HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-07-23 Info Packet1
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
July 23, 2009
. JULY 27 SPECIAL WORK SESSION
IP1 Council Meetings and Work Session Agenda [Revision distributed 7/24/09]
IP2 Memorandum from the Director of Planning and Community Development and the
Director of Public Works: Discussion of flood recovery grant applications
IP3 Memorandum from the City Clerk: Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee
IP4 Memorandum from the First Assistant City Attorney and the Personnel Administrator:
Changes in domestic partnership benefits as a result of legalized same-sex marriage in
Iowa under the Iowa Supreme Court decision in Varnum v. Brien
IP5 Summary of Pending Work Session Issues
IP6 Memorandum from the City Clerk: DRAFT Meeting Schedule, October -December 2009
(Revised scheduled distributed to Council on 7/28)
MISCELLANEOUS
IP7 Memorandum from the City Clerk: Iowa League of Cities Meeting
IP8 Memorandum from the Director of Public Works and the Director of Planning and Community
Development: Update: Flood-related activities
IP9 Invitation: Governor Culver's Iowa Unlimited Train Event in Iowa City -Sunday, July 26,
2009
IP10 Approved Minutes: Economic Development Committee: June 15, 2009
DRAFT MINUTES
IP11 Youth Advisory Commission: July 15, 2009
IP12 Senior Center Commission: June 30, 2009
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
July 23, 2009
JULY 27 SPECIAL WORK SESSION
IP1 Council Meetings and Work Session Agenda
IP2 Memorandum from the Director of Planning and Communit Development and the
Director of Public Works: Discussion of flood recovery grant ap lications
IP3 Memorandum from t City Clerk: Criminal Justice Coordinat' g Committee
IP4 Memorandum from the First Assistant City Attorney an the Personnel Administrator:
Changes in domestic pa nership benefits as a result of egalized same-sex marriage in
Iowa under the Iowa Supr a Court decision in Varnu v. Brien
IP5 Summary of Pending Work Se sion Issues
IP6 Memorandum from the City Clerk: RAFT Meeting hedule, October -December 2009
MISCI~LLANE,bUS
IP7 Memorandum from the City Clerk: Iowa
IP8 Memorandum from the Director of Public
Development: Update: Flood-related a~
IP9 Invitation: Governor Culver's Iowa UnJ~ii
2009 ~~
e of Cities Meeting
-rk and the Director of Planning and Community
itie
ited Tram Event in Iowa City -Sunday, July 26,
IP10 Approved Minutes: Economic Development Comm
RAFT MINUTES
June 15, 2009
IP11 Youth Advisory Commissio :July 15, 2009
IP12 Senior Center Commissi n: June 30, 2009
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City Council Meeting Schedule and
CITY OF IOWA CITY Work Session Agendas July 24, Zoos
www.icgov.org REVISED
• FRIDAY, JULY 24 Emma J. Harvat Hall
Special Formal Council Meeting
12:00 noon Separate Agenda Posted
• MONDAY, JULY 27 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Special Council Work Session
• Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature (reference agenda #14]
• Selecting Site of New Justice Center (reference info pkt #3]
• Planning and Zoning Items "b,c "
• Council Appointments
• Agenda Items
• Flood Relief Grant Applications-Summary & Update (reference info pkt #2]
• Snow Emergency Parking
• Domestic Partnership Benefits (reference info pkt #4]
• Information Packet Discussion (July 16 & 23]
• Council Time
• Budget Priorities
• Schedule of Pending Discussion Items (info packet #5]
• Upcoming Community Events/Council Invitations
• Discussion of Meeting Schedules (reference info pkt 6]
• TUESDAY, JULY 28 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Special Formal Council Meeting
• FRIDAY, JULY 31 Emma J. Harvat Hall
Special Formal Council Meeting
12:00 noon Separate Agenda Posted
TENTATIVE MEETING SCHEDULE
SUBJECT TO CHANGE
• MONDAY, AUGUST 17 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Regular Council Work Session
• TUESDAY, AUGUST 18 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Regular Formal Council Meeting
• MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Regular Council Work Session
• TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Regular Formal Council Meeting
• WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Johnson County Health and
4:OOp Joint Meeting Human Services Bldg
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,,,~ ~_l City Council Meeting Schedule and
07-23-09
CITY OF IOWA CITY Work Session Agendas Ip~
www.icgov.org
• FRIDAY, JULY 24 Emma J. Harvat Hall
Special Formal Council Meeting
12:00 noon Separate Agenda Posted ~
• MONDAY, JULY 27 Emma J. arvat Hall
6:30p Special Council Work Session
^ Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature (reference agenda #14]
• Planning and Zoning Items "b,c "
^ Council Appointments
• Agenda Items
~'~~ Flood Relief Grant Applications-Summary & Updat (reference info pkt #2]
^ Snow Emergency Parking
^ electing Site of New Justice Center (reference inf~pkt #3]
• D mestic Partnership Benefits (reference info pkt,ff4]
• Inf mation Packet Discussion (July 16 & 23J /j
^ Cou it Time
^ Budg Priorities
^ Schedu of Pending Discussion Items (in packet #5]
^ Upcomin Community Events/Council I itations
• Discussion f Meeting Schedules (refer nce info pkt 6]
• TUESDAY, JULY 28 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Special Formal C ncil Meeting
• FRIDAY, JULY 31 Emma J. Harvat Hall
Special Formal Counci Meetin
12:00 noon Separate Agen Po ed
TENTATIVE ME IN SCHEDULE
SUBJECT T CHA E
• MONDAY, AUGUST 17 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Regular Council rk Session
• TUESDAY, AUGUST 18 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Regular Form Council Meeting
• MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Regular C uncil Work Session
• TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Regul r Formal Council Meeting
• WEDNESDAY, SEPTEM ER 16 Johnson County Health and
4:OOp J mt Meeting Human Services Bldg
~~~
'~`®'~~ City Council Meeting Schedule and
CITY OF IOWA CITY Work Session Agendas ~u~y zz, zoos
www.icgov.org
• MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
6:30p Special Council Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
• TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Special Formal Council Meeting
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ME
Date: July 22, 2009
To: City Council
1/7
From: Jeff Davidson, Director of Planning & Community Development
Rick Fosse, Director of Public Work~~
Re: Discussion of flood recovery grant applications at July 27, 2009 work session
The City's flood recovery staff is working on grant applications for the I-JOBS and CDBG Public
Infrastructure grant programs. These grant programs are an extraordinary opportunity for state
and federal funding of public facilities which we are attempting to access. The grants are highly
competitive and require significant effort to complete the applications. Planning and Public
Works staff have been working together to assemble the necessary information for the grant
applications before the program deadlines. The deadline for the CDBG program is July 31; the
deadline for the I-JOBS program is August 3.
At your work session on July 27, we will walk through eight specific projects for which nine grant
applications are being prepared. These nine applications plus EDA funds we are attempting to
access total nearly $100 million in state or federal funds for public infrastructure projects. Two of
the I-JOBS grant applications require authorizing resolutions which will be on the agenda at
your formal meeting on July 28. The remaining applications do not require formal authorizing
resolutions, but we are asking for your concurrence prior to these grant applications being
submitted.
At the present time, you are only committing to the filing of the grant applications. The ultimate
commitment to these projects will be later when you approve the grant agreements if we are
successful in obtaining funds. Our two principal projects remain the relocation of the North
Wastewater Treatment Plant ($63 million) and the reconstruction and elevation of Dubuque
Street and Park Road Bridge ($32 million). To summarize:
Relocation of North Wastewater Treatment Plant
Economic Development Administration (EDA) $22 million
I-JOBS $10 million
CDBG $5 million
Sales Tax $26 million
Total $63 million
The scope of this project has not changed since our last discussion with you. It remains a
project which will construct a new wastewater treatment plant adjacent to the existing south
plant and decommission the existing North Wastewater Treatment Plant which is located in a
flood prone area. This project will allow for eventual redevelopment of the north plant area,
creating a high density urban neighborhood with the most flood prone areas converted to green
space. It remains our intention to have a trolley car connection between this area and River
Landing in Coralville using the CRANDIC railroad tracks.
July 22, 2009
Page 2
Reconstruction and elevation of Dubuque Street and Park Road Bridge
CDBG $25 million
Sales Tax $4 million
EDA $3 million
Total $32 million
This project will reconstruct and elevate Dubuque Street and Park Road Bridge so that those
facilities are not subject to inundation during flood events. Engineering work has not been
completed to determine the precise elevation of the reconstructed road and bridge. We are
coordinating with the University on this project regarding Mayflower Residence Hall and the new
location for Rancher Auditorium.
We will also be completing a grant application to the Federal Transportation Investment
Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program for this project. This will provide an
alternative source of revenue for the Dubuque Street/Park Road Bridge project in case one of
the above funding sources does not come through. Our project is not a great candidate for
TIGER funds, but we think it is worth a shot.
You may note the absence of I-JOBS funding for Dubuque Street/Park Road Bridge. We
determined after much deliberation that the Dubuque Street/Park Road Bridge project is not an
ideal candidate for I-JOBS funds due to our inability to move quickly enough to accommodate I-
JOBS funding requirements. We believe we can fund the project from the other grant sources
shown.
We have two remaining I-JOBS grant applications:
Fire Station #4
Because Fire Station #4 is not a project which was directly impacted by the flood, it is only
eligible fora 50/50 funding commitment from I-JOBS, rather than the 75% share for disaster-
impacted projects.
In addition to the I-JOBS grant application, we are also requesting a 70% grant through the
federal economic stimulus program. It appears possible that if both grants were received, we
could match state I-JOBS funds with federal economic stimulus funds. We believe this project is
a good candidate because it is in "ready to go" status. Depending on which grant funds are
received, we hope to defray 50 to 100 percent of the $3 million expense of this currently locally
funded project from the City's budget.
UniverCity home ownership program in older neighborhoods
We have applied for $1 million in I-JOBS funds to seed the UniverCity home ownership in older
neighborhoods program. This is a neighborhood stabilization joint venture between the City and
the University to provide incentives for home ownership in older neighborhoods surrounding the
University. The $1 million we've applied for in I-JOBS funds would provide funding for both
down payment assistance and rehabilitation of older homes. The University has tentatively
committed $200,000 to this program and is excited to be working with us in its implementation.
We have four additional CDBG Public Infrastructure projects for which grant applications are
being prepared.
July 22, 2009
Page 3
Wesf Side Levee
This application for $4.4 million in CDBG Public Infrastructure funds would construct a levee
between McCollister Bridge and the CRANDIC Railroad on the west side of the river. It is
intended to provide flood protection to the Baculis and Thatcher Manufactured Housing Parks
as well as the Commercial Drive and Commercial Court areas. The new levee would replace the
existing temporary levee which provided protection to Baculis, Thatcher and Commercial Court
during the 2008 flood event. A trail would be constructed on top of the levee. No local match is
required.
East Side Levee
This project would construct a levee with a trail on top between the new McCollister Bridge and
the intersection of U.S. Highway 6 and Gilbert Street on the east side of the river. It would
provide protection to commercial businesses between Napoleon Park and U.S. Highway 6, as
well as the City Parks and Streets Division facilities. The amount being applied for is $3.3 million
and there is no local match required.
Rocky Shore Drive lift station and flood gates
This project is part of a larger project on which we are coordinating with the City of Coralville
and the University of Iowa. We are applying for $6.5 million to assist with storm water
management improvements in the vicinity of the former Tom Riley Law Office building on U.S.
Highway 6. The flood gates on the Rocky Shore Drive Railroad Bridge are part of a larger
strategy designed by the City of Coralville which includes reconstruction of the CRANDIC
Railroad levee adjacent to the river.
Taft Speedway/No Name Street Levee
This is a new project which we have not yet discussed with you. It evolved from the project you
approved for Community Disaster Grant funding to purchase undeveloped building sites and the
surrounding common elements on the Idyllwild Condominium property. Due to the complexities
of acquiring the common elements owned by the owners of all Idyllwild Condominium units, it
appears we will not be able to use Community Disaster Grant funds to purchase the Idyllwild
property. In dealing with our inability to acquire these properties, we began to consider the
design impacts on Taft Speedway from the proposed elevation of Dubuque Street.
The elevation of Dubuque Street will require the concurrent elevation of Taft Speedway for
several hundred feet west from the Dubuque Street/Taft Speedway intersection. Upon further
consideration it occurred to us that we could extend an elevated Taft Speedway further west to
the No Name Street intersection and then north to the intersection of Foster Road. This would
create a levee which would protect the Idyllwild Condominium property. This is a good strategy
for protection of this neighborhood and preservation of $20-$22 million in property tax base. It
would also allow an additional 12 condominium units to be constructed at Idyllwild with
protection provided by the new levee. Our current cost estimate is $10 million.
As Council has already discussed, Taft Speedway properties which refuse FEMA buyout funds
will be on the wet side of the levee. Such properties still have the opportunity to participate in
the buyout program.
July 22, 2009
Page 4
Conclusion
Let's plan on discussing all of these projects in as much detail as necessary on July 27 so that
we are all comfortable in proceeding with the grant applications. It is important that we
acknowledge the unique opportunity presented by these grant programs and move as quickly as
possible in attempting to access funds. It is unfortunate that this timeline does not provide a
great deal of time for public comment, but it should not be construed that we will not be soliciting
public comment on these projects. Our moving quickly to acquire grant funds does not obligate
us to construct any of the above-referenced projects. It simply gives us the ability to implement
those projects if grant funds are received and we make a final decision to proceed.
It may also be necessary for us to consider some fluidity in the project proposals as they are
under review for funding. We know for certain that the I-JOBS process will be a very politically
charged review and approval process. The requirement that grant funds be spent relatively
quickly may also make it necessary to shift our capital program to take advantage of these
funding opportunities.
We cannot emphasize enough that this opportunity for nearly $100 million in state and federal
funds is an opportunity which exists for a very brief moment in time and will be going away
quickly.
We are looking forward to the discussion on the 27th
cc: Dale Helling, Interim City Manager
Eleanor Dilkes, City Attorney
Sue Dulek, Assistant City Attorney
Ron Knoche, City Engineer
Crystal Smith, Civil Engineer
Steve Long, Community Development Coordinator
David Purdy, Flood Recovery Specialist
Doug Ongie, Flood Recovery Specialist
ppddir/mem/F LoodG rantApps7-27-09.doc
Grant Applications Location Map
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
IP3
DATE: July 21, 2009
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
RE: Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee
City Council requested minutes from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee for
discussion of the site selection for your July 27 work session. Copies from the 2009 meetings
are attached.
MINUTES OF THE INFORMAL MEETING OF THE JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD 0... Page 1 of 9
MINUTES OF THE JOINT INFORMAL MEETING OF JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE COORDINATING COMMITTEE:
JANUARY 7, 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Utilization Of The Vernon Research Grow ~
Arrest Rates
Courthouse Security
Bookng._Fees
Report Flom Altet7atyes_And Treatment. C)pportumties._.S...ub Committee
Report From Public Awareness And_ hlfiormat~on_Sub Committee.
Report From l~ac,~lities..Planning Sub Committee
Additional Comments_1 rom_.._C"nminal Justice C o..c~rdmatint; Cnmtnitt.e....e. _Nlenbe...rs
Page
Chairperson Neuzil called the Johnson County Board of Supervisors to order in the Johnson County
Administration Building at 4:03 p.m. Members present were: Pat Harney, Larry Meyers, Terrence
Neuzil, and Rod Sullivan; absent: Sally Stutsman.
Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee members present were: CJCC Coordinator Bob Elliott,
County Attorney Janet Lyness, County Bar Association Representative James McCarragher, and County
Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek.
UTILIZATION OF THE VERNON RESEARCH GROUP
Harney said Stutsman sends her regrets as she is unable to attend today's meeting. Vernon Research
Group Business Development Manager Susan Todd asked if there were outstanding questions from the
last meeting. She has talked with Vernon Research Group President Monica Vernon, who proposed a
survey with afollow-up component, to learn what the public's perception is about a justice center.
R. Sullivan said there was a misunderstanding with a number of people who thought the only
appropriate time to use Vernon Research Group was six months before a public vote. He pointed out
that there are other ways to utilize Vernon Research Group. Todd agreed and asked if the Board has
received any feedback from the Government Services Administration (GSA) regarding the Federal
parking lot. Meyers said there is no definite answer, but it looks much more favorable than it did a
month ago. Harney said he, Neuzil, and Executive Assistant Mike Sullivan met with representatives of
GSA, who are enthusiastic about working with the Board. The GSA have to discuss the property
options with other colleagues before responding to the Board. Todd said her questions pertain to
location and cost. She said Vernon still thinks it is important to conduct a survey now, especially if the
issue is expected to be on the ballot in November 2010. Neuzil said the Board has not established an
exact timeline yet, but sooner rather than later would be best. He thinks at some level, the timing of the
ballot initiative will depend on the public opinion gathered from a survey.
Todd recommended beginning with aten-minute survey to determine what educational aspects
might need to happen to accomplish the Board's goals. The survey would provide the Board with
information, such as public awareness of the needs and the costs, have the individuals voted before on
this issue, and are they interested and would vote on this issue. The results should tell the Board how
much public education and marketing will be necessary before putting the issue on the ballot.
Todd asked, if the Board would like to put the issue on the November ballot, would the Board
decision to put it on be in July or August. The Board agreed and then Todd suggested conducting a five
http://www.johnson-county.com/auditor/min/090107cjcc-min.htm 7/20/2009
MINUTES OF THE INFORMAL MEETING OF THE JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD 0... Page 2 of 9
minute follow-up survey at the end of May or beginning of June. Data collection and analysis will take
a total of four weeks. She said that Vernon said she could do the survey in as little as two minutes but
ideally five to ten minutes would be helpful to obtain more information.
R. Sullivan said he is more concerned about the first survey and would really like to see a baseline of
public opinion. He asked if the two surveys could be bid separately and Todd said yes. Todd added that
if the first survey reveals that public opinion is in line with the Board's goals and objectives, afollow-up
survey may be unnecessary. Pulkrabek asked if the first survey would include questions related to when
it would be best to put the initiative on a ballot. Harney said he thinks it will be tied to the current
economic conditions, as well as the costs associated with transporting inmates to other counties. R.
Sullivan said some of it depends on who responds and how. If people age 30 and under hate the idea,
then a June vote is a lot more attractive than November. However, if the younger population is in favor
of the initiative, then November is the more ideal time.
Todd explained the need for allowing enough time for the education component. It is essential to
ask the right questions and planning is critical to the process. Pulkrabek said one major hurdle is
figuring out how to pay for a justice center; there is some divisiveness among the voters. Harney said
one of the good things is that the County is planning the budget now and it will go into effect July 1,
2009. Another issue is the state of the economy; no one knows when that will change. Harney said that
so much of this process hinges on whether there will be an agreement with the GSA, and that can take
time.
Neuzil stated he thinks there is interest in having Vernon Research Group provide a questionnaire
for a survey. However, he thinks it is unrealistic to think the issue can be on the ballot in November
2009. That would require having hired an architect in order to determine the cost of the project; the cost
will have to be included on the ballot. Todd asked if what Neuzil is saying is that a 2009 ballot initiative
isn't possible. Neuzil said he just pointed out the amount of work to be completed before a ballot
initiative is ready. The Board hasn't targeted a date yet and it expects that the newly hired Criminal
Justice Coordinating Committee Coordinator Bob Elliott will help create a timeline over the next six
months. The window of opportunity for a survey in Johnson County is different than other places; if
input from a younger population is important, they cannot conduct the survey in May, June, July, or
August.
R. Sullivan said he does not want to involve an architect before a public survey, because part of the
issue is determining the level of public tolerance and how much the public might be willing to spend.
Pulkrabek said he envisions two surveys, the first to learn the level of public tolerance and how they are
willing to pay. Neuzil said he does not want to conduct a survey in March 2009 and not use the
information until a year later; it will be outdated. R. Sullivan said he wants a baseline measure of the
public's opinion. He challenges anyone to say they really know how the average person thinks about
this issue. If a poll reveals 50% support the proposal, they could build on that, but if there is only 15%
of the survey population supports the proposal, there is a lot of work to do.
Todd said she understands why a fall timeline based on the school calendar is of concern to the
Board. She recommended the Board not shorten the process too much, because it doesn't know what the
initial survey will reveal about the level of public knowledge and they may need to do a fair amount of
education before next May. Neuzil said, if the first survey is completed in March 2009 and results are
available by April or May 2009, they would not have something ready for November 2009. Pulkrabek
said this is assuming the results are positive. Todd asked if they were thinking that if 60% supported it
in March the issue could not be on the November 2009 ballot. Neuzil said there are other considerations
such as whether they will be able to acquire the GSA property, and they still need an architect in order to
determine a cost before this can go on the ballot. R. Sullivan said Neuzil is probably right about the
http://www.j ohnson-county.com/auditor/min/090107cj cc-min.htm 7/20/2009
MINUTES OF THE INFORMAL MEETING OF THE JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD 0... Page 3 of 9
timing; even if they got a really positive response in March; however, the Board still needs to know
what that public opinion is. Neuzil said the data will get old, if they don't put something on the ballot
soon after the survey. R. Sullivan said at least they would have a baseline.
Harney said he feels that once they start the process, they need to continue, because starting and then
stopping will require them to start over again. Elliott agreed and asked the Board how long before they
know what location will be selected. Harney said it will be at least six months, if not more. Elliott said
they don't want to start anything until they are certain they can complete the whole process. He thinks it
will be important for the County to have at least six months after everything has been decided to work
on marketing and public information. They need to talk to the civic organizations and determine how
people in the rural and urban areas are going to be informed and have their questions answered.
Currently, they don't know the location, cost, and how they are going to fund it. Elliott said the summer
or November of 2010 is about the best they can hope for.
Todd said, if they will not know about the location for yet another year, that will affect the timing of
the survey. Neuzil said it should not take that long. Harney said he hopes to know in four to six
months. R. Sullivan said they need to do some concurrent planning; there is a chance they might not get
to use the downtown location. There is also the chance they get the location and the public says they
won't give a dime, in which case it does not do them any good to have the location. Actions must occur
concurrently with the understanding that time frames can be clumsy. He affirmed his position that there
is no reason not to move forward now. Harney agreed. R. Sullivan said they should find out what
people think right now; he doesn't see the sense in waiting to know if GSA is definitely available.
Elliott said he would like to meet with Harney and the Vernon Research Group to determine
alternatives and to learn what specific public opinion information the survey can provide. He agrees that
they should move forward with the understanding that most of the key issues are yet to be determined.
Neuzil said the timing issue is difficult in Johnson County because the population is so transient. He
said they can get some general information, making some assumptions about using the Courthouse
location, then modify the plan if the GSA property doesn't become available.
R. Sullivan said he would still like to move forward with a survey and explained that Todd has met
with the Board four times now and he feels like there has been no progress. Attorney Jim McCarragher
said he sees value in conducting an earlier poll. The public can be surveyed to find out what they
currently know about the needs for a jail and courthouse in the county. In the same sampling, they also
could ask what information would be valuable in determining if they would vote for a courthouse or a
jail. He is afraid to turn down the GSA site simply because they do not know if a justice center will be
supported. The County could buy the property and use it for whatever they want. Neuzil said the GSA
needs parking, so if the County purchases the property it will need to buy the federal government a
parking lot. McCarraghar said they could do that anyway. He said is in favor of an initial survey to
learn what the public knows now and what additional information would be valuable to the public.
Harney agreed and said the hang-up with this issue is that the GSA needs parking and the County
wanted to combine that parking with the building of a justice center. McCarraghar said he heard there
might be some kind of exchange. Neuzil said even if it is an exchange, the Board does not have the
money, without the voters help, to buy the GSA property and provide them with parking. County
Attorney Janet Lyness said if they aren't going to build anything right now, the federal government can
keep using the lot. McCarraghar said for groups like the Bar Association to help support the initiative,
they would like more information. In the meantime, the other issues of finding an architect, determining
the costs, and settling on a location can be pursued. He is concerned that asking people to pay $10, $20,
or $30 million without even giving them the education they need to understand the issue will result in
negative responses.
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Lyness asked what an initial survey would cost. Todd said a ten minute telephone survey for 400
people would cost $18,045. A five minute follow-up survey of the same population would cost
$12,600. There are other options such as dividing the follow-up survey into two, two minute telephone
calls, the second one to determine how the public would vote. This all depends on what they learn from
the first survey. Lyness asked if there is $18,000 in the budget should they want to try to conduct this
poll before July 1, 2009. Neuzil said he thinks they have already determined that they will take the
money out of the Sheriff s budget.
John Robertson said he was a leader in the past effort to defeat the proposal. He said they had a very
easy time with that. It would be an error to assume that the political dynamics in the community are any
different now. The individuals may be somewhat different, but the politics in the community are
probably the same. The earlier proposal failed because it was a bad proposal, there was poor education,
and opponents were easily able to exploit weaknesses in the project. There was a general consensus that
there is a problem and there needs to be transparency about what to do to solve the problem.
Robertson believes there needs to be a far more concerted effort to resolve the issues and concerns
before asking the public to spend its money. A key component was the taskforce that existed for a year
to try to develop ideas about how to deal with this. Robertson works for the Public Defender's Office
and he enjoys this community for being able to find things for his clients to do besides sit in jail.
Nevertheless, the project is a tough sell, because Johnson County is a community that tends not to like
the criminal justice system. It continues to be important that there is transparency and an educational
and informational effort underway. He said there is a general consensus on the Committee and with
people in the know that the County needs to build a new facility sooner rather than later. Ideally, the
facility should be in the area of the existing Courthouse. It is also important to continue the
philosophical shift towards not jailing people and not just building a facility to warehouse inmates and
make the criminal justice system more powerful. Robertson stated it is also necessary to involve the
community. It is time to move forward on this issue.
Robertson said the economy is bad, but they do not really know when it is going to get better. They
have an opportunity to buy some land and they should do so; even if they cannot build a new jail they
will find some use for the land. He said they need to find out what the community thinks about this
project. He encouraged the Board to move forward on the land purchase and drawings for the building
project. If the survey reveals that 30% to 40% of the public is behind the project, that is good news. He
thinks they need to move forward now, otherwise they will need to start over from scratch.
In response to R. Sullivan's concerns about making progress, Elliott said the Criminal Justice
Coordinating Committee is just getting organized and he asked for one to two months to meet with
members and prepare a recommendation of where to go from here. There are a number of unanswered
questions concerning marketing and survey research. R. Sullivan said he is still in favor of moving
forward now as there is no gain in waiting two more months. Neuzil said by the February 2009 meeting
they can expect to have determined the committee structure as well as subcommittee work and
assignments. In the meantime, he thinks the Board can begin negotiations with Vernon Research Group
for a survey design. In February the Board would vote to move forward or not. In March the survey
questions would be ready, and by April the survey could begin.
