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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-06-10 CorrespondenceMarian Karr From: Shelley McCafferty Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2003 8:27 AM To: *City Council Subject: FW: denial of certificate of appropriateness ..... Original Message ..... From: Shelley McCafferty Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2003 4:50 PM To: 'cswebb52@mchsi,com' Subject: denial of certificate of appropriateness Dear Ms. Webb; Following the initial decision of the Historic Preservation Commission on April 24 to deny the application from Home Town Restyling for a Certificate of Appropriateness to remodel you sun porch at 520 Grams STreet, a resolution denying this application was sent to Home Town Restyling. I will mail you and Shelly Brighi a copy of this resolution. To appeal the Commission's denial, please file letter stating your reason for appeal with the City Clerk. If your letter is received by June 2, the City Council will be able to set a public hearing for the appeal for June 24. If the letter is received later then June 2, the appeal will be held July 15. The appeal must be submitted no later than June 6. Please contact me if you have any questions. Shelley McCafferty Associate Planner City of Iowa City 319.356.5243 sh elley-mccafferty@iowa-city.org Marian Karr From: Connie Webb [cswebb52@mchsi,com] Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2003 12:55 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city,org Subject: desire to protest historical commission ruling I do wish to protest the ruling by the historical commission which prohibits Shelley Brighi and I from remodeling our home. To date I have not received a written report of their ruling and I am waiting for that document before filing an official protest. Thank you. Connie Webb Marian Karr From: Shelley Brighi [sbrighil@mchsi.com] Sent: Monday, June 02, 2003 10:12 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Cc: cswebb52@mchsi.com Subject: appeal to decision made by Historic Preservation Commission for property at 520 Grant Street Councildo.. Attached please find our request for an appeal to the ruling made by the Historic Preservation Commission concerning a sun room remodel project at 520 Grant Street. Thank you. Connie S. Webb and Shelley A. Brighi *** eSafe scanned this email for malicious content *** IMPORTANT: Do not open attachments from unrecognized senders *** June 2, 2003 Members of the City Council of Iowa City, Iowa: Shelley Brighi and I are the homeowners of the property at 520 Grant Street, Iowa City, Iowa. We write this in order to request approval of plans to remodel our property. In accordance with the rules set forth by the Historic Preservation Commission we wish to appeal the decision made to refuse our application to remodel our sun room Our property is listed as a contributing structure in the Longfellow Historic District. The property was constructed in 1949, hardly a relic. Shelley and I live in a 2 bedroom home of less than 1000 square feet. Upstairs we have a full bath and two bedrooms. Downstairs, we have a kitchen, half bath, a dining area and living room. Off the living room, we have a small sun room. It is our desire to remodel the existing sun room into a room that is useable for three seasons. This area is set back from the front of our home and is located to the side but is visible from the street. At present, it is a room with storm windows that must be changed to screens seasonally. Presently window sill height is approximately 20 inches and outside wails are constructed of plywood like material. At present, this area of our home can be utilized for only about 4 weeks of the year. The outside walls have no insulation. With its multiple windows and low sills we have little privacy, no sound insulation and for all practical purpose no protection from heat or cold. As Shelley and I age, we find it more and more difficult to ascend and descend ladders two times a year in order to switch storms and screens. We also wish to increase our privacy, achieve better energy efficiency and increase the usefulness of this space to us. Homes in our neighborhood were designated as the Longfellow Historic District recently. When we purchased this property, there were no restrictions placed by the city as far as remodeling our home. When the Longfellow Historic District was proposed, we were in favor of this. After all, having lived in Iowa City during urban renewal, I am well aware of what can happen when older building are destroyed in order to erect parking ramps and malls which promise to revitalize downtowns. I would be unhappy if some of the stately