HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-06-10 TranscriptionItem 2b Page 1
ITEM 2b. MAYOR'S PROCLAMATIONS.
b. Pride Month: June 2003
Lehman: Item 2 are Mayor's proclamations. We've had one addition. Right?
Karr: Pardon me?
Lehman: This is an addition.
Karr: It's an addition and they're here.
Lehman: (Reads proclamation).
Kart: Here to accept the proclamation is Christopher Eland.
Eland: I would just like to briefly thank Iowa City for its past support of gay,
lesbian, transgender and our allies and all the support you've given us
whether it's through the domestic partnerships or the whether it's the
civil rights ordinance. We appreciate that in the past and that's why
this year we can celebrate peace through pride. Once again thank you
for your support.
Lehman: Thank you.
Kanner: Is there going to be a gay pride march this year?
Eland: There is - the 21st of the month is our pride fest.
Karmer: Is that at the College Park?
Eland: College Park and there's a parade starting I believe 11:00 or 12:00.
Kanner: Thank you.
Eland: You're welcome. Any other questions?
· ' n
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcr~ptlo of the Iowa City City
Council meeting of June 10, 2003
Item 3 Page 2
ITEM 3 CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS
PRESENTED OR AMENDED.
Lehman: Before we do this consent calendar there has...Dee Vanderhoef has a
conflict with the next work session and Council meeting. So Dee if
you'd like to tell us where we are and see what we'd like to do about
it.
Vanderhoefi Thank you. I really have just a conflict for the Council meeting on the
24th and I wondered if the Council would consider having both work
meeting and Council meeting on Monday the 23ra in place of two
nights in a row.
Champion: I don't have any problems with it.
Pfab: That's on...starting when?
Lehman: Well I think it would be two weeks from yesterday. The only thing I
think we need to remember is that that work session has budget issues
on it. And I think that if we do this we're going to want to start that
work session no later than 3:00 or 3:30.
Kanner: That makes it pretty tough for me to start. I'm going to be gone during
the weekend and I will be working during the day. It's really hard
(can't hear) and not having Tuesday to do a final review. Possibly we
could meet maybe one day of the week before might work.
Lehman: I'm out of town all next week.
Vanderhoef: That could work.
Champion: No it would be two weeks from today. You'll be out of town next
week.
Vanderhoef: Oh, he'll be back the following week.
Champion: Excuse me what time could you come?
Kanner: Well there's two issues starting at 6:30 is (can't here) days - the
normal time plus having both meetings on Monday and not having
Tuesday at all to prepare.
Champion: Well it wouldn't be the first time we've done it.
Kanner: What's that?
Champion: It wouldn't be the first time we've done it.
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Council meeting of June 10, 2003
Item 3 Page 3
Kanner: Done what - not prepare?
Champion: No.
O'Donnell: That too.
Champion: Have both meetings in the same night.
Kanner: But usually we do that on Tuesday if we're going to do that. I don't
know if we've done it on Monday. It's a little difficult. If there are
no...can we think about it?
Lehman: No, because some issues on the consent calendar will have to have
dates changed.
Vanderhoef: The other alternative that I had thought about was if we were going to
do expedited sometimes on Monday we have a special Council
meeting before we start working (can't hear) anyway to get some of
the second readings on things done for those issues that are being
expedited. And the two things that I really don't want to miss on
Tuesday night would be the public hearing on the (can't hear) vinyl
siding and also the public hearing on the appropriateness for the
enclosure of that court. I would like to hear that discussion and if
those two items could be moved to the Monday night special Council
meeting then I would go ahead and miss the second next Tuesday
night.
Lehman: Is that a problem?
Dilkes: No we can move those. I mean when you set those hearing you can set
them for...
Vanderhoef: They're in the consent calendar right now. So if we set those for the
special meeting on Monday night. There's a couple of other things
that are first readings that I'll be there on the second and third readings
on the other things.
Dilkes: I believe we have sent letters out to those people appealing. What
we'll just have to send new letters and tell them a different day.
Lehman: Then we would have the work session at the regular time at 6:30?
Dilkes: That we would have the heating on a different day.
Lehman: I know that. But if we do what Dee is now suggesting we would have
our special meeting at 6:30 on that Monday. Have the public heatings,
the special meeting and then go into a work session and then have the
regular meeting the next night.
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Council meeting of June 10, 2003
Item 3 Page 4
Karr: You could do it that way. You could start earlier if you wanted to.
The important thing you start a formal at a regular time.
Lehman: But we're talking about having two different nights now. If we have
two public hearings (can't hear).
Karr: And you expatiated that.
Lehman: Right. Will that work for everybody? Alright.
Pfab: I'm not sure I understand. Okay. First of all when you requested I
thought I understood (can't hear).
Champion: She can't be here on Tuesday.
Pfab: So we'll have the meeting without her?
Champion: Right.
Pfab: Okay. Alright.
O'Donnell: You've been gone too.
Vanderhoef: I have a conflict.
Pfab: Okay. Alright. (Can't hear).
Karr: Tuesday meeting is okay.
Lehman: I would entertain a motion for item 3 which will them require an
amendment to...
Karr: You're simply going to change 3e(2) and (3) to June 23ra.
Champion: I move we adopt the consent calendar as adoption...as amended.
O'Donnell: Second.
Lehman: We have a motion to adopt the consent calendar seconded by
O'Donnell. Does that require an amendment on the part of the
Council?
Karr: I'm sorry you did amend it. It is amended.
Champion: I said as amended.
Kan:: Motion is as amended.
Lehman: Discussion of the consent calendar as amended. Yes?
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Council meeting of June 10, 2003
Item 3 Page 5
Kanner: A couple things. In our board (can't hear) minutes under the Library I
wanted to note - this is number 3 - the 4-23 minutes - it was recorded
that only one request by police to see the patron's record and it was
denied because there was no follow-up with the warrant. So I think
that's okay news. What is something that we won't know is under the
Patriot Act whether there were requests made that at a lower level to
access that information because the Library Director under the federal
law isn't allowed to report that. And that's pretty scary that we don't
know those kinds of things that are happening. So I wanted to point
that out in the Library minutes. And then the other thing I wanted to
make note of is in the resolutions number fwe are accepting $300
from the Peaceful Fool for cigarette violations and we are also
accepting $1500 and a 30-day suspension for the third violation from
A&J Mini Mart up at Ash Circle.
Champion: Where's it at?
Kanner: That's under resolutions f(3). So they are admitting their guilt
essentially. And third violation is somewhat drastic. And hopefully
they'll learn their lesson and get a little tougher in their oversight.
Pfab: My question is what if there's a fourth?
O'Donnell: That we...
Pfab: ...took away their license.
O'Donnell: It wouldn't be the first.
Lehman: Other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries.
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Council meeting of June 10, 2003
Item 5c Page 6
ITEM 5 PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS.
c. PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE CHANGING
THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF APPROXIMATELY 1.1
ACRES FROM CB-2, CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
SERVICE, TO PRM, PLANNED HIGH DENSITY
RESIDENTIAL FOR PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE
EAST SIDE OF SOUTH DUBUQUE STREET SOUTH OF
COURT STREET. (REZ03-00012).
Lehman: (Reads item). Public hearing is open.
Joe Holland: Good evening. My name is Joe Holland. I'm an attorney here in Iowa
City. I represent the applicant in this particular rezoning issue. For
those of you who may not be familiar this property is located at the
intersection of Court and Dubuque Street in Iowa City. The building
was constructed in 1984 as an elderly housing complex. Built as a
CB-2 zone. In fact all of the properties in the effected area on this
block are multi-family housing in one nature or another. This is the
only one which is elderly housing. There has been an evolution of
demand and evolution of supply in the market of elderly housing over
the years which has made it a less appropriate use for this particular
property owned by the Clarks. And we'd like to have it rezoned, not
just this property, but the entire block for a couple of reasons. One is
that it increases flexibility in the type of housing that is available.