R. Sullivan said that at some point Todd will want to get paid. Neuzil said that in February the
Board will decide if they move forward with Vernon Research Group. R. Sullivan then asked what is
expected from Todd up to that point. Neuzil said he would expect Vernon Research Group to prepare an
official proposal to the core group, so they will have a proposal to vote on in February. R. Sullivan said
ultimately, the Board has to vote, which is why he likes the idea of joint meetings with the CJCC.
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Ultimately the Board has to approve the funding, so if they want to do it they should just do it, instead of
meeting with another subcommittee. Elliott said before the end of January, he would like to have
conversations with Todd to find out what they can do. He wants to know what they recommend and
how the information can be used in the planning process.
Lyness said they have actually had that presentation before. She, Pulkrabek, Harney, and a couple
other people could meet with Todd, because they have a pretty good idea of what they want to do; they
have been going over this for years. If the Board voted tomorrow to fund the survey, they could get it
together. Todd said there is generally a contract to work on the specific questions. Harney said the
bottom line is that at the last meeting, a majority of the Board chose to utilize and it was just a matter
of time. Elliott said R. Sullivan, Neuzil, and Harney all agree to use Vernon Research Group to conduct
the survey. He said he thinks the Committee needs another few weeks to determine precisely how
Vernon Research Group will be used, what they will provide, and how that will be beneficial to the
justice center planning progress.
Pulkrabek said he does not want to spend the next month working on this if a majority of the Board
is not willing to do this. If they know that the Board is supportive, then the rest of them will do the
work. Harney said Neuzil is pretty much on target with the timeline he presented earlier.
R. Sullivan said he would like the Board to take this up at the January 15, 2009, Board meeting.
Neuzil said if it is on January 15, 2009, he would vote against it, because he does not know specifically
what the Vernon Research Group will do. He would like to see a specific proposal of how they came up
with $18,000. R. Sullivan said he has the proposal from them which is four or five months old now and
since then, the cost went up $400 or $500. Neuzil said, until he gets an official proposal that shows the
kind of questions they will be asking, it is hard for him to move forward; this is 20,000 more dollars
they didn't budget.
Todd said she does not yet know the specific questions they will ask. Neuzil said he is not asking
for that, but he would like enough information to be able to explain to the public what they are spending
money on. Todd said she can resend the same proposal and change the cost figures. Much of that
proposal is not going to change. Neuzil said he has heard three different ideas from Todd today and he
is waiting for a more definitive proposal with specific information, so he can explain to the public what
the County is spending money on.
Todd said one option is a ten minute survey, followed up with a five minute survey, or a ten minute
survey followed up with two separate two minute surveys. It is based on the Boards priorities. R.
Sullivan said he has a proposal from October 3, 2007, and December 2007. He also has a PowerPoint
Todd presented and said that anyone can access this information. The top end for the survey last time
was .$18,000. Todd said that is for a ten minute survey. Neuzil asked if that is what the Board has
decided. He said that is all he is trying to understand.
McCarraghar said sometimes committees that fund or make appropriations are in favor of using a
research group, spending up to $18,000, and authorizing them to begin the process of putting together
the information. This way they will at least begin the process and the Board is not stuck saying exactly
what it is going to be because it is still in process but they have at least authorized the process to move
forward. It sounds like Vernon cannot do the questioning and will not engage in too much planning
until they get confirmation that they will have a contract. He suggested the Board pass a motion stating
that the Board is in favor of contracting with Vernon Research Group, authorize up to a certain dollar
amount, and begin meeting with Vernon Research Group to design the survey and timeline. Neuzil said
it sounds great.
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R. Sullivan said he still wants to know if there are three Board members willing to put this item on
the Formal meeting agenda for January 15, 2009. Meyers asked if they vote on January 15, 2009, how
long it will be before survey results would be available. Todd said, if on January 15, 2009, they are
authorized to move forward then within a week or two they could be meeting with Committee members
to determine the questions. It takes about two weeks to settle on the exact questions and prepare the
final instrument. That could take two weeks, depending on how many people have to sign off. It
depends on how fast it is approved. Meyers said they need time to actually do the survey and compile
the results. Todd said in Johnson County it will take two to two and a half weeks to conduct the
telephone survey. After the survey they allow two or three weeks for the analysis before presenting a
preliminary report.
Meyers said, even if the survey is approved next week, it will be a couple months before results are
available for analysis. R. Sullivan asked if three Board members want to vote on this next week. Neuzil
said he does not want to vote on contracting with Vernon Research Group on January 15, 2009. R.
Sullivan said then that is enough for a no. Lyness proposed that Pulkrabek, Elliott, Harney, and
someone else from the Committee get together with Todd to prepare a proposal, so they can vote on it as
quick as possible. They can target January 15 or 22, 2009, but will agree to get it done as soon as
possible. Many have heard the presentations before, so they have a good idea of the particulars. Harney
said they can put it on the Board agenda to approve the funding, but it is up to the Committee and the
Board to decide when to proceed with the survey.
Elliott said he asked if there is anything else the Board needs from him before he leaves. Harney
said he would like Elliott to set a meeting date. Elliott said the reason he is motivated to chair the
committee is that for the last few years he has been disappointed with the lack of progress and he does
not want to be seen as someone holding up this process. Harney said Elliott was hired for a purpose and
he expects him to start taking the lead with some of this.
Richard Twohy said he hopes everyone does not want to wait on a decision about the GSA property.
It is important for the County to secure that property and then let government staff keep parking there
until the County has something else ready to propose. Twohy emphasized the need for transparency in
this process and said people need to know the facts.
Pulkrabek said the cost for FY07 has been determined and is available on the Johnson County
Sheriff's website. He said they are beginning to work on FY08 with University of Iowa Professor
Emeritus of Psychology John Neff, but as of FY07 the cost to house an inmate outside the County has
exceeded what it costs to house them in-county. He added that it is not easy to get that information out.
ARREST RATES
R. Sullivan asked how Johnson County arrest rates compare to other counties. He is unsure if the
information is even available; however, people are beginning to ask for this information and he would
like to respond to these requests.
Pulkrabek said based on information from the one year long Iowa Policy Project process, a greater
percentage of alcohol arrests are made in Johnson County than in Ames, but there are more bars in
downtown Iowa City than in Ames. Story County's Jail is in Nevada, not Ames and he thinks that the
drive alone may sometimes deter officers from making an arrest. He makes this assumption based on
his years of law enforcement experience. He said some arrest rate information may be available from
the County Attorney's Office regarding State charges. Harney said variations in arrest rates are due to
the layout of the community. There may be more arrests for intoxication but those inmates are not the
ones clogging the Jail. Pulkrabek said correct; they are talking about criminals charged with very
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serious crimes and those are the people waiting to be tried. People arrested for public intoxication and
OWI cycle in one day and out the next. R. Sullivan said he still thinks the information is important and
since the public has requested this information, he would like to respond.
Lyness restated that Neff has been studying arrest rates. She said arrest rates need to be qualified;
arrest rates for armed robbery and bank robberies are really high right now in the county. The public
needs to understand the distinction between arrests for public intoxication and armed robbery. Meyers
said it is a good idea to list the various crimes because the public perception is that the Jail is filled with
drunken college students. He said the Press-Citizen newspaper article of a few weeks ago highlighted
that alcohol arrests are actually a small portion of total arrests and the County Jail inmates are people
who need to be removed from society.
R. Sullivan said the real question is how arrests rates affect the Jail population. Harney said there
are a lot of numbers available to the Sheriff through the FBI statistics. Pulkrabek said the uniform crime
reporting program is nationwide. Maybe this is something Elliott can work on with Neff, but they
would need to narrow the scope for them, because it would be a fairly daunting task otherwise. R.
Sullivan said he does not know enough to know how to narrow the scope but he feels it is essential to
provide the public with information at some point. Neuzil said arrest rates were a big issue in 2000. He
has always believed that Johnson County arrests too many people. Jail opponents argued that the
University of Kansas had only four alcohol arrests for the entire college community. That argument was
used quite a bit, Neuzil said, adding that people argued if a new Jail is built, it will be filled.
R. Sullivan asked if Lyness and Pulkrabek would be willing to work with Elliott to try to pull some
statistics together. Pulkrabek said the Johnson County Sheriffs Office releases an annual report with
arrest data. Blackhawk County produces a report also. The reports include county data only; they do
not include Iowa City data. R. Sullivan said the information won't be very useful, unless it also includes
the municipalities data. Lyness said she has a meeting on January 12, 2009, with all the chiefs and will
ask about obtaining such data. Meyer asked if a record exists of the offenses people have been arrested
for. Pulkrabek said yes and that is what is categorized by John Neff. R. Sullivan said he does not want
to create more work for Pulkrabek but this is the kind of thing they hired Elliott to do, so it would be
helpful if they helped him get started with this data collection. Harney suggested that most communities
will have those statistics available.
COURTHOUSE SECURITY
Lyness said security is an ongoing concern at the Sheriff's Office. She appreciates the two full-time
deputies at the Courthouse, because it helps staff feel more secure. However, some structural changes
within the Courthouse will need to be addressed if a new justice center will not be a reality soon.
Lyness told the committee that on December 29, 2009, someone entered the Courthouse at 7:50 a.m. A
staff member was at her work area, which is unsecured and completely open to the public. This member
of the public was very threatening and angry; he demanded to talk to the Victim Witness Coordinator.
The person was yelling, screaming, and using profanity at the staff member. He fortunately left when
the staff member explained the office was not open yet and the Victim Witness Coordinator was not
available yet. Then, within a block of the Courthouse, he was arrested when he almost hit some
pedestrians. A University of Iowa police officer, not in uniform, saw him and flagged him down. The
individual had a stick and was also armed with a knife and injured the officer. Lyness said the staff
member was pretty nervous and immediately sent her an email about what had happened, not knowing
the person had subsequently been apprehended. The revelation that the individual had a knife and a
stick and attacked the officer was very frightening to the Courthouse employee. She said the office
layout would have prevented her from getting away from that person. If a justice center is not going to
become a reality soon, they must evaluate architectural changes within the Courthouse, so they do not
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have any staff exposed to potentially dangerous people with no escape route. The reception area in the
Sheriff's Office also has staff situated in an unsafe setting and anyone could jump over the counter to
attack someone.
Neuzil said this discussion helps everyone understand the immediacy of the issue and that it is more
than just a jail issue. He said Lyness is a voice in the community to let the public know that the justice
center is more than a jail issue. She can provide actual examples of unsafe situations in the unsecured
Courthouse.
BOOHING FEES
Pulkrabek said he has been researching booking fees. He said, if the County wanted to implement a
service charge on municipalities with each booking, it cannot be done that way. The law requires the
arresting agency to submit a photograph and fingerprints to the State. Currently, those are all submitted
by the Sheriff's Office.
If they say they are going to implement a booking fee on serious misdemeanors and above, they can
say that cities will pay the County a fee to take the photograph and do the fingerprinting -that would
more likely be called a fingerprint fee. Alternatively, if a $10 charge for booking is assessed, then the
municipalities could say they don't think it is worth it to house their inmates at the County Jail and they
would rather build a small holding facility. Then after they build the holding facility, they are going to
bill the County for the costs. There is authority for this in a court decision stating counties are
responsible for inmates, but not for photographing and fingerprinting. The County could implement a
fee to photograph, fingerprint, and hold inmates or they could agree to not hold them until fingerprints
and photographs are secured elsewhere.
Lyness said there are very few people fully trained to properly book inmates. It is preferential to
have the Sheriffs Office do all the fingerprinting and booking, because then they know it is getting done
correctly. The fewer people involved in this process reduces errors. When the new Jail opened, the
decision was to have all the booking done by the Sheriff's staff to minimize errors. Harney said another
issue is fairness and equality. The County Jail has to accept DOT prisoners, State Patrol prisoners, and
Campus Security State prisoners and Harney thinks those entities would be exempt from a booking fee.
It would be unfair to charge municipalities in this situation.
Neuzil said he remembers the issue from 2000, because Linn County does have a booking fee. The
question then was whether a booking fee would be an arrest deterrent to municipalities. At the very
least they need to have a response to someone who asks why some are charging and others not.
Pulkrabek said they could be talking about two different types of booking fees. If they are talking about
a fee assessed to an arrestee when he comes to Jail that is what Linn County has. R. Sullivan confirmed
that Linn County does not have the fingerprint fee, but they charge inmates a daily incarceration fee.
Pulkrabek said that it is difficult to collect this fee.
REPORT FROM ALTERNATIVES AND TREATMENT OPPORTUNITIES SUB-
COMMITTEE
Jail Alternatives Representative Jessica Peckover said they have worked with 386 individuals since
the program started. In December 2008, they worked with 32 people. MECCA Services Clinical
Manager Megan Lavelle said in December 2008, MECCA staff attended initial appearances on 31
days. They were requested to do 25 evaluations and 20 were completed. Of the five that were not
completed, three were already in treatment and staff met with them to make sure their counselors knew
that they needed to be seen. One person was a monolingual Spanish speaker. On the weekend they
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were unable to get aSpanish-speaking individual to meet with them and was the person released. She
said one person refused and wanted to go home. Nine of the 25 evaluations were completed on
weekends.
REPORT FROM PUBLIC AWARENESS AND INFORMATION SUB-COMMITTEE
Neuzil said it sounds like Elliott is going to work with the core committee to re-identify the three
subcommittees and begin focusing on a timeline and some other tasks.
REPORT FROM FACILITIES PLANNING SUB-COMMITTEE
Harney said Neuzil, M. Sullivan, and himself, met with GSA and reports they are very interested in
having more activity around the Post Office area. They said that increased traffic in the area will be
better for their services. Harney said they asked GSA about their plans for expansion and Harney
reported the GSA said they have no interest in expanding in the downtown area. The recent new
location in Coralville has eliminated any need they may have had for expansion. Harney said the GSA
is very willing to work with the County and is enthusiastic about increasing foot traffic in the area.
Their main concerns are parking for people using the Social Security Offices and the offices within their
facility, and parking for their staff. The County would have to create temporary parking for the Federal
Building employees. Neuzil said the group was enthusiastic. Amore revitalized southern part of Iowa
City is going to enhance the building's opportunity to rent the spaces within the Post Office. The
essential thing they want is parking. He said M. Sullivan is going to follow-up with GSA.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS FROM CRIMINAL JUSTICE COORDINATING COMMITTEE
MEMBERS
Neuzil said they need to reschedule the February and March 2009 meetings because in February two
members will be on the Chamber of Commerce Washington D.C. trip and in March, all members are
invited to the Iowa State Association of Counties Spring School of Instruction. The next meeting is
scheduled for February 11, 2009, at 4:00 p.m. and the following meeting for Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at
4:00 p.m. They will resume the 1st Wednesday meetings schedule in Apri12009.
Lyness said Elliott requested a list of official CJCC members. She said she doesn't think anybody
truly knows. Lyness said they have an open spot for a representative from the Iowa City City Council.
Adjourned at 5:22 p.m.
Attest: Tom Slockett, Auditor
By:
On the day of , 2009
By Nancy Tomkovicz, Recording Secretary
Sent to the Board of Supervisors on July 13, 2009 at 1:20 p.m.
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MINUTES OF THE JOINT INFORMAL MEETING OF JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE COORDINATING COMMITTEE (RENAMED
JUSTICE CENTER COORDINATING COMMITTEE):
FEBRUARY 11, 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Discussion• Utilization of the Vernon Research Group
Report on Activities of Criminal Justice Coordinatin~~ Committee Coordinator Bob Elliott
Report from Alterna..t~~es a...nd_Treatment_(~pportumries_Subco...mmittee
Report._from PublicA....wareness and..Information_Subrnmmittee
Report from l~aytlrt~es_I'lanning Subc,omm,ttee
Additional Comments._from Cnmin,al Justice C~~rdmatng Ccnntnrttee_IVlembers
__
p~sc,usson l,~cal Option Sales Iax_:I egislat~n
Page
Chairperson Neuzil called the Johnson County Board of Supervisors to order in the Johnson County
Administration Building at 4:03 p.m. Members present were: Pat Harney, Larry Meyers, Terrence
Neuzil, Sally Stutsman, and Rod Sullivan.
Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee members present were: Criminal Justice Coordinating
Committee Coordinator Bob Elliott, Harney, County Attorney Janet Lyness, County Bar Association
Representative James McCarragher, Professor Emeritus John Stratton, and Sullivan; absent: County
Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek.
DISCUSSION: UTILIZATION OF THE VERNON RESEARCH GROUP
Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee Coordinator Bob Elliott said he met with Vernon
Research Group Business Development Manager Susan Pfeiler-Todd. He said Pfeiler-Todd sent him
two informal proposals and he would like meet with the core committee group for discussion and then to
make a recommendation to the Board. The first proposal is a five minute telephone survey that would
cost $19,000. The second is a twenty minute extensive telephone survey costing $30,000 to $35,000.
He wants to get a sense of how valuable, how cost-effective, and how necessary the Board thinks that
input would be. Elliott asked how the Board would like him to present the information. Neuzil said the
process should have the core group presenting to the Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee (CJCC)
and then bringing it the Board in informal and formal sessions.
REPORT ON ACTIVITIES OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE COORDINATING COMMITTEE
COORDINATOR BOB ELLIOTT
R. Sullivan asked who the members of the core group are. Elliott provided a hardcopy of the
committee list for the Board's approval. The core group had asterisks on the list. Neuzil said one of
Elliott's first objectives was to confirm who is on the CJCC and each sub-committee and then determine
what is lacking. Elliott said after he distributed the first list he met with Mindy Lamb and Jerri Allen
from the Department of Correctional Services who had a lot of expertise in the area so he spoke with the
respective subcommittee chairs to consider their membership on sub-committees.
R. Sullivan said he is concerned with decisions being made without the whole Board's presence.
When he was first elected the Board, there was not good communication with the CJCC. The remedy
was joint meetings, but if things are done and repeated 2 weeks later, it might not be productive. Elliott
said the CJCC had a productive meeting, but they make no decisions, they can only recommend to the
Board. Stutsman clarified Elliott meant core committee when he refers to the committee. Elliott said
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yes. Stutsman said the Board should give Elliott the opportunity to organize this before they discuss any
changes. Elliott said he wants to hear opinions from the Board.
R. Sullivan said he has strong feelings. Stutsman asked if R. Sullivan is concerned he is not part of
the core group. R. Sullivan said he does not understand having a core group. The problem in the first
place was the Board had a committee gathering information and making recommendations, which were
only being shared with one or two Supervisors. Former County Attorney Pat White said this project is
the most important issue the Board members would face. Since it is an important issue, he is an
advocate of joint meetings. That means the core group will have to have the same discussions two
weeks later to inform the rest of the Board who could not take part. He said he supports joint meetings
because issues should not have to be hashed out twice. Neuzil said the core group is composed of
County Attorney Janet Lyness, County Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek, Harney, and Elliott. The core group is
to allow Elliott the opportunity to get the process going and keep the group organized. He feels Elliott
has used the core group as a sounding board. Stutsman was supportive of committee, because it is less
cumbersome. She asked if R. Sullivan would feel better if there were two Supervisors on the core
group. She said it was not an issue for her not to be included in the core group. R. Sullivan said what
has happened in the past, decisions were made, then came to the Board where Supervisors were not in
the loop. He said it is a mistake not to keep all Supervisors in the loop as much as possible. Harney said
R. Sullivan is reading too much into it. The core group was assembled to have a discussion on the
Vernon Group and how the County should proceed, but was still to be brought before the entire Board
for a decision. It was a way to manage and get things moving.
County Attorney Janet Lyness said the core group was designed to fill Elliott in about the project
and his responsibilities and give him people to ask questions. R. Sullivan said he means no offense, but
has had items come to the Board the night of a meeting that he had never heard of. If it is a big issue he
wants to be involved. Iowa City City Council member Connie Champion asked if the Board has time at
their regularly scheduled meetings to discuss committee meetings. She said the City Council does not
go to every meeting; they are all on committees and they report to the Council as a whole during
Council time. Neuzil said they do, but the Board has officially combined the CJCC into a joint CJCC
and Board of Supervisors process every month. R. Sullivan restated his position, saying he does not
want to see his history with the issue, which is not good, repeated. Stutsman said there will be better
communication and follow-through now that the CJCC has a coordinator. Elliott said he feels the
Committee is more productive if it meets and discusses issues around a table. Board meetings are
semiformal where the speaker is at a microphone and there is not the give and take. The decision is still
with the Board. R. Sullivan said this meeting could be moved downstairs. Stutsman said it does not
seem like any other Supervisors want to be involved in the core grou, so they should just add R.
Sullivan. Neuzil said the core group members helped write the job description, so it was natural that
they help Elliott in the learning process. He said the question is more if a core group will be necessary
much longer.
Elliott said he is looking for the subcommittees to be doing the majority of the heavy lifting for the
next couple of months He said the Facilities sub-committee (Facilities) has a great deal of information,
perhaps all that is needed, so now they need to discuss to be able to make formal recommendations to
the Board. Neuzil said it would be helpful to know how the list and the new committee were
determined. He said he is confused about the purpose of the new External Funding/Grants
subcommittee that is chaired by Facilities Director Dave Kempf, as he would put Kempf under
Facilities. Elliott said Kempf is on Facilities. His thought on the External Funding/Grants Sub-
committee is that it seems like there is between modest opportunities to little to no opportunity for any
government grants. He wants to make every effort to investigate any available funding other than
taxpayers' dollars. Harney said Kempf volunteered to work with County Treasurer Tom Kriz and
Emergency Management Coordinator Dave Wilson on that. Neuzil said he thought it was strange for
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Kempf to be looking into an area not in his area of expertise.
Elliott said if the Board is not comfortable with his suggests he wants to know. R. Sullivan said he
has a meeting scheduled with Elliott, which would be a better venue for discussion. Elliott said he sat
down with former Board of Supervisors Executive Assistant Mike Sullivan to write down who was on
which committee but he missed Stutsman on the Alternatives & Treatments subcommittee
(Alternatives). He wishes there were only four to five people on each subcommittee. For Alternatives,
Lyness said having Lamb from Department of Correctional Services is probably sufficient. She offered
to check with both people to see which would prefer to participate. Elliott said Allen had expressed
interest in being on Facilities. Neuzil asked if Budget Coordinator Rich Claiborne would be better
suited to the External Funding/Grants Sub-committee instead of Facilities. When he looks at External
Funding/Grants subcommittee, he thinks more of Kriz's input should be on how to fund the project than
how much room should be in the facility. Stutsman said the name of the subcommittee should be
changed to Funding. Neuzil agreed, saying a funding subcommittee is appropriate, because the Board
has to determine how to pay for the project.
Elliott said he liked having Kriz on one of the committees as an elected official other than the Board
members. Neuzil said it would be good if all the County elected officials were on one of the sub-
committees. In 2000 the County Attorney and Auditor were not on the same page as the Board of
Supervisors, so it would be good to include the Recorder Kim Painter and Auditor Tom Slockett.
Stutsman said Painter has fantastic writing skills and might be a great asset to the Public
Information/Outreach Sub-committee (Public Information). Neuzil said the Board should invite
Slockett to participate in the Funding subcommittee. Neuzil said he does not have an issue with larger
sub-committees as long as the chair is able to divide the workload. Elliott said having a larger sub-
committee provides a greater representation of concerns and suggestions, but it makes it harder for
chairs of those committees to update all members who were unable to attend. Meyers said his name is
not on the list and he would like to be on the Facilities Sub-committee. Elliott said that sound goods.
Neuzil said it would be nice to have a Supervisor on each of the Sub-committees. Champion said Neuzil
should be on Public Information. R. Sullivan said he will move to Funding.
Neuzil asked if John Neff was on Public Information. Elliott said Neff did not want to be on the
committee but would available to do special services. Neuzil said he did not want to be on the CJCC,
but does want to be on Public Information. He does not know if there is a CJCC any longer in the sense
of seven members, because the Board is included. He is curious whether the Board wants to keep that
structure. Elliott said, when the sub-committees meet, he would like a small group of people that can
meet on short notice to bounce ideas off of. Neuzil said there could be CJCC and a full meeting with
CJCC and Board. He thinks the CJCC needs to be restructured so that the chairs of the subcommittees
would be involved. The CJCC would then meet with the Board. He said the meetings will be more
intense in the next year and a half. Elliott said he has no investment in the committee structure, because
the structure was given to him by the Board. Neuzil said the structure is three or four years old.
Alternatives Sub-committee member Dorothy Whiston said the CJCC came out of an earlier
taskforce and there is strong feeling there should be community members on it. She does not care if she
is on the CJCC, but there should be community representation. Facilities Sub-comittee Community
representative Kara Logsden asked if the CJCC should be called the Justice Center Coordinating
Committee, because the focus has shifted to a justice center. Elliott said it would be good to clearly
define the committee's name. He has been pushing for calling the Justice Center Coordinating
Committee (JCCC). Neuzil reiterated the Board needs to decide who will chair the sub-committees and
who would belong on the Justice Center Coordinating Committee. R. Sullivan said Sergeant Kevin Bell
and Captain Dave Wagner are both on Alternatives, but only one needs speak for the Sheriff's Office, so
it would be good to move the other to Facilities. Both are intimately involved in the mechanics of
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moving prisoners. Elliott and Harney said Pulkrabek suggested they both be on Alternatives. Stutsman
said Alternatives has really done their work and there is not much left to do. Harney suggested speaking
with Pulkrabek about moving one. Neuzil said the Board would move Whiston to Public Information
per her request.
R. Sullivan said it is vital for the Iowa City Chief of the Police or a top subordinate be part of a
subcommittee. They often have questions about Iowa City and how they police, which the
subcommittee members cannot respond to. Champion asked about including the Coralville Police
Department then. R. Sullivan said the main concern is with Iowa City; there are a lot of misconceptions
that only the Iowa City Police Department can answer. Champion said this was an issue discussed on
the CJCC several years ago. She thinks it would be nice if a Supervisor called to make the request to
participate. Harney said he believes the Chief of Police is willing to participate, but he wants to get to
the point where they will be contributing something. Elliott said he considered representation from
different areas, but one reason for representation from the City of Iowa City is the facility will be located
in Iowa City. R. Sullivan said the argument the Board hears is the Jail is full of people Iowa City Police
arrest from the bars. The only people who can address that factually is the Iowa City Police Department
themselves. Harney said the Jail employees have come numerous times reporting it is not filled with
intoxicated people. Neuzil said the Board needs an Iowa City Police officer to confirm that. R. Sullivan
said the public has not gotten the message. Stutsman asked if the Board is trying to change how they do
their work or get input. R. Sullivan said the Iowa City Police need to explain what they do and why and
if it impacts the facility.
Elliott said Public Information is vitally important because when the County knows what and where
they will build, the public needs to fully understand the reasons and need for the facility. It is important
to have a committee of people who can communicate that to the public. One of John Neff's final reports
stated that 80% of people incarcerated in the Jail are not from alcohol-related arrests in Iowa City, which
needs to be emphasized. Harney said he gets irritated when people say Iowa City Police is the problem,
when there are University of Iowa Department of Public Safety (UIDPS) officers and Department of
Correctional Services officers also making arrests.