homes along Summit Street were torn down in order to erect 10 unit apartment buildings. With recent decisions made by the Historic Commission, I do regret my lack of opposition to being included in a historic neighborhood. It has been our desire to remodel this space in such a way as to match the rest of the house and not be an eyesore. Neither the foundation nor the roof would be changed from existing structures. While I have been unable to find the original building plans for our home, it was not uncommon for houses constructed about the same time as ours to have had a side room, accessible from the main house. We contacted a contractor, discussed our desires with him and approved a design which would include double hung windows, (windows that would match the rest of the house), fewer windows, with higher sills than now present and more wall space. We found a source for metal siding that would match the rest of our house, and our supplier is looking forward to its removal from his property. We have not found a source for lead based paint as was commonly used in houses constructed during the period, but will continue to search in order to maintain historical integrity if that is deemed necessary. After our contractors plans were approved by us, we made a substantial down payment and waited for construction to begin. The building permit was denied to the contractor because of the Historic Commission's ruling April 24. As homeowners we were not informed that our property would be discussed at the April 24 meeting of the Historic Commission nor were we informed of the denial of the building permit in a timely manner. We were informed 0fthe May 22 meeting of the Historic Commission three days prior to that meeting during a phone call we initiated. With a great deal of shifting of our schedules we were able to attend in order to present our case. Our contractor had appointments with other clients that could not be changed on short notice and was unable to attend. Again our proposal was denied. Members of the Historic Commission said that we could change the windows to casement type rather that interchangeable screens and storms but that no change to the look of that room could be made. Sills must remain at mid calf, and windows had to remain the same shape and size. Instead of the six double hung windows we have paid for (and yes they were ordered and have been delivered to our contractor), the Commission, or as we have heard them called, the porch Nazis, insisted that the same number of windows that come out must be put back in. Changing to casement type windows might add slightly to energy efficiency but would not compare to the energy saving potential of insulated walls and fewer, smaller, windows. Our objectives to increase our privacy or insulate against sound would not be met either. We wish to have the city council address our concerns about remodeling our property. We want to be able to modify our home. We would also urge property owners or potential property owners to inform themselves of the restrictions and lack of individuality associated with having property designated as being in a historical district. In a homeowners association or gated community, property owners have an opportunity to vote on the covenants; the rules in an area designated as being historical seem to be left to the desires of commissions without input from property owners. Thank you for your consideration. Connie S. Webb Shelley A. Brighi Cynthia L. Jones May 30, 2003 7457 172~ Ave. NE FILED Forest Lake, MN 55025 200 JUhl -b, PPi I: 07 Mayor & Council Members 410 E. Washington St. O[TY CLF F K Iowa City, IA 55420 ~qVA CIW, IOWA Dear Sirs and Madames: I am writing to express to you my deep concern. This spring I attended the commencement exercises for the University of Iowa. It was my first time hack in Iowa City in many years. (I graduated in 1972 from the University of Iowa.) While visiting, I took a long walk around the downtown and nearby campus areas with an old college friend. That brief day's excursion let~ me feeling appalled and concerned for the well-being of one of my favorite places, and all the young people who live in and around Iowa City. When I attended the University and lived in the immediate downtown neighborhood, there were, at most, one or two drinking establishments per block (street, not square block.) The legal drinking age was twenty-one, and even though underage drinking was common, the dominant marketing venues were not then devoted to drinking in the wanton and ubiquitous way they are now. I use "wanton" as in ''without concern for well-being." In addition, I walked to each of the off-campus houses where I used to live. Without