them out. My son was sentenced to 7 years for non-violent crimes.
The following is the story I told at a legislative forum on April 16, 2009. My wife recently talked
about Da~iiel at Northwest community Hospital in Arlington Heights, Illinois before medical
professionals. I am enclosing a picture of my son. By the way, all of the court proceedifigs occurred
i~z the Johnson County court house.
Joseph M. Jason
National Alliance on Mental Illness(NAMI)BA
Legislative Committee
583 Cobblestone Lane
Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089
(847)537-3009
State Representatives, State Senators, NAMI members, consumers and all others. We wish to
thank you for attending this forum.
My name is Joseph Jason. I am a member of the NAM BA Board of Directors. I have a son who
graduated in December of 2005 from the University of Iowa with an A- average with a Finance
degree. He has Asperger Syndrome(high functioning autism) and severe mental illness and has
been in jail since March of 2007. My son's name is Daniel. He is not faceless. He is one of many
who is presently incarcerated for the crime of being mentally ill. I have advocated for Daniel by
contacting all of the legislators in Iowa, some in Illinois and his attorneys, etc. In 2005 I never
would have believed that I would be an advocate for the mentally ill and involved with NAMI.
Now I cannot imagine not being totally involved. However, I am outraged and appalled at what
has been happening to my son in prison.
You might ask yourself how such a thing could happen.
My wife and I have not seen Daniel since his sentencing last May, 2008 and he was in chains. He
has not communicated with us since last November and he will not let us visit him. The Iowa
5/26/2009
Page 2 of 3
Department of Corrections cannot talk to us about how he is doing since he will not sign a
release. He had a relationship in school and the girl did not want to see Daniel anymore. Daniel
kept contacting her as this was the only true friend he ever met. He could not stop contacting
here. Most were by a-mail. They charged him with stalking and tampering with a witness. Daniel
defended himself and was convicted to 7 years in jail. He is non-violent. Daniel makes threats to
get attention and this is related to his Asperger Syndrome. I have lost count as to how many
lawyers he has fired. Daniel blames his parents for all his problems.
The prosecutor was not even aware Daniel was mentally ill or even cared. The judicial system is
not working in Iowa. The sentencing investigator said that "imprisonment will hold the
defendant accountable and deter further offenses.
Problems consist of the fact that Daniel refuses to take medication and does not think he has done
anything wrong. We tried to commit Daniel while he was in jail. The State of Iowa said we
cannot do that. Daniel has to be a threat to himself or others. While is jail and prison he is
allowed to threaten me, my wife, his ex-girlfriend and his attorneys. Now I do not believe he is
violent and he always verbally lashes out when stressed out. However nobody cares about my
thoughts and opinions
The situation has been devastating to our family. It is a chronic sorrow that never goes away. It
is worse than losing a family member to death. Daniel is lost to his mental illness.
A psychiatrist who examined Daniel issued a report in February and I understand that it
recommends commitment to a state facility and injections of anti-psychotics. It recommends
hospitalization v. prison and also recommends that the court issue an order to medicate
involuntarily if necessary, including the use of injectable, long-acting anti-psychotics. It is
believed that the brain disorder is treatable and existed before Daniel was charged with any
crimes.
The Prosecutor decided based upon her non-existent psychiatric expertise that Daniel could
control his behavior which includes psychosis and obsessive compulsive disorder. This was
despite a preponderance of evidence to the contrary including a report from a Psychiatrist, Doctor
Olson. She said that Doctor Olson had the longest report she has ever seen and he had taken great
pains to diagnose, but then said he was "grasping at straws." Prosecutor, Ms. Minot openly
chastised me at the sentencing for advocating for my son by filing motions for the Court that
included material that should be read by the Judge. This included many articles on Asperger
Syndrome and a position paper that I had prepared. There was no Autism expert present in the
Court room. It should be noted that Iowa does not have mental health courts. (I found out by
reading your paper that a few have started in Iowa).