Neuzil said the Board needs to decide who is on the Justice Center Coordinating Committee (JCCC,
formerly CJCC). Champion said she thought the whole committee would be the JCCC with a core
group or head group. Stutsman said that the first group listed would be given a different name, then and
everyone would be on the JCCC. Elliott said he looks at the structure as all participants are members of
the committee, but some are assigned to sub-committees. Neuzil said the structure should be a JCCC
with seven people: a smaller group that could get together two weeks before the joint meeting takes
place to put together the agendas and get organized. They would come to the joint JCCCBoard of
Supervisors meeting. Everyone else would be participating on asub-committee. Elliott said it should
be made clear to the sub-committee members there will be time for minority reports at the joint
meetings. He wants people to be able to share opinions about why they do not agree with certain
decisions. Harney said he does not want anyone who comes to meetings to be left out.
Neuzil suggested the chairs of sub-committees be on the JCCC. Elliott said Neuzil has expressed
concern with some of the chairs. Neuzil said it seemed strange Kempf would be the chair of Funding.
Stutsman agreed it should be Kriz or Slockett. Neuzil said R. Sullivan could chair Funding, which
would also put him on the JCCC. Attorney James McCarragher said Neuzil should be the Public
Information Chair. Neuzil said he would rather not, because the Board should not have more than two
Supervisors on the JCCC and there is value in getting citizens involved. He is hopeful Public
Information will be a catalyst for funding or selling the idea to the public. If the County gets to a point
where they consider bonding or a sales tax, a Supervisor cannot lead the effort.
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Elliott said he is hoping Public Information will have a list shortly of all the groups in the County
that they should be speaking to and who should carry out the message. Neuzil said the JCCC is Elliott,
Harney, Lyness, R. Sullivan, Pulkrabek, and McCarragher. Another community member would be nice.
Whiston nominated Stratton. Neuzil confirmed the committee members would be Lyness, Elliott, R.
Sullivan, Harney, Pulkrabek, McCarragher, and Stratton. The duties will include assembling agendas
and working with the Board. It would be similar to how they run meetings with MH/DS. Stutsman said
there are people attending these meetings that would not need to be present for other meetings. Neuzil
said the Sub-committee members would not be required to attend, but could come to the joint meeting.
Elliott said would agree, as asking that the Board allows sub-committee members the opportunity to
speak about issues from sub-committee meetings they disagreed with.
Neuzil said the Board needs to consider where the new Board of Supervisors Executive Assistant
would participate. Elliott said he assumed that person would be who he worked most directly with.
Neuzil said that will depend whether the person is from here and understands the issues. Elliott said he
would like to get things moving, so when subcommittees are asked to present information they have the
information and recommendations to make. Neuzil asked those attending to think about who is missing
on the sub-committees. Harney said the Board should include the Coralville Police Department. Neuzil
said the Board could consider the U of I Department of Public Safety, even though they have
representation from the University of Iowa, and also the U of I student government. Elliott said it would
be nice in sending mailings to have a group who is extremely representative of a variety of interests and
concerns involved with the project, which is what the Board is trying to obtain.
REPORT FROM ALTERNATIVES AND TREATMENT OPPORTUNITIES SUBCOMMITTEE
Lyness said she sent out an email saying the subcommittee needs to meet in two weeks time. The
Subcommittee will look at their December 2006 report to see if there is anything further they want to
consider.
REPORT FROM PUBLIC AWARENESS AND INFORMATION SUBCOMMITTEE
McCarragher said they need to get contact information before they move forward.
REPORT FROM FACILITIES PLANNING SUBCOMMITTEE
Harney said he has spoken with General Services Administration (GSA) Senior Property Manager
Roger Foster. The GSA is willing to participate, but they cannot do anything further until there is a
proposal from the County. He said Foster is developing a response letter to verify everything that has
been discussed. Any information the GSA gets goes to their General Council. If the GSA decides to
sell the property, they need to go through a disposal process, which is through a firm in Texas and
requires giving federal and state governments the first options. The GSA needs more information about
funding and parking, such as if the County is offering a ramp or other alternatives. They also want to
know how the County plans to purchase the property. GSA also requested a concrete plan to send to
their executive council for review.
Neuzil said it sounds like Facilities needs to get together to put a proposal in place. The County has
worked hard to identify the location, but the County needs that land. Stutsman asked if the funding
would be part of the bond. Harney said the initial thought was it would be part of the funding stream the
County chose, but the GSA wants some guarantee this will move forward. Stutsman said Facilities may
need alternate ideas of how to buy the lot, because there are a lot of ifs for GSA to base their decision.
Champion said in order for anything to move forward the County. needs the land, so they may need to
provide parking for the GSA. Harney said one question the GSA asked was where the GSA could park
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during the transition.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS FROM CRIMINAL JUSTICE COORDINATING COMMITTEE
MEMBERS
Elliott said the lead group needs to determine a recommendation on the Vernon Group's proposed
options to bring forward to the Board. He said it will be helpful to tell Vernon Group what kinds of
information the County wants rather than specific questions.
DISCUSSION: LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX LEGISLATION
Neuzil said the Iowa City Council is coming to the Board to request a piece of sales tax legislation.
The Board needs to determine how they would designate those dollars, if the tax would pass. One
County need is a justice center and wants to know this group's thoughts. The Finance Committee is
meeting to discuss the needs and the Board will have an informal discussion on February 19, 2009.
Champion asked what the County's share would be. Neuzil said the tax will be based on 114,000
residents, 22,000 of which are rural residents that would generate an estimated $4.5 million per year for
the County. If the sales tax lasts five years it would raise $22.5 million. Stutsman asked if Neuzil was
saying the unincorporated area should pay for a new jail instead of giving property tax relief or
improving roads in the unincorporated area. Neuzil said he assumes $22.5 million will not cover the
cost of a jail and the money will be a fund to put towards it. The timing could not be worse for the
justice center, because if it passes the County will only have $22.5 million raised after five years. If it
fails, then it is even more of a message that people are not ready to support an additional tax increase for
two or three more years. It questions whether the Board can afford a $60 to $70 million project.
Champion said the City of Coralville brought the issue forward, which is why Iowa City was willing to
put it on the ballot. Iowa City would use it for three major flood-related projects.
Elliott asked Champion of the Iowa City will be determining the form and whether there is a sunset.
Champion said Iowa City will recommend a five year sunset. Neuzil said the Board determines the
sunset. Elliott said, if it has any chance of passing, it has to have a sunset that needs to be specifically
identified. Harney said he has concerns about the level of tax, because it is not enough to make a dent in
the amount the County needs. Harney asked if Stutsman's concern is whether one group will pay for the
justice center. Stutsman said the unincorporated area will want roads fixed and property tax relief.
Neuzil said, if the Board does not include the justice center and it passes, then the County should take
the justice center off the table until the sales tax is finished. He does not think the Board will be in a
situation to find funding. Champion said Johnson County is the only county that does not have a sales
tax. Neuzil said Linn County does not currently. Champion said she wondered if this project would
compromise a sales tax for the justice center. She said if it does not pass, in three to five years the
County could propose a sales tax to pay for the justice center. Neuzil said it would only work if all the
communities agreed to put their share towards the justice center.
Harney said it creates a huge problem for Facilities, because they cannot propose plans for a facility
if they cannot pay for it. Champion said when people realize the County could pay for the justice center
in three years they would get onboard. Neuzil said the question is what to put on the ballot for the
County. He said if the sales tax passes without the justice center on the ballot, they will have to wait a
long time and therefore utilizing Vernon Research Group services might be useless at this point. Elliott
said Neuzil is correct. Everything needs to be on the table right now, because the County may come to
an alternative that requires waiting, which he would hate to see. R. Sullivan said the rural vote will be
independent of any other community. Neuzil said the rural residents would still pay it within the other
communities and the funds go to Iowa City or Coralville. Stutsman said people look at what they will
get out of it. Neuzil said because Coralville has a large retail entity, they are in the driver's seat.
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Stutsman said it would be better to have all or none. The purpose of the legislation was flood relief. R.
Sullivan said Marion stated how they would use the money if their tax passed, but said they would
rescind the sales tax if Cedar Rapids voted it down. Neuzil suggested the County should do something
similar, so that rural businesses are not disadvantaged, because their area has a tax while another does
not.
Neuzil said the next meeting is Tuesday March 3, 2009 at 4 p.m.
Adjourned at 5:15 p.m.
Attest: Tom Slockett, Auditor
By:
On the day of , 2009
By Casie Kadlec, Deputy Auditor, and John Deeth, Recording Secretary
Sent to the Board of Supervisors on July 10, 2009 at 2:00 pm.
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MINUTES OF THE JOINT INFORMAL MEETING OF JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE COORDINATING COMMITTEE:
MARCH 3, 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
i.Jtilization of the Vernon Research Group
Jail Inspection and Letter from Chief Jail Inspector Delbert G. Longley
Report on Activities of Justice Center Coordinating Committee Coordinator
Report_from_Alternatves and..Tteatments._.S...ubC.omnlittee
Report from P.ubhc Infotmationl0utreach_SubComrnitte..e.
keport,from l?ac~hties_SubCUmmtttee.
Report from funding/Grants_SubCommtttze.
Additional. Comments._from.J:ustice.._Center_C'oordinatin,g.C'omm,ttee Members
Page
Chairperson Neuzil called the Johnson County Board of Supervisors to order in the Johnson County
Administration Building at 4:05 p.m. Members present were: Pat Harney, Terrence Neuzil, and Rod
Sullivan; absent: Larry Meyers and Sally Stutsman.
Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee members present were: Criminal Justice Coordinating
Committee Coordinator Bob Elliott, County Attorney Janet Lyness, Clerk of Court Lodema Berkley,
Department of Correctional Services Supervisor Jerri Allen, MECCA Regional Director Heidi Cuda, Jail
Alternatives Team Member Emily Hurst, Johnson County Facilities Manager David Kempf, County Bar
Association Chair Jim McCarragher, and Jail Administrator Dave Wagner.
UTILIZATION OF THE VERNON RESEARCH GROUP
County Attorney Janet Lyness said she thinks the County should wait until after the sales tax vote,
because whatever happens with that could change opinions. She is a little worried about trying to
survey people now when there opinions can change dramatically. Criminal Justice Coordinating
Committee Coordinator Bob Elliott said he and Lyness are on the same page. He said, at least after the
May 5, 2009 election, they can get together to discuss what they think it meant. He said right now they
can only guess what it will mean, if it wins or loses. Neuzil asked what others thought. He said he is
feeling the same wind of reality. Sullivan said he was really pushing for this for over a year but now the
circumstances are such that he does not think it is worth it anymore. He said a year ago it would have
been helpful, but since then the national economy has collapsed, the county had a flood, they are talking
flood recovery, and he agrees with Lyness on that vote. Sullivan said he doesn't think it is worth it
anymore.
County Bar Association Representative James McCarragher said he thinks it is worth it, but he
thinks it is worth it after the outcome of the tax vote. He said then they can evaluate the outcome and
their focus may change. He said timing is more appropriate after the LOSST vote. Neuzil said the one
thing everyone needs to be realistic about is how long everyone wants this report to sit on a shelf. He
said he thinks the picture will be even muddier after May 5, 2009. He said he does think that report will
be helpful, but he does not want it to sit on a shelf for four years. Harney agreed and said, if the County
does the survey and then can't use it, because it is good for about six months afterward, it would be
beneficial to wait. Lyness said the Vernon Research Group can do two parts, an initial survey that will
give an idea of where people are, and then a subsequent one that would only be good for six months
closer to the time of the vote. Elliott said of the two surveys, one would cost about $20,000 and the
other close to $40,000. Sullivan said again he has done a 180 over time. His fear is they will not get
useful data. He said he is fairly convinced that the public is not going to support this, no matter which
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way it would be funded, through a sales tax or through a bond referendum. He said they should look at
another method of trying to get something done that doesn't require public vote.
Neuzil said he thinks that the Funding/Grants Subcommittee will need to think about and explore a
lot of different options. He said right now there is still a sense that they are moving forward with their
space and analysis report, the location and the strategy for a justice center. He said he does not think
that has changed, but he hopes that the Funding/Grants Subcommittee will have the opportunity to think
realistically about if the County is going to be able to have a $60 million project right away or if it is
going to have to be done in phases.
Elliott said it seems to him that a good time to have the subcommittees get together would be after
the May vote. He said the Alternatives Subcommittee has come in with the report that updates
everything to the present time. It would be good if Facilities could have a few alternatives, to know
what the County absolutely needs. Elliott said funding at that time can be looked at to see if there are
any grants available. He asked if the Board received the email from Richard Twohy regarding the
availability of grants. Elliott said that is an area he is not personally familiar with. He said he thinks
they need to exhaust all prospects for external finding. Elliott said, after that May election, if the Board
gives its approval to move ahead, then the subcommittees should be ready. Neuzil said the Vernon
Research Group has been put on hold.
JAIL INSPECTION AND LETTER FROM CHIEF JAIL INSPECTOR DELBERT G.
LONGLEY
Neuzil said Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek wanted to communicate this issue to the Justice Center
Coordinating Committee. He said Pulkrabek reported the situation is the same every year with no
change.
Neuzil said the Jail inspection letter gives some background of the issues the Jail staff has to
continually deal with on a daily basis. He said that in addition to space issues and safety issues, there
was a sewer pipe that burst in the Jail, causing significant damage. Neuzil said the smell was
particularly horrible due to the type of pipe that burst. He said they are continuing to deal with a facility
that has some issues. The County is lucky that the State of Iowa tolerates some of the conditions the
County has in a smaller facility. He said he does not know what to do beyond presenting the
information for the committee. Elliott said he has very serious concerns about the security situation at
the Courthouse. He said the more he learns about the Jail, the more he is concerned about the safety of
the personnel working there and also the incarcerated. Elliott said he thinks the safety situation is a very
serious concern.
REPORT ON ACTIVITIES OF JUSTICE CENTER COORDINATING COMMITTEE
COORDINATOR
Elliott said he really does not know what to expect with the May 5, 2009, election. He said he would
not be terribly surprised if it went big either way and he doesn't even know what that would mean if it
does go big either way. At least the County will have a known situation to work with. Elliott said he
hopes the subcommittee reports will be available to the Board, so the Board will know the alternatives
that are possible with treatment and what can be done with fundraising and public information. Elliott
said hopefully the CJCC will be ready to carry out whatever decision the Board makes.
Neuzil said the reason he brought up the idea that it will be even muddier after the election, if it
passes, then what? The sales tax will be on the books for four years. He asked if it fails what does that
say? He said it indicates that people obviously don't want to spend any more money. Neuzil said it gets
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even more muddy, if Coralville passes it and Iowa City doesn't, or the County does and North Liberty
doesn't. He said it will be really interesting, but he thinks they will have some sense of things after
tonight. He said he is pretty convinced that if Linn County and Cedar Rapids vote no on March 3, 2009,
this community will have an uphill battle justifying a sales tax. Elliott said he was talking earlier with a
person who philosophically is opposed to local option sales tax and that was pretty much the agreement.
There are more people who have a philosophical opposition to it in Iowa City than there are in Cedar
Rapids.
Harney said he received quite a bit of feedback from the public and he feels there is more support
out there for the Justice Center than other projects, and for the sales tax for purposes that it will be used
for. Elliott said at least after the election there will be one known quantity. He said he would be in
favor of getting some of the people together after the election to discuss what it means. Elliott suggested
that then it may be a good time to go to the Vernon Group and ask for a scientific sampling to explain
what that means.
REPORT FROM ALTERNATIVES AND TREATMENTS SUBCOMMITTEE
Lyness said part of the Alternatives Committee met February 27, 2009, and reviewed the document
that had been provided in December of 2007. She said the Committee updated that document and
looked at what things were on there for future consideration. She said there are some things they can
still look at for consideration but a lot of it has to do with needing more money or more space first.
Lyness said the big things include the costs to house inmates outside of Johnson County, as well as the
electronic home arrest and work release. The big thing that has changed with this is they implemented
something where people could serve two days of a ten day sentence in jail and for 16 days the person
will be on electronic monitoring to free up jail beds. Lyness said it costs $20 a day for inmates to do
that. They have had a drastic decrease in the number of inmates that want to pay that money to be out of
jail for that period of time. She said she thinks all of the people out are using the GPS now, so the
people who are out on work release are using the GPS. Lyness said the mental health screening and
diversion is one of the more effective things that has been done.
REPORT FROM PUBLIC INFORMATION/OUTREACH SUBCOMMITTEE
County Bar Association Chair Jim McCarragher said he still thinks that even if the LOSST passes,
there still may be support in this community for a Jail and Courthouse facility. He said he thinks that is
something that needs to be explored, but he would like to examine that with the Vernon Research Group
(VRG). He said he thinks they can talk about groups, surveys, and target groups, but a lot of that may
be predicated by the VRG by finding out the demographics of who they talked to and see what that
shows. He said they will be meeting with the State Bar Association group this month to start thinking
about outreach.
REPORT FROM FACILITIES SUBCOMMITTEE
Harney said he did not hold a Facilities group meeting. He said they have had a very busy two
weeks with all of the sales tax issues and the budget. Neuzil said it would be helpful to know what is
happening with the GSA. Harney said the GSA has asked in the letter that was provided for some
direction and a timeline for what the committee is looking at and what the proposals are. He said the
committee has to review a couple different proposals to decide if they want to submit one or two.
REPORT FROM FUNDING/GRANTS SUBCOMMITTEE
Sullivan said this is a new committee, which has not met yet for reasons Harney described. He said
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one of the things it will look into is talking with the City of Coralville, who managed to do a fairly large
project without going to public vote. It is important to look at whether that is a potential option for
Johnson County.
Facilities Manager David Kempf said much of the $750 billion stimulus package is designated for
infrastructure and public works projects. He asked how to begin looking to see if funding is available.
Sullivan said, because the projects have to be basically designed and blueprints should be available.
Kempf asked if there is a deadline for blueprints to be completed. Do blueprints need to be completed
now or is a year from now acceptable? He asked if the money would be gone in a year. Sullivan said
the money will be gone in a year. He said the whole idea with the stimulus is to spend it quickly. He
said he knows they talked about something where work could begin in 90 days. Elliott said the word he
hears is that projects must be shovel-ready. Harney said he knew that was for road projects, but he
wasn't sure that was for facilities also. He asked if the drawing the Durant Group put together along
with the proposal would be enough to submit.
Kempf said he has a hard time believing that a project of this size wouldn't have a funding stream
already established. Neuzil said that is one of the biggest criticisms of this whole package. He said the
dispute is whether the money is stimulating the economy or just filling in where governments already
planned to allocate. Sullivan said in some cases projects were designed and brought to public vote and
didn't pass. He said those types of projects are already designed, because people voted on it. Sullivan
said they talked about that when the Board was in Washington D.C. with representatives from
Congressmen David Loebsack's staff. Neuzil said he will ask again. He will be in Washington D.C. this
coming weekend. Sullivan said that discussion was before the stimulus passed. Kempf said the design
phase of a project can be fast-tracked since the needs assessment study is completed, which is one of the
front end projects of any design work. He said that usually takes three months to accomplish. Neuzil
said the County doesn't even have a piece of property but maybe the razing of the houses or the Armory
could be explored. Sullivan said that is a good idea. Kempf agreed. Neuzil said he will look into that.
Elliott said that is what he thought of for the taxpayers. He said it would be good to say every
possibility has been explored. Kempf said technically the County does have plans for a Jail that failed in
2000.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS FROM JUSTICE CENTER COORDINATING COMMITTEE
MEMBERS
Kempf asked how often the Committee is going to meet. Neuzil said once a month. Kempf said it
seemed like this meeting came up quickly. Neuzil said the meetings are scheduled for the first
Wednesday of the month at 4:00 p.m.
Neuzil said he hopes they do not stop pursuing funds for the Justice Center. He said after the
discussions with the City of Iowa City and the City of Coralville, it took the wind out of this project. He
said this is a top infrastructure priority for this community. He said over and over again this has become
a Johnson County problem, a Board of Supervisor's problem, and not an Iowa City, Coralville or North
Liberty problem. He said he thinks they have to convince the elected officials that it is not just a Board
of Supervisor's problem; this is a community problem. Neuzil asked if anyone has any suggestions for
public outreach, because right now this seems to be off the radar for any of these city councilors and
management. He said he thinks the mentality is every city for themselves. Elliott asked if the governing
bodies of the county are continuing to meet informally quarterly. Neuzil said they have set up quarterly
meetings and the last time one was scheduled, there was no response from Iowa City, Coralville, North
Liberty or the schools, so the meeting was cancelled. Elliott said it seems like now is the time for the
governing bodies to work as closely together as possible to do what is best for the entire community.
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Elliott said he will leave the email from Twohy with the Board. Neuzil said the Board will officially
approve the committee's name change next week, so it is officially the Justice Center Coordinating
Committee. He said they will also officially appoint the Board to subcommittees. Elliott said he hopes
that by the first meeting after the May election the subcommittees will be able to present
recommendations to the Board. Harney said one of the big challenges will be finding the money to
actually get the properties lined up. It's going to take some investment, whether it is with the schools or
the GSA. He said it will take some initial investment to get something put together but the County is
going to have to make an offer. Harney said there has to be a timeline to do whatever the GSA may
want.
Lyness said they basically updated a lot of things that had already been done. She said there are
some other things that can be looked at. There are more things for the Alternatives Subcommittee to do,
but a lot of it is going to be dependent on more money and space. Lyness said one thing that has
happened is getting the seven day week MECCA evaluations at the Jail. She said they have been
conducting evaluations on weekends since July of 2008 and that has been very good. Elliott said he
thinks what Lyness' group came up with is very important because his recollection of when the election
was held for just the Jail, one of the two key issues that lead to its defeat was a lack of alternatives. He
said having the alternatives laid out is a huge step forward.
Adjourned at 4:38 p.m.
Attest: Tom Slockett, Auditor
By:
On the day of , 2009
By Nancy Tomkovicz, Recording Secretary
Sent to the Board of Supervisors on July 8, 2009 at 11:30 a.m.
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MINUTES OF THE JOINT INFORMAL MEETING OF JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AND JUSTICE CENTER COORDINATING COMMITTEE:
APRIL 1, 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Report on Activities of Justice Center C'oordinatin~ Committee Coordinatoe Bob Elliott.
Report from Alternatives and Treatments Subcommittee
ReRort from Public Information/Outreach Subcommittee
Report. from Facihties..SubComnrttee
Report from Fundint;/Urants_SubCommittee
Additional. Comments from JuStice_C enter_Coordipatin~_C omm;ittee Members.
Comments from the Public
Page
Chairperson Neuzil called the Johnson County Board of Supervisors to order in the Johnson County
Administration Building at 4:02 p.m. Members present were: Pat Harney, Larry Meyers, Terrence
Neuzil, Sally Stutsman, and Rod Sullivan.
Justice Center Coordinating Committee members present were: Iowa City Council Member Connie
Champion, Justice Center Coordinating Committee Coordinator Bob Elliott, County Attorney Janet
Lyness, County Bar Association Chair Jim McCarragher, Pat Harney, Rod Sullivan, and John Stratton.
Funding/Grants Subcommittee member present was County Auditor Tom Slockett.
REPORT ON ACTIVITIES OF JUSTICE CENTER COORDINATING COMMITTEE
COORDINATOR BOB ELLIOTT
Justice Center Coordinating Committee Coordinator Bob Elliott said the subcommittee chairs are
ready to give their respective reports as the Board calls on them.
Elliott said he had talked with Sullivan and County Auditor Tom Slockett about funding for the
Justice Center. Elliott asked Slockett to address the group about the process for funding the Justice
Center. Elliott said these processes include lease to own, local option sales tax, local option income tax,
and bond issues. Elliott said if the Board wishes, Slockett said he will present an overview of the
process. The Board said they are interested in an overview.
County Auditor Tom Slockett said the Local Option Sales and Services Tax election is coming up
and it was passed by the legislature in record speed. City councils and the Board of Supervisors had to
act very quickly and the speed of the process caused a lack of communication about the process.
Slockett explained that with bond issues for property taxes, a school district can create a ballot issue
and vote it up or down in that school district. A city can do the same thing, or the County can create a
countywide ballot issue. A local option sales and services tax is a very different process. Slockett said
local option sales and services tax is a countywide issue, but each city creates its own ballot language.
The Johnson County Board creates ballot language for the rural areas only. Then it is voted on up or
down in those jurisdictions. There are differences between the election scheduled for May 5, 2009, and
every other sales and services tax election regarding contiguous cities.
Slockett said that for the May 5th election, each city creates its own ballot no matter whether there
are contiguous cities or not. Then, the revenue is placed in one pot for the county based on the
jurisdictions in which it passes. The Department of Revenue distributes that pot of money
proportionately to each jurisdiction in which the measure passed, according to a formula that gives 25%
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weight to their property tax effort in the last three years and 75% weight to their population. Slockett
said the LOSST is not designed for the County to raise funds in a countywide effort. It would be
virtually impossible for that to happen.
Slockett said the Board is very committed to doing something about the Justice Center and wants to
figure out how to get the funds to build it. He explained that when the Board considered whether to put
the measure on the ballot for the rural areas, the Board decided not to put the measure on the ballot for
the rural areas because of the distribution formula. The County only gets the proportion that is allocated
for the rural populations and the rural tax effort. The Board could not justify taxpayers funding the
Justice Center exclusively from the Rural Levy.
Slockett said, if there is a local option sales and services tax for a countywide project, each city will
have to put the measure on their ballot and ask citizens to vote, and then send the money received from
the Department of Revenue to the County. He said the cities have to do that not knowing whether other
jurisdictions will pass it. It would take extraordinary organizational effort and cooperation, and almost
unanimous agreement throughout the County for a countywide LOSST project to work.
Slockett said sales tax is not a realistic possibility to fund the Justice Center. Harney asked if the
County cannot have a separate initiative for a countywide sales tax overall for a Justice Center. Slockett
said no, because the only way that could happen will be if the measure does not pass anywhere on May
5, 2009. He added that once it passes, the only jurisdictions that can vote on it are the jurisdictions in
which it did not pass. Harney asked if a totally separate initiative was an option. Slockett said no, that
is not an option. He said under Iowa law there can not be a countywide sales tax where the ballot
language and purposes are decided by the Board of Supervisors. Neuzil asked if it would be possible if
all the surrounding communities, including Iowa City and Coralville, say they want a sales tax for the
Justice Center. Slockett said each separate entity will have to pass the measure and then give the money
to the County.
Neuzil said a LOSST countywide project is a pretty tough task to get the community behind.