exception, these structures were in a state of poor upkeep and repair. One house I lived in, offDavenport, hasn't been painted since I lived there in 1970! I walked the length of Iowa Avenue, and observed those beautiful old houses kept in such a way as screams "slumlord." The stately two-story a student friend lives in on Iowa clearly has not seen any refurbishment since the widow who lived there in the 70's sold it. I might expect to see such sights in the decayed section of a major city. I never in my wildest dreams expected to see them in the heart of downtown Iowa City, the cultural heart of Iowa, a place I once was proud to call my alma mater, and tell my friends I would move back to "in a heartbeat." What axe you thinking? What have your many predecessors been thinking? How could you? Is the tax revenue from so many liquor establishments worth the dollars lost in alcohol-related accidents, illnesses, and deaths? How many young people have failed in their education because the enticement to drink, drink, drink is being screamed in their faces when they go downtown to buy their books? How many parents have been notified by the Iowa City police that their children have been injured in alcohol-related events? How many former, or current local government officers and agents have over-looked or been a party to the increasing decrepitude of Iowa City's once-wonderful heritage of gracious older homes in their quest for the undiscerning student dollar for off- campus housing? Where is your concern? Where are your priorities? I was seriously urging my son to attend the University of Iowa, but I would not throw him into that milieu. While other schools' students certainly have ready access to alcohol, I have never seen it in such a concentrated environment. I don't want to be a party to the perpetuation of the student/young person exploitation to which the city of Iowa City now seems to be dedicated. I am so sorry. I loved Iowa City. Sincerely, Cynthia L. Jones cc: The Daily Iowan The Press Citizen ..~S (~,) Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Dale Helling Sent: Friday, June 06, 2003 10:21 AM To: 'Abubaker EIkhalifa' Cc: *City Council; Steve Atkins; Rick Fosse; Sylvia Mejia Subject: RE: Sudanese Community Member at Iowa City applying for the job of ( city To: Abubaker EIkha[ifa From: Dale Helling, Assistant City Manager Re: City Engineer Qualifications Thank you for your inquir~ to the City Council re: the City Engineer position. I have been asked to respond. The obvious reason for requiring a PE license is that the City Engineer is required to perform official duties of a professional engineer which require a PE license to do so under State law. Not having this license would prevent that person from performing one or more of the essential functions of that position. Therefore, it is the policy of the City that the person in this position hold the PE license at all times. Further, I'm sure you can understand the problems that would arise if a person were brought into this position intending to obtain their PE license and then was for any reason unable to do so. For these reasons this is a requirement that we feel cannot be compromised. We do have other engineering positions which come vacant from time to time and I would encourage you to apply for any of those if you are interested. Again, thanks for your interest. cc. City Council Stephen J. Atkins, City Manager Rick Fosse, Director of Public Works (Appointed) Sylvia Mejia, Personnel Administrtator ..... Original Message ..... From: Abubaker Elkhalifa [mailto:aelkhali~engineering.uiowa.edu] Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2003 3:14 PM To: council~iowa-city.org Subject: Sudanese Community Member at Iowa City applying for the job of ( city engineer) Hello My name is Abubaker ELkhalifa, I am a civil engineer and one of the Sudanese immigrants community at Iowa city, as you might know we have been here for a while, and some of your respectful council members might be aware of our activities and interests. We really feel we need your council assistance in getting jobs at Iowa City, the thing which we have been trying hardly. This message is regarding a chance for me to get a job in the city of Iowa City, the problem is now I don't have the required PE license, but I can sit for the exam later, currently I am in the university of Iowa and finalizing my Masters degree in civil engineedng,I will appreciate your recommendations to exclude me from the requirement of the PE license for six months. *** eSafe scanned this email for malicious content *** IHPORTANT: Do not open attachments from unrecognized senders *** 6/6/03 Marian Karr From: Abubaker Elkhalifa [aelkhali@engineering.uiowa.edu] Sent: June 03, 2003 3:14 PM To: council Subject: Sudanese, ' Member at Iowa City applying for the job of ( ~ Hello My name is Abubake I am a civil engineer and one of the Suc igrants community at Iowa city, as you might know we hz ~ for a while, and some of your council members might be aware of our activities and interests. We reall,I we need your council assistan letting jobs at Iowa City, the thing which we have been trying hardly. This message is regarding ~e to get a job in the Iowa City, the problem is now I don't have the required PE license, but I can the university of Iowa and finalizing my Masters degree in civil engineering,I will appreciate recommen , exclude me from the requirement of the PE license for six months. *** eSafe scanned this email for us content *** *** IHPORTANT: Do not epen attachmen Dm unrecognized senders *** 6/3/03 Abu baker Elkhalifa 632 Westwinds Dr. Iowa City, IA 52246 Objective To continue my career in the civil engineering field in general and project planning and management in particular. Professional Experience Currently Graduate student at University of Iowa Worked as research assistant at Iowa Institute for Hydraulic Research (IIHR) and teaching assistant for fluids mechanics 2001-2002 Managing owner for Ambassador Services at Rochester MN 1993-1999 Senior Engineer, Sea Ports Division, Public Works Department Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates(UAE) · Prepared "Terms of References" for Invitation to Consultants · Awarded Design Contracts and managed projects design preparation from the conceptual design phase to final submittal. Design consultants included Bechtel Group (US), Dames& Moore(US), Stanley Consultants Inc (US), TAMS Consultants(US), Sir Alexander Gibb (UK), Mot McDonald (UK) · Prepared the General and Special conditions of contracts, and reviewed and managed the development of Technical Specifications. · Reviewed designs and recommended modifications. · Provided bidding services that included response to bidders questions, modifications and addenda, and tender analysis. · Recommended the award of different kinds of contracts including Design Contracts, Construction Contracts, Design/Build Contracts, Procurement Contracts, and Design/Build/Operate Contracts. · Managed the Pre-qualification of contractors. · Managed the execution of the works, approved materials and equipment submittals, approved Variation Orders, approved Payment Certificates for the consultants and contractors. · Projects: Abu Dhabi Comiche, AL-Saddar Fishing Harbor, Construction of Wharves 5-9 at Mina Zayed, Abu Dahbi Sea Wall. Abu Dhab Sheraton Beach. 1990-1993 Chief Civil Engineer Mazroui Construction Est. Abu Dhabi, UAE · Fully responsible for the construction of numerous commercial and residential buildings in Abu Dahbi. · Duties included management of bidding process including estimation, quantities take-off, and scheduling, award of subcontractors, contracts administration and construction management of projects and handing over. 1984-1990 Resident Engineer, Suakin Harbor Project Sea Ports Corporation Port Sudan, Sudan. Contractors: Pomgrad (Yugoslavia) Designers : Bonifica (Italy) · Responsible for the inspection and supervision of the massive dredging and backfilling operations in area of approach channel and turning circle for the port, precasting of mass concrete blocks to be used in the quay wall, and gravel filling of isolated parts of the sea-bed. · Approved the shop drawings · Supervised various geotechnical field and lab tests including the drilling of 70 boreholes below the proposed quay wall to assess the need for selected gravel fill. · Approved pile-setting and driving, pile loading tests and supervised the final "temporary compression test". · Responsible for the management of quarry machinery, lab equipment, survey equipment and batching plant. Education ·1981 UniversityofKhartoum, Khartoum, Sudan B.S.(Honors), Civil Engineering. · 1983 Advanced Structural Design, 6 month course at the Ministry of Public works, Khartoum, Sudan. 