My wife and I travelled to Iowa last September of 2008 and met with the warden and the Chief
Psychiatrist of the Iowa Department of Corrections. They told us that we had done all that we
can do and to take care of ourselves. It was the first time we talked to anybody in Iowa who
emphasized with the situation. The warden even asked Daniel if he would visit with us and he
refused.
Conclusion:
The system is broken. One might ask me what the solution is. I can tell you that there should be
mental health courts everywhere. The prosecutor and the judge must be trained about mental
illness and that it is a real biological disorder. We should have been allowed to commit Daniel
with the concurrence of all parties. The Judges and the prosecutors should have talked with us.
Daniel should have been hospitalized and not incarcerated. Daniel could have been treated
instead of incarcerated for a fraction of what Iowa is paying for his incarceration and legal fees
and court costs.
5/26/2009
3 9
Marian Karr
From: Gary Sanders [garyiclabor@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 8:01 PM
To: Dale Helling; Council
Subject: gang "tagging"
On Tue, 5/26/09, Gary Sanders <garyiclabor{a)yahoo.com> wrote:
From: Gary Sanders <garyiclabor@yahoo.com>
Subject: gang "tagging"
I just came back from the CVS drugstore on Muscatine,just east of 1st Avenue, and the wall
facing east has been defaced with a pretty big "tagging" by the Latin Kings gang.
People have got to understand that we ain't in Kansas anymore. gary
5/26/2009
3g(10)
Marian Karr
From: abe kline [abekline@gmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, May 24, 2009 11:14 AM
To: Council
Subject: Unfunded project #10- North Dodge Reconstruction
Dear City Council
My name is Abraham Kline. I live in Iowa City and have, for a while now, been severely annoyed by the
state of north dodge street which I use on a daily basis. I respectfully request that you reconsider Project
#10 in the light of the fact that there is a federal grant that would pay for up to 80% of the total cost of
carrying out this project, with the aid money it would only cost a little over $1 million to replace the
whole one-way section of the street. You can find more information using the following hyperlink:
http://wwuv_.federalbrants__wire.com/h~hway-planning and.-c_onstruction.html
Thank you for your time.
--Abe
5/26/2009
Page 1 of 1
~~~~
Marian Karr
From: abe kline [abekline@gmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, May 31, 2009 5:02 PM
To: Council
Cc: redlinger.Jeanine@iccsd.k12.ia.us
Subject: North Dodge
I kindly request that you consider this proposal.
Respectfully;
Abe Kline
(Abraham Joseph Kline, 552 Linder rd, Iowa City, IA 52240)
6/1/2009
Page 1 of 3
Marian Karr
From: abe kline [abekline@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, June 01, 2009 1:37 PM
To: Council
Cc: redlinger.Jeanine@iccsd.k12.ia.us
Subject: Re: North Dodge
I apologize, the attachment did not send, here is my proposal in plain text:
Over the past decade, the one-way section of North Dodge Street (Highway 1) has fallen into disrepair.
There are potholes, cracks and wavy sections of the street. This status damages automobiles'
suspensions and tires, and makes it impossible to safely ride a bicycle on the street. The road's condition
has deteriorated so badly that isolated patches and repairs will no longer suffice; the surface requires
complete repaving. In addition, the current road configuration does not allow for safe bicycling; as this
is a major access road from the north into Iowa City, many bikers also use it. Since our local, state, and
federal governments are promoting the environmental and health benefits of bicycle commuting (e.g.
"Bike To Work Week"), it is important to provide users with a safe, convenient route for "green"
transportation.
There currently exists a plan for the replacement of Dodge Street from Governor Street south to Bowery
Street: "Unfunded #10." As seen in Figure 1 below, the plan is projected to cost $5.3 million. Since this
street is a federal highway for nearly the whole stretch there is a possibility of using federal grant money
to pay for nearly 80% of the project. Project Grants are available from the Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA), including Highway Planning and Construction (#20.205). The Iowa City
Council should apply for this grant.