Slockett said it is virtually impossible. Neuzil said Coralville Mayor Jim Fausett mentioned allocating
tax revenues collected from the proposed LOSST, to flood mitigation for the first five years and then
designate the revenues from the next three years for the Justice Center. Slockett said in order to do that
12 additional entities would need to agree to the same term proposed by Fausett. Stutsman said it would
be a challenge to get the City of Coralville to agree with the idea. Neuzil agreed. Meyers asked Slockett
if a Local Income Tax Surcharge is an option. Slockett said no, under current Iowa law only schools
have that option.
Sullivan said assuming the sales tax passes, the jurisdictions will be at their limit. He said cities
would have to wait until it expires before another measure could be introduced. Stutsman said that
would be four years. Slockett said an individual city could rescind it after one year. Stutsman said the
Board could still bring forward a bond initiative. Slockett said yes, at any time. Elliott said the other
option is lease to own. Slockett said realistically a few bond issues would need to fail before the lease to
own option is explored. Neuzil said the problem with the bond is increased taxes. He said this would be
a $70 million bond. The Board experienced what it was like to bond for $20 million for the Joint
Emergency Communications Center (JECC). Neuzil said the Board bonded $3.5 million and taxes
increased countywide from $77 to $150 for one project. He said the Board was lambasted and that was
only $3.5 million. Neuzil said taxes needed could easily be double that fora $70 million project over a
20 year period.
Neuzil said he thinks the Finance Group will have to give serious thought to what is realistic and
whether the JCCC should seek funding in increments. Neuzil suggested there may be legislative
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changes that would help get funding for the Justice Center. He wondered if the JCCC could convince
the Iowa Legislature to allow Courthouses to be part of the General Supplemental list of projects, in
other words, an uncapped fund in County government. He said this is how the County paid for the
JECC. Neuzil said if the Legislature would make this type of a change, some of that money could
possibly be used for the Courthouse. Neuzil said the County would have never been able to fund the
JECC without a change in the Iowa Legislative Code.
Justice Center Coordinating Committee Member Connie Champion asked how many years can the
County can bond for a project. Neuzil said he thinks 20 years. Stutsman said it might be changed to 30
years. Harney said the interest rates increase over time. Meyers asked what percentage of the vote is
needed for the LOSST to pass on May 5, 2009. Slockett said the measure needs a 50% majority to
pass. He said in the May 5, 2009 election only, each city and the rural areas vote up or down on their
own. This is only for these special two dates in March or May because the Legislature rushed it through
for counties that had been declared disaster areas by the President. Slockett said after these two
elections, future elections will revert to the contiguous cities voting as a unit. Hills, North Liberty, Iowa
City, Coralville, Tiffin and University Heights will all vote as one contiguous unit from now on for sales
taxes. Meyers said a bond issue will require a 60% majority. Slockett said yes.
Elliott said they are currently asking the respective subcommittees to put things in order so the JCCC
will be ready to go whenever the Board is ready to move. Elliott said he turned in a bill for $100 per
week for services rendered in January and February of 2009. He said he will not submit a bill for March
2009.
REPORT FROM ALTERNATIVES AND TREATMENTS SUBCOMMITTEE
Neuzil asked if the subcommittee has met in the past month. Jail Alternatives and Treatment
Subcommittee Representative Jessica Peckover said no. Elliott said the subcommittee turned in a report
from 2007 and updated for the alternatives to incarceration. He said it is a complete report and the
subcommittee work is well outlined and up-to-date. Elliott said that at present, the Board should have
the most recent report which will be updated if anything changes. Elliott said he met with the
subcommittee chairs on Apri127, 2009. Sullivan confirmed.
REPORT FROM PUBLIC INFORMATION/OUTREACH SUBCOMMITTEE
County Bar Association Chair Jim McCarragher said the subcommittee has not met yet, but he
recently met with Elliott as part of the chairs meeting. At that time, McCarragher discussed talking with
University of Iowa Political Science Professor David Redlawsk, who does the exit polling at all the
elections. He said they discussed conducting a poll after the May 5, 2009 election. McCarragher said
Redlawsk was just about ready to send a survey on another subject to 500 people in the community and
he agreed to add two questions concerning the Justice Center. McCarragher said he put Elliott in touch
with Redlawsk to finalize the details. He said he got a copy of the questions. McCarragher said the first
question is not quite what he would have chosen but he feels it will still give the committee an idea of
public opinion about the Justice Center.
~~
McCarragher read the first question: There has been a discussion in Johnson County about the
limitation of the current Courthouse and Jail buildings. Some people say that in order to address serious
safety, security, and office space deficiencies, the County needs a new $60 to $80 million building. This
would include an expanded Jail and would be connected to the historic Courthouse in downtown Iowa
City. Hearing this, would you strongly support, somewhat support, or not at all support a new Justice
Center?" McCarragher said the foils listed are strongly support, somewhat support, not at all support,
don't know, and refused comment.
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McCarragher read the second question: "If a new Justice Center had to be built, which of the
following approaches would you prefer to be used to pay for it? Would you prefer a local option sales
tax, borrowing through a bond issue, using a rent to own process, or do you have no preference, don't
know, or refuse comment."
McCarragher said the survey will give the JCCC a sample of 500 people to see how they feel about
this issue. McCarragher said if the committee had had more time they would have done this differently.
He said the questionnaire will include some demographics such as political party, age, and other
information. He said they are fortunate to have the services of Redlawsk and the students without
spending a lot of money. McCarragher said since Redlawsk will be analyzing the data, he may also
provide some analytical information.
Sullivan said this is great news. Meyers said it is a great idea. Stutsman asked if the survey subjects
were selected from throughout Johnson County or just Iowa City. McCarragher said he does not know.
Stutsman asked when they can expect the results. McCarragher said possibly in a couple of weeks. He
said the survey is a student project for a class, the information should be back in whatever period of time
they set up to have responses back.
Slockett asked if this is exit polling because Redlawsk does do exit polling. McCarragher said this is
not exit polling, but that is why he thought of contacting Redlawsk. They were hoping to get exit
polling on May 5, 2009, but there was not enough time and Redlawsk is not planning exit polling that
election. McCarragher said they just happened to call Redlawsk at the right time for this survey.
Meyers asked when this survey will begin. McCarragher said today, April 1, 2009. Slockett asked
if it is a mail or phone survey. McCarragher said he did not ask for those details. He said this sampling
is not as large as the sample population Redlawsk surveys in exit polling. McCarragher said the exit
polls usually sample 700 people. He said if there is an adequate response from 500 people, the margin
of error will increase only a little bit more than the usual margin of error with a sample population of
700.
REPORT FROM FACILITIES SUBCOMMITTEE
Harney said he will try to arrange a subcommittee meeting today. He said he visited with Iowa City
Community School District Superintendent Lane Plugge on possible options for parking space next to
the Courthouse. Harney said he wants to be prepared with alternatives before making a decision on how
to answer the Government Services Area representative regarding their properties. Harney said he has
delayed these conversations until Facilities Manager David Kempf returns. Harney said Plugge would
like to talk with Kempf about general costs for a new building and if there would be anything to offset
the costs of relocation for the GSA and the School District. The subcommittee will discuss this.
REPORT FROM FUNDING/GRANTS SUBCOMMITTEE
Sullivan said the subcommittee has not met yet. He said he did some research on the lease-to-own
option which is the way Coralville built the Marriott Hotel. Sullivan said he talked to some people in
Coralville about the process and will share this information with the subcommittee when they meet.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS FROM JUSTICE CENTER COORDINATING COMMITTEE
MEMBERS
Neuzil recognized and thanked new members of the public who are in attendance today including
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Iowa City Police Chief Sam Hargadine. He said now that the Justice Center space analysis is
completed, there is a game plan to move forward. Obviously though, the economy and the sales tax
issue will impact the timing of the JCCC project. Neuzil said he is grateful Elliott is on board to
coordinate everything.
Neuzil announced the Board will be hiring Andy Johnson as the Board's new Executive Assistant
beginning May 1, 2009. Johnson is currently with the Iowa City Housing Trust Fund. Neuzil said
Johnson will be officially appointed at the Board meeting on Apri12, 2009. He asked the committee to
consider ways to help the Board incorporate Johnson into the Justice Center process and reminded
committee members that former Executive Assistant Mike Sullivan was very active in this process.
County Attorney Janet Lyness said she met with County Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek, Mobile Crisis
Coordinator Malinda Lamb, and Peckover at the Department of Correctional Services about the potential
of applying for a grant. She invited Peckover and MECCA Outpatient Coordinator Megan Lavelle to
add to her comments. Lyness said the grant would allow them to provide more treatment, adding to
what is currently available through the Jail Alternatives Programs, MECCA, and the Department of
Correctional Services. Lyness said the hope is to get enough money for substance abuse treatment while
inmates are in jail. This type of substance abuse treatment program has been suggested in the past but
was cost prohibitive.
Lyness said there is a possibility of requesting a grant through the stimulus package. Peckover said
that is correct, it is a Federal grant. Originally the Alternatives and Treatment Subcommittee was
hoping that MECCA would apply for the grant, but now it appears it may be better for the County to
apply. She and Lamb would like to consider this further and they may bring this request to the Board
fairly soon, as the deadline to apply for the grant is approaching.
Lyness said this treatment program will deliver treatment to inmates so they can be released from jail
sooner. Once treatment is complete the individuals aren't arrested for contempt for failing to comply
with the treatment recommendations. This information will be included the Alternatives and Treatment
Subcommittee report.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Iowa City Council Member Connie Champion said congratulations to newly appointed Executive
Assistant Andy Johnson. Champion said if the Board is going to decide to bond for the Justice Center,
she hopes the committee will consider building it in stages. She said she doesn't know if the committee
has discussed doing the Justice Center in stages, but feels voters maybe more willing to approve smaller
bonds. She said maybe smaller bonds should be discussed, if they can't do the sales tax. Champion said
she favors the sales tax.
Harney said that County Recorder Kim Painter went home sick earlier today and sends her regrets
for not attending this meeting. Neuzil said it is nice to have Slockett here from the Auditor's Office. He
said he is aware that Elliott has been trying to include more people in the Justice Center planning
process. Stutsman asked if the group is aware of the Sheriffs Office recent changes in transporting
prisoners. She said it was reported in the newspaper and asked Sheriffs Captain David Wagner to
explain the change.
Wagner said about three weeks or a month ago, Pulkrabek talked with the Marshall County officials
and was told the Marshall County Jail had room for as many prisoners as Johnson County wanted to
send. Wagner said that if Johnson County sends more than 25 prisoners, the daily cost will be $42.50
per person. He said if there are any fewer than 25 prisoners the cost will raise to $45 per day. Wagner
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said this change should help the Sheriffs Office save money. He said Marshall County is 102 miles
from Johnson County. Wagner said the Sheriffs Office waits until almost the end of the day, when they
know who is on the Johnson County court docket for the next day, to determine which prisoners to bring
back. He said this allows the county to make one run per day. Wagner said they have had to make two
runs per day only a few times. He said the round trip takes about four hours.
Wagner said he thinks the future concerns for the Sheriffs Office will be wear and tear on the van.
He said the Sheriff s budget doesn't really include provisions for new vehicles. Wagner said bad weather
could be problematic also, but for now, to save money, the Sheriffs Office will transport prisoners to
Marshall County. Neuzil said he received an email from Pulkrabek about a week ago indicating there is
significant savings to the department already. He said the 102 mile trip is actually less mileage than
traveling round trip to numerous counties per day such as Iowa County, Linn County, and so on.
Stutsman said there are also benefits from a logistics management standpoint. Wagner agreed.
Neuzil said the JCCC is back on schedule with meetings on the first Wednesday of each month. He
announced the next meeting is scheduled for May 6, 2009 at 4:00 p.m.
Adjourned at 4:34 p.m.
Attest: Tom Slockett, Auditor
By:
On the day of , 2009
By Nancy Tomkovicz, Recording Secretary
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MINUTES OF THE INFORMAL MEETING OF THE JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AND THE JUSTICE CENTER COORDINATING COMMITTEE:
MAY 13, 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Re~~~rt from Facilities Sub-Committee
Possible Alternative Site and Resort from Jim Novak
Report from Funding/Grants Sub-Committee
Set Next Meeting Date.
Page
Chairperson Harney called the Johnson County Board of Supervisors to order in the Johnson County
Administration Building at 4:03 p.m. Members present were: Pat Harney, Larry Meyers, Sally
Stutsman, and Rod Sullivan; absent: Terrence Neuzil.
Committee members present were: Justice Center Coordinating Committee Coordinator Bob Elliott,
Harney, County Attorney Janet Lyness, Johnson County Bar Association Representative James
McCarragher, Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek, Professor Emeritus John Stratton, and Sullivan.
REPORT FROM FACILITIES SUB-COMMITTEE
Possible Alternative Site and Report from Jim Novak
Harney said the Press-Citizen facility on North Dodge Street had come up for sale. He said he,
Meyers, and Facilities Manager Dave Kempf toured the facility and it could be easily used for a criminal
justice center. Harney said a virtual tour of the facility is available through Jeff Edberg of Lepic-
Kroeger Realty. The facility is just less than 11 acres and there is plenty of room. Walls can be put in
anywhere because it is aself-supported structure. The production area is larger than the office areas,
which could be converted to jail space easily with slight modifications.
Harney said he and Kempf met with University of Iowa officials and they are still interested in the
current Jail property. He said the big question is what will be done with the Courthouse; with the
pricing it maybe worth taking a look at other possibilities.
Stutsman said this proposal has not been discussed by the whole Board of Supervisors. Harney said
this is just an informational meeting and he is not saying that it should or should not be done. The
Press-Citizen property and building are for sale at $3.7 million. Mitch Bloomquist of Novak Design
said the building is 43,495 square feet. Harney said 22,400 square feet is open office area. He said a lot
of the necessities are already built in.
Jim Novak of Novak Design said the facility has two rows of parking that goes uphill to the street.
He said there is a natural security separation between the space and the neighbors; there is a deep
ravine. Stutsman asked how much space is in the ravine. Novak said about 600 feet. Kempf said
between 500-800 feet. Bloomquist said the ravine is 30 feet deep at its deepest. Novak said if this space
was used, vegetation would be planted as a screen for the neighbors. Novak said the plan is designed to
maintain security circulation around the building. Currently there is one level of parking, but if the
courthouse was placed at this location a second level of parking to separate employee from public
parking. The employee parking would be enclosed and gated.
Novak said there would be a separate road for employee parking and access to administration and
the jail. The second level public parking would be accessed via bridge to the future courthouse and
there would be a security gate. The public can access the Sheriffs Department via an elevator. He
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referenced a PowerPoint while describing the locations of various administrative and service areas.
Bloomquist said they referenced the Durant Group report and considered how their
recommendations could be arranged in the Press-Citizen building. Making numerous references to the
PowerPoint, Bloomquist said the Novak plan features the same number of beds as the Durant report, but
is over 30,000 square feet smaller. The difference here is that some beds are double-bunked. In Novak's
plan, there would be 200 beds in Administrative Housing, 40 beds in Segregation, 48 Dormitory and
Treatment beds, and 64 beds for Medium Housing. Bloomquist said that Novak discovered many
inconsistencies in the Durant report, which made it difficult to nail down the floor plans. Today's
presentation is just a beginning and he recommended re-evaluating the plans.
Novak said his group is taking an existing building and allowing for all the functions outlined in the
Durant proposal with 25,000 less square feet. Bloomquist said the County Attorney's Office and the
Clerk of Court's Office would be located across the plaza from the Jail at the lower level. The amount of
space needed for public circulation was underestimated in the Durant study. The Novak Design plan
allows for a lot more space for public circulation. A multiple story building allows for easy separation
of users; visitors to the Courthouse are not mixing with visitors to the County Attorney's Office or Clerk
of Court's Office. Kempf asked for the rough square footage of the building footprint. Bloomquist said
25,000 square feet. Novak said the County Attorney and the Clerk of Court are right off of the secured
parking area and would go up to the Courtrooms. Bloomquist said additional workspace and offices
were included in this design, but in the Durant study there were differences from site to site between
what was specified in the program and what was laid out in the drawings. To move forward with these
plans, Novak Design would need to re-program the building component.
Bloomquist said large conference rooms, a law library, storage areas, and eight by eight foot work
stations are put in. The work stations are larger in the Novak plan in order to allow room for future
growth. Harney asked if there would be private offices in that space. Novak said they are all private
offices. Based on an actual program the Courthouse could be reduced by 15,000 to 18,000 square feet;
there was duplication of space in the Durant report. Bloomquist said there would be a basement used for
evidence storage, mechanical space, employee break rooms, and a holding area for prisoners moving
from the jail into the courthouse. There are also prisoner holding areas at each courtroom. Anew
program is necessary to determine where and how many holding areas are needed. Novak said the main
concern was the separation of prisoners from the public. Bloomquist said they can achieve this by
moving the public vertically in the building and staff would move up and down at the end.
Bloomquist said there would be six courtrooms on the second, third, and fourth levels, two large and
four medium sized, all with jury support. The square footage can be significantly reduced in the court
support and judges chambers. Shared conference rooms will be built in the center of each space. The
hearing, meeting, and programs space is located on the top level with four large hearing rooms and
smaller conference rooms. Temporary building storage has also been included throughout the building
and plenty of restrooms. There is also room for expansion of up to 6,000 square feet on the top floor.
Novak said the area in Phase 1, consisting of the Jail and Sheriffs Department, is considerably
different in the two studies. The Durant study allocated 107,320 square feet versus Novak's 70,590
square feet. They did not see a lot of loss in functionality placing the layout in this existing building.
The Durant plan for the Courthouse allocated 91,000 square feet versus 106,000 square feet allocated
by Novak. He said 15,000 square feet could be saved; he thinks there is extra space in the Durant
proposal. The Novak plan saves 37,000 square feet in the Jail but allocates an additional 15,000 square
feet in the Courthouse.
Novak said, if they build Phase 1 of the Jail and Sheriff s Department on the Press-Citizen property,
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the cost would be $19,580,765. Bloomquist said that includes the addition to the Jail. Novak said they
tied down the figure of $6,200,000 for the security system and Jail cells. He said the $19.5 million
includes furniture and everything needed to completely finish the Jail and Sheriff s Department. He said
the estimated cost of the Courthouse is $27,722,475. The estimated cost for the secured lower level
parking garage is $2,632,500.
Stutsman asked Novak to clarify what would be done in each phase. Novak said this presents
options for phased building should the Board decide to build the Jail first and the courthouse say, five or
ten years later. The cost for Phase 1, the Jail, would be $19,580,765, and for Phase 2, the Courthouse,
would be $27,722,475.
Novak said the cost of Phase 1, Jail and Sheriffs Office, on the GSA property is $28 million. He
said the total cost of the plan if built on the GSA property would be $51 million. Sullivan asked about
the difference in parking between the two building sites. Novak said it would be on-grade parking.
Sullivan asked if the estimate assumed parking included in the GSA site. Novak said yes. Bloomquist
said it would be included in the site work at $1.5 million verses the $2.5 million for a parking structure.
Harney said $51 million would be the cost for the GSA property. He asked what the cost of the Press-
Citizen site is. Kempf said Novak will get to that.
Novak presented a PowerPoint showing the cost comparisons of each study. The Durant report
shows a cost of between $66 and $73 million. He said the Novak study estimated the cost would be $47
million on the Press-Citizen property and $51.4 million on the GSA property. Novak said the Novak
Design estimate is 29% to 35% less dollars than the Durant study to build on the Press-Citizen property
and between 23% to 30% less on the GSA property. There is about a $4 million difference probably
because the Press-Citizen property is laid out nicely for this purpose and they can remodel at $120 per
square foot versus new construction costs of $150 to $200 per square foot. University of Iowa Facilities
Representative Larry Wilson said the estimate for the Press-Citizen did not include the parking ramp
structure. Novak said correct. Wilson said the actual difference in cost is then $2.5 million less. Novak
said that is correct, and the cost of the ramp was not included, because a ramp was not planned on the
GSA lot.
Novak said that after refining the program, his plan can further reduced the necessary square footage
by 15,000 square feet in the Courthouse. At $200 per square foot, the County will get a nice
Courthouse; the Health and Human Services Building was $113 per square foot. If Novak can reduce
the square footage by 15,000 square feet, the County can spend 34% to 39% less, and on the GSA
property there would be a 28% - 34% savings.
Sullivan asked if Novak has GSA site drawings and Novak said no. Sullivan asked if the numbers
included using any of the existing buildings, the Sheriffs Office or Courthouse. Novak said no, and
added that if they utilize the any existing buildings there would be a greater savings. They could re-use
part of the Courthouse and tie it in. Novak said they were using the same square footage and doing an
apples to apples comparison of all new construction. Sullivan said, if the Sheriff s Office was left at the
current location, the cost would be less. Novak replied absolutely. Bloomquist said the Sheriff s Office
and Jail Administration is 11,000 square feet. Harney said Story County utilized stone for the building
of walls to save on maintenance and asked if stone was being considered under this plan. Novak said
yes. He said the finishes are durable and substantial at $200 per square foot.
Kempf said Novak completed the study very quickly. He and Bloomquist found inconsistencies in
the previous study and so they had to make assumptions about the space. Nothing is set in stone yet; the
presentation is simply a preliminary study of more affordable options. He added that no matter how the
Board chooses to move forward with the plans, reprogramming of space and space allocation will be
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necessary.
County Attorney Janet Lyness said the GSA plan numbers do not include the existing Courthouse.
Novak said that was correct. Lyness said, if the existing Courthouse space was used, the remodeling
would be closer to $125 to $150 per square foot. Novak said absolutely. Kempf said money would be
saved on the size of the structure, but then money would be spent to remodel the Courthouse. Novak
said that is where most of the savings are on the Press-Citizen property. This is one of the few instances
when a program can be placed in an existing building without wasting space.
Meyers asked Novak to clarify how prisoners will be moved at the Press Citizen location. Novak
said there are many options. He said a corridor could be built or possibly a stair and tunnel from the
lower level. He said a tunnel would allow the prisoners to be inside the building at all times. An above
ground connection could also be used, but there would have to be open space for traffic and security
around the building, and a small tunnel connecting the two buildings would be less expensive. Harney
suggested eliminating stairs to reduce the chance for officers getting injured.
Sullivan thanked Novak for his efforts in making these difficult comparisons. He asked, if the
existing Courthouse and Jail are used in some capacity, the $48.4 million cost could be considerably
reduced. Novak agreed. Kempf said the savings would be roughly $25 to $50 a square foot, not $200
per square foot.
Harney said the Press-Citizen building is on a bus route and has over 11 acres, and pretty much
anything could be done on this property. He said the University of Iowa is not interested in taking over
the Courthouse, because they do not want a high maintenance facility. The University would help
occupy the space if the Board wanted to share space. The only issue with the old Jail site is the sewers
will all need to be replaced and it will require a lot of work beyond the remodeling. Meyers asked
Harney if the University was interested in the current Jail building. Harney said the University is
interested in the Jail, the property, and the Courthouse space but not the entire building.
Novak said the Press-Citizen site is very interesting with the ravine all the way around it and is not
buildable for anyone else. The Press-Citizen building is well-hidden. Kempf said the view to the
neighboring houses would not be much different than it is now, essentially just seeing the current brick
building.
Sullivan said he does not see the benefit to the Press-Citizen site, when the GSA property would be
much cheaper with utilizing existing buildings and saving millions of dollars. Novak said the cost
comparisons were not fully addressed when utilizing the space in the Courthouse and Sheriff s Office.
Wilson said a comparison between the two cannot be made at this time, because there are many
loose ends. He said at the Press-Citizen there is the cost of the building, but there is a parking structure
that takes away half the savings in building costs by building on the GSA site. The difference, Wilson
said, is about $1.5 million instead of $4 million. Surface parking will be necessary on the GSA site and
that requires more land costs. Kempf said those were some of the inconsistencies with the Durant report
on the GSA site. Wilson said either way it may take more intensive renovations to the existing
Courthouse for whatever use it will have. The cost of the Jail, whether the University buys it, is a
neutral factor. Wilson said Novak has done a marvelous job to this point, but he is still having trouble
understanding the cost comparisons. Wilson said he is a strong advocate of keeping the justice center in
downtown Iowa City. Harney agreed fully and added that the County will have to come up with
alternative parking for the GSA in order for them to consider selling the property. Novak said if land is
over $15 per square foot it is more economical to build a parking structure that surface parking.
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John Stratton said, if the Courthouse is continued to be used for court purposes and the Jail for the
Sheriffs functions, there will be greater operating costs than there would be from operating out of one
location. The Board should not only consider construction savings, but also operational and
transportation costs. Kempf said those are things that have yet to be factored in. Novak said according
to a recent, the initial cost of any typical commercial building is 10% of operational costs over a 50 year
period. The rest of the cost is in heating, cooling, staffing, and electric. Harney said building on the
Press-Citizen site can be done in phases, but on the GSA site everything will be going at once. He said
they could consider phasing the project downtown and also possibly utilize space in Harrison Street
instead of the GSA lot.
Meyers asked how many beds are suggested for a jail on the Press-Citizen site. Bloomquist said 200
in Administrative Housing, 48 in the Dormitory and Treatment, 40 in Segregation, and 64 in Medium
Housing. Meyers said 352 beds total. Bloomquist said Medical Service is a blank area now, because it
is unclear what should be included there. Bloomquist said there will be around 400 total beds.
Stutsman asked if the County will be required to have outdoor recreational facilities. Pulkrabek said
exercise and natural light is a requirement. Harney said another factor in favor of the Press-Citizen site
is its accessibility to Coralville, State Patrol, North Liberty, Iowa City, and the Sheriffs access to the
Interstate system.
Sullivan asked Novak if it would be more expensive, cheaper, or cost the same to build what they
need on bare ground. Bloomquist said that is how the GSA structure was interpreted. Kempf said the
GSA property is designed for multiple stories, and asked if it would be cheaper to build out or up.
Sullivan said he never understood how the Durant study concluded it would be cheaper to build on
the GSA property, because of the slope, than on County property at the Johnson County Poor Farm.
Novak said the slope on the GSA property is interesting, but he would not say that would make it
cheaper to build there. Sullivan said he could understand operational costs, but he could not understand
how it would be cheaper to build on land not owned by the County. Novak said it is more interesting to
build on a slope, but part of the building will be on the hillside and will not have windows or be as
attractive. Depending on the use of the building the area on the slope would be space where natural light
is not needed, such as storage. Building on a slope is not necessarily the most efficient or cost-effective
option.