2 · 1987 Advanced Foundation Engineering, 6 month course at the Building and Road Research Institute, Sudan. · Management of Work Team at Public works Department ofAbu Dhabi 3 City of Iowa City Housing and Community Development Commission 410 E. Washington Su~eet Iowa City, Iowa 52240 ~-- (319) 356-5230 COMMISSIONERS: May 28, 2003 Amy ComMa Ckairperson Iowa City City Council September 2000-2003 Civic Center Iowa City, IA 52240 Rick House Pice-Chair Dear Members of the Council: September 2000-2003 At its May 156 monthly meeting, the Housing and Community Development Jgrry Anthony Commission unanimously voted "yes" in support of a resolution endorsing the September 2002-2005 National Homing Trust Fund Campaign. This resolution is attached for your Lori Bears September 2001-2004 The National Housing Trust Fund Campaign supports the establishment of a National Housing Trust Fund to serve as a source of revenue for the production of John Deeth new housing, and the preservation or rehabilitation of exqgfing housing that is September2001-2004 affordable for low income people. Legislation (H.IL 1102) was introduced in the Mark Edwards U.S. House of Represenatives in March. There are now 200 co-sponsors. As of yet, September 2002-2005 legislation has not been introduced in the U.S. Senate. Mmthew Haye~ The Campaign is a grassroots effort to encourage lawmakers to support legislation September 2001-2004 at the federal level to dedicate an on-going funding source for affordable housing. Its strength is in its numbers. The Campaign maintains a list of the endorsers, Morgan Hoosrrmn which now includes over 4,000 national organizations, religious leaders, elected September 2000-2003 officials, bodies of government, and other organizations. Jayne Sandier HCDC encourages the City Council as a group, as well as its individual members, to September 2002-2005 endorse the National Housing Trust Fund Campaign. The endorsement list is a powerful tool in showing lawmakers the concern across the nation about the STAFF.- affordable housing crisis and the need for a trust fund. Adding the City of Iowa City and individual councilor names adds considerable weight to the campaign. Stere IVasby Attached is an endorsement form. More information about the campaign can be CommunBy fly Economic found on the Internet at w~.nht£org. Deve~pment Coordinator Stere Long Thank you for your consideration of this request. TracyHiglst~hoe R~/d~.~Y~/~//J~ ~/a._ ~ A~sodate Planner A~ny'C6/cre~'~ ~ ~ Chairperson ENC. National Housing Trust Fund Resolution A resolution petitioning the Iowa City Housing and Community Development Commission to support the National Housing Trust Fund that will create, rehabilitate, and preserve 1.5 million units of affordable housing over the next 10 years. Seventy five percent of the funds are targeted to households with incomes less than 30% of the median income. Whereas, in Iowa City, an extremely low income household (earning $19,440, 30% oftbe Area median income of $64,800) can afford a monthly rent of no more than $486, while the Fair Market Rent for a two bedroom is $610/m°nth. Whereas, a worker in Iowa City_must earn $11.73 per hour working 40 hours per week to afford a two bedroom unit. This is 228% of the present $5.15 minimum wage. A worker at minimum wage would have to work 91 hours/week to afford a two-bedroom unit. Whereas, in Johnson County, the demand for affordable housing far exceeds the supply - 12,244 households at 50% of the area median income ($38,000) compete for 8,504 rental units affordable at that level. Whereas, by October 2002, the Iowa City Community School District had identified 223 homeless students. A lack of affordable housing is considered one oftbe contributing factors to homelessness. Whereas, the availability of affordable housing lowers tenants and homeowners monthly housing costs. These savings get reinvested in the local economy. Whereas, the construction of affordable housing is a viable economic development strategy. Housing construction creates higher paying construction and industry related jobs resulting from the increased demand for household goods and services. Whereas, the Iowa City City Steps Consolidated Plan and Continuum of Care recognizes the need for more affordable housing units and additional funding resources. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Iowa City Housing and Community Development Commission reaffirms the importance and need for affordable housing and hereby petitions the Iowa City City Council and the Iowa Congressional delegation to support the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2003 (HR 1102) May 15, 2003 ~ Date Vice Chair:~"-~ The National Housing Trust Fund Campaign c/o National Low Income Housing Coalition * 1012 Fourteenth Smut, NW, Suite 610 · Washington, D.C. 20005 · (202) 662-1530 phone · (202) 393-1973 fax · www.nhff, org Declaration of Support (Name of Organization) Endorses the establishment of a National Housing Trust Fund and pledges to work for passing National Hous'mg Trust Fund Legislation. We agree to be listed as a paCtner in the national Campaign, and agree to participating in the following ways: (check all that apply) __ We will seek endorsements from 5 other organizations in our area. __ We will publish an article about the Trust Fund Campaign in our newsletter. We