Ever since July 7, 1939 when a newly laid Dodge Street was christened Highway 261, there has been a
steadily increasing rate of traffic. The only exception came when the traffic was split between Dodge
and Governor. Between 1998 and 2006 the traffic along this stretch of Highway 1 increased from 8200
to 8800 cars per day. This increasing traffic use, combined with ordinary and expected wear and tear on
the road, has lead to the current deteriorated state that Dodge Street currently is in.
There are currently plans by the Johnson County Board of Supervisors for staged development of the
North Corridor, the portion of unincorporated Johnson County directly north of city limits, extending
along Dubuque Street and Prairie du Chien Road towards North Liberty. North Dodge is one of the main
access routes from the North Corridor into Iowa City; as this region is developed, it will lead to a
continued increase in traffic, which will accelerate the deterioration of the roadway surface.
There is awell-defined procedure to the process of reconstructing a city street; this process is designed
to ensure that all aspects of the project are considered and that no unwise decisions are made. There are
three. categories of participants in this process: Residents, Government, and Contractors. The first group,
Residents, are both responsible for the genesis of the project and will be the major beneficiaries (along
with future users) of its completion. Residents use the roads, and this traffic leads to the wear and tear
that necessitates replacement. They will be inconvenienced when the road is temporarily closed for
upgrading, and will enjoy the enhanced convenience, safety, and cost-savings from a new road surface.
The Government provides the money and organization that is required for old roads to be remade; in this
case the Iowa City Council and its subsidiary departments (e.g. the Department of Streets and Traffic
Engineering) need to explore, decide, and plan for construction, including requesting bids for its
6/1/2009
Page 2 of 3
completion. Finally Contractors will place bids for the project, will be responsible for ensuring its
completion, and will be paid by the City Council for their completed work product.
Thus far, the initial stages of reconstructing North Dodge Street have occurred. There has been a
decision at the level of the Iowa City Department of Streets and Traffic Engineering that the city
residents would benefit from this project. An initial cost estimate has been arrived at, but no funding
sources have been identified; this would be necessary to further advance the process.
Though there is no provision for it in the plan, it would also be a good idea to include adding bike lanes
to encourage alternative methods of transportation. There are several small federal grants that the city
could apply for to help fund the extra cost.
This project is not without negative aspects; its projected cost is a little over $5.2 million dollars. Not all
of this money would come from federal dollars and would have to come out of city dollars. This could
cause a small increase in taxes, which is never looked at as a good thing. The reconstruction would
cause the traffic to be reduced to at least one lane, which would increase congestion for the duration of
the construction. The improved road condition may also lead to a larger initiative for development along
Highway 1 and other regions thereby increasing traffic in the long run.
This reconstruction will, in the short term, inconvenience many people that use Highway 1 on a daily
basis to get into and out of town, however, in the long run these same people will be happy to have a
newer, better road rather than the current, deteriorated, inadequate traffic artery. It will result in lower
maintenance costs for car owners, ease the flow of traffic, provide local jobs in a time of recession, and
show the people of Iowa City that if something needs to be done, their government can do it.
For my project, the initial steps of the plan have already commenced; cost estimates have been prepared,
but sources of funding have not yet been considered. Obviously unexpected costs associated with last
year's flooding have reduced the City's ability to commit to large projects such as reconstruction of
North Dodge Street. However, federal grant money is likely to play an important role in funding a large
infrastructure plan such as this. In addition to the Highway Planning and Construction grant listed
above, there may be new funds available from the economic stimulus package. Now maybe the best
time to embark on reconstruction of North Dodge Street.
http://www federalgrantswire..com/highway ~lanni~-and-construction.html
http //iowah~hways.,home._mchsi.com/highways/iowac~.html
http://www.johnson-county com/zoningreports/north_.corridor/transportatlonahtml
http //erlwikp_edia.org/wikilRoad
h ttp //ww w, i cg_o y . o rg/
http•//www iowadotmaps com/msp/traffic/aadtpdf html
On Sun, May 31, 2009 at 5:01 PM, abe kline <abekline~~mail.com> wrote:
I kindly request that you consider this proposal.
Respectfully;
1b~ K1iz~e
6/1/2009
Page 3 of 3
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6/1/2009