Lyness said Durant presented a bigger footprint at the County Farm and there is no reason a smaller
facility couldn't be build there. Bloomquist said there are environmental issues with a larger footprint
and just because there is land available does not mean it has to be used. Meyers asked if the two stories
of the Press-Citizen building will be utilized. Novak said that is where the cells will be stacked on top
of each other. Lyness said in the Novak design there is no space in the Administrative Housing area for
deposition or treatment rooms. Lyness said there would be room for that in other parts. Harney said this
was brought forward as an alternative site. He thinks in the long term it would be more cost beneficial
for the taxpayers, Harney estimates a $30 Million savings on the Press-Citizen site, but noted the other
site can be cut down from the original study. He said, without a final design or RFP, the exact cost is
still unknown. Stutsman said she was glad to have this on the table for serious discussion.
Novak said he thinks there will be savings of at least $3 million. Meyers said the Press-Citizen site
has 350 beds programmed and Durant's smallest scenario started out with 240 beds. He said there
would be 50% more than originally discussed for current needs. He asked if the Novak design
considered future needs. Novak said there is a little bit of room to expand outside of the jail addition, or
build on top of the jail addition making four sets of vertical cells. He said it would not take a lot of
work. Novak said the size of the foundation would be increased to hold more. Stutsman asked if the
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possibility of geothermal or retrofitting was considered for the Press-Citizen site. Novak said there were
a couple of options that he considered because of the slope. There is a ravine and the drainage could
create a geothermal pond for heating and cooling. Another option is vertical geothermal. Stutsman
asked if that could be done at the Courthouse location. Novak said it can be done at either location. He
said geothermal buildings have to be kept at a constant temperature and a jail is a perfect use for a
geothermal system.
Harney said he spoke with Iowa City Planning and Zoning Director Jeff Davidson and the Press-
Citizen property is zoned as an office research park. He said Davidson said there would have to be
public hearings to change the zoning of the land for public use, but there shouldn't be a problem with
doing that. Kempf said the new fire station will be build immediately to the north. Harney said that will
be more intrusive than the jail. Sullivan asked what is to be done with this information. Harney said he
thinks the Board needs to make a decision soon, because the property is for sale. Lyness said the Board
can discuss this or have the Facilities Committee look at the issue more and make a recommendation.
She said the issue needs to be looked at more. Kempf said if the interest is there a closer look should be
taken to compare the two properties. He said this presentation was put together in a very short time.
Stutsman said there is a Space Needs Committee Meeting on May 15, 2009. Kempf said it could be
discussed at that meeting but he does not think there will be more information available at that time.
Harney said he thinks the Board needs better numbers, but the property is for sale now and the Board
should decide to try to move along or not. Johnson County Bar Association representative James
McCarragher asked if there is money available to move along. Harney said he thinks there is. Stutsman
said money would be available if the current jail was sold. Kempf said they could not move out of the
Jail for a while. Harney said he talked with Finance Director Rich Claiborne and there are steps that
could be taken, if the Board decided to purchase the Press-Citizen property. Sullivan said the Board
needs to have discussion about what they want to do. Stutsman said she liked Lyness' suggestion of
letting the Facilities Committee look at it more closely. Sullivan asked what the deadline is for bringing
a recommendation to the Board. Harney said a decision should be made one way or another even if a
special meeting is needed.
Stutsman asked if the Board should look at the County Farm as an option. Lyness said they can do
that, but the Durant study did look at a lot of the pros and cons of that site. Given that it could be done
for almost the same cost on either location, not including reusing the Courthouse, Lyness said she
believed the negatives, such as not being on a bus line, outweigh the positives. She noted that the
alternative selected was to look at the GSA lot. Sullivan said he agrees and thinks the GSA lot is still a
viable solution, and with the re-use of the Courthouse is cheaper, and the Press-Citizen Building should
not be further pursued. Harney said he thinks there is considerable savings by going to the Press-Citizen
rather than the Courthouse. Sullivan asked how. Harney said ground will have to be purchased for
parking space to replace the GSA lot. Sullivan said a ramp could be built at the same cost. Stutsman
said the Board does not even know if the GSA lot can be purchased. Kempf said the benefit of the
Press-Citizen site is that it is for sale now, while it is still unknown what will be required to acquire the
GSA lot.
Sullivan said it will cost money to even explore the Press-Citizen option and he does not see a
benefit to the site. Harney said he feels the exact opposite. Sullivan said he does not see how it is
cheaper and does not see the point of spending more money to explore the issue. Harney said he does
not think it is a waste of money, because the Board has the opportunity to address the jail issues right
now and address the justice center at a later date. He said the cost is more downtown. Sullivan said not
according to the numbers presented by Novak. He said it is $51 million at any location, but the reuse of
the Courthouse and Jail cut down the need to build, decreasing the cost for the GSA site. Pulkrabek said
the ability to sell the current Sheriffs office and Jail to the University of Iowa outweighs the good of
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remodeling the current facility. Sullivan said the Jail property could be sold, but the Courthouse could
still be used. Pulkrabek said he thinks that should not be done. Otherwise, three buildings will have to
be connected and the refurbishing cost will be expensive. Sullivan said if that is taken out of the mix, it
is still $51.7 million to build a new building. If the Courthouse is reused it will be cheaper and it will
still be located in the place the community has said they want to have it.
Stutsman asked how the Courthouse space will be reused. Sullivan said it could be used by the
County Attorney's office and the Clerk of Court. Lyness said there is no reason the Courthouse
building can not be used if there is a secure entrance and if things can be changed. Stutsman said the
building is not adequate for courtrooms right now. Kempf said the Clerk of Court will be moved to the
ground floor which takes away some of the weight load issues. The County Attorney's office could be
moved to the second floor and the third floor Courtroom and Law Library could be maintained.
Sullivan said there is 25,000 square feet that does not have to be built. Lyness said that on the third
floor the large Courtroom could be kept and one or two jury rooms could be added, have a law library or
if the space was rearranged, create more office space. She said the whole building could be used for
court purposes including the Clerk's Office, the County Attorney's Office, and court space, as long as
there is a secure entrance. Kempf said the actual cost for implementing those measures has not been
looked at yet. Sullivan asked if it can't safely be assumed that the cost will be less than building
something completely new. Kempf said he would hope so. Sullivan asked why another spot would
even be considered if that is the case.
Kempf said the difference between the two is not near what he thought it would be. It is having a
known factor versus the unknown ability to acquire another piece of property, and it comes down to
timing. Sullivan said they have no idea about timing, because the public can always shoot the idea
down. He said time will never be perfect. Sullivan wanted to show his appreciation of the work done,
but he does not want to waste time and money. Kempf asked if the Board wanted the Facilities
Subcommittee to make a recommendation. Harney said he does not think it can be weighed until there
is further study on how much it will cost to convert the Courthouse. Novak said that should be easy to
do, because the information is available. Harney said the information is based on the Durant study and
not Novak's design. Novak said a lot of the information needed is the parameters of the jail and the
needs. He said it would be easy to apply the plan brought to the Board today to the Courthouse site.
Wilson said he was surprised that the Press-Citizen site worked out easily. He said it sounds more
viable than he previously thought, but he is an advocate for downtown. He asked what it would take to
get a more complete cost comparison, including land and renovation costs. Bloomquist said they can
use the square footage numbers to come up with the costs. Wilson said if the savings is enough to be
worthwhile, they should at least consider it.
Kempf -asked if the Board wanted Novak to do a more thorough cost analysis of the design and
alternatives or to have the Facilities Subcommittee put together information and make a
recommendation. Stutsman said she thought the Facilities Subcommittee was going to do that. Harney
asked if there is money available to pay the Novak to do the analysis. Sullivan said he does not see the
point in paying Novak to do it. Stutsman said she feels she has a responsibility to pursue every option.
Sullivan said they are not asking the Novak to look at the County Farm. Stutsman said Lyness made a
good case against that option. She said the Press-Citizen space was not incorporated in the Durant
study. Harney said with the accessibility issue, it is better off at the Courthouse or the Press-Citizen
Building.
Meyers said he always liked the downtown site, because it uses the current Courthouse, but there is a
continuous juggling act with that site between the County, the University of Iowa, the Iowa City
Community School District and the GSA. The advantage of the Press-Citizen site is there is only one
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entity to deal with and there would not need to be an elaborate agreement negotiated between multiple
entities. Stutsman said the advantage she sees is to get off the dime. She said the Board does better
when it focuses on one option. Sullivan said the Board was focused on the GSA property, and this
whole process was done to look at that location. Stutsman said nothing has been done further. Sullivan
said that is the Board's fault. He said a new location does not improve the Board's process; it sets them
back.
Meyers said his first preference is the current Courthouse, because if they leave it there is still the
question of what to do with the building. Meyers said he does not know if there is enough space to not
involve the School District and the GSA or other entities. Pulkrabek said he does not understand why
the Board cannot take the School District out of the equation. He spoke with Lyness and they are trying
to negotiate space for GSA parking in the new Iowa City parking ramp. He said that would be the
County dealing with Iowa City and GSA only.
Stutsman said she thought the School District was involved because GSA wanted to trade property.
Pulkrabek said that was the original concept, but the School District does not have money to do anything
new. He said GSA was trying to require specifications on the lot for Johnson County that were
outrageous. Harney said they would have to buy the property, demolish the facility, and pave it. He
said the cost will increase, but on the other hand property will have to be purchased or a parking ramp
built to provide spots for the GSA staff and the Post Office. Sullivan asked why they continue to talk
about the school district or go off on other tangents. Harney said the issue is buying a place for GSA's
parking, so the County can buy the GSA lot. Sullivan said they can put a ramp on their lot. Lyness said,
if the County is going to build a lot for the Jail and Courthouse, there is no reason they can't give GSA a
floor of parking. In the meantime they will have to contract with Iowa City to get temporary parking.
She said they only need to deal with GSA temporarily until a ramp can be built.
Stutsman said she thought the GSA was no longer interested in talking about this issue. Harney said
the GSA is interested in discussion. Pulkrabek said GSA made requests that seemed outrageous.
Sullivan asked if the Board could have a meeting with GSA, and suggested that staff for Congressman
Dave Loebsack, Senator Tom Harkin and Senator Charles Grassley attend. Lyness said it is not difficult
especially when they are talking about surface parking. She said the GSA lot needs work and she does
not understand why the County cannot get the lot. Sullivan said this process has taken too long. Harney
said that is federal bureaucracy; you don't deal with just one person but rather layers of administration.
Sullivan said that is why the Congressional staff needs to be used to cut through the bureaucracy to get
this priority done.
Elliott said the Board should move ahead with Sullivan's suggestion and should check with the
Congressional offices. He also encouraged the Board to keep the Press-Citizen Building as a plan B
until they have to determine how much money is needed. He said this meeting had been a good
rundown of the facilities and costs but there were not specifics to discuss. He said most Committee and
Board members feel that they would like to keep the location downtown, but it is good to have a
backup. He said there may be other alternatives, architects willing to give an informal cost estimate.
Harney said there is a savings from $30 to $40 million from what was originally thought, and he does
not see people voting to have the entire Justice Center at the downtown location.
Elliott said the information provided by University of Iowa Political Science Professor Dave
Redlawsk gives the Board good information, but there was not a question in the survey about site
location. He said Redlawsk sampled residents on their level of support for a justice center. Kempf said
Novak Design was asked to do two things; determine if it could work at the Press-Citizen site and if
there would be a cost savings between that and the GSA site. He said Novak is not making a
recommendation of one site over the other. Kempf said the first thing that had to be determined was
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could the Press-Citizen site work. He said he thinks the Facilities Subcommittee should be used to
determine what the next step should be. He said the numbers provided by Novak are a lot more
encouraging than previous numbers. Elliott said everyone agrees the Courthouse must stay and it would
be preferable to have the Courthouse used for something also. Kempf said it will be used for something,
it is just a matter of determining what. Elliott said now the Board has a main site downtown and a plan
B site, which is available right now. It is not known what will happen with the preferred site, but the
plan B is available and might provide savings. Sullivan said he is not convinced that the Press-Citizen
site will provide savings.
Kempf said the numbers are close for the two locations. He said he asked Novak to take a closer
look at the costs from the other study. Sullivan asked if the Board should put more effort into looking
into the alternative option. Elliott said it is good that there are alternatives and he assumes there will be
additional options. Kempf said absolutely. Stratton said it all comes down to the land, so they need to
know what the GSA is willing to do. The County is spending $100,000 a month to house inmates out-
of-county and it would be better to spend the money in the county. He said this issue cannot go to the
public until the land is acquired. Pulkrabek asked if representatives from the GSA could be brought to
the Board during a key issues meeting. Harney said the GSA representative will come to the meeting,
but will say that he does not have authority to make decisions.
REPORT FROM FUNDING/GRANTS SUB-COMMITTEE
Sullivan said County Treasurer Tom Kriz is working with Springstead to put numbers together for
bonding and borrowing. He said Kriz was going to use $40 million, $50 million, $60 million, and $70
million. He said Kriz is going to figure out how much it will cost to bond and how long it would to pay
off. He said as soon as Kriz has the information, they will have another meeting.
SET NEXT MEETING DATE
The Committee scheduled its next meeting for June 3, 2009 at 4:00 p.m.
Adjourned at 5:25 p.m.
Attest: Tom Slockett, Auditor
By:
On the day of , 2009
By Kaitlyn Dodds, Recording Secretary
Sent to the Board of Supervisors on July 17, 2009 at 2:30 p.m.
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MINUTES OF THE JOINT INFORMAL MEETING OF JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AND JUSTICE CENTER COORDINATING COMMITTEE, JUNE 3, 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Relx~rt nn Activities of Tustice Center Coordinating Committee Coordinator
Report from Alternatives And Treatments Sub-Committee
Report from Public Information/Outreach Sub-Committee
Set Next Meeting Date
Page
Chairperson Neuzil called the Johnson County Board of Supervisors to order in the Johnson County
Administration Building 4:03 p.m. Members present were: Pat Harney, Terrence Neuzil, Sally
Stutsman; absent: Rod Sullivan; not present: Larry Meyers.
Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee members present were: Justice Center Coordinating
Committee Coordinator Bob Elliott, County Attorney Janet Lyness, Facilities Manager David Kempf,
Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek, Captain David Wagner, Sergeant Kevin Bell, Judge Douglas Russell, Attorney
James McCarragher, Recorder Kim Painter, University of Iowa Facilities Representative Larry Wilson,
MECCA Clinical Manager Megan Lavelle, Johnson County Jail Alternatives/Mobile Crisis Team
Leader Jessica Peckover, Dorothy Whiston, and John Stratton.
REPORT ON ACTIVITIES OF JUSTICE CENTER COORDINATING COMMITTEE
COORDINATOR
Facilities Manager David Kempf referenced a handout given to the Board. He stated the Committee
has been looking at the Iowa City Press-Citizen property, GSA property, and the existing Courthouse
property as it stands. The Novak Design Group (Novak Design) conducted a site study analysis and
then prepared a cost estimate. He referenced the site plan to illustrate the possibility of creating a
wraparound structure of the Courthouse, which would allow the Courthouse to remain the central feature
of the Justice Center. This plan would not significantly modify the Courthouse.
Kempf said the Press-Citizen property estimate is approximately $49,935,000, including a parking
ramp with 180 spaces. It does not include land cost. The asking price is $3.8 million so the total
purchase price would be around $53 million. After analyzing the Durant Group study, Novak Design
determined that some spaces had been duplicated, which increased the cost of the project. Kempf
reported that Novak Design said once the reprogramming was done, there could be approximately $3
million in savings from the Durant Group cost estimate. County Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek asked for
examples of the duplications. Kempf indicated that the lobby areas were counted twice on some floors
and he could provide additional examples, if needed. In addition, he believes errors were made in
calculating the square footage and stated that this estimate is a quick look at the options for this space.
If the $3 million in savings are realized the Press-Citizen property would cost approximately $51
million.
Kempf stated the existing Courthouse property would not require land acquisition costs. The
estimate includes 174 spaces in underground parking, 96 secured and 78 public. Again, with the $3
million savings the estimate is approximately $54 million for the existing Courthouse property. Kempf
indicated to the Board the interest in looking at the Press-Citizen property was to determine if there
would be significant savings between the two properties. The difference is approximately $3 million.
He also clarified the cost estimate for the Press-Citizen property does not include any rehabilitation or
reprogramming of the existing Courthouse. John Stratton asked how many total acres are available with
the Press-Citizen property. Kempf replied approximately 11 acres. Stratton asked if there would be the
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option to sell off part of the land. Kempf said he doubts if any land would be sold off. Stutsman asked
if the existing Courthouse estimate includes remodeling of the Courthouse. Kempf responded yes. He
added historical restoration runs approximately $250 per square foot which is a little more expensive
than new construction. Stutsman asked what is included in the restoration cost. Kempf replied the
HVAC and electrical systems would be updated and the space would be reconfigured into office space
or courtroom space as directed. Stutsman asked if the space would be usable space by today's standards
and Kempf replied yes.
Larry Meyers arrived at 4:12 p.m.
Pulkrabek inquired where future expansion will be around the existing Courthouse. Kempf replied
that they would need to work with the City of Iowa City to vacate Harrison Street. They would also
need to maintain the three properties currently owned with the prospect of continuing to purchase the
houses along that block. Future expansion would be to the south with space to duplicate the width of the
wing on the south side Pulkrabek stated that a number of people have contacted him regarding the
article in the Iowa City Press-Citizen newspaper about using the Press-Citizen property as the site for the
new building. He said the comments were that if the County can save a million dollars, why not save a
million dollars. Harney had heard similar feedback. He added the issue is expansion and the Press-
Citizen space offers 11 acres and is on a bus line. Using the existing Courthouse property would require
the closing of Harrison Street and a need for additional parking. The Press-Citizen property option
leaves the existing Courthouse empty and moves away from downtown where the majority of legal
services are located. JCCC Member Connie Champion asked what would happen to the current
Courthouse if they use the Press-Citizen property. Harney responded that the first plan discussed was to
either put only the Sheriff's Office out there or add a Justice Center. Stutsman said the appeal of this
plan is that it could be phased. Champion inquired whether the Courthouse would be remodeled now.
Kempf responded the general consensus is that the Courthouse as it exists is not going to go away. The
County will have to decide what they want to use it for and there will be some expense associated with
the reprogramming.
Neuzil stated the Press-Citizen property cost projection was for a Justice Center located on North
Dodge Street. Stutsman asked if the cost would be less if they proceeded in phases. Kempf indicated
the first phase, with the Jail and excluding the cost of the land, was approximately $19 to 20 million.
Meyers said the cost was $19.58 million. As a point of reference, the Health and Human Services
Building ran between $17 and $18 million with the land acquisition. It did not have to go to a bond
issue and within the next year or two it will be paid. Champion asked how many beds are included in
the plans at the Press-Citizen property. Pulkrabek said 350 beds and the current population is at about
160. Stutsman asked how many are being proposed at the Courthouse site. Kempf said roughly the
same number. Stutsman asked if it is time to check with the community to determine if it is worth it to
them to save $3 to $5 million or would they prefer to have the Justice Center remain downtown. Harney
stated that the Board will have to make a decision on what to pursue and any land will have to be zoned
public; right now the Press-Citizen property isn't zoned public.
Judge Doug Russell said he would find it educational if the Board of Supervisors would explain, on
the public record, how the process has evolved from the Durant Group recommendations, and all the
input they obtained through public hearings and lobbying and meetings with stakeholders in the Jail and
Courthouse system to the vote by the Board of Supervisors that this would be one structure, built at one
time in the downtown location south of the Courthouse to the present situation: considering other
possibilities without notice to most of the committee members, at least not in writing, about this change
of plans. He has no idea what transpired with the GSA negations and he would like to know how they
got to talking about the Press-Citizen site and the other possibility of on the Courthouse square as it is
presently. Harney replied that the Committee discovered the Press-Citizen location recently became
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available for sale with just under 11 acres. The Novak Design Group and several individuals walked
through the facility to see if it could be used as a Justice Center. Harney said Architect Jim Novak felt
there could be substantial savings by utilizing that building for the Jail and incorporating the Justice
Center in an addition on the back side with at least three stories off of the North side. There is also the
opportunity to build at least athree-level parking ramp. The group felt it was in the best interests to
consider that option. Novak presented the information at the last meeting. At that time the Board
directed Kempf to invite Novak to make a comparison between what could be built at the present
downtown location versus the Press-Citizen property. Stutsman stated that at the time of the Durant
study the Press-Citizen property was not for sale or they probably would have listed it as a site for
consideration.
Neuzil noted it is the Facilities Subcommittee that has been looking at the different location
possibilities. He replied to Judge Russell that the Board is just getting additional information and said
he is not convinced that a couple of million dollars is a significant savings. In addition, he has not been
convinced that the Justice Center should move away from downtown. Harney said $3 million is a
significant savings in his opinion. He also said he has not sent a letter to GSA yet, because the Board
hasn't decided what to offer the Government Services Administration regarding parking space quantity
and location. He would like to send the letter but first needs details. The GSA would also like to know
how the County will pay for the purchase. Neuzil clarified that he thinks $3 million is a lot of money
also, but $3 million over the next 100 years is the question. The Board needs to decide if it wants to
keep the Justice Center downtown and what is the cost to keeping it downtown. Stutsman said that
today's taxpayers are paying for it. Neuzil said it will be taxpayers over the next 20 years.
County Attorney Janet Lyness indicated the cost to renovate the existing Courthouse is
approximately $6,250,000 and they will probably have to spend close to this amount to do anything else
with the Courthouse. So if it will cost $3 million to renovate the Courthouse, even if we move to the
Press-Citizen, we are even. Unless there is another plan for the Courthouse, Lyness does not see a big
savings with the Press-Citizen property. Harney responded that a similar discussion occurred with The
University of Iowa and they had no interest in purchasing the Courthouse but they are willing to co-
occupy the space. Kempf indicated they may consider partnering with the County. Harney added the
County will have the opportunity to sell the present Jail site if the County builds elsewhere. Lyness
noted that there will be renovation costs of at least $3 million associated with the Courthouse no matter
what the County does with it and encouraged people to consider the whole picture when talking about
saving taxpayers money.
Johnson County Bar Association Representative, Jim McCarragher noted there will be security,
safety, and space concerns at the Courthouse and these issues will need to be addressed prior to making
a decision on the property selected. The downtown location has great appeal due to the consolidation of
the County services and the Juvenile Office is now in the downtown area. It does not make sense to
relocate the Jail and the Courthouse to a new location away from the services that utilize the
Courthouse. Stutsman noted that selling the Jail has not been discussed. Kempf noted that the Jail
would be sold regardless of the scenario selected. Stutsman inquired if the plan included keeping the
Jail. Kempf replied that this does not call for renovating the Jail or the Sheriff's Offices.
Neuzil said one of the biggest problems is coming up with $60 million. Renovating the existing
Courthouse and the property across the street will take nine years to complete. One way or another,
there will be a phasing of the process, if it is going to be paid for internally. Neuzil asked if it is possible
to build in stages and Kempf replied yes, and that the final phase would be the renovation of the existing
Courthouse. Harney said it would be ideal to build the entire facility at the same time. Kempf agreed,
but pointed out that if phasing is necessary, it would be possible. Neuzil stated that the question is
whether to build the entire facility now or just a shell structure and Jail. Harney said that whatever the
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Board decides to do, it has to consider that currently the County is spending over $1 million annually to
transport prisoners. Neuzil noted that there could be an additional $1 million in new staffing. Harney
indicated the staffing costs would not be as high if the facility is built correctly.
Champion said she is not favoring either location, but as she considers all the people who walk to the
Courthouse for any kind of business, the current location is more accessible than the Press-Citizen
property. Environmentally it would be favorable to keep the facility downtown; it would eliminate the
need for many to drive. Harney agreed the ideal location is downtown. Stutsman added, it is important
to keep options open, so the public will know the Board studied the options and ultimately made the
wisest choice. Neuzil stated that it would be helpful to know more about the phasing concepts and what
possibilities exist. Specifically he was interested in knowing if enough beds could be built for today's
standards, could additional courtrooms be added, and make the existing Courthouse safe and secure for
$20 million. Kempf replied it would not be possible to do that until the facility programming and
designing begins.
Stutsman indicated the bottom line is how to the facility will be funded, which may ultimately
determine everything. The word she hears from the public is that they have had it with taxes and they
may reply to phase the project, or choose the least expensive option.
Neuzil said the Press-Citizen property, which just became available, is worth exploring, but it would
be nice for the Committee to make a decision on the best location. If it continues to be the downtown
location, it is possible to negotiate with GSA and to acquire property as it becomes available. In 2 '/2
years the County could have negotiated a rate for the GSA and saved, purchased, and built a parking
ramp, and at least have that done. It is very possible to have that over the next two to three years, if that
is a priority for the Committee and the County. Stutsman asked what the County would have to give up
to in order to do this. Meyers noted that, based on the Novak report the County may not need to deal
with GSA. Kempf replied that at the last meeting, some questions arose regarding the GSA component
and the Press-Citizen component, but people wondered whether the project could go forward on just the
existing property. Novak was asked to evaluate this question and they determined that yes, it could be
done and calculated renovation costs at $250 per square foot.
Neuzil said this was an original concept in the 1970s and Kempf confirmed. Stutsman asked what
the structure would look like from the front. Kempf replied that this report was requested to provide
information only. Harney noted that the only stipulation was the design must complement the existing
Courthouse.
Champion asked Neuzil how the Committee could consider phasing again. Neuzil responded that
the Committee should determine the immediate need for the next 10 years. If immediate needs are
determined to be an additional 100 beds, plus a few more secure courtrooms, and making the existing
Courthouse a safe environment, what will that cost. If the cost is $20 million then the committee needs
to plan how to fund $20 million. First though, the committee needs to determine where this facility will
be located and then determine if it is possible. It would be great if everything could be on County
property.
Harney stated that a lot of progress has been made in lowering the costs associated with each
location and would like to proceed without phasing. Novak could come back to give an overview of
both proposals and go from there or the Board can decide to go one way or the other and move on.
Stratton stated that before making a decision they should consider all costs, including convenience and
time. Strategically, the Board should evaluate its needs and decide what it is willing to sacrifice before
presenting choices for the public. If Stutsman is correct with her assessment of the public's perspective,
then they will vote for the cheapest option, which may not be adequate in three or five yeas from now.
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Harney said there are risks with the phasing process that include securing a bond for one phase and only
to learn that the next phase maybe pushed back. Stratton replied that the public should have a chance to
vote on the proposal. Stutsman added that Cedar County experienced a similar situation where the
people voted no and they built the facility anyway.
Neuzil stated that the underground parking component of the project is estimated at over $4 million
and inquired as to whether there were any other options. Kempf replied yes. One option would be to
eliminate half of the underground parking and use surface parking for a savings of approximately $2
million. This option would now allow for adding the underground parking at a later time. Neuzil stated
that some of the GSA representatives were optimistic about having one floor in a ramp. He asked
whether it would be less expensive to negotiate something with GSA rather than build an underground
parking structure underneath the existing Courthouse lawn. Kempf responded that given the cost
variables from one site to the other, there would not be a significant savings by choosing surface parking
over the underground parking option.