will send letters to our members of Congress urging them to support the Trust Fund. __ We will meet in person with our members of Congress to urge them to suplxm the Trust Fund. __ We will write a Letter to the Editor of our local paper about the Trust Fund. __ We will distribute information about the Trust Fund at our meeting/event. (Forms are available for download at www.nhff.org/endorsertools.htm ) __ We would like a speaker about the Trust Fund at our evont/function. Please call to schedule. Authorizing Contact City State Zip. Phone. Fax. Emaii Congressional District (Tools to assist endorsers with the above activities are at www.nhtf, org/endorsertools.htm ) Mail, faz or email to the National Low Incnme Hmzsing Cmdltlon Mail: see above ema//: iMie@ nlihc~org fax: (202) 393-1973 phone: (202) 662-1530 x223 A fur policy proposal is available at www.nhff, org. Please tell others you work with abou~ ~he Campaign. Marian Karr ~ From: Ndaniels33@aol.com Sent: Sunday, June 01, 2003 11:42 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: About city planning and public interest.., "Democratic governance is not just about choosing; rather, it is about public choosing, about dealing with social consequences of private actions. Private marketing cannot not because they are capitalistic but because they are private." - Benjamin Barber, "Jihad vs. McWorld: Terrorism's challenge to democracy" (2001) I was prompted to give this quote because of some recent city council decisions. Don't think the city council has been meeting Iowa City's needs or wants.. In fact the city council is cannibalizing the city budget to meet massive a budget shortfall. According to Coralville Mayor Fausett, Iowa City is that it lacks a marketing strategy. For the most part, I disagree because the problems go deeper than marketing, they have to do with competition, Downtown Iowa City can't complete with Coralville's commercial strategy, Coralville has socialized the cost of commercial growth with TIF dollars. Socializing the cost of urban growth only guarantees more growth when the property taxes come due. I think the council would up in arms but the city council decided approve the zoning of a Fareway store and then some month later approves an urban renewal TIF for Pepperwood Place. VVhen Iowa City City Council talks about a grocery chain no one can walk to acquiring cheap land to grow on and then spends/borrows Johnson County and school tax dollars for urban renewal, it is liberalism run amok. I was talking to a councilmember last night. (The person shall for remain nameless,) I have tried stay out of Iowa City politics when possible because it is rather bizarre and I live in Coralville. After talking to the to nameless councilmember I realized the Iowa City City Council has been raising my cost living reducing my personal opportunities without my consent. I decided "Enough is enough." In my view, city planning has been ad hoc thing with the city council. Karen Franklin is an excellent city planner however the city council has chosen numerous times to play politics and marginalize minority (or majority) opinions for personal ( not public) gain. Politics is more than a game. Planners should quitely ensure the diplomacy of social matters. Planners are ambassadors in a democracy. They are educated to work for the public interest and not to socialize the cost of governmen[ Karen Franklin should be allowed and encouraged to play her public advocate role. A planner ethical duty is to remove the geographic disparities of the community. The city council frequently undermines planning efforts by ruthless (and sometimes childish) political maneuvers. In many cases, it is the nature of the business. It shouldn't be. The city council's is biggest problem is planning politics. There is deep seeded belief Iowa City can compete with Coralville on Coralville's terms. The great Chinese general Sun Tzu would paraphrase such thinking as lunacy. War, economics and politics seldom mix well in the public's long-term interest. Iowa City is wonderfully unique city. It must sell and enhance that uniqueness and be very wary of the social ization of urban renewal because the regional TIF cost could turn out to be a massive regional economic drain for everyone. In the next election will you support regional progressivism reform even if it costs your council seat? You now have one more diligent watchdog. I feel good regional planning might be become a future economic necessity if the city council is not very responsible when looking out for the public interest, The public interest ( not personal gain) is in a serious personal long-term interest and cause. Nell Daniels 606 5th St Apt 1 