We've requested a PRM zoning which is a more general multi-family
density zoning and would allow multi-family throughout the structure.
Currently in the CB-2 zone commercial use on the first floor is
required except for elderly housing. The other thing that would
happen as part of the zoning amendment is would bring all of the other
properties on that block into conformance with the zoning ordinance.
They currently are all non-conforming or grandparented in. All have
multi-family residential housing on the first floor. So it has a benefit
both to the other properties on the block and my client's particular
property. We've endeavored to contact other property owners on the
block and none of them have expressed any opposition. By in large
they simply have expressed no opinion which.., obviously they're not
here asking for this with us, but none of them have expressed any
opposition either one-to-one discussions with them or after the notices
that they've received. We did have a public hearing before the
Planning and Zoning Commission a few weeks ago and the
commission voted 7-0 in favor of the application. I'm here tonight to
answer any questions you might have and to ask you to give favorable
consideration and approval to the first reading of the rezoning.
Pfab: I have a question. At the present time because of the zoning and the
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hem5c Page 7
conditions under which it was built I have a question. Was the
building to be totally elderly housing or was it just the first floor?
Holland: CB-2 zone...the only was you can have a residential use on the first
floor is for the condos and the elderly housing.
Pfab: But the rest of the complex was never required to be elderly housing.
Holland: No, that's correct if there had been a commercial use on the first floor
the rest of the house could be generally multi ....
Pfab: As it was. Was it ever? The reason I bring this up is people are saying
we're going to lose a lot of elderly housing because of the fact the
applicant requirement or the (can't hear) so forth will change. But my
understanding or a question I guess was it ever 100% elderly housing
or was it just the first floor?
Holland: No it's always been 100%.
Pfab: It always has been 100%? Is that correct?
Holland: That's correct.
P fab: Okay.
Kanner: I thought I heard yesterday that it allows non-elderly on the upper
floors.
Lehman: In the upper floors.
Kanner: You might have voluntarily allowed or just required it to be elderly,
but under the law I think you're allowed to have non-elderly on the
second floors and up.
Holland: That's correct. If...but then not use the first floor for anything except
the commercial use. You can't use the first floor for housing.
Kanner: No, we were told...I thought we were told yesterday you could use the
first floor for elderly and have the upper floors available for people not
elderly.
Holland: That's not my understanding.
Wilbum: I think I remember heating that too.
Lehman: No, that's what we did hear. That building is presently all elderly
housing?
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Item 5c Page 8
Holland: That's correct. That's the first I've ever heard of that. This process
started back in 1984. We actually went to the Board of Adjustment
which had an interest, a little bit of an interest, in procedural history.
There's a disagreement between Planning and Zoning, the City
Attorney's office and Housing Inspection Services over what used to
be made of the property. The Zoning Code Interpretation Panel said
you had to have commercial on the first floor if you wanted to build a
multi-family housing in this district. We appealed that to the Board of
Adjustment which voted 2 to 1 in our favor saying no you don't have
to have commercial on the first floor. However you have to have an
absolute majority. And since two members of the Board of
Adjustment either disqualified themselves or were not present we lost
that battle. To this day and at the time it was clear, it seemed clear up
until tonight that the entire building had to be elderly housing. That's
the consistent interpretation that I've heard from the Planning
Department since 1984. I apologize I wasn't here last night. I really
hadn't expected any surprises, but that's completely inconsistent with
every other thing that I've heard for almost 20 years.
Wilburn: That's what it says on the Staff report (can't hear) elder apartment
housing is allowed as provisional use and is the only residency that's
allowed on the first level in a CB-2 zone.
Holland: Well that's correct. It is the only residential use you can have on the
first floor in a CB-2 zone.
Wilbum: Okay.
Dilkes: Jeff spoke to that last night. They want...I don't know. I haven't
looked at it. We can certainly look at it before you vote because
you're not voting tonight.
Davidson: I did review it with Senior Planning Bob Miklo trying to be as
knowledgeable as I could about the subject. My understanding of
Bob's interpretation and Joe appears to have the opinion that there's
been some discrepancy in that in the past was that the first floor was
required to be elder housing. The above floors were not required to be
elder housing if the first floor was elder housing.
Lehman: And that's what we were told last night.
O'Donnell: That's how I understood it.
Davidson: Right. That was my understanding from the discussion with Bob
Eleanor and looking through the zoning ordinance right now and
maybe you can confirm that one way or another.
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Item 5c Page 9
Dilkes: Not right here.
Davidson: Okay.
Dilkes: I'll let you know.
Davidson: Just so everyone's clear. My understating based on my discussions
with Bob was that the CB-2 zone required any residential use of the
first floor to be only for elder housing, but that the above floors could
be a residential use whether or not the first floor was currently for
elder housing. They were not required to be elder housing.
Vanderhoef: Then please answer this - you or Joe either one - the intent to make
this entire building rental if the zoning is changed or not intending to
put any commercial on the first floor? Is that correct.
Champion: Well it's not set up for that.
Holland: No the intent is not to put any commercial on the first floor. The intent
is to continue it as a residential use throughout the structure.
Champion: It would take a lot of remodeling to turn that into commercial.
Lehman: Is it market rate housing?
Holland: By market I think there has been some kind of Section 8 housing in
there.
Lehman: But that's...okay.
Holland: Although actually one of the problems is the rents right now are
probably are below market rate and there still is roughly a 25%
vacancy rate. Part of it has been there's been so much additional
housing. There's...since 1984 Waldon Place has been built, Melrose
Meadows, Sterling House. There are probably half a dozen others.
And there's not...but there's more supply then there is demand as the
current moment.
Vanderhoef: How long standing has that 25% vacancy? Is it just the last year or...?
Holland: No it's been consistent for a long time. It took a year...a year or more
- 18 months - for the building to fill up initially. And then vacancy
rates probably run anywhere from 15 to 30 percent pretty much the
entire time. It ebbs and flows and one of the sort of unique and a little
poignant things of elderly housing is student tenants come and go with
the cycle of the academic year. With elderly housing it's all too often
they're either deceased or they go to skilled nursing care. And so it's a
completely different type of market. They don't come on the market
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Item 5c Page 10
in cycles that other housing does and it makes it a much more
problematic thing for rent.
Vanderhoefi I understand that. I did make a comment last night because our other
housing downtown that is for elderly or for persons with disabilities all
are in special federal programs. So this was the only market rate shall
we say senior housing downtown with the ability to walk in, access the
amenities of downtown - the library, the Senior Center, etc - and it
concerned me a little bit that that wasn't going to be available in the
downtown area.
Lehman: It will still be available. It just wouldn't be restricted to...
Vanderhoefi Well...and I think that makes it even more problematic in doing it. So
I question our near Southside policy that is talking about mixed
housing and trying to have diverse populations in the downtown area.
So...
Holland: And we certainly recognize that as an issue. I think we also need to
recognize with all the others in government programs this is a
privately subsidized program right now.
Kanner: I didn't hear you.
Holland: It's in a privately subsidized program right now because the rents are
not market rate. Rents are below market rate rents and there is still a
vacancy factor. And I guess in part we'll have to rethink what use
might be made of the property if the Planning Department has this new
interpretation that they're going to hold to it. Because quite frankly it
would have been I think courteous at least if they had told us of that
interpretation. I've never seen that or heard that until you told me
about it tonight. It's inconsistent with what I've heard ever since
1984. I guess we have to rethink what difference that may make, but I
think another thing you have to look at is the comprehensive plan and
the fact that you have other non-conforming properties on this block.
We were encouraged by the City Staff to think of rezoning the entire
block on that side of Dubuque Street. So this is something that
wasn't...we didn't come in and drop this on the City step
unannounced. I personally talked to Kadn Franklin. And I know my
client talked to Karin and the Planning Department before we initiated
this. So this is something that the Staff has been behind since the
beginning.
Champion: I do have...
Lehman: You said that last too.