Harney did not favor underground parking under such a facility. Champion asked how many
parking spaces are being built and who would be using them. Harney replied GSA has 250 spaces and
they want additional space to accommodate tenants and future employees. Kempf said there are 174
spaces of which half would be secured for Courthouse staff, Sheriff's Office staff parking, and patrol car
parking. The other portion would be public parking. Champion asked if parking was provided
underneath the existing Courthouse lawn, would the GSA property still be needed. Kempf replied no.
He then added, if further space was needed, they could utilize Harrison Street for additional surface
parking or building expansion. Neuzil said the phasing option may be the best approach as it would be
difficult to raise $55 to $60 million without a significant tax increase. The County saw the impact of
$20 million for the Joint Emergency Communications Center and what that did to the tax levy. He
asked people to think about what would be the impact of a $55 or $60 million bond on taxes; people
would not vote for that. If the facility can be built without purchasing any property, that would be a
huge advantage.
Elliott told Judge Russell that he is to blame for the lack of communication. He said he will meet
with the Supervisors to prepare a summary and provide Harney with the information needed to submit a
proposal to GSA. Right now there are multiple alternatives, each of which present questions and
concerns. Stutsman asked Kempf if Novak Design conducted any borings around the building. Kempf
responded no; however, it was done quite a while ago and there should not be any problems building
below that area.
University of Iowa Facilities Representative Larry Wilson asked if there was a chart available that
compared all the facility options. Wilson inquired whether the Courthouse renovation wraparound
proposal could be phased and if the GSA can be secured in a timely manner. Neuzil replied that three
months ago the Board discussed the GSA and they still don't know where they stand with that property.
With this concept, it is possible to stay downtown even without the GSA, and that is new information as
of this week.
Harney said the downtown option is more convenient for jurors and legal services; however, the
Press-Citizen property would make the Sheriff's Office more accessible for Coralville, North Liberty,
and the State Troopers, there are pros and cons on both sides. Neuzil said it would be helpful for the
Facilities Subcommittee meet with the Justice Center Coordinating Committee to review the plans
again. Neuzil said underground parking may not be necessary, if Harrison Street plus the property from
the existing three houses is available for parking. Elliott said he agrees with Neuzil wholeheartedly but
that until the GSA property issue is settled, there are only two alternatives: the wraparound site
downtown and the Press-Citizen. He asked when the Committee could expect a reply from GSA.
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Harney responded that GSA has a management committee that oversees all of their facilities for a
review process. Elliott replied the proposal could still be prepared and leave the GSA component
undetermined at this time. Harney indicated GSA made it clear that if there is a proposal they will
expect the County to follow through. Elliott asked if Harney needs to present specific information to the
GSA including exactly what the County will offer. Harney replied yes. Kempf added that GSA said
they want space in a secured parking area. Elliott said the Committee would get together and get back
with recommendations for the Board.
Pulkrabek inquired if there could be negotiations with the City of Iowa City regarding the new
parking ramp being built on the St. Patrick's Parish Hall property. He wondered if negotiations would
be possible with Iowa City and the GSA. He said the JCCC should learn more about the ramp Iowa City
is building now and what is their projected use. Iowa City Council Member Connie Champion said that
when the City of Iowa City built the Tower Place Parking Ramp, it took three years to deal with the
Federal Government and ultimately, underground secured parking was built for the apartment buildings
the government owns. Stutsman said she has heard that if the Chicago rail system becomes a reality,
there will be the need for more than just day parking for rail passengers. She asked Champion if this
ramp was supposed to accommodate rail passengers. Champion said no, this ramp is part of the parking
impact fee for all the apartment buildings currently under construction or already built. The City's
parking ramps are all full and the only possibility for additional parking for the City is from the
University of Iowa. The City has well over 600 people waiting for parking permits. The City has to
build this ramp or else return money to the construction companies who build the apartments. Neuzil
said this brings up the rumored gigantic parking ramp the University plans to build and he asked Wilson
if that is in the plan. Wilson said it is a concept; however, at this time, there is no demand. Stutsman
summarized that parking will continue to be a major issue downtown.
Neuzil suggested that Harrison Street could provide a significant amount of surface parking on both
sides and also down the middle. He asked if that would be a possibility rather than building a ramp.
Kempf replied yes.
REPORT FROM ALTERNATIVES AND TREATMENTS SUB-COMMITTEE
MECCA Clinical Manager Megan LaValle reported that MECCA had 31 Jail visits this month.
They remain busy on weekends and holidays. The Jail requested 39 evaluations and MECCA
completed 36, of which 16 were completed on weekends and holidays. At the request of the Public
Defender's Office, MECCA evaluated three individuals.
REPORT FROM PUBLIC INFORMATION/OUTREACH SUB-COMMITTEE
McCarragher reported that the results of the survey conducted by University of Iowa Political
Science Professor David Redlawsk demonstrated that people really did not know about the County's
need for a larger Courthouse and Jail. This means public information needs to be more forthcoming.
The survey population also indicated they did not like the build-as-you-go route and favored bonding;
the percentages were close on all of the options. The survey population did favor combining the Justice
Center with the Jail. Harney inquired if the survey was random. McCarragher said yes, but that the
survey was not scientific. The survey questions for the JCCC were added to a survey about same-sex
marriage in the State of Iowa, which Redlawsk was ready to conduct. The Justice Center component
was appended to the existing survey.
SET NEXT MEETING DATE
The next meeting is scheduled for July 1, 2009, at 4:00 p.m. Neuzil said the Shelter House ground
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breaking is scheduled at 5:00 p.m. on the same day so the Board and the JCCC agreed to a 3:00 p.m.
start time for the next meeting. Johnson provided copies of the Redlawsk survey and Neuzil encouraged
everyone to review the survey.
Adjourned at 5:07 p.m.
Attest: Tom Slockett, Auditor
By:
On the day of , 2009
By Nancy Tomkovicz, Recording Secretary
Sent to the Board of Supervisors on July 8, 2009 at 4:30 p.m.
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MINUTES OF THE JOINT INFORMAL MEETING OF JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AND JUSTICE CENTER COORDINATING COMMITTEE:
JULY 1, 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Report from Facilities Sub-Committee
Page
Chairperson Neuzil called the Johnson County Board of Supervisors to order in the Johnson County
Administration Building at 3:02 p.m. Members present were: Pat Harney, Larry Meyers, Terrence
Neuzil, Sally Stutsman, and Rod Sullivan.
Justice Center Coordinating Committee members present were: Justice Center Coordinating
Committee Coordinator Bob Elliott, Harney, County Attorney Janet Lyness, Johnson County Bar
Association Representative Jim McCarragher, and County Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek.
REPORT FROM FACILITIES SUB-COMMITTEE
Justice Center Coordinating Committee Coordinator Bob Elliott said the Board asked the Justice
Center Coordinating Committee for a recommendation. He said the major question is whether the
Committee should consider the newly available Press-Citizen property in the planning process for a
justice center. The Justice Center initially was to be a one entity situation adjacent or adjoined to the
Courthouse. He said the JCCC recommended looking for sufficient savings to continue considering the
Press-Citizen property as part of the planning process. Therefore, perhaps a Jail, Sheriff's Office, and
some preliminary hearing rooms could be at the Press-Citizen property. Then have the Courthouse-
related offices, facilities, storage areas, and courtrooms at the downtown location. Elliott said the JCCC
has been under the impression that there is a strong consensus that courthouse-related functions need to
stay in the downtown area. The Committee would like to know if there would be sufficient savings to
consider use of the Press-Citizen property. If there are savings, the Committee would like to proceed
with the idea of two facilities, if there is not savings the Committee recommended continuing with the
original plan of building the Justice Center around the downtown Courthouse location.
Elliott said he hopes that whatever the Board decides, they would support the Committee's
recommendations. In the best of times, this would be a difficult process, but it is probably the worst of
times financially and politically. He said in the planning process the considered cost of the project was
between $60 and $70 million, but that does not appear to be viable. He said they need to consider an
option that costs between $30 and $40 million.
Stutsman asked for clarification on the $30 to $40 million. Elliott said when the initial facilities
assessment and drawing for the justice center were completed; some people thought the intent was to ask
the firm what could be done for $30 to $40 million with the end product costing $60 to $70 million. The
consensus was that $60 million is not politically or financially viable. Neuzil asked if the Justice Center
Coordinating Committee made this recommendation or the Facilities Sub-committee. Elliott said it was
the Facilities Sub-committee, it has not gone to the full JCCC.
Johnson County Facilities Manager David Kempf said the County is at a turning point, with
fundamental decisions that have to be made. The County needs to determine what is financially viable.
The general consensus is that a $60 to $70 million facility will not happen. He asked what the County's
realistic price point could b.e. He believes the $30 to $40 has a reasonable possibility of passing in a
referendum in the near future. He clarified near future as in two and a half years. He asked if the
County should utilize the survey option offered to determine the public's opinion on how much they
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would be willing to spend. Kempf said when the Durant~study was done, the Press-Citizen Property was
not included, because it was not available at that time. He said the Committee has a rough cost of what
it would cost to build at the Press-Citizen building. He said until the Board commits to spending the
money to answer the questions, the estimates are a calculated guess.
Kempf said now is the time to start considering whether the County wants to enter into a partnership
with an architecture and engineering firm to design a facility, but first complete a needs assessment
study. He said the facility should be designed to meet the needs of the County for the next 20 to 25
years. He said they can position themselves for future growth after that point. He asked if the Board is
prepared to move forward with this plan, if not should the JCCC recess for a year and reconsider the
issue later. Novak Design Group has done a quick assessment on the Press-Citizen property and they
recommended that the programming component needs to be done next to determine exactly what is
needed. He said the programming assessment will be done by whoever the County hires to do the
facility. He said it does not make sense to hire a firm to do a study now unless it is done by the
architectural firm that is going to handle the project, otherwise the County will pay for another
assessment once a firm is hired.
Harney said he is uncomfortable waiting four years for a referendum, because there is a need now
due to safety issues, transportation issues and associated expenses. One of the real factors for the Board
is difficult economic times. The Conservation Bond issue passed and Conservation is asking for $1
million this year, which won't increase the overall tax by a large amount. He said Conservation has 20
years to spend $20 million. Conservation could propose $4 or $5 million at the same time the Board
moves forward with the justice center and the Board is required to provide that money. Legally the
Board must wait for a request, so they cannot set aside $1 million as year as they thought they might be
able to.
Neuzil asked when the Sub-committee decided to go from a justice center to a jail and courthouse
issue again. Kempf said he is not sure. Neuzil said it took six year to get to a justice center, so he
wanted to know what happened in the last month to change that. Kempf said the Press-Citizen property
became available for sale. Trying to be a good steward of County money, the Sub-committee felt it was
something they had to look at. In looking at one large complex, the fundamental assumption was that
the court services component needs to stay downtown with the existing Courthouse. Kempf said that if
the Sub-committee assumes the Courthouse will stay at the current location, then the question is whether
the Press-Citizen property should be considered for a jail site. Even if the buildings are split, it is
important to talk about this as one project. He cannot support not adding a jail and courthouse at the
same time regardless of the number of buildings. He said it has to be put to the public as one project
because the County needs Courthouse improvements and security issues taken care of as much as it
needs a new jail.
County Attorney Janet Lyness said she doesn't believe there is a recommendation from the Facilities
Sub-committee for two projects. There is no agreement on the Facilities Sub-committee, other than to
get more information. They didn't think the Durant Study provided a number of what it would cost to
use the current Courthouse, because the study did not look at using the current Courthouse. She said the
Sub-Committee is asking the Board for funds to get a clear idea of the costs to renovate and build
around the Courthouse. She said there is no agreement within the Facilities Sub-committee that the
GSA is not going to continue to be considered. Harney said the Durant report did consider using the old
Courthouse. Lyness said the study did not include it in the costs. She said the study put everything in a
new facility and did not include anything about how the current Courthouse would be used. Kempf
added that the Study assumed the Courthouse would be used for another purpose. Lyness said the
report's total cost ignored the Courthouse space that could be used.
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Neuzil said it has taken six years to come to a consensus on building a justice center. He said he is
curious how the decision to go against that consensus and look at two separate locations was achieved.
When the space needs assessment done by Durant was for a justice center rather than two different
projects. Neuzil asked if anyone has looked at any other available properties for just a jail. He said even
if it was done at the same time, it would be two separate projects. Kempf said the question becomes
whether the County can afford to build the justice center. The efficiencies and programming were
possible, but it came with a price tag most people thought was unrealistic. Neuzil agreed, adding they
.considered how much it cost if they got everything they wanted. Kempf said the consensus from
Facilities is they need more information and he asked how they can get that information. He said
Novak, out of convenience, because they were working on the Health and Human Services Building,
gave the County quick information. The County doesn't want to duplicate services it is going to pay for
later, so they should figure out what firm they want to work with on this project and have the firm
answer those questions. He said the firm would do a better job in the design phase, if they're part of the
decision-making process. Kempf said the firm will also need to know what price point the County is
working towards. He doesn't know if $30 to $40 million would be too much or too little. He asked if it
is time to do a public opinion survey. From a facilities standpoint, if the bond referendum will be in
November of 2012, the County needs to hire an architect now to meet that timeframe. There will be a
minimum design and programming time of 12 to 18 months and then the County will need to share with
the public what they are doing. Kempf said the Board needs to decide how to best answer the remaining
questions.
Neuzil said he thought the County had already answered the questions. Up to a month and a half
ago everyone had agreed to one justice center. Kempf said if the Board wants to move forward with that
option, they need to communicate it to Sub-committee and they'll walk away from the Press-Citizen
option. Harney said the programming was still part of the proposed jail at the Press-Citizen property.
He said Novak said the County could build the jail, the Sheriff's Office, do the programming, and have
an appearance courtroom for telephonic appearances with an estimated price of $19 million. If the
justice center is estimated at $70 million, the $50 million will make an awfully nice Courthouse. He
said if the numbers are correct it would be advantageous to look at the Press-Citizen option. He said
some of the things they would lose would be the ease of taking prisoners to the courtroom rather than
transporting them. Harney said the County needs to consider something the public will support and
agree to and there are other options available.
University of Iowa Facilities Representative Larry Wilson said he believes there are three options: 1)
build all at the Press-Citizen, 2) build all downtown or 3) split the proposed justice center. He is hearing
that most people want the entire facility to be downtown unless there is an economic reason against it.
When the Sub-committee asks which is the best economic option, they cannot answer it, because the
information is not aligned in a way they can understand it. The previous cost estimates did not outline
the costs for each option, including renovation of the Courthouse. He said the Sub-committee could not
compare the costs without having the information of what it would cost for each project. He said the
Facilities Sub-committee suggested getting information on what it would cost to do each project to see if
there is an economic reason to choose the Press-Citizen option. He said the consensus is if there is not
an economic benefit, people prefer downtown.
Wilson said the Sub-committee also needs someone to cut out items included in the costs that do not
make sense, so they have a basic program for the full facility to compare. If the County gets a
comparison cost, they can see which option they can afford. He said if the County can only bond for
$30 million then the question is what program can they get that can be added to later. An information
consultant could make a decision on which option would be best and then a design consultant could be
hired to test quick ideas, before the County makes a decision. Then the County would move into a
detailed program assessment. He said the problem is the County will have to pay to obtain that kind of
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information. The Facilities Sub-committee would like to see how much it will cost to obtain that
information to assist in making a decision.
Wilson said the Sub-committee also needs to focus on the GSA property to find other solutions
available like closing off the street south of the Post Office for parking. Harney said if the County gets
the GSA lot, it would require building a ramp to house the 200 cars currently parking there, which
would be a $3 million facility. Wilson said since the County is considering closing Harrison Street by
the Courthouse, they could also consider closing another block east for parking. Harney said the Post
Office's loading dock is reached by Harrison Street. Neuzil said last month, it was determined the
County no longer required the GSA property. Wilson said a $30 to $40 million property may not
require the GSA property, but he thinks in the long-term it would be necessary. Meyers said if the
County chooses two separate properties, a parking facility may not be necessary.
Stutsman said it is irrelevant how the Sub-committee came to the decision to look at two locations,
because the Board owes it to the community to explore the options and get as much information
possible. She said if the Board doesn't consider it; the public's first question will be: why wasn't the
Press-Citizen property considered. The community's first priority is generally not what is convenient,
but what the project costs and the Board needs to answer that question.
Neuzil reiterated it has been six years talking about a justice center and over the last two months they
have gone to talking about the possibility of a separate jail and courthouse. Over the last six years,
everyone agreed to having a justice center and the community has backed the County in the idea of a
justice center. In the last month and a half there has been a push again to two separate facilities. He said
during the Durant process, it would have been nice to have the option of two facilities. He said looking
at two separate locations not only implies looking at the Press-Citizen property, but at many options. He
said if the County chooses two facilities, then it would have to investigate other locations. He doesn't
believe that's necessary, however, because everyone has agreed it should be downtown.
Harney said he disagrees. The County looked at the Menards building. Neuzil said they considered
it for a justice center. Harney said they also looked at the Press-Citizen for a justice center. He said he
is not advocating one option or the other, but they need to look at it to know what the costs are. The
Press-Citizen building wasn't available in the past. Now it is and the retrofit is easy according to
Novak. Harney said he agrees with Wilson about spending some money to have an honest look at the
costs, and then make a decision and move forward. Wilson said he is concerned with the project
becoming circular if the Board says the Sub-committee must consider other sites if it considers the
Press-Citizen. Neuzil said that is why the County is to this point. He restated his point is the County
has done that investigation. Wilson and Kempf both said it is the Board's decision whether they want to
consider it. Kempf said the Sub-committee is seeking direction from the Board.
Wilson said the Press-Citizen site represents the best alternative the County could find that is not
downtown, because the building is a unique fit, it is available, and it is less expensive than other
properties may be. He said the Press-Citizen building represents all of the other possibilities, because
others most likely will not be as good. He said it is up to the Board whether they want to investigate that
site or not. He said he is not convinced that a ramp is needed in order to build downtown. The City of
Iowa City is building a new ramp a couple of blocks away from the Courthouse and possibly the County
could request to shift the location or request to share or rent it for use. He said there are ways to work
around it. He said no matter what decision is made the County needs to fund the plan rather than plan
the funding.
Lyness said she was not sure when it was decided to have a justice center, but agreed that has been
the decision. She doesn't believe money is the bottom line; the County has to look at location, too. The
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County could probably build it cheaper down by Lone Tree as well. She said when Novak looked at the
Durant Study, the Sub-committee did not believe the numbers were accurate or providing a clear picture
as to how much the justice center would cost. She said they need a better idea of the cost because the
$60 to $70 million estimate can not be trusted. Even if the Board only considers the downtown location,
the Facilities Sub-committee wants to spend some money to get a realistic picture of the cost. She also
believes Facilities needs to obtain more information on the GSA lot and see if the County can purchase
that lot. She said if the lot cannot be purchased they need to know if they can continue to use the
property already owned around the Courthouse to stay at that location. Neuzil wished today's meeting
was about being ready to obtain that information. He believes this is a re-education process to take this
from a justice center to the concept of two separate facilities. Kempf said if the Board tells the Sub-
committee they want one facility, they will be able to move forward.
County Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek said the County did not get public input on a U shaped structure
around the historic Courthouse, which he viewed as a minor problem. He said all he is asking for is a
fair comparison. The Durant Study laid out a 250 bed facility, but Novak planned a 350 bed facility at
the Press-Citizen building. He said the difference in cost for 100 additional beds at the Courthouse is
$10 million dollars. He said if an addition was built on the back of the Courthouse to accommodate the
extra 100 beds there is a potential $10 million savings. He said if the facilities are split, a ramp wouldn't
be necessary, which would save $3 million. He said that is a potential $13 million savings by splitting
up the locations. Pulkrabek said he had spoken out against Menards because of the distance and the
efficiencies. As to efficiency, if the Sheriff's Office has to hire three full-time deputies to shuffle to the
Courthouse, at a cost of $240,000 it would still take quite a while to recoup the $13 million in savings.
That is why he has to insist, as a taxpayer and a tax steward, that the County look at the Press-Citizen.
He said he is not advocating for the Press-Citizen property, because in a perfect world, the facility
should be downtown in one building, but the problem is that facility is estimated at $60 to $80 million.
As they try to pare down the cost to $30 to $40 million, which may or may not pass, the Press-Citizen is
a viable option to cut costs. All he wants is a comparison, so as elected officials they can communicate
their decision to the public. Pulkrabek said he knows some of this ground has been covered before, but
Facilities needs help with the programming to look at this option to get a comparison. The Durant
Group did a good job on programming, design, and considering the operational expense of a potential
jail. He said Durant did not do as good a job on the Courthouse, which Lyness, and some of the
Supervisors were frustrated with. As the County moves forward, they need additional information to
ensure they have everything in order. Pulkrabek said he disagrees with Neuzil because the Press-Citizen
is a unique situation. He does not think they need to investigate any other properties.
Neuzil said he wished Pulkrabek would have told the Board two years ago that splitting the facility
would be a good option. All he heard was that it was not, because it is a justice center. Now all of a
sudden the Sub-committee wants to open up the process. Pulkrabek said he did not have a crystal ball
saying the Press-Citizen would become available nor any idea how the building was laid out. Stutsman
said sometimes the Board is called upon to look outside the box and all this discussion is evolution. It is
imperative for the Board to recognize that. Pulkrabek said the County needs to be a little flexible,
because as time goes by they need to evolve with things that come up. He said without knowing the
answer to those questions, he cannot support a project. Pulkrabek said he needs to be comfortable
saying the County did the bare minimum to look forward for a facility that can serve the County for 20
to 25 years and can continue serving them with other options later. He asked the Board to give it a
chance.
Stutsman said part of the reason the original bond issue did not pass was because the community did
not feel the County looked at all the options and alternatives. The County then formed asub-committee
to look at the alternatives and have done a good job of that. She said if the County cannot give the
message to the community that they have very thoroughly looked at the different options, they will
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waste their time seeking another bond issue. Pulkrabek said Sullivan still has in his possession about 12
different reasons people voted no and that was definitely one of them.
Johnson County Bar Association Representative Jim McCarragher said he could go through all the
different reasons why he and many other people presented that a joint facility is better. He said the
County went through the process for six years, deciding on a justice center downtown, after discussing
the importance and researching many different locations. Now because of one building, six years of
planning goes out the window. He asked if the County refocuses and revisits all the reasons why people
are for and against each option. If the Board decides not to go forward with the justice center plan
created over the past six years and pushes it another two years, what happens when a new site becomes
available and the Board is concerned whether they've covered all the bases. He asked if the Board will
then throw away eight years of planning. At some point a decision has to be made upon what has been
investigated for six years. If the County is always worried about the next project or the next thing that
has to be investigated because the public may ask about it, then the County will never end the process.
He said yes, things will become available and there will be things the public will ask if the County has
considered. At some point the County will have to say they have looked and now has to move forward
or it will never end.
Harney said he understood McCarragher's point, but the Press-Citizen option does away with
negotiating for the GSA lot, because the resulting facility can be built on existing land. It's the cost at
the end that needs to be investigated. McCarragher said he is hearing pulling it apart, moving it to a
different location. Harney said there are two options, to include the Press-Citizen or concentrate
downtown. McCarragher said tomorrow, if another building becomes available, does the County look at
that as well. Harney said they have covered that. McCarragher said at some point they have to move
forward. He has made presentations to the League of Women Voters and the County has done surveys
defining a justice center as a facility that includes the services of the Jail, the Sheriff's Office and the
Courthouse. If the County keeps telling the community they need a justice center with the reasons why,
considering two facilities will send confusing message.
McCarragher said paying a person that is not going to be the eventual designer of the building to
answer questions and then to hire someone else to design it will duplicate costs. If the County is looking
at cost comparisons, then they need to make a decision as to who will design the building and then have
those comparisons done. Harney said he agrees with that, but a location is needed. McCarragher said a
designer doesn't care about location. Neuzil said the County had a location and spent $60,000 to
determine it. Pulkrabek said he is not hearing that anyone wants to throw the downtown location out
yet, but the Sub-committee needs help paring down the Courthouse and deciding on the programming.
If the County is going to hire someone to give those details, the Sub-committee would like someone to
look at the cost of the Press-Citizen. He does not believe they are throwing away the last six years. He
said there is an opportunity and $13 million is a significant amount and he does not feel it should be
ignored; however, it is up to the Board to decide.
Stutsman said the group is just going to get into arguments between the people who want it
downtown and the people willing to consider other options. She said it would be responsible to look at
all the options currently available. She said she is supportive of hiring someone to get the information
so the Board can make an informed decision to share with the taxpayers. Neuzil clarified Stutsman the
information will only be looked at for the Press-Citizen, not any available property. Pulkrabek said the
three options Wilson laid out and Stutsman agreed.
Elliot said it can be pared down to two questions, what does the Board say to the public when they
ask: why the County wasted six years of planning and decided maybe to do something else; and why the
Sheriff, who knows about the operations and the cost, indicated the County could save $13 million and
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the Board decided not to pursue it. That would be a difficult question to answer. The County may find
there is nothing to the $13 million, but it is a question that will be asked.
Sullivan asked how much the County spent on the Durant Study. Pulkrabek said it was $71,000 or
$72,000. Sullivan asked if the County should sue them, because they did not get their money's worth
and the public should not have to pay for it. He said he does not know if the County has any legal
standing, but he would not mind trying. Secondly, the hiring of a firm would make sense, because he
believes they need further information. He said he is not convinced the savings are there, because
everything he has heard can be pared down at the downtown location can be pared down somewhere
else. He agreed it is currently a situation that needs to be compared, but he wants to be careful because
one contingency is saying they have a cheaper option, which may not be true. If the County separates
the justice center, then why wouldn't the Board consider the County Farm as opposed to the Press-
Citizen. The County already owns the land and has good access for SEATS, Ambulance and the Joint
Emergency Communication Center. If the justice center could be separate, then they need to consider
that site. He said he was told the JCCC did not want to separate the facility. Sullivan said he has been a
skeptic all along and it has taken him a long time, but he has been convinced by people that he trusts that
this has to be one facility and now he is being told it doesn't. Sullivan asked now, should he question
everything else like the size, scope, cost, and need for the facility. He said if he is having a crisis of
confidence, the public must be as well. He asked how he and the public can know that anything they've
been told is correct. He said he has been relying on heartfelt recommendations from people who have
worked hard to determine what was needed. Now people are saying something else and he has to
consider his trust and he feels other members of the public would feel the same way. Sullivan said he is
very discouraged.
Harney said with the Press-Citizen building, the County would not only be getting the ground but a
building that can be retrofitted. He said they wouldn't get that at the County Farm. Sullivan said the
County would not have to buy land at the County Farm,. Harney said they would have to build a
building, so it is an offsetting cost. Sullivan asked how he knows it will offset. Stutsman said they do
not know it is offsetting. Harney said that is why the Sub-committee is asking to complete the study.