Coralville IA 52241 6/2/03 Marian Karr ~ From: RJ Winkelhake Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2003 12:12 PM To: 'braceforblast@hotmail.com' Cc: *City Council Subject: Noise Complaints - 637 S Lucas When someone is disturbed by loud noise situations it can certainly seem as if the violators are allow free reign. The arrest data for the Police Department does not necessarily support that premise. In the year 2002 the Iowa City Police Department made 229 arrests for Disorderly House and in 2003 53 arrests have been made. In 2002 the most arrests in any month were in the month of May. That is not a surprising bit of information. Having given you that information certainly does not mean additional arrests could not have been made. The goal of the Department is not necessarily to make arrests but to stop the disturbance. Most times that can be accomplished by the warning given by the officer. Other times the officers must make an arrest. In 2003 officers have been to the 637 S. Lucas Street address six times. The results of the visits were two marked as Handled, three warnings were given, and one arrest was made. In regard to your concern about ten minutes later the noise started up once more, the officers would not remain in the immediate area waiting to see if the noise started again. The expectation of the Department is that the party who is disturbed would re contact the Department if the noise began again. In support of that expectation an example is from the early morning hours of today. At 0248 this morning officers were at 327 E. College on a noise problem that was marked "Handled". Officers returned at 0301 and made an arrest. There are also times that the officers are very busy with calls for service that present a higher potential for injury that noise calls are placed in a query and responded to as the officers have the opportunity. The bottom line is please make a second call. If you would like to discuss this matter with me please feel free to contact me at 356-5271. Wish you well. RJ Winkelhake Chief of Police City of Iowa City ..... Original Message ..... From: Lisa Mollenhauer Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2003 9:18 AM To: RJ Winkelhake Cc: Steve Atkins Subject: FW: Noise Complaints - 637 S Lucas Can you please assist me with a response? If you respond directly, please cc the Council so they know we followed up. Thanks ..... Original Message ..... From: Proud Horn [mailto:braceforblast@hotmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2003 5:08 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Noise Complaints - 637 S Lucas Curious why the tenants are given free reign to make noise every night. I've complained to the Landlord (Tri-Miller LLC), the Police Department and Neighborhood services. After the Police came to the residence this morning (637 S Lucas), ten minutes later the tenants went outside and started it up again. Here is the activity log: .002003025423 Disturbance/loud Party/ne X 637 S Lucas St 5/20/03 2:16:05 AM Time Reported: 5/20/03 2:16:05 AM Incident # 002003025423 1 Case # Dispostion X Location 637 S Lucas St Common Name Activity DIS: Disturbance/loud Party/ne Officer 00000012 Blotter: subjs on balcony screaming at passersbye Disposition x means "handled"; if it was handled it would not occur on a daily basis Chad McGinnis MSN 8 with e-mail virus protection service: 2 months FREE* http:lljoin.msn.coml?page=featureslvirus IOWA CITY MUNICIPAL AIRPORT 1801 South Riverside Drive Iowa City, Iowa 52246 Office Phone (319) 356-5045 May 15, 2003 The Honorable Mayor Mr. Ernest Lehman 410 East Washington Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Re: Airport indebtedness Dear Mayor: The memorandum, dated April 15, 2003, from the Director of Finance to the City Manager reflects the Airport Commission's understanding of all the debts that require repayment by the Airport to the City of Iowa City. The Commission agrees with the numbers outlined in the memorandum and considers the memo to be an accurate assessment of all the debts to be repaid by the Airport. We propose to continue paying hangar debts with the rental fees until the loans are retired. We intend to apply all profits from the sale or lease of the property within the Aviation Commerce Park to the Park's infrastructure debt until that loan is retired. The Commission is working on a plan to best maximize income for the Airport from the funds received after the infrastructure loan is paid. If you have questions or would like to discuss this in more detail, please contact me at 338-1051. Sincerer, ~ Alan Ellis, Chairperson Iowa City Airport Commi.ssion Cc: City Council Airport Commission Kevin O'Malley, Director of Finance Steve Atkins, City Manager Sue Dulek, Assistant City Attomey Ron O'Neil, Airport Manager Marian Karr ~ From: Dave McLaughlin [davemic@inav.net] Sent: Sunday, May 18, 2003 6:40 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Scott Blvd. Sidewalks and Parkways Scott Manor Homeosoc. 