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Council meeting of June 10, 2003
Item 5c Page 11
Champion: I have the same concerns Dee (can't hear) diversity. But I also don't
think we can expect property owners to subsidize rent like they have
buildings that aren't being used. I think that's not fair.
Holland: I think that's really the fundamental issue from our standpoint.
Kanner: Joe what is the average rent and what is market rate? Or we could ask
our Staff (can't hear). And what is your vacancy rates over the years?
Holland: It's been consistently 15 to 25% with the average of 20%.
Kanner: And what is the average rent?
Holland: I don't know what it is. As of right now I'm not even sure Jim knows
because the staff...
Kanner: Well you're saying it's below market rate. I just want to confirm that.
Lehman: We need to have the conversation at the microphone.
Holland: Well we can certainly provide you that information before the next
consideration.
Lehman: Is there other public folks? Irvin?
Pfab: My point brings up was the public and (can't hear) thinks this is a huge
loss of senior housing because they look at it three floors of senior
housing. (Can't hear) the law only (can't hear) senior housing on the
first floor (can't hear).
Champion: We need to get a legal opinion.
Lehman: Alright. We'll get that.
Dilkes: We'll check the zoning code. Obviously there's an issue here and we
probably should just leave it at that until we get a good answer
Lehman: Thank you Joe.
Holland: Thanks.
Kanner: Other people are welcome. Come on up.
Richard Twohy: My name is Richard Twohy. I'm the resident manager at 400 South
Dubuque. We call it Heritage Manor and so does the owner, but
there's not either a sign saying that nor any sign saying 400 South
Dubuque. But we live there and it's real. I'm...three others of our
residents are here tonight. We...and I'd like to read a short note that
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Council meeting of June 10, 2003
Item 5c Page 12
was signed by 15 of our tenant...we have some kind of flu thing going
through the building with the current weather. But these are people
who signed their names to this statement and they're asking me that in
the absence for consideration. This says (reads statement). And I
understand Dee's point that there a~e...that those other housing, but
there are other issues for people on public assistance or disability. But
this is the only building anywhere near the area dedicated for seniors.
(Continues reading the statement). Mayme Schmidt who almost came
tonight, but she finally just...she's 98 years old. I'm just a pup. I'm
not even 60 yet you know. Once the day I was born Mayme's kids
were already grown. And she's been here at this place since it opened.
And she showed up at the Zoning Commission after they'd had their
vote. (Continues reading statement). We're concerned because the
only notice that any of our residents got was that great big sign posted
for 48 hours or whatever in front of the building that said the zoning
matter pending. Three of our residents I'm sorry to say I didn't, but
three of them went through the maze and figured out what it was about
and they actually went to the Zoning Commission meeting on May 1st
where this matter was presented. But they told me they didn't get a
chance to speak and they didn't get a chance to hear what was going
on because there was something with the microphones. It was in this
room, but there was only one person they could hear what the person
was saying. It was the women on the end. So they didn't even know
what the issue or when to be...so they talked with Mr. Clark after the
hearing and he was very thoughtful and forthcoming about it. He said
that any of us who were there could stay there as long as wished. But
then Gertrude said well if...unless we can't stand the noise with the
cars so that is an issue. Our concern is that we don't even have to try
(can't hear) students or elderly because there's room for all of us. And
what we've been told is that 20% or maybe 25% of the current units
are...have always been available to be rented outside of the elderly
requirement. So if the place is 15% or 20% or 25% unleased it doesn't
require any zoning issue change because they can already rent up to
25% of the (can't hear) to non-elderly.
Lehman: We need to wind this up and let somebody else speak to this too.
Twohy: Very well. To me it simply hasn't been marketed properly. I don't
understand, nor do our neighbors why this is being subsidized by a
private party because for a one-bedroom apartment it's $670 and plus
we pay our air conditioning and all. And for two bedrooms it's $790.
It don't have...feel to us like they're above the market. But it's no
problem to rent it and fill the spaces without changing the zoning.
And we're concerned for issues of diversity and because also like the
ones who've lived in this building for a long time are good for the
community and we'll all going to be part of that club very soon.
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Item 5c Page 13
Thank you. Can I ask you Maxine Simon?
Lehman: Certainly.
Karr: Do you wish to file that letter?
Twohy: Yes.
Lehman: Do we have a motion to accept correspondence?
Wilbum: So moved.
Lehman: Second?
Vanderhoefi Second.
Lehman: All in favor? Motion carries.
Maxine Simon: I'm Maxine Simon. I live at the nursing apartment at 400 South
Dubuque and I hate anything to happen and change it because this is
the only place that you can go you might say about because those two
- the Capital House and the other Ecumenical Towers go by how
much money you have and so on. So you get kind of limited with
what you can do. I have not lived there quite a year and when I went
there I hoped I would live there for years and years. And now I don't
know what's going to happen. And the way they did this is what kind
of irks me is we didn't really hear anything about it. I think we had
a...if you live in a place that they'd let you know what's going on.
Thank you.
Lehmhn: Thank you.
Karmer: Maxine would you move if there were more non-elderly people there?
Simon: Would I move?
Kanner: Yes.
Simon: It would depend if they could keep the place quiet. Other than that if it
got too noisy I possibly would move. We have a nice quiet place.
You (can't hear). That means a lot. Thank you.
Jean Tack: My name is Jean Tack. I (can't hear) 400 South Dubuque Street.
Since you've already had my letter which was read by now. I won't
repeat it. But just for a few seconds please think about how important
our Senior Manor is. There is only one senior apartment building for
us. The residents I know want to live downtown and be a part of the
City. It is fun to see children, families and students which is fun. But
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Council meeting of June 10, 2003
Item 5c Page 14
it's also good to walk home and come home to a nice, quiet apartment
again. It would be nice to keep it this way if it's possible. Thank you
very much.
Lehman: Thank you.
Mark Pearson: I'll be brief. I'm the youngest resident there I think. I moved in to
help Richard with his (can't hear). Since living there I've noticed...
Lehman: Would you give your name please.
Pearson: Oh, my name is Mark Pearson.
Lehman: Thank you Mark.
Pearson: Since living there I've noticed a lot of our residents go to St. Pat's to
mass. And we have several forms of housing near downtown for
seniors, but we're the only one that's five feet away from Pat's. We
have a woman who's 98-years-old who goes over there for mass every
day. And if she had to live even one and a half blocks away I don't
think she'd be able to make it. (Can't hear) some people seriously
need. Thank you.
Lehman: Thank you. Does anyone else wish to speak to this? Public hearing is
closed. Thank you.
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Council meeting of June 10, 2003
Item 8 Page 15
ITEM 8. CONVEYANCE OF THE WEST ONE-HALF OF A TWENTY-
FOOT WIDE BY SIXTY FEET LONG VACATED PORTION OF
THE ALLEY LOCATED BETWEEN 405 SOUTH SUMMIT
STREET AND 338 SOUTH GOVERNOR STREET TO PHYLLIS
TUCKER.
Lehman: (Reads item). Public heating is open.
Karr: (Can't hear) new resolutions for 8 and 9.
Dilkes: They're attached to the memo that Mitch Behr at my office sent you
regarding offers.
Champion: No, we didn't get that. (Can't hear).
Lehman: Was that dated the 9th or the 10th?
Karr: It's dated yesterday - the 9th.
Lehman: The 9th.
Kart: We just got it and yeah.
Lehman: And this is Phyllis Tucker is offering $3900 for that parcel and it has
(can't hear) communicated that in a letter (can't hear) acceptable offer.
Dilkes: That was the appraised value.
Pfab: Well we're still...does anybody wish to speak to this?
Champion: I move to vacate...
Lehman: We (can't hear) the public heating forward. Now we need a resolution
authorizing the conveyance.
Pfab: I move.
Champion: Second.
Lehman: Moved by Pfab, seconded by Champion. Discussion? Roll call.
Motion carries.