Sullivan said the Sub-committee is only asking to consider one place, so why not the County Farm.
Neuzil added, or a warehouse in one of the industrial parks or whatever else is available His frustration
is the County had reached a point, up to two months ago, where they were ready to move forward to
identify a space analysis to determine how to fit it downtown and what size facility would be possible.
If the County is .going to explore different options, then they need to do it fully, rather than just with one
location. Harney said the County has already considered other locations. Sullivan and Neuzil said they
considered them as a justice center. Sullivan said just a jail has not been considered at the County
Farm. Harney said Neuzil and Sullivan will never be convinced.
Meyers said he sees good arguments for a single unit on the Courthouse block and for considering
the Press-Citizen building. He can see getting onboard with either option, but the problem is the lack of
adequate information. He agrees someone should look into the costs and if it is a significant savings,
then the Board needs to consider it. If it is a minimal difference, there is not much point. He likes the
idea Novak presented with everything contained on property other than the GSA lot, because the GSA
lot continuously complicates the issue. He said in exchange for using the GSA lot they have to build a
200 car parking ramp for the GSA's exclusive use on their property. He said that is not beneficial for
the County.
Sullivan said it comes back to trust. The Board has talked about how important it is to have all five
Supervisors, the County Attorney and County Sheriff agreeing or it will be difficult to sell it to the
public. He said he is getting to the point where he needs to be resold on everything. Kempf asked if
now is the time to decide who it they trust and who they can partner with to take them through the
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design and development phase of the project.
Attorney John Robertson said he believes the conversation is off track. He thinks they could back
up to where people agree, which is hiring someone to get the project moving towards a justice center
downtown. He said he suspects the Press-Citizen building would be easy to evaluate and determine
where it can be retrofitted. He said the County should hire a firm to start moving them forward and ask
them to look at the Press-Citizen building or any other available building as well. He does not believe it
would be more expensive to have a look into it, then it would be to just a hire a firm. He said the JCCC
needs to maintain their general consensus that the ideal solution would be a downtown justice center.
He said he doesn't care for a jail location at some distance, but it makes sense to look and see if there is
significant savings. He said they can find the answer to that question without getting too far into
revisiting larger issues.
Robertson said the intangible costs associated with looking at the Press Citizen building on North
Dodge Street horrify him. He does not believe many people living in that neighborhood would be
agreeable to having a 350 bed jail built in the middle of their $350,000 to $500,000 homes. The legal
community will not be very supportive, because the legal community is based downtown. He also
believes there will a large logistical nightmare moving prisoners back and forth on a daily basis, which
would impact due process rights, as it would reduce access to the courts. All that together, the
intangibles have real value. That is not to say that if the County could build a jail that would meet the
needs of the Sheriff's Office and the community and saves taxpayers millions of dollars, it should be
considered. He reiterated there are lots of costs and issues involved in it. He said a homeless shelter
could not be built over by the Mid-Eastern Council on Chemical Abuse building, so he shudders to think
of the cost and hassle of building a jail on the north side of Iowa City. He does not believe there is
anything controversial about moving forward with looking at a way to save people money.
County Auditor Tom Slockett said he believes the low costs that have recently come to light were
unexpected, such as the County's ability to house prisoners at less than $45 per day. As the County is
gathering information and doing studies, he said they need to consider the reality of today's costs and
the future concepts of scalability. Slockett said there is a proud heritage of over 100 years at the
Courthouse. The usability of that Courthouse building is something the County would do well to try to
advance. Part of the new complex is going to be a jail. He asked what will be the jail costs going to be
into the future, depending on where it is built. What is the scalability, medical costs, and food costs? He
said he believes the public wants to know what the total costs for a new facility will be versus the
current total costs using the resources available. One of the reasons the County has low costs is other
communities miscalculated and overbuilt jail space. All of that information will be important to the
community in deciding how they want to proceed. He said he knows that information is important to the
Board as well, but he wanted to add a few more concepts for the Board's consideration.
Pulkrabek said the County is currently restricting prisoner's access to lawyers by housing them in
Marshalltown. He said that factor does not really resonate with the public. Harney said he does not
want people to think he is supporting the Press-Citizen property, because the best efficiency would be a
combined facility, but the County has to look at the overall cost.
Kempf asked where the Board is. Stutsman said it sounds like there are three Board members
willing to start working with a Request For Proposals. Harney asked if the Board has to authorize that
in a formal meeting. Neuzil said he thinks the process would normally be that the Sub-committee would
make a recommendation to the JCCC and the JCCC would then make a recommendation to the Board.
Harney said that process would push the decision out another month. Neuzil said that is the normal.
Otherwise he would like to know what he is voting against. He said he does not believe the Sub-
committee knows exactly what they are proposing. Kempf asked if the Board is ready to proceed with a
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Request for Quote to find someone to help move them through the process. Sullivan said there is the
question of if they are hiring someone for just architecture or construction management. Kempf said he
believes the County is just looking for architecture and engineering services. Sullivan said then the
question is why just that. He would like more information. Kempf said he is envisioning a similar
process to that used in the Health and Human Services Building. He asked if the County is to the point
where they want that process. Neuzil said the Facilities Sub-committee and the JCCC could make a
proposal to the Board. Kempf said the Committee will meet as soon as they can to clear up the matter.
Neuzil said that would be helpful. Kempf said he has what he needed to know then. The Board agreed.
Adjourned at 4:12 p.m.
Attest: Tom Slockett, Auditor
By:
On the day of , 2009
By Nancy Tomkovicz, Recording Secretary
Sent to the Board of Supervisors on July 10, 2009 at 3:30 p.m.
http://www.j ohnson-county.com/auditor/min/090701 cj cc-min.htm 7/ 10/2009
~~'_,--~~.®~ CITY of Iowa CITY 1P4
~~Mo
DATE: July 1, 2009
TO: City Council
FROM: Sarah E. Holecek, First Assistant City Attorney
Karen Jennings, Personnel Administrator ~,7~,~~~~„_.~,
RE: Changes in domestic partnership benefits as a result of legalized same-sex marriage in
Iowa under the Iowa Supreme Court decision in Varnum v. Brien
As you likely know, as of April 27, 2009, the Iowa Supreme Court decision in the case of Varnum v.
Brien, 763 N.W.2d 862 (Iowa 2009), legalized same sex marriage in Iowa by holding that the statute
defining a valid marriage as between "a male and a female" violated the Iowa state constitution's equal
protection clause. This was based on the legal conclusion that regulatory classifications based on
sexual orientation are subject to an "intermediate scrutiny" analysis, and such regulations must be
related to a substantial governmental interest related to the regulation. The Iowa Supreme Court
concluded that denying marriage licenses to same sex couples was not substantially related to any of
the governmental interests proffered by the Polk County recorder's office.
Iowa City's extension of health care benefits to same-sex domestic partners
By City Council approved policy, as of July 1, 1994 the City of Iowa City policies redefined the definition
of "family" to include domestic partners, thereby extending health and dental insurance benefits to
same sex domestic partners of City employees after each partner signs an affidavit attesting that the
relationship meets the minimum qualifications (i.e. unable to qualify as common law spouses, not
related by blood such as would bar marriage in Iowa, reside together, have joint home ownership,
designate one another on Life insurance or within a will and/or have a relationship contract). The City
also recognizes common law marriage and extends health and dental benefits to common law spouses
upon execution of an affidavit acknowledging that the couple considers themselves spouses.
As all couples can now avail themselves of legal marriage, and to avoid treating similarly situated
couples differently, we recommend dispensing with the City's policy that defines "family" to include a
same sex domestic partner and discontinuing the domestic partner benefit program as of July 1, 2010.
This date will coincide with the expiration of the union contracts now in place and will give those same
sex couples wishing to avail themselves of health and dental insurance benefits the opportunity to
marry to avoid the loss of those benefits.
Iowa City's Domestic Partnership Registry
By ordinance No. 94-3647, passed in November 1994, the City of Iowa City established the Domestic
Partnership Registry which expanded the "concept of familial relationships beyond traditional marital
and blood relationships" and "recognizes the relationship of two (2) nonmarried but committed adult
partners." Under this ordinance, the City adopted a process to provide persons who either cannot or
choose not to marry a method by which to declare themselves as domestic partners and publicly
express and document their commitment. The domestic partnership registry is open to both same sex
and heterosexual couples, and is a mechanism which some employers may utilize to voluntarily extend
equal treatment in employment benefits for such partners and their dependents.
As the domestic partnership registry is open to all couples regardless of sex, the decision in Varnum v.
Brien has no impact on the continuation of the registry, as the registry does not create a class of
persons who are entitled to the benefits of a program based on sex. As a result, we recommend that
the domestic partnership registry continue without change.
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please feel free to contact either one of us.
Cc Dale Helling, Interim City Manager
Marian Karr, City Clerk
Eleanor Dilkes, City Attorney
IP5
SUMMARY OF PENDING WORK SESSION ISSUES
7/22/09
Legalization of Urban Chickens (AUGUST 17)
Greenhouse Gas Assessment Update (AUGUST 17)
Snow Removal Plan Update (AUGUST/SEPTEMBER)
Site of New Animal Shelter (after FEMA final decision)
Meet with Historic Preservation Commission re: energy efficiency/green
issues (after guideline revisions are drafted) (SEPTEMBER)
Farmers' Market (SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER)
Flood Response & Mitigation Update (PERIODIC)
Alley Inventory (FALL 09)
2010 Legislative Priorities (FALL 09)
r
~~_,:.®~~ C[TY Q~ [CJ WA CITY
~, ~~
~E~C~RA1~D~~
DATE: July
TO: Mayor and ity Council
FROM: Marian K. Karr, ity Clerk ~~~
RE: DRAFT Meeting Schl~dule, October -December
Below is a proposed meeting schedule fol wing Council past pr ctice to not schedule meeting on
election nights. This practice did affect utiliz the first and th' d Tuesday formal schedule adopted by
Council resolution. I would appreciate you con ' ming, or adj ting, the schedule on Monday evening at
your work session.
Tuesday, October 6 ,Primary election, if needed ~
Monday, October 12, Special Work Session, 6:30 P
Tuesday, October 13, Special Formal, 7:00 PM
Monday, October 26, Special Work Session, 6: PM
Tuesday, October 27, Special Formal, 7:00 P
Tuesday, November 3, ELECTION DAY
Wednesday, November 11, HOLIDAY
Monday, November 16, Work Sessi , 6:30 PM
Tuesday, November 17, Formal, 7' 0 PM
Thursday, November 26, HOLI AY
Friday, November 27, HOLID
Monday, November 30, W rk Session, 6:30 PM
Tuesday, December 1, F rural, 7:00 PM
Monday, December 1 ,Work Session, 6:30 PM
Tuesday, Decembe 15, Formal, 7:00 PM
Thursday, December 24, HOLIDAY
Friday, December 25, HOLIDAY
In addition Council may wish to consider setting aside meeting dates for:
• Area legislators prior to the start of the session
• Orientation /joint meeting of outgoing and incoming City Council (shortly after November 3)
ATTACHMENT: October-December Calendar
p7-23-09
IP6
S:sched u I ed raft2009(oct-dec).doc
October
_ _
Sun
~~ M n _
~ _Tue
Wed _
Thu _
~~ Fri Sat
! 1 2
I 3
_ __
-
4
-~.-
- -
5 _ __________--
~
,6
-- ~____ ~
~ _
8 w
--~-
-
! 9 _--
0
11 12 13 I 14 ~ 1 16 17
_~ 18 ~' 19 ,__ 2 - 21 2 23 24
~~ 25 ~ 26 7 28 29 ~ 30 ; 31
N vemb r
-^
_ _ _
_ Sun _~~__Mon~~ ' Tue
~
_~
_ Wed _~ ~ _
Thu ~
~ Fri ~
Sat __
~
1 2 ~~ie~~_ ~
----------r --
4
__---
5 ~
~ - - ~
6
- 7
E
8 ~ _9 __ ~ 1 ~ 11 ~
~ 13 ~ 14
_
15~ 16 7
~ 18 ~ 1 20 21
22 j 23 ~' 24
~ 25 26 27~ 28
29 30
~ ~ ~ ;
December
Sun ~ n Tue _~_ Wed ~ _ Thu ~ Fri ~ Sat
2 3 _ _ ___4_ _____ ~ _ __5
____.__-- G_-__ ._____..______.._. _________. ~----____~ .~ .____~.__.________ ___ ° _
_6 7 ~ 8 ~ 9 10 --- _~ _~______~__ ~_~____.
13 ~ 14 15 i 16 ~ 17 ' 18 19
~~.___r~._____.~~.,._
20 i 21 22 ~ 23 ~ 24 ~ 25 ~ 26
_ _____ti_____;~_ _ __ ~~ __ ~~~._____ ______.
27 28 ~ 29 , 30 ~ ~ 31
.~~®,~r CITY OF IOWA CITY
~~~~~~~
~,`r'M'ao'~~
~~~~RA~D~C~~
DATE: July 28, 2009
TO: Mayor and City Council
Vic:,-~. 5-~ss~ o~ ~~s~~5~~pv~
FROM: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
RE: Meeting Schedule, October -December 2009
Below is the meeting schedule decided by Council at their work session on July 27:
Monday, October 5, Work Session, 6:30 PM
Tuesday, October 6 ,Formal (Primary election, if needed), 7:00 PM
Monday, October 19, Work Session, 6:30 PM
Tuesday, October 20, Formal, 7:00 PM
Monday, November 2, Combined Work Session, TBA; Special Formal, 7:00 PM
Tuesday, November 3, ELECTION DAY
Wednesday, November 11, HOLIDAY
Thursday, November 12, Orientation /joint meeting of outgoing and incoming City Council, 6:30 PM
Monday, November 16, Work Session, 6:30 PM
Tuesday, November 17, Formal, 7:00 PM
Thursday, November 26, HOLIDAY
Friday, November 27, HOLIDAY
Monday, November 30, Work Session, 6:30 PM
Tuesday, December 1, Formal, 7:00 PM
Monday, December 14, Combined Work Session, TBA; Special Formal, 7:00 PM
Thursday, December 24, HOLIDAY
Friday, December 25, HOLIDAY
Possible Special Work Session date for meeting with area legislators prior to the start of the session:
(options will be presented to legislators and confirmed after responses received)
Monday, December 7
Wednesday, December 9
Thursday, December 10
S:schedule FI NAL2009(oct-dec).doc
r
~ui~' '~
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
IP7
DATE: July 22, 2009
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk ~~
RE: Iowa League of Cities Meeting
The 2009 Annual Conference for the League of Cities will be held September 23-25 in
Davenport. If you are interested in attending, I will be happy to handle your registration and/or
hotel reservations for you.
Additionally, Mayor Bailey wanted me to inform you it is cheaper to drive back and forth and be
reimbursed for mileage than it is to make hotel reservations.
Please let me know as soon as possible.
Attachment: Schedule of Events
U:t_eaguemeeting.doc
Schedule of events
Wednesday, Sept. 23
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Best Ball Golf Tournament, Palmer Hills Golf Club
(must pre-register). Driving Range opens at
9:30 a.m.
1:30-4:30 p.m. Workshops
Citizen Engagement -The Basis of Effective Governance, A Tribute to Tim Shields
Cleaning Up Your City: From Planning and Zoning to Nuisance Abatement
Municipal Economics
5 - 6 p.m. Orientation Reception
6 - 8:30 p.m. Welcome Reception and Exhibit Hall
Thursday, Sept. 24
6:30 - 9 a.m.
Sixth Annual Run/Walk, Credit Island (must pre-register)
7:30 - 8:45 a.m. Breakfast in the Exhibit Hall
9 -10 a.m. Workshop Sessions
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Guest Tour (must pre-register)
10-10:45 a.m. Coffee Break in the Exhibit Hall
10:45 -11:45 a.m. Workshop Sessions
Noon -1:30 p.m. Lunch
2-3 p.m. Workshop Sessions
3:30-4:30 p.m. Workshop Sessions
4:30 - 5:30 p.m. IaCMA Reception
6-8 p.m. Awards Banquet
8 -10:30 p.m. Presidents Reception, Figge Art Museum
Friday, Sept. 25
8-9 a.m. Workshops
9:15-10 a.m. Annual Business Meeting (remember to register your voting delegate)
10:30 -Noon Closing Brunch
WORKSHOP INFORMATION
The workshops at this year's Annual Conference and Exhibit will provide participants with awide-range
of educational and networking opportunities. To determine the workshop line-up the League gathers
feedback from hundreds of city officials (including previous conference participants). Our goal is to
provide you with a relevant and timely selection of workshops taught by experts in the field.
Wednesday Expanded Workshops
Choose from several expanded learning opportunities on Wednesday, September 23; from 1:30 p.m. to
4:30 p.m. Attendance at these sessions is included with conference registration:
Citizen Engagement-The Basis of Effective Governance
A practical guide on how to re-emphasize the relationship of citizens to their
government.
2. Cleaning Up Your City: From Planning and Zoning to Nuisance Abatement
An overview of laws and best practices, giving your city the tools to address these
important issues.
3. Municipal Economics
An interactive discussion of municipal expenditures and revenues with attention
placed on alternative revenue sources and franchise fees.
Thursday and Friday Workshops
Four separate, hour-long sessions with seven individual choices each will be offered Thursday and one
session with six choices will take place Friday morning. These workshops offer solutions and practical
steps attendees can take home to their communities. Below is a list of the offerings by general subject
area:
Small City: Workshops designed with small cities in mind
The workshops at the League conference are designed to be attended by city officials from communities
of all sizes. However, each year the League schedules a series of conference workshops to address issues
of particular interest to officials from smaller cities. Sessions are open to participants from any sized city;
however, examples and materials will focus on the needs of small cities. This year topics include:
Grant Writing - How to Find, Apply and Complete
With increasing competition for limited resources, the process of grant writing has become increasingly
important for local government. What constitutes a good funding proposal? What should be included?
What should be left out? These and other questions will be explored.
Law Enforcement Contract Issues
Numerous cities have established agreements with counties to provide regular law enforcement
services within city boundaries. This session will address the advantages and disadvantages of these
types of arrangements.
Human Resources for Small Cities
Municipal officials make many decisions affecting city employees. Learn strategies and resources to help
make your personnel policies and guidelines better understood, more readily accepted, more consistent
and fairly applied.
Small City Economic Development
Three very different cities, with three very different philosophies and approaches to economic
development will present their unique solutions in this panel discussion.
Parks & Recreation Planning, Programming and Options
This session will explore emerging trends and issues in parks and recreation programs for smaller cities.
The session will largely focus on the need for cities to form effective partnerships to meet changing
goals.
Dollars and Sense
As the Iowa economy heads towards recovery, several workshop topics will address various aspects of
municipal finance, economic development and budgeting. Topics include:
Economic Development Toolkit
This session will provide an overview of tools created or strengthened in recent years to encourage
economic development at the local level. Tools such as Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Self-Supported
Municipal Improvement Districts (SSMID) and incentives will be discussed.
Streamlining City Hall in a Bad Economy
This roundtable session will provide strategies to develop budgets in tough economic times and give
participants the opportunity to share their stories.
Implementing Franchise Fees in Light of Recent Legalizing Legislation
An examination of recent legalizing legislation for cable, gas and electric franchise fees with discussion
of strategies to implement a franchise fee, or an increase in the franchise fee in your city. The
differences in how fees are established and collected for cable, gas and electric franchises will also be
discussed.
Property Tax 101
This session will explain the residential rollback, property and valuation, tax rates, taxable value growth,
tax rate growth and everything else you ever wanted to know about property taxes in Iowa.
Fraud Issues
Just like businesses, cities are faced with issues involving fraud and abuse. Both elected and appointed
city officials can play a significant role in maintaining systems and procedures which help prevent and
contain fraud. This session will detail how you can increase organizational awareness and allow the city
to safeguard resources.
Human Resources
• IPERS Update and Outlook
• FLSA Overview
• Pre-employment Screenings
• Generational Diversity
• When Technology Meets HR
• IMWCA: Taking Care of Your Employees and Your Bottom Line
Legal and Policy Issues
• The Power of Cities -Home Rule Applications
• Balancing the Public's Right to Know with the
Government's Ability to Function
• Lobbying at the Local Level
• New ADA Requirements
• Religion in City Hall
Governance
• How to Play Nice in the Sandbox -Staff/Council Relationships
• How to Improve Meeting Efficiency
• Citizen Academies
• E-Gov: The 24 Hour a Day City Hall
Infrastructure
• Iowa DOT Update
• It's Not Easy Being Green
• Mitigation Planning and Projects
• Collaborative Housing Approach
• Water Quality Issues from an Infrastructure Point of View
• Green Streets -Green Cities
r --
!~~~ p~~ CITY OF I(JWA CITY Mpg
~~®
~~~~
Date: July 23, 2009
To: City Council
From: Rick Fosse, Director of Public Works
Jeff Davidson, Director of Planning and Community Development
Re: Update: Flood-related activities
Engineering and Public Works Administration:
• Working with staff to develop the applications for the Community Disaster Grants.
• Working with staff to develop the applications for I-JOBS Funding.
• Working with staff to develop the applications for CDBG Funding.
• Contractor working on the Iowa Avenue Inverted Siphon Sewer Project.
• Flood repair projects for the Highway 6 Bridge, Highway 1 Bridge and North Riverside
Drive were bid in the July 21st DOT letting.
Met with the Water Division and Howard R. Green Company to determine repair and
replacement plans for the Iowa River water main crossings. Terracon performing soil
borings.
Working with the Iowa DOT to reallocate the FHWA emergency repairs funds for Park
Road Bridge and Dubuque Street to the elevation Project.
• Reviewing the University of Iowa Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan.
• Discussion with the Army Corps of Engineers in regards to the construction plans and
schedule for the Section 14 Iowa River Bank Stabilization along Dubuque Street
downstream from the Park Road Bridge.
• Discussion of a volunteer clean-up effort of the property purchased from the Park View
Church.
• Developing the plans and specifications for the demolitions in regards to the HMGP
Buyout homes. Special council meetings have been scheduled.
• Staff is preparing for the first round of demolitions to occur. This is required to be
completed by September 28th for seven of the nine homes purchased.
• Contract with MMS Consultants approved for the design of the levee along Baculis and
Thatcher Mobile Home Parks and Commercial Court was approved.
• The City technical advisory committee met to discuss the relocation of the North Waste
Water Plant.
Water Division
Continued replacing meters in flooded areas (Idyllwild & Parkview Terrace) -only 5 left.
Continued working with Engineering & Howard R. Green (HRG) for design and schedule on
the 12" river crossing repairs (Old Plant and Hwy 6)
1. HRG will provide design, specifications and inspection bid documents for the two
projects (temporary and permanent repair). A preliminary estimated cost for the
projects has been forwarded to FEMA. We're awaiting HRG's scope of services
contract and fee for these projects. If the permanent repair can proceed in a
timely manner we may forgo the temporary repair.
2. Terracon, has started and will complete soil and bed rock borings on the banks
and in the Iowa River this week to supplement the completion of the geotechnical
study by HRG.
July 23, 2009
Page 2
3. Upon completion of the study FEMA will complete the PW and Hazard Mitigation
to replace both river crossings
Information clarifying the PW and Hazard Mitigation funding for the Peninsula well
houses and respective electrical equipment has been accepted by FEMA. We are still
awaiting the 'obligation' stage.
A Draft of the Hazard Mitigation report from Howard R. Green has been reviewed by PW
staff. Comments will be incorporated in the final report. The final report is expected to
also incorporate expected FEMA funding for the projects.
An additional funding request for hazard mitigation for plant site well houses will be
submitted through Steve Long in mid August.
Planning and Community Development:
• Planning and JCCOG Staff continue to apply for I-Jobs and CDBG Supplemental
Disaster Grants. The details of those grant applications will be described at the July 27tH
Council work session.
• Nine homes have been acquired through the HMGP program and staff continues to
close on homes in the HMGP program. Hearings are being scheduled for those in the
HMGP buy-out program that want to appeal their offer amount.
• A letter was mailed to 71 property owners in Parkview Terrace to determine interest in
the non-HMGP eligible CDBG funded buyout program. So far, 23 surveys have been
returned and 15 property owners are interested in the buyout program.
• Staff will participate in a teleconference on July 23 with IDED on the Rental
Rehabilitation Program for residential structures.
• Doug Ongie will participate in the Long-Term Recovery Case Management
Subcommittee meeting on July 24.
• The 2nd round of funding provided by the Community Foundation of Johnson County for
mortgage and rent assistance to flood-impacted families is now complete. In this round,
15 families were assisted with $39,838.34. When combining both rounds of assistance,
39 families were assisted with $97,340.32. Staff would like to extend their thanks to Mike
Stoffregen and the Community Foundation for providing much needed assistance to
those who were affected by the flood.
• The City began taking applications for the Business Rental Assistance Program (BRAP)
on April 16. This program will assist businesses who pay rent in formerly flooded
buildings with 6 months of lease payments. Several weeks ago, HUD gave their
approval to the State for the program, but the State is still waiting for HUD to approve the
budget for the program. The process of HUD's first approving the program and waiting to
approve the budget has proven frustrating for applicants, for the regions and cities and
for the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED). We have been in contact
with our applicants locally, so they are apprised of the situation. As soon as we have our
grant contracts from the state, will execute them immediately and be able to request and
prepare checks for qualified applicants. To date, we have 38 applications for a total of
$646, 000.
• The Jumpstart Small Business Assistance Program closed on April 15. Businesses were
eligible for up to $50,000 in forgivable loan funds plus an additional $5,000 for
reimbursement of new energy efficient equipment. We distributed $1.25 million to 44
participants. Of the $1.25 million, $45,000 was for reimbursement of energy efficient
equipment.
• The Iowa City Flood Recovery program, instituted very shortly after the flood, provided
up to $5,000 in grant funds to businesses for flood related clean up expenses. We
distributed almost $75,000 to 18 applicants.
• When the BRAP program begins, we will have assisted 74 businesses to date. Of the
74 business, 74% participated in only one of the 3 programs, 16% in 2 programs and
10% in all 3 programs.
Page 1 of 1
C~- l D ~
Marian Karr ~ 1 ~ q
From: Rebecca Neades [rneades@gmail.com]
Sent:. Thursday, July 23, 2009 10:58 AM
To: Rod Sullivan; Sally Stutsman; Patrick Leo Harney; Matthew J. Hayek; Council; Thomas J. Gill
D.D.S.; tgill@ci.coralville.ia.us; John Lundell; Mitch Gross; John Weihe; John Weihe; Henry
Herwig; Henry C. Herwig; iccoleen@southslope.net; hzhonor@att.net;
gerry.kuhl@northlibertyiowa.org; hoffmanchris@hotmail.com;
fames.wozniak@northlibertyiowa.org
Subject: Governor Culver's Iowa Unlimited Excursion Ride on the Chicago Flyer
Attachments: All Aboard--Train Excursion Invitation.pdf
Honorable Guests,
Attached please find an invitation from Governor Culver to join him for a portion of the Iowa Unlimited
excursion ride in eastern Iowa. Please let us know at your earliest convenience if you are able to join us
and which portion of the trip you prefer to ride.