3419 Lower West Branch Roadwners As Iowa City, IA 52245 May 15, 2003 Dear City Council Members: On February 28 this year we received a letter from the public works director, Mr. Charles Schmadeke, informing us that "beginning April 15, 2003, the responsibility of mowing and sidewalk snow removal will be passed on to you as the abutting property owner." As abutting property owners along Scott Blvd, we feel this is placing an unfair burden upon us and other abutting property owners. Since the 8 fl wide sidewalks were constructed in 1981 along the original Scott Blvd, the city assumed the responsibility for snow removal and maintenance of the parkway between Scott Blvd and our properties. The letter indicates that the maintenance responsibility was transferred to the abutting property owners as property along Scott Blvd, was developed. Our property was developed in 1989. If this was indeed the case, we are wondering why were we not notified of a change in maintenance responsibility until Feb. 2003. As property owners along Scott Blvd, we especially feel the maintenance of the 8 fl. wide sidewalk should continue to be the responsibility of the city for the following reasons. A. The majority of the residents of Iowa City have the responsibility of maintaining 4 ft. wide sidewalks. This is manageable maintenance for snow removal and replacement. However, to ask a resident to maintain an 8 ft wide sidewalk would be a physical and financial burden for both snow removal and possible replacement. Many of the residents along Scott Blvd do not have paved access to the sidewalk abutting their property. To remove snow with a snow blower, they would have to go all the way around the block to reach their portion of the sidewalk. The added width of an 8 ft. sidewalk makes it more difficult for the homeowner without a snow blower to clear the whole sidewalk with a shovel. This also raises the issue of whether or not property owners will be able to have the snow plowed by a truck as has been done by the city. The use of a large city truck to plow the sidewalk every year has left the sidewalks along Scott in bad shape in many places and the property owners should not have the expense of replacing them. B. In a recent mailing to Iowa City residents of the Iowa City Trails Guide, the 8 fl. sidewalks in Iowa City are included as part of the Iowa City trails system. As abutting property owners, we agree that Scott Blvd sidewalks are very much a part of this system and know that hundreds of people enjoy the recreational benefits of them regularly for biking, walking, jogging, and rollerblading. The Scott Blvd sidewalks are not like typical sidewalks to get you to work or the store, but for recreational purposes. With the number of people that use the sidewalk for exercise during the winter, it has been nice to have the whole length cleared at one time. With individual property owners responsible for clearing the walks, many will not be cleared for several hours or days. This would limit the sidewalks for exercise use. If the city considers 8 fl. wide sidewalks a part of the trail system, we feel they should be maintained be the city. 5/19/03 Page 2 of 2 We understand the budgetary constraints the city is having; however, we do not feel it is fair to expect property owners to assume the full expense of maintaining this area, especially the 8 ft sidewalks which are part of the Iowa City Trail System. We ask that you reconsider your decision and possibly put it on the City Council agenda so residents can voice their opinions. Respectfully, Scott Manor Homeowners Association David C. McLaughlin, President Ann E. McLaughlin Ramona Roth Anna E. Haines Eugene Hibbs 5/19/03 Marian Karr ~ From: Jennifer Britton [jenniferbritton@yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, May 28, 2003 11:30 AM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Expansion of Shelter House Dear Council members, I am writing in support of the expansion of Shelter House. The comprehensive social services that Iowa City provides are a key quality of life indicator. I am proud of the services offered to people in Iowa City and am glad that this is a place to which people want to move. I object to the recent characterization of the project in a Press Citizen article as something that will "increase the homeless problem." The scarcity of affordable housing is a problem. Providing adequate