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Council meeting of June 10, 2003
Item 10 Page 16
ITEM 10. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 3, "CITY
FINANCES, TAXATION AND FEES," CHAPTER 4,
"SCHEDULE OF FEES, RATES, CHARGES, BONDS, FINES
AND PENALTIES" OF THE CITY CODE TO INCREASE THE
FINE FOR PARKING TICKETS, INCREASE MONTHLY
PARKING PERMIT FEES, INCREASE CERTAIN PARKING
METER FEES TO $.75 PER HOUR AND CHANGING THE
PARKING TICKET ESCALATION. (FIRST
CONSIDERATION)
Lehman: (Reads item). Do we have a motion?
Vanderhoef: So moved.
Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef.
Pfab: Second.
Lehman: Seconded by Pfab. Discussion? I think for the public knowledge the
overtime parking fine will go from $3 to $5. The illegal parking fine
will go from $5 to $10. the monthly parking permit will be increased
by $10 a month which will still put those permits at probably about
35% discount over (can't hear) rates and maybe even 40%.
Vanderhoef: 40.
Lehman: Other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries.
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Council meeting of June 10, 2003
Item 11 Page 17
ITEM 11. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE REPEALING TITLE 6, "PUBLIC
HEALTH", CHAPTER 7, "SMOKING IN FOOD
ESTABLISHMENTS" OF THE CITY CODE. (SECOND
CONSIDERATION)
Lehman: (Reads item).
Vanderhoefi Move second consideration.
O'Dormell: Second.
Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by O'Donnell. Discussion?
Dilkes: Staff is requesting expedited action on this one.
Lehman: Well let's see if we can get that.
Vanderhoef: Okay. I'll withdraw the (can't hear) motion. And I move the rule
requiring that ordinances must be considered and voted on for passage
at two Council meetings prior to the meeting at which it was to be
finally passed be suspended, that the second consideration and vote be
waived and the ordinance be voted on for final passage at this time.
Champion: Second.
Lehman: We have a motion and a second to expedite consideration. Do we
have discussion?
Kanner: Is there any specific reason Eleanor besides just wanting to hurry
things along?
Dilkes: Well to get it off the books given the Supreme Court has ruled that it's
contrary to state code.
Lehman: Illegal. Roll call. Motion carries (6-1, Karmer voting the negative).
Vanderhoef: I move that the ordinance be finally adopted at this time.
O' Donnell: Second.
Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by O'Donnell. Discussion? Roll
call. The motion carries.
(End of Side 1, Tape 03-52, Beginning of Side 2)
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Council meeting of June 10, 2003
Item 14 Page 18
ITEM 14. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AWARDING $15,000 IN FUNDS
TO UNITED ACTION FOR YOUTH FOR PRE-EMPLOYMENT
AND EMPLOYMENT TRAINING FOR AT-RISK YOUTH.
Wilbum: I have a conflict of interest with item number 14. It involves the grant
fund (can't hear) allocation and I'm employed by an agency (can't
hear) came from that source and I cannot participate in this discussion.
Lehman: Thank you. (Reads item).
Champion: Move the resolution.
Lehman: Moved by Champion.
Vanderhoefi Second.
Lehman: Seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion?
O'Donnell: This is $15 which was...
Champion: $15,000.
O'Donnell: $15,000 which...$15 wouldn't be much of a deal - $15,000 which was
taken away from the Mayor's Youth program and they decided not to
(can't hear). And I thought that their coming back with a new
proposal made a great deal of sense. They're working in a
collaborative effort with the...with Parks and Rec and I would have
liked to have been the one we supported. I really have a problem with
going in and cutting the American Youth program system out. I think
it's really a hard blow to take when money is so tight.
Pfab: I have a question. Is this...since this is CDBG funds if not we
received the proposal I think I have it here in the packet. I'~qe haven't
a chance to look at them or compare them. But should there not be a
public hearing on this?
Vanderhoef: It isn't required.
Pfab: Well just because of the fact that it's at least CDBG funds and once
it's mixed with general revenue funds I understand it all becomes
(can't hear) CDBG funds. To (can't hear) CDBG funds I believe that
a public heating is required. I propose that we defer this until the next
meeting and if it's a good decision then it will be a decision then. If
it's not then the public will have a chance to make their statements. So
I'm going to move that this be deferred until June 24th - I believe
that's the date. Is that right? The 24th.
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Item 14 Page 19
Vanderhoef: June 23rd if you're going to do that based on my request.
Pfab: (Can't hear) going to be a formal meeting on the 24th?
Karr: 23rd and 24th both.
Kanner: So far we have two items on the 23~d.
Kart: You have more than that because of the expedited actions.
Kanner: Okay and some other things. But to make it easier for Dee I think it
makes sense to do to do it the 23rd.
Pfab: Okay. That's fine.
Lehman: We have a motion to defer to the 23rd. Is there a second.
Kanner: I'll second it.
Lehman: We have a motion and a second for deferral. Discussion?
Kanner: I too was going to ask for a deferral, perhaps a slightly different
reasons. I do think that it is a good idea to have a public heating on
this. But I thought looking through this briefly I though all three
applications look to have merit, but all things being equal I would like
to hear the preference and Mayor's Youth Employments because it's
not that you necessarily took money away from them. This was not
allocated to them. But they have received this money in the past and I
think they deserve the weighted consideration. I would like to see how
the JCCOGS staff rated these - what was the criteria. So I have not
seen that. And that was also I think requested by the director of
Mayor's Youth Employment program. So to give us a chance to look
over these at greater in-depth and to get some of those rating criteria. I
have not also seen the guarantee that went out either. I don't know if
that was passed out to us. I don't recall seeing that. I would like to
see that.
O'Donnell: I would too.
Kanner: So I would ask that we defer this until the 23ra.
Champion: I'm not willing to defer it. I think we've spent a time thinking about
this. I don't think we took the money away from...I like your term
Steven that we just didn't allocate them as much money as they had
been allocated in the past. We've already been through the reasons
that our Council decided to do that. The RFP was open to Mayor's
Youth Employment and other (can't hear) organization that wanted to
apply for the money. And I think all three applications were very
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Council meeting of June 10, 2003
Item 14 Page 20
good. I totally agree. They were all exceptional. Much better than I
thought we could get for $15,000 which is not really a lot of money.
But I think all of the applications are very good. I think...I do like the
one that the Staff has chosen. There's a lot of combined funds going
into that and a lot of opportunity for youth to learn what we thought
was really nifty in our community at that point. So I am going to
support the staff report. And I don't want to defer this. I think that
this has created a lot of controversy among certain groups. And I think
it's just rubbing salt in their wounds.
O'Donnell: If you give $30,000 one year and $15,000 the following year you can
term that however you want - it's a cut. You're not allocating the
same amount you did the year before you're basically cutting it in half.
I also don't favor delaying this because I don't think there's support
for it. I'm simply voicing that I...this would have been my choice.
Lehman: Well I too do not favor delaying it. We made a real issue out of the
fact that this was going to be allocated and in prior to the first of July.
And I know there's another meeting before now and the first of July.
But we asked...there were three organizations that made proposals.
All three were invited to (can't hear). Those proposals were evaluated.
The recommendation is the one that we're looking at and I think it is in
the best interest of everyone to proceed with it.
Kanner: Emie, just a response to you Mike. I think we (can't hear) the
requirement for four of the six people to pass it. And if you, Irvin and
I decide after looking at it again that we don't want it, it would not
pass. So we could have support for something different. We could
talk about it and reach a different compromise if that's the route we
want to go. But I think we need some more time to get some more
information and to look at it.
O'Donnell: And Steven I think there's been ample time. I think we can delay this.
I actually support all three of the ideas that we had. I thought they
were all great. My preference would have been Mayor's Youth.
JCCOG has evaluated and chosen the United Action for Youth which
is a great program. I don't see any reason to delay it. And I'll support
their recommendation. My preference would have been the Mayor's
Youth program.
Lehman: Is there other discussion on...?
Pfab: I'll just state my position as to that because it's HUD funds it should
be subject to a public hearing.
rd
Lehman: Alright. All in favor of the motion defer to the 23 indicate by saying
aye. Opposed same sign. I believe that I heard five ayes...four? I'm
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Item 14 Page 21
sorry four to two.
Kanner: Ross was whispering back there.
Lehman: I didn't hear him whisper so I misspoke. It fails two to four with
Kanner and Pfab voting in the affirmative. Now we are discussing the
proposal as it has been presented.
Vanderhoef: Okay. I just wanted to say this proposal was my favorite out of the
three. And all three had things to offer. But as Connie and I looked at
the gap in training for youth this was the one that seemed to hit what I
was envisioning when the RFP went out in that it hits through several
steps. It gives them practicum. It gives them job coaches. It also then
offers them a paid internship after they have done their practicum.
And they are working for becoming mentors for the next group
because they're doing this in small groups of five. They're going to be
serving 25 students from the program plus the WEA Act which federal
program, another federal program that has added additional money -
about $9200 - and add it into the $15,000. So another chance (can't
hear) to qualify under the (can't hear) program of WEA will be served
in here. They're engaging good will. They're looking at using work
piece with the locally owned, developed programs that ACT has put
together and many of our local industries are choosing to use this in
their screening for applicants for jobs. And I think it's a wonderful
offer. It's not a cheap thing to take this work group examination and
then do the screening to see where they fit in the continuum of work in
all of five developmental areas for learning. So I'm real excited about
this particular program. And I will be supporting it.
Lehman: Other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries 4-2, Kanner and Pfab
voting the negative.
Kart: Motion to accept correspondence.
O'Donnell: So moved.
Vanderhoefi Second.
Lehman: There's been a motion and a second to accept correspondence. All in
favor? Opposed? Motion carries.
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Item 15 Page 22
ITEM 15. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING FUNDING FOR
THE INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT FROM IOWA CITY'S COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT - ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT FUND AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO ACT AS CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
AND SUBMIT ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION TO
THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN
DEVELOPMENT.
Lehman: (Reads item).
Wilburn: I have a conflict of interest with this. It involved community
development funds and I work for an organization that receives such
funding. I cannot participate in discussio/ts or (can't hear).
Champion: Move the resolution.
Vanderhoef: Second.
Lehman: Moved by Champion, seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion?
Vanderhoef: This was a program that was brought to ED department committee and
Ernie and I discussed it and requested more information and they were
very willing to bring us additional information on the similar classes
that they are doing in Sioux City and in Des Moines. These classes
will be taught in Spanish or are Spanish population so it will be
serving folks, new entrepreneurs or for people who are already in a
business and wish more support and possibly expansion. They are
going to be creating new jobs in this whole program and I think it's
historic for our Spanish speaking community.
Lehman: Roll call. Motion carries, 5-1, Pfab voting the negative.
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Council meeting of June 10, 2003
Item 16 Page 23
ITEM 16. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION INCREASING BUILDING
PERMIT FEES FOR SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES OF THE
IOWA CITY HOUSING AND INSPECTION SERVICES
DEPARTMENT.
Lehman: (Reads item).
Vanderhoef: Move the resolution.
Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef.
Champion: Second.
Lehman: Seconded by Champion. Discussion?
Kanner: We got a memorandum and there are significant amounts of permits
that are under $1060. And I had a question. What was the previous
amount charged?
Lehman: It says $35.
Kanner: $35.
Lehman: That's what it says in there in the (can't hear).
Atkins: Tim is here to answer any questions.
Hermes: Yes previous for the amount right now is $35 for a minimum fee.
Kanner: What's the lowest amount that you've seen for evaluation for a
building permit?
Hennes: There's actually some that have no fee, just a change of certificate of
occupancy to a different use. So actually no fee is a minimum fee I
believe $50 for that. But for a building permit fee we see them
anywhere from $100 on up to (can't hear) at the minimum.
Kanner: So they still pay that $35.
Hennes: That is correct. The minimum fee is just...it covers basic
administrative costs of issuing the permit. A lot o£the same
procedures go in to issuing a permit for $100 that goes into issuing a
permit for a million dollars. Some of the basic administrative fees.
Atkins: You still have to do an inspection.
Hennes: You still have to do inspections also.
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Item 16 Page 24
Kanner: Okay. Thank you. I don't know if anyone else has questions for you.
Lehman: Well you see the memo we got tonight. And I guess some of these
could be rather insignificant from a cost standpoint I see somewhat
complicated if we're talking about right-of-way, fire escape, fences. I
mean I can see where this can be...in fact I suspect that you have some
permits that are of almost (can't hear) give you a lot more problems
than some of the ones that are very expensive.
Hennes: That's a very good point. Some of the permits that are not issued that
often require a little more research on Staff to make sure that they are
in compliant with all of the regulations. There are areas of the code
that were not in that often.
Lehman: Okay. Other discussion?
Kanner: Yeah I was going to add that we amended to $3.60 per $100, but I
would amend it...I would like to move an amendment to keep it at $35
for now for the first $1,000 evaluation.
Pfab: I support that.
Kanner: And then go to the one that was written in the ordinance.
Lehman: We have a motion to amend it by changing...well actually amending
to increase from $35 to $42. We have a second from Pfab. Is there
any discussion?
Champion: I think the idea is very valid and I can understand why you think that's
a good idea. But a lot of these things that don't cost money aren't in
way of economic hardship for people. I like your idea but I'm not sure
I can support it. (Can't hear) for a minute. I think it's a good idea.
Kanner: I think we have to make it...not make it harder for small projects even
though we might be eating some of the cost perhaps if we're not at
100% of funding it with $35. I don't know if we'd be at 100% with
$42. But I think for these small projects we want to make this
accessible and affordable as much as possible. So right now I think
$35 keeping it there seems reasonable.
Champion: In that everything under $1,000.
Kanner: In valuation yeah for a building permit would be the proposal.
Pfab: I think also it would encourage compliance. By keeping increasing it,
it won't work very well (can't hear). When they find out well they'll
find out.
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Council meeting of June 10, 2003
Item 16 Page 25
Lehman: I doubt that $7 is going to have any impact on that.
Pfab: Well (can't hear).
Lehman: On the other hand it might. Other discussion of the amendment? All
in favor of the amendment to eliminate the increase for the base fee
fxom $35 to $42 indicate by saying aye. Opposed same sign. I have
been defeated...did anyone else vote against the amendment? The
amendment passes 6 to 1, Lehman voting in the negative. Now we are
discussing the resolution as amended. Roll call. Motion carries.
Karr: Motion to accept correspondence.
O'Donnell: So moved.
Pfab: So moved. Second.
Lehman: We have a motion and a second to accept correspondence. All in
favor? Opposed? Motion carries.
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Item 17 Page 26
ITEM 17. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION INCREASING BUILDING
PERMIT FEES FOR SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES OF THE
IOWA CITY HOUSING AND INSPECTION SERVICES
DEPARTMENT.
Lehman: (Reads item).
Vanderhoef: Move the resolution.
Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef.
Wilbum: Second.
Lehman: Seconded by Wilburn. Discussion?
Pfab: I wasn't hem when this was discussed last time. Now is this going to
cover the additional inspection?
Wilburn: No.
Champion: No.
Pfab: I think that's a big... I believe that that division should be self-
supporting. And I think it would solve a lot of the problems. I believe
that whatever it takes to fund that should be (can't hear).
Atkins: The resolution you have in front of you makes the division as it is
currently constituted self-supporting.
Pfab: But I mean...
Atkins: If you add an additional inspector then the rates would go higher.
That's correct.
Pfab: Is that built in?
Atkins: No, it is not.
Champion: No. I think what we're hoping Irvin is that the inspectors and
inspection services will find ways to economize their time. I think
we've asked them to look at certain things.
Pfab: Okay. Is this something we could take another look at and at that
point they may require an additional fee increase?
Champion: You can only be (can't hear).
Pfab: Right. But I mean from...
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Item 17 Page 27
Lehman: I'm hopeful...we had a discussion on this issue. And I'm hopeful that
an additional inspector is made. There may be a possibility of the
economy within the department that might cover the cost. Efficient
fees may not require a new inspection.
Pfab: Okay. Also I am under the impression that there will probably be less
chance to renew fees if there's a violation will not be negotiated but
(can't hear).
Lehman: I don't think that's part of this.
Champion: No, that's not part of the deal.
Pfab: But I mean as a possibility of being able to (can't hear) other expenses.
Champion: No.
Lehman: Well that's another issue.
Kanner: So you're saying that (can't hear) is adding this inspector or not
adding?
Pfab: Well I've heard the comment that...
Vanderhoef: From whom?
Pfab: Well from the (can't hear) that they desperately need another
inspector. And if we...if the other nuisance ordinance is going to
create some additional by adding (can't hear) all the time I believe that
it probably would be better to plan on adding the inspector and taking
care of it to get it over with.
Champion: Irvin I bet there's not a department in the City that wouldn't tell you
they that they needed another person.
Atkins: I think just so we understand that this issue will have to come back to
you some time in the future. The division's position had been that the
new nuisance abatement ordinance as well as the expansion of the
number of units that an additional housing inspector was necessary.
We proposed to you to use CDBG funds. You chose not to do that.
An alternate proposal was to increase these fees even further than this
represents. You chose not to do that. That's okay. We understand
your position that you're sending us back saying we want you to look
at other options. And that does not preclude us from some time
making a recommendation back to you for a housing inspector.
Champion: Of course.
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Item 17 Page 28
Atkins: That's what I understood the issue to be. You okay with that? Okay.
Dilkes: Just in response to one of the things Irvin just so there's no confusion
we are talking and there's been no talk about changing our kind of
practices with the (can't hear).
Champion: No, absolutely not.
Pfab: Well I was thinking that was probably going into the nuisance
ordinance.
Lehman: We're not talking about the nuisance ordinance.
Pfab: Well because of the need for the...
Champion: We're not commandos.
Lehman: Okay. Is there further discussion?
Atkins: One item I would like to point out I think it's important. It is not...our
intent is compliance. It's not punishment. (Can't hear). We're not out
there to make money off of this. We're there to seek compliance.
Pfab: Back to the point I was making here. I think (can't hear) should pay
their own way if (can't hear). I can't see the rest of the City.
Lehman: Well we may get an opportunity to discuss that again. Okay. Roll
call. Motion carries, 6-1, Pfab voting the negative.
Kart: Motion to accept correspondence.
Vanderhoefi So moved.
Wilbum: Second.
Lehman: We have a motion and a second to accept correspondence. All in
favor? Opposed? Motion carries.
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Council meeting of June 10, 2003
Item 18 Page 29
ITEM 18. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT AND
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY
CLERK TO ATTEST A CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION
OF THE MORMON TREK BOULEVARD EXTENSION
PROJECT.
Lehman: (Reads item). We received seven bids. Engineer's estimate was
$4,621,000. The low bid was Metro Pavers of Iowa City -
$2,945,692.62. Recommendation is to award to contract to Metro
Pavers.
O'Donnell: So moved.
Vanderhoefi Second.
Lehman: Moved by O'Donnell, seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion?
Vanderhoef: I wish we could be doing the whole thing this year.
Lehman: Well the other thing that's interesting is how close the bids were -
remarkably. Roll call. Motion carries, 6-1, Kanner voting the
negative.
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Council meeting of June 10, 2003
Item 19 Page 30
ITEM 19. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT AND
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY
CLERK TO ATTEST A CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION
OF THE MORMON TREK BOULEVARD EXTENSION
PROJECT.
Lehman: (Reads item).
Champion: Move the resolution.
Lehman: Moved by Champion.
O'Donnell: Second.
Lehman: Seconded by O'Donnell. Discussion?
Vanderhoef: I'm presuming we don't have enough Staffto do this in-house and
independent contractor...
Fosse: That's correct. This is just for the survey component of the
construction work. And we do not have the means to accomplish that
in-house. We originally were working with Earth Tech to provide the
construction, inspection and the administration as well. And that was
the $273,000 contract. We reconfigured. We're moving some people
around to do that in-house. That's going to save us about $208,000 for
the inspection and administration portion of it. It's going to leave us a
little overextended throughout a portion of the summer, but I think it's
a risk worth taking for those savings.
Vanderhoef: Gee thanks. That was a piece that I didn't know about Rick.
Lehman: Do you want to help us with the rest of the budget?
Fosse: That's all I can do.
Lehman: Okay. Roll call. The motion carries 6-1, Kanner voting the negative.
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Item 20 Page 31
ITEM 20. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT AND
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY
CLERK TO ATTEST A CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION
OF THE MORMON TREK BOULEVARD EXTENSION
PROJECT.
Lehman: (Reads item). The Engineer's estimate was $548,300 and the base bid
was two bids. Cedar Valley Asphalt with the low bid at $481,046.62.
And the recommendation is to award the contract to Cedar Valley
Asphalt.
Vanderhoefi Move to accept the base bid.
Pfab: Second.
Lehman: Okay we have a motion and a second to accept the base bid. Does that
eliminate the City from using the alternate as well.
Dilkes: The comment says we're not recommending it.
Lehman: Okay fine.
Champion: Can I ask why because it was such a good bid and why was it in here?
Fosse: That is for a portion of the peninsula trail that's currently gravel. And
what we've decided is it's premature to put asphalt on that. It's going
to get redone by construction before we get a lot of good pedestrian
use out of it.
Champion: Good.
Lehman: Okay. Roll call. The motion carries.
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Council meeting of June 10, 2003
Item 21 Page 32
ITEM 21. CONSIDER RESOLUTION TO REMOVE BOARD MEMBER
BEV SMITH FROM THE POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW
BOARD DUE TO HER MISSING THREE CONSECUTIVE
REGULAR MEETINGS ACCORDING TO THE CURRENT BY-
LAWS.
Lehman: (Reads item).
Champion: Move the resolution.
Vanderhoef: Second.
Lehman: Moved by Champion, seconded by Vanderhoefi Discussion?
Kanner: When was she appointed.
Karr: I believe it was 2001.
Kanner: You haven't had any correspondence from her?
Karr: No. Numerous phone calls and letters have gone unanswered.
Lehman: Roll call. Motion carries.
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Item 22 Page 33
ITEM 22. CONSIDER RESOLUTION AMENDING THE BY-LAWS OF
THE POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD TO CLARIFY THE
ABSENCE POLICY.
Lehman: (Reads item).
Pfab: Move the resolution.
Lehman: Moved by Pfab.
Champion: Second.
Lehman: Seconded by Champion. Discussion?
Champion: All it basically said was to include special meetings. The way it read
before only regular meetings were counted as missed. They are like us
they need to move around and it's a special meeting and it couldn't be
a regular meeting. That's all they're going to clarify that. Is that
correct? Well good. Not very well, but I got it out somehow.
Lehman: We understand. Roll call. Motion carries.
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Item 23 Page 34
ITEM 23. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY AND THE IOWA CITY
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND THE AMERICAN
FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY, AND MUNICIPAL
EMPLOYEES, LOCAL NO. 183, AFL-CIO, TO BE EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2003, THROUGH JUNE 30, 2004.
Lehman: (Reads item).
Wilbum: Move to adopt the resolution.
Pfab: Second.
Lehman: Moved by Wilburn, seconded by Pfab. Discussion.
Kanner: One of the major changes in this contract is the new definition of
temporary employee moving it to you're temporary if you work less
than 10 hours a week as opposed to 20 hours and less than seven
months or less than seven months as opposed to nine months. And as
we heard yesterday this can have a profound effect on our budget, but I
think it's good and bad news. Certainly it can have that effect. But I
think it's good to move mom people into the bargaining unit. I think it
makes for a stronger workforce. It gives more people an opportunity
for benefits. I think at this time there's a lot of hard time workers who
work a number of different part-time jobs and they don't get benefits
often times at those part-time jobs. And I think we need to move more
people into stable positions where there are possibly some benefits. I
hope that thought this doesn't mean that we move towards more
privatization. And I think it's a term that we see throughout the
country and I know there are times like we just with the previous
motion have moved in that direction. But when we pass this I hope
that's not a direct move. I hope that we hire that people that are
working there - the old temporary that are now permanent and keep
them as permanent and not move towards contracting out. Just as a bit
of an aside, but I think there is a connection. We have a number of
people in our information technology that are contracted out as
independent contractors. Down the road I'd like to have a discussion
about that. I think that's not a way we want to go. So with that said
I'll be voting for this. And I want to ask Dale are there any other
provisions in the contract that are essentially different from previous?
Helling: No, not really. It is a one year agreement. Often, most often we do
two year agreements, but just because of the (can't hear) situation with
the terms and so forth one year is all we could get. There is one other
issue (can't hear) holiday credit, but (can't hear) on holiday. The one
thing that I didn't mention in the comment and probably should have is
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Item 23 Page 35
that this is a product of recommendations of a fact-finder. So this is
sort of a compromise agreement between Iowa City and the union.
We were going into impasse. Fact finding is one step short of
arbitration.
Kanner: So the decision of the fact finder is not binding.
Helling: Correct.
Champion: No.
Helling: Fact finding is often regarding as the back door to arbitration and it's
difficult to get it arbitrated to overturn a fact finder's recommendation.
Once you get to a fact finder's recommendation if it's reasonable and a
reasonable compromise our feeling that often times it's better to go
with that (can't hear). In this case we certainly felt that way.
Kanner: The main issue was the (can't hear) definition of temporary worker.
Helling: Wages was an issue. Insurance co-payment, insurance premium was
an issue. In fact everything that was included was an issue. But there
were a lot of issues that were introduced that we agreed on and came
off the table prior to the (can't hear).
Champion: When you go to fact finding are you hoping the things you disagreed
upon would (can't hear).
Helling: Right. Yeah the party's testify which are the issues the fact finders
make recommendations on.
Kanner: Do they base it on what other comparable employees are making in
similar cities? Is that how they base their decision?
Helling: Yes. Similarly situated employees in other general municipalities for
cities. So they compare us to other cities.
Lehman: Okay. Roll call. Motion carries.
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Item 24 Page 36
ITEM 24. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY AND THE IOWA CITY
ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS, IAFF,
AFL-CIO LOCAL #610, TO BE EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2003
THROUGH JUNE 30, 2004.
Lehman: (Reads item).
Pfab: Move the resolution.
Vanderhoefi Second.
Lehman: Moved by Pfab, seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion?
Kanner: Anything unique here?
Helling: No, not really. Again there is also an increase here in the insurance
co-pay.
Lehman: Roll call. Motion carries.
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Item 25 Page 37
ITEM 25. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A
CLASSIFICATION / COMPENSATION PLAN FOR
CONFIDENTIAL / ADMINISTRATIVE EMPLOYEES AND
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYEES FOR FY04.
Lehman: (Reads item).
Vanderhoef: Move the resolution.
O'Donnell: Second.
Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by O'Donnell. Discussion?
Kanner: I'm going to offer an amendment to this that those making $50,000 to
under $70,000 get lA the rate of the raise of(can't hear). And those
getting $70,000 plus get no raises this year - those earning that
amount.
Lehman: Is there a second? Amendment dies for lack of second. Is there other
discussion? Roll call. Motion carries, 6-1, Kanner voting the
negative.
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Item 26 Page 38
ITEM 26. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A
CLASSIFICATION / COMPENSATION PLAN FOR
CONFIDENTIAL / ADMINISTRATIVE EMPLOYEES AND
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYEES FOR FY04.
Lehman: (Reads item).
Wilburn: I have a conflict of interest with this item. I work for an organization
that receives Aid to Agency funds. I cannot participate in this
discussion.
Vanderhoefi Move the resolution.
Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef.
Champion: Second.
Lehman: Seconded by Champion. Discussion.
Champion: I will vote for this, but I hope that you know the understanding that if
we get any of our money back, any possible money back from the
state, federal government that this will be one of the first things I
(can't hear).
Atkins: I think if there is any hope I don't think there's much. But if there is
any hope one of the things I will ask you is that you will have to put
together some priorities for it in deciding on, you know, what
programs you in fact would reinstitute.
Champion: This is a pretty small amount of money.
Atkins: And we're doing it now to get these agencies on notice.
Champion: I know. I know.
Kanner: I'm going to vote against it. I think there are other areas like the
airport that should take a hit as opposed to this item and actually the
next item too. I think the next item is great for economic
development. Especially Aid to Agencies I think we find other areas
and I'll be proposing some of those in our (can't hear) for budget
discussions.
Lehman: Other discussion?
Pfab: Okay. Help me out here. What are we saying in (can't hear). We're
using the allocation...
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Item 26 Page 39
Champion: From the state...from the general fund money only by 5%.
Lehman: By 5%.
Pfab: But we say we're repealing it.
Champion: No. We're taking the resolution for funds for human services that we
voted on and reducing the general fund amount by 5%.
O'Donnell: But you know he is right. We repeal the resolution.
Dilkes: We're repealing the old one and substituting in the new one at 5%.
Champion: Right.
Lehman: Other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries 4-2, Pfab and Kanner
voting the negative.
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Item 27 Page 40
ITEM 27. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION REPEALING RESOLUTION 03-
109 ALLOCATING THE COMMUNITY EVENTS AND
PROGRAM FUNDING FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING
JUNE 30, 2004, BY 10% FOR ALL EVENTS BUT JUST JAZZ.
Lehman: (Reads item).
Champion: Move resolution.
Vanderhoef: Second.
Lehman: Moved by Champion, seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion?
Vanderhoef: I think it should be noted that the reason Just Jazz is not being included
in this 10% reduction is that they had already contacted all of the
(can't hear).
Champion: (Can't hear) that we have a program on the chopping block for the
next year.
Lehman: Other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries, 6-1, Kanner voting the
negative.
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Item 31 Page 41
ITEM 31. CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION.
Lehman: City Council information. Irvin.
Pfab: Nothing tonight.
Lehman: Mike?
O'Donnell: I just have one quick thing. One word to the ICARE pancake
breakfast Sunday morning cold, wet - two words - wet and cold. But
one good point. I looked over at one time and I saw the legendary
Dean Norton flipping pancakes and his skills have not progressed.
Pfab: That's because he had a raincoat on.
O'Donnell: That' s right.
Lehman: Okay. Dee?
Vanderhoef: I'll just add on to what you said. A ntunber of people could not show
up and I can understand why. So I hope they will consider making
their contribution to ICARE because this is their major fundraiser for
the year. It would be nice to recoup what they didn't get on Sunday.
Wilburn: A lot of fundraisers. I just want to thank on behalf of Table to Table
KCJJ radio for doing their radio spots. They raised money for them
this past weekend and the Crisis Center. I don't know how much
because I was out of town (can't hear).
Vanderhoef: I think you'll be surprised
Lehman: Steven?
Kanner: A few things. I read in our National League of Cities newsletter that
we get I think weekly that legal immigrants are now eligible for food
stamps. Beginning in October 2003 all children are eligible regardless
of how long in the U.S. and adults must be here for five years. And
one of the things that they urged us in the newsletter was to try to get
the word out and I was wondering if there were any ways that we
could work on that perhaps - water bill or I don't know flyers to
different things. Them are some contact numbers here.
Lehman: Do we have any regulations on the City in terms of helping low-
income people requiring citizenship?
Atkins: Indirectly, but we do work with immigration (can't hear) routinely...
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Item 31 Page 42
Lehman: But help with the water bill or whatever or reduced rates for park
recreation at a certain income base is it not?
Atkins: Yes. I think it is or if it is it is 99 cents.
Lehman: Okay.
Atkins: I don't know how to answer that Steven. I can certainly ask.
Champion: I think most people (can't hear) in your water bill (can't hear).
Atkins: It's just getting information to them.
Wilbum: So the City was a co-sponsor with (can't hear).
Pfab: I guess (can't hear) possible for the City to promote communities. The
low-income people who are working. The income tax (can't hear).
Atkins: (Can't hear). I'm not sure how we organizationally sort of penetrate
that. That's another issue, but I do know that the library has done
some things.
Pfab: I know. I've seen in bigger cities and different places...
Atkins: Urban central cities (can't hear) and some of my colleagues I'm aware
of.
Pfab: If we're doing the other (can't hear).
Kanner: Yeah I've read that a lot of people aren't claiming that. I wanted to
wish my friend Bob who's recovering in the hospital well and hope for
continued recovery. A couple organizations are having meetings. I
wanted to draw attention to Car Co-op - Iowa City Car Co-op - which
I happen to be a member of is applying for non-profit status. It's a
group of people coming together and sharing the use of a car. It's
meeting next Monday June 16th at 5:30 p.m. at Tai Flavors on
Burlington and Gilbert and looking for new members. If you'd like
some more information about that call 358-9194 for more info on that.
Another group involved in mobile issues is called FAIR - F-A-I-R.
They're working on local political issues things like economic
development and transportation. They're meeting next Thursday June
19th. For information on that call 338-0880 for time and location on
that. And then I would like to finally note, make some corrections on
what I fell are "half truths" that I've been hearing from MidAmerican.
We...I think we all got in the mail we got some information from
MidAmerican. They're having speakers go out and talk about
municipal electricity efforts. And I don't think they're telling quite the
whole story. For instance they're talking about rates...
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Item 31 Page 43
(End of Tape #03-52, Beginning of Tape #03-53, Side 2)
Kanner: ...careful claims of comparing it to other municipal electric companies
and the study is not going to be comparing possible savings to other
municipal electric companies. When we get the results back it will
state flat out if we're going to save money or not save money
according to our projections. Of course they could be wrong. But it
doesn't have much to do with comparing it to other municipals in their
study. MidAmerican is starting to pick up the pace and their
opposition is expected. It's what's happened in every other city that
has tried to start a municipal. There's tremendous mount of money
put out as expected by the incumbent. And I think we have to look
with a wary eye about what they're saying. A lot of things they're
talking about also is look at the water plant as an example of a
municipal operation. And I think a lot of people should know that my
reading of history is that when it was privately owned it was in pretty
bad shape. And there was not much done to keep it in shape. And the
City took over and brought it up to federal regulations and we put in a
new water plant. And I think we're doing a good job with that. And
the rates would not be as high if the private entity had funded things
that were necessary when they owned it at an earlier time. So I think
that's a bogeyman that's being used by MidAmerica and people should
be aware of that. And there are a number of other things. So I'm
looking forward again to the release of the study by Latham. And I'm
expecting that would be projected savings.
Pfab: Steve you just said...I think the City Staff has repeated myself and
others certainly are to be commended. They (can't hear) coming along
the road while we were getting the new power...or the new water
plant, but I think if you look back 5 or 10 years we're going to find out
this was a (can't hear) opportune time because of the new regulations
and new pressures (can't hear). So I think if you look back 5 or 10
years from now and you look back I think (can't hear) fortunate thing
for the citizens of Iowa City.
Lehman: Dee?
Vanderhoef: I just thought I would report back to you. I was in Fort Smith,
Virginia and Fort Smith and Norfolk hosted the transportation and
infrastructure steering committee for the National League of Cities a
week ago. That whole (can't hear) is a huge port seven different
ports within that area. And I learned a lot about port. But one of the
things that really stepped out for me is the burden on the City to move
that trade once it's come off the ships and how that freight is
connected to you and I and what happens. We expect the goods that
come into our imports. And one...each of these cities and the ports are
having to fund change the transportation out of there - the
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Item 31 Page 44
infrastructure so that the roads and the rail and all of those things are
having to be funded by that city. So they're looking at a national
policy for a trust fund that will support imports and freight for all of
the citizens of the U.S. Another thing that came to mind in our study
on airports and security and growth of airports brought up the new that
there are what they call noise map around airports. And since we are
in the process of annexing land near our airport and are looking
towards development of that Staff could look into what the (can't hear)
in the way of noise maps for our airport and whether we should look in
our zoning number one. And number two notification - a number of
cities that spoke up at this meeting have said they already had
ordinances on the books about noise and notification of property
owners that there will be airplanes circulating - that this is in the
traffic pattern and there could be noise and the noise could change as
different aircrafts are put in. And our other issue this year is high
speed rail. When we're talking about that and we're only talking
about the rail in the pedestrian inner city areas. And (can't hear) don't
have the traffic stop on the high speed rail and he (can't hear) funding
for our rails in the Midwest to move our goods and commodities.
That's it.
Lehman: We're not going to hold our breath for funding for rail.
Vanderhoefi You got that right.
Lehman: Steve I got a call today from (can't hear) are cities apparently making
a bid for this gambling money that the state is going to be collecting?
I mean I was asked if I'm going to call to Governor and ask him to
give the City our share of that 100 million dollars.
Atkins: You want the short version that if 100 million dollars fell out of the
sky into the state coiffeurs what do you think they're going to do?
Lehman: I don't think we're going to get any.
Atkins: I don't think we're going to get a nickel.
Lehman: Okay. That was my...
Atkins: I can't comprehend... I mean all goofiness that's gone on now with
respect to the federal govemment gave the state 180 million dollars.
Lehman: Right. We didn't get any of that.
Atkins: We didn't get any of that either. So I wouldn't hope like that.
Lehman: Well I guess my...I don't really think I'm going to walk - Governor
Vilsack apparently has a walk around the state and I'm not going to
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Item 31 Page 45
mn him down. But is the League of Cities going to try to pursue this?
Atkins: I have not heard a word from them.
Lehman: I haven't heard anything, but...
Atkins: I would be very surprised and I would suspect that those communities
that have gambling venues they're going to raise their hand and say
wait a minute Iowa City you've not been in the equation here.
Lehman: I hadn't planned on (can't hear).
Atkins: That's all.
Vanderhoef: The only thing that I have been on the City (can't hear) that's coming
up from the League lobbyists is that there might be certain things in
the bills that would be (can't hear) that you might individually want to
look at ask if the Governor could do something on the line item veto.
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Item 32 Page 46
ITEM 32. REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF.
Lehman: Steve?
Pfab: Okay. (Can't hear).
Lehman: The state won their law suit in taxing different gambling venues
different rates and the settlement is 100 million dollars.
Pfab: (Can't hear).
Lehman: They have to pay taxes which will bring about 100 million dollars.
Kanner: You're saying that was not included in the budget?
Atkins: I (can't hear) my impression is there was a reserve position (can't
hear) sue you but a bond for something such as that, but there was a
reserve position. Folks I have to tell you I haven't spent a lot of time
studying the gambling laws.
Lehman: I haven't either
Atkins: Okay.
Pfab: I don't think that the 100 million dollars coming in...
Atkins: If it is, it's sound money on the part it came from the state and was
distributed and I can think of any number of road blocks before we'd
ever been considered.
Karmer: Although (can't hear) the Maskaqui casino (can't hear).
Lehman: Not on your life. Steve do you have anything?
Atkins: Nothing.
Lehman: Eleanor?
Dilkes: I just wanted to make a quick point that I forgot to make when we
were talking about the housing inspections and it drifted into the
discussion about enforcement and penalties and that kind of thing.
And just to emphasize this point that our enforcement is not directed to
be punitive. We don't...our fines for housing violations are not
even...are lower than that authorized by state code. So I just wanted
to remind you of that.
Champion: Good point.
O'Donnell: Good.
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