Unfortunately, space is limited so we are unable to accommodate additional riders; however, your guests
are welcome to join us for a Chicago Flyer Whistle Stop Rally at noon at the Historic Depot, 119 Wright
Street, Iowa City.
Best,
Rebecca
Rebecca Neades
Vice President & Director of Public Policy
Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce
325 East Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
319-337-9637 office
319-321-9879 cell
rneades ~,iowacityarea.com
www. i owacityarea. com
7/23/2009
IP9
Marian Karr
From: Gross, Adam [IGOV] [Adam.Gross@iowa.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 2009 9:19 AM
To: Gross, Adam [IGOV]
Subject: Governor Culver's Iowa Unlimited Train Event in Iowa City -Sunday, July 26
Attachments: image001.jpg; image002.jpg; image003.jpg; image004.jpg; image005.jpg; image006.jpg;
0726-IowaCity-Public.pdf; 7-26-TrainTrip-Publiclnvite.pdf
Please see below (and attached) the information on a train event in Iowa City.
Also attached is the schedule for the events throughout the day on Sunday, July 26.
All Aboard
Governor Culver's Iowa
Unlimited
Sunday, July 26, 2009
12:00 -1:00 p.m. • Iowa Unlimited Send-off Event in Iowa
.City
Old Rock Island Depot, 1.19 Wright Street •:~ Open to the
Public
Full Schedule:
12:00 noon -1:00 p.m. • Send-off Event for Governor Culver's Iowa Unlimited in Iowa
City
1:00 - 1:26 p.m. • Travel Iowa City to West Liberty
1:26 -1:56 p.m. • Event in West Liberty
1:56 - 2:26 p.m. • West Liberty to Durant
2:26 - 2:56 p.m. • Event in Durant
2:56 p.m. - 3:06 p.m. • Travel Durant to Walcott
3:06 - 3:36 p.m. • Event in Walcott
3:36 - 4:21 p.m. • Travel Walcott to East Moline
4:21- 5:30 p.m. • Event in East Moline
The Governor Culver's Iowa Unlimited is being provided
thanks to the generous support of the Iowa Interstate Railroad, Ltd.,
and logistical support provided by the "Chicago Flyer" Initiative
of the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce.
If you have any questions, please contact Ryan Dierks
by email at ryan.dierks iowa.gov or by phone at 515.281.0188
IP10
MINUTES APPROVED
CITY COUNCIL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
JUNE 15, 2009
CITY MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM, 8:00 A.M.
Members Present: Regenia Bailey, Connie Champion, Matt Hayek
Staff Present: Wendy Ford, Jeff Davidson, Mike Tharp
Others Present: Howard Horan (Airport Commission), Joe Raso (Iowa City Area
Development Group)
RECOMMENDATIONS
CALL MEETING TO ORDER:
Chairperson Regenia Bailey called the meeting to order at 8:03 A.M.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE MAY 27, 2009 ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING:
Hayek moved to approve the minutes of the May 27, 2009 Economic Development Committee
meeting, as submitted; seconded by Champion. Motion carried 3-0.
CONSIDER RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SOUTH AIRFIELD STUDY:
Ford noted that this agenda item is before the Economic Development committee because it will
directly relate to future Economic Development efforts. Having the Airport's recent FAA-approved
airfield study will help guide the future development on unneeded airport ground. She cited
comments in a cover memo from the Airport Commission which noted that:
a) the Airport has an agricultural lease on the ground, which provides an annual revenue
stream of $25,000 and their concern that if any development would take place in this
area south of the Airport, it would end their ability to lease the land. Ford noted the
need to consider the value of this land and it's property tax potential once it is
developed (e.g. every $10 million in taxable value nets $800,000+ annually in property
taxes), versus the amount gained by agricultural leasing; and
b) that the Airport Commission has noted that they would like to see this land developed
afterthe land in the north Aviation Commerce Park is completely developed. Ford
noted the need to consider that the zoning in the north is different (CI-1) than the
comprehensive plan calls for in the south (I-1) and thus weakens the argument since
the land use and thus, the users would be different; and
c) that the Airport Commission has also noted that they would prefer to lease the land to
south of the Airport, versus selling it. Ford noted they have found in dealing with the
north aviation commerce park area that companies would rather buy land than lease.
The Willow Creek flood plain was also discussed, and Ford noted the recommended flood
mitigation measures and their approximate costs. Flood mitigation would be necessary prior to
development in the area.
The discussion continued with participants discussing possible development and other issues of
concern for this area. Joe Raso, of ICAD noted they had hired Austin Consulting to help craft a
local Shovel Ready Sites Program, and that this area may be a good candidate for a study of
gaps that exist in available industrial land in the Iowa City area. Davidson responded to
questions regarding availability of industrial land and what the Comprehensive Plan calls for,
Economic Development Committee Meeting
June 15, 2009
saying that since we have just recently purchased 173 acres on the southeast side of the city that
we have a good inventory of developable industrial land.
Howard Horan, Airport Commission Member, stated that the Commission's desire to lease the
land versus selling it, is to maintain a consistent income source for the Airport. He continued,
stating that with the FAA's requirements, they are fairly limited to what can be done.
Bailey then led the group through the issues in question, first discussing the question of whether
the south airfield area should wait until the full build-out of North Aviation Commerce Park.
Champion stated that she did not think this is a big issue. Hayek asked for some background on
the North Aviation area and how that has progressed. Staff replied that there is interest in the
north area, and that several parcels have been sold, but interest has slowed somewhat in recent.
months. Hayek added that it does not really make sense to delay the south area, but that there
are other issues that need to be addressed there first. These issues include flood mitigation and
the lease vs. sell question. Bailey stated that she believes it is important that they continue to
push for industrial and commercial development over the next few years, and that she would like
to see the south airfield area brought online sooner rather than later. The discussion turned to
what would need to be done to the south area if development were sought in the next few years.
Davidson responded, explaining what infrastructure would be needed to move forward.
Davidson asked if the Committee is concerned about building out the north aviation area before
starting on the south area. Members noted that they do not see this as all that important, with
Hayek reiterating that the Airport must be certain of its future needs, preserving enough room to
grow for the future. Bailey stated that over the next three to five years, the Airport should come
up with plans to move forward on the south area development. Horan further explained the
Airport Commission's thoughts behind long-term leasing versus selling. Joe Raso spoke, 'noting
that a lot of industrial businesses would prefer to buy instead of lease. Other entities, such as
research firms, are more likely to do lease agreements than manufacturing or industrial firms.
Bailey stated that she would recommend that the Airport move ahead with a plan, get timelines
figured out, and decide what they need to move forward with development in the south airfield
area. This could include flood mitigation. Hayek noted that he has wants to ensure that 20 to 30
years from now the Airport will not need to buy land back in order to expand. Bailey noted that
this is why she would like to see a plan with timelines, identifying the Airport's intentions for its
future expansion.
Davidson summarized what had been discussed thus far: that the Committee concurs with layout
#5, and that the Members wish to move ahead with flood mitigation measures that would then
allow the south area to be developed. Bailey added that they concur with #5, and that they would
like the Airport to move ahead with "detailed exploration of its feasibility for balancing the interest
of the Airport and our industrial needs." Hayek noted that he would still like to hear more about
recommendation #5, and Davidson suggested they add this to their recommendation. Bailey
reiterated that a more thorough review of this will help them in moving forward.
Horan noted that the Airport Commission will come up with a "preferred" recommendation on this
and will bring it back to the Economic Development Committee. At the same time, Ford will look
into flood mitigation funding and see if anything is available for this.
CONSIDER GUIDANCE ON INCENTIV_ ES FOR INDUSTRIAL PARK DEVELOPMENT:
Ford referred Members to the memo in the packet on this item. Citing the need to respond
quickly and consistently when working with companies interested in locating in the new industrial
park, she explained athree-tier proposal of incentives based on good jobs and capital investment
by companies we hope to lure to the area. The three tiers, she further explained, would couple a
tax increment financing rebate or partial industrial property tax exemption with a "bonus" per good
job created, depending on the quality of the jobs, based on average hourly wages.
Economic Development Committee Meeting
June 15, 2009
Ford noted the two tables in the memo that illustrate the costs and benefits of the tax incentives
suggested. The information in the tables was presented over a 20 year time frame window to
illustrate the long term costs and benefits to the community of incenting a business in this fashion,
with the assumption that after an exemption period or rebate period had ceased, there would
remain a substantial value to the property, whether it was the same company providing that value
or a different one. Bailey questioned the 20-year premise, stating that our agreements average
seven years, and that they cannot hold companies to this 20-year timeframe. Ford further
clarified this, stating that assuming the company stays or a comparable company in its place was
to stay, the property would still be contributing taxes to the community. Conversation continued
with those in attendance giving their thoughts on the timeframe and whether it should be shorter.
Bailey added that a 15-year window would be more in line, in her opinion.
Bailey continued to discuss the wage threshold numbers. Ford explained to the Members that
these numbers are the same as the wage thresholds used by the State Business Finance
programs. Raso interjected that the State announced this week that there would be changes to
their program and that we should be aware of the new changes as we consider local business
finance assistance guidelines. Bailey concurred that guidelines we design should have parallel
wage and time thresholds in order to better monitor assisted projects. Staff will research the new
state wage and timeline thresholds and rework suggestions for guidelines accordingly. Reworked
guidelines will be presented at a future meeting.
COMMITTEE TIME:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Hayek moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 A.M. seconded by Champion.
Economic Development Committee Meeting
June 15, 2009
Council Economic Development Committee
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2009
TERM ~, rn
NAME EXP. o ~ cn
Regenia 01102110 X X X
Bailey
Matt 01102110 X X X
Hayek
Connie 01102/10 X X X
Champion
Key:
X =Present
O =Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
u r -ts-uy
~p11
PRELIMINARY
Youth Advisory Commission
July 15, 2009 - 4:00 P.M.
Lobby Conference Room -City Hall
Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 4:10 P.M.
Members Present: Gao, Green, Wahls, Diamitani
Members Absent: Heywood
Staff Present: Karr, Wilburn
Others Present: Assistant City Attorney Eric Goers
Approval of Minutes:
Wahls motioned to approve the minutes. Gao seconded. The minutes were
unanimously approved.
Back to School Event Report:
Wahls reported that John's Grocery would provide 400 hotdogs and 400 hamburgers for
just under $1,100. Wahls then suggested that we switch the event's theme to ice cream
and Heyn's Ice Cream could provide enough ice cream, the freezer, utensils and bowls
for $639. He then suggested putting out donation buckets and rebranding the event as
a fundraiser for a charity benefitting Iowa City youth. Green then reported that Hy-Vee
would provide 700 hamburgers and 700 hotdogs for about $700.
Assistant City Attorney Goers then asked who would be doing the grilling. The
Commission discussed the possibility of getting football players to do the grilling. Green
mentioned that the grill would come with a Hy-Vee employee. Goers then mentioned
that ice cream has way less potential for any kind of liability. Wahls then pointed out
that going the ice cream route would also save money. Wilburn then reminded
everybody to keep it simple. The easier clean up would be the better. Wahls then
mentioned that Heyn's would take back whatever unopened ice cream we don't use and
would be able to provide more if we needed it.
Green asked if this citywide ice cream social would conflict at all with the smaller,
elementary school ice cream socials. Wahls said that the Commission needs to
advertise this as a city event, not a school event. Wilburn brought up the fact that
charitable donations are tax deductible and we need to figure out if people are
expecting to use those donations as a tax break, because you don't get a tax break for
donating to the city. Diamitani wondered aloud if we needed the fundraiser angle at all.
Youth Advisory Commission
July 15, 2009
Page 2
Wahls agreed that it was by no means a necessity, but as we are a Youth Advisory
Commission, we ought to be forwarding the interests of youth. Wahls said that he was
thinking of a charity like Mittens for Cassie, but not that exact charity because it seems
odd to bring mittens to a fundraiser in August. Diamitani asked if we would be including
that on the fundraiser on the flier, Wahls said we probably should.
Diamitani then asked how parents would view the event. Will it be perceived as a
fundraiser or a back to school get together? Wahls said the two didn't have to be
mutually exclusive. Wilburn then asked if childcare would be provided. Everybody
agreed that this was a pressing point, and that the fliers need to specify that there will
not be childcare provided and that the event is targeting families. Goers said that the
fliers really need to stress that childcare is not provided, so as to prevent people from
just dropping off their kids. Goers then inquired to the depth of the martial arts
demonstration and asked if there would be any dangerous weapons present. Diamitani
responded that there would be nothing particularly dangerous, mostly just forms and
breaking boards.
Wahls reported that Program Supr. Matt Eidahl from the pool said that the commission
would have to pay $2.40 per admission into the pool and that free swimming is basically
out of the question. Diamitani pointed out that the big difference between our event
and the elementary events was the location, so if swimming was out of the question, we
should utilize the park and really stress the games and demonstrations. Karr mentioned
that she thought including a program (showing times) on the flier would be a good idea.
Wahls said that that would significantly increase printing costs. Wahls then suggested
perhaps printing larger posters with the schedule on them. Gao asked if people would
be more interested in free ice cream or free hamburgers and hotdogs. Wahls and
Wilburn both said that they would take ice cream over hamburgers on a hot night.
Wahls then asked if Hy-Vee would be willing to donate drinks, if they sill wanted to be a
part of the event. Karr mentioned that McDonalds is known for donating orange drink.
Goers mentioned Hy-Vee's root beer, and Diamitani then pointed out that we could
adopt a root beer float theme. The Commission agreed that kids certainly love their ice
cream floats. Diamitani then asked if PTO members would be able to provide baked
goods. Green mentioned that it would probably be better to keep it simple, but also
said that PTO members would be great supervisors. Wahls mentioned that interact
groups would also be great for supervision and inquired what the equivalent was at
Regina. Diamitani asked if the Arts Initiative would wind up being a part of this or not,
and the general consensus was that the answer was "no." Green said that between the
other art event, this might seem a little extraneous. Diamitani then raised the possibility
of staggering the demonstrations throughout the night.
Youth Advisory Commission
July 15, 2009
Page 3
Karr pointed out that asking vendors to donate drinks was completely separate than
asking them to donate meat and entrees, noting John's Grocery's mini keg of root beer
would work well. Next on the agenda was clean up and or set up. The interact groups
and football teams would certainly be a part of that effort. The area will be ours from 3
to 8 so time ought not be an issue. The commission agreed that swimming is basically
just out the question given its tremendous cost. Green asked if we would need both
high schoolers and PTO members. Goers interjected and mentioned that it would be
very beneficial to have lots of adults. He then went back to the games, and said that the
more organized the games are, the more liable we can be. Wahls then suggested the
game of "boom ball" which is essentially softball played with a big rubber ball instead of
softball. Goers said that this, among the other pickup games, sounded pretty safe.
Green asked if there would be enough space. Karr agreed with Wahls that shelters 6, 7
and 8 take up a big swath of the park. Wahls asked if there were any charities that came
to mind. Karr brought up that the mittens idea might actually be one worth pursuing,
seeing as it removed the tax break monetary aspect. Wahls suggested having bins for
the gloves but also having jars for monetary donations, which would all go to the
charity. The estimate for the printing of flyers was $236.
Wahls listed the final things that the YAC needed to know before printing the flier:
1) If we can get root beer from Hy-Vee or John's
2) JPEG from Hy-Vee (or John's) of their logo if yes to 1)
3) JPEG from Heyn's for flier for providing ice cream
4) Make sure to stress no child care provided, and ages K-7
Wahls noted that all the fliers had to be sorted by school when delivered to the ICCSD.
Karr said that if she was given those numbers, she could possibly get that done as the
printing happened. The Commission agreed to meet the next week at 4:00 on the 22"d
Review Annual Draft Report:
The YAC reviewed the Annual report to the City Council. Minimal changes were made.
Wahls motioned to approve the report with changes. Gao seconded. The report was
unanimously approved.
Other Business•
None.
Diamitani motioned to adjourn the meeting. Wahls seconded. The YAC unanimously
voted to adjourn 5:25 P.M.
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Preliminary Minute
June 2009
MINUTES
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
JUNE 30, 2009
ROOM 208
Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 3:30 PM
Members Present: Jay Honohan, Sarah Maiers, Chuck Felling, Charlotte Walker,
Nancy Wombacher, Michael Lensing
1Viembers Absent: Merce Bern-Klug
Staff Present: Linda Kopping, Emily Light, Michelle Buhman
Others Present: Craig Margolis, Lorna Larsoq Melvin Larsoq Lauren Coughlin,
Vicki Solursh, Cari Malone, Alice Atkinson, Dave...
APPROVAL OF NIINUTES FROM MAX 19, 2009 MEETING-Honohan
Motion: To accept the minutes as distributed. Motion carried on a vote of 6/0.
Fehing/Wombacher.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION Honohan
Cari Malone, a member of the Center's Curriculum Committee, asked if the Cammission
plans to officially respond to the mayor's recent suggestion to close the Senior Center, or
if the Commission plans to issue a statement correcting any misinformation reported by
the press.
Honohan said that the Commission has no immediate plans to respond directly to the
mayor's suggestion since it is not currently on the table. Honohan recommended waiting
to see if the suggestian to close the Center resurfaces before working to develop a public
campaign of support for the Center.
Malone feels that Center supporters need to be proactive. She is working to build a
committee by the end of July to plan a town hall meeting. The purpose of the forum is to
discuss the Senior Center's role in Iowa City and to determine goals for the Center's
future. Malone is working with members of the Senior Center Cumculum Committee and
is inviting the participation of the Senior Center Participant Advisory Committee and the
Senior Center Commission. Senior Center staff will not be involved in these meetings.
Felling noted the improvements that have been made at the Center to appeal to a broader
group of seniors, including the fitness rooms and evening/weekend classes, which have
attracted many new members. He thinks these kinds of offerings should help change the
public image of the Senior Center, showing that it serves a broad range of people of
varying ages who come to the Center to be active and have fun.
Lensing noted that the Center has a challenge in appealing to baby boomers who do not
consider themselves "seniors." Lensing said the Center needs to reorient its image to
Preliminary Minutes
June 2009
attract people who are still in the workforce and those who do not "feel old enough" to
join the Senior Center.
Walker said that the Senior Center does not need to worry about people who don't want
to come because they don't consider themselves seniors. She said she thinks it is foolish
to put extra effort into attracting people who don't want to come anyway. When a person
discovers that they are a senior, then they will want to come if we have the right things.
Lensing pointed out that the more the Center is used, the more value will be interpreted.
Therefore it is important to draw in new mazkets. Lensing suggested outreach
programming to retirement facilities.
Wombacher said that it is important to remember that the Senior Center is used by many
more people than those who are members. Many programs and services at the Center
exist to serve the general public, not just members.
Malone would like to have the Curriculum Committee on the agenda for the next meeting
to give an update on the progress of the public forum planning committee. Honohan said
that the Commission would approve of the program she is planning, but he does not think
it should be an official program ofthe Commission. Lensing said it should be approached
as a grassroots educational seminar, put on by members, not the Commission or staff.
Craig Margulis said that the Center has been a great resource for people with disabilities.
While he was working as a social worker/case manager with Johnson County, he found
that his clients who were 50+ years enjoyed coming to a place that had diverse offerings.
They could take classes, attend programs, and interact with people, rather than sitting at
home alone watching TV.
Lorna Larson asked why she does not see mare publicity about Senior Center programs
in the Press-Citizen. Kopping told her that press releases aze submitted for all programs,
and it is up to the newspaper if they want to publish the information.
Dave Dowell noted that there are fewer announcements for Senior Center activities in the
back of the newspaper. He suggested that the Center submit the Nutrition Program menu
for publishing in the newspaper. Honohan noted that the menu is not planned by the
Senior Center, and that it is not the Center's information to publicize. It would be more
appropriate for the Nutrition Program to provide that information to the media.
Kopping said that she would like to see the community's perception of the ward "senior"
change, and this meeting will be a valuable way to work towazd this goal.
Walker noted that many people do not want their tax money to have to fund services for
seniors.
Solursh said that she came to the Center before she quit working to come to an evening
exercise class. She suggested that people interested in the Center should perform their
own sort of outreach to get new people involved. Solursh said that the Center has so
many amazing programs that she can't even attend all of them. She said that more
publicity about evening classes would help draw attention from people who are still
working.
Preliminary Minutes
June 2009
COMMISSION ASSIGNMENTS--Honohan
Wombacher will write the web article for the June meeting; Honohan will visit the $oazd
of Supervisors; and Lensing will go to the City Council meeting. Honohan will write the
web article for the July meeting.
OPERATIONAL BUDGET REDUCTION UPDATE Kopping
Kopping informed the Commission that the FYIO budget was approved. She will submit
some budget amendments to eliminate the production of the Post newsletter, plant care,
and one of the Center's two dumpsters. The City Manager has approved the
Commission's request to substitute increased pazking fees for increased membership fees.
The FY09 budget is coming to a close and it is only about 89% spent with one month of
expenses left. She will request to carry over funds to fix the front doors. The FY09
operational budget also includes money that was approved and transferred by Senior
Center Fund, Inc to pay for a recumbent stair stepper. She will also request to carry over
these funds.
CERAMICS ROOM USE AND FUTURE-Kopping
Kopping reported that since the last meeting the ceramics room has been used more
frequently. Recently new members have expressed their interest in participating in the
activity.
Kopping suggested that we hold off on a decision about the future of the facility until
December 2009, at which point it will be reevaluated. She would like to wait until the fall
to see if usage increases.
Motion: To accept member letters in support of the ceramics room as part of the
record. Motion carried on a vote of 6/0. Lensing/FeQing.
Larson expressed that she believes that the ceramics room in the Center can be dangerous
for those who are not careful. She felt that she was risking her health by using the facility.
Larson expressed that she believes that current users of the ceramics facilities aze being
careless with the equipment and being abused.
Mazgulis noted that he has had 5 students, plus 2 new students in July. He has worked to
maintain an open and welcoming environment. He also noted that the pottery room at the
Center is as clean and well-maintained as any other pottery studio and school. He
expressed that dust is always an issue when working with clay.
Honohan restated Kopping's recommendation that the Commission revisit the question in
December.
Felling asked about the maintenance storage issues that were previously discussed at the
last meeting. Kopping said that the Center's maintenance storage items will be distributed
throughout the building as best as possible. She said that maintenance worker Craig
Buhman expressed that he does not want the need for maintenance storage to cause the
discontinuation of a program. Therefore the issues should be addressed sepazately.
Preliminary Minutes
June 2009
OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW-Kopping
Kopping said that she attended a meeting with the Finance Director, Accounting
Controller, and City Attorney in which required changes to the Center's donation
management practices were discussed.
According to the Attorney General, donations made to the Senior Center (which are
therefore considered donations to the City of Iowa City) must be managed and invested in
accordance with the rules governing donations to City governments. This will preclude
Senior Center Fund Inc from transfemng donations from the Senior Center's City-
managed Gift Fund to the Community Foundation of Johnson County for investment.
Only if a check is made out to Senior Center Fund Inc, Senior Center Endowment, or
Senior Center Charitable Giving can the donations be forwarded to the Community
Foundation. Donations addressed to the Senior Center will be deposited and maintained
in the Senior Center Gift Fund and used to enhance Center programming.
Kopping noted that she will need to check into the relationship between the Commission
and use of money from the Gift Fund.
The general impression from the meeting is that the City will not attempt to recover funds
that were previously deposited in the Community Foundation Endowment.
Honohan plans to call a meeting of the Senior Center Fund Inc to discuss the issues
involved with this change.
Honohan originally explored the idea of a Foundation for the Senior Center in order to
invest the donated funds in a more fiuitful way. Honohan suggested that in future
donation requests, the Center asks people to donate to the non-profit
corporation/endowment instead of the gift fund.
Kopping presented a letter from a participant suggesting that the Center increase
membership fees and charge extra fees for expanded access to areas such as the fitness
rooms.
Motion: To accept correspondence as part of record. Motion carried on a vote of
6/0. Lensing/Wombacher
Buhman expressed that she works to find volunteers to offer low/no-cost activities. These
volunteers may be unwilling to continue to offer these services if membership fees are
drastically increased. Felling referred to previous conversations among the Commission
where the consensus has been that it would be a priority to keep fees as low as possible.
COMMISSION DISCUSSTON-Honohan
Honohan went to the City Council and reported on events taking place at the Center. He
reported how many classes and special events are occumng and how many performance
groups are actively meeting at the Center this summer.
Walker requested clarification an the pazticipation summary included in the packet
supplement.
Preliminary Minutes
June 2009
Kopping responded by noting that some of the counts are duplicated. For instance, a
volunteer occurrence is counted each time an activity leader meets to lead their group.
The same activity leader is also counted as a participant in the program they are leading.
Therefore the activity leader is caunted twice, once as a volunteer, and once as part of the
total number of participants in the activity. This is the most common situation in which
counts are duplicated. Kopping said she would invite the Cemer's AM receptionist
Sharon Stubbs to the next meeting to clarify the counting records.
Lensing suggested that the Center begin to track and document participants in an
"outreach" category. This category would include those people reached by Center
programs outside of the physical structure of the Senior Center building. This could be
especially valuable in reporting to the Boazd of Supervisors. Walker said that she has
heard criticisms of the Center's reporting that question accuracy. For instance, the Center
has a lot of programs, but we don't know how many people attend these programs.
Kopping said that these statistics are all closely tracked and can be made available to
interested people.
Buhman reported on a few programs,that were not listed in the program guide, including
an HBO film series on Alzheimer's disease; a Senior Center fun run taking place at City
Pazk in August; and a Pickleball group for seniors at Mercer Park, created in partnership
with the Parks and Recreation Department.
Rogusky mentioned the Center's skin cancer screening event, being held in July in
cooperation with the University of Iowa's Dermatology Department.
Motion: To Adjourn. Motion carried on a vote of 6/0. I.ensing/Wombacher.
Preliminary Minutes
June 2009
Senior Center Commission
Attendance Record
Year 2008
Name Term
E fires 1120 2/17 3/24 4/21 5/19 6/30 7/21 8/18 9115 10/20 11/17 12115
Mercedes Bern-Klu 12/31/11 -- - X X X O/E
Chuck Fellin 12/31/09 NM NM X X X X
Ja Honohan 12/31/10 NM NM X X X X
Michael Lens' 12/31!10 NM NM X X O/E X
Sarah Maiers 12/31/09 NM NM X X X X
Charlotte Walker 12/31/11 - - - X X X
Nanc Wombacher 12/31/09 NM NM O/E O/E X X
Key: X = Present
0 = Absent
O/E= Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
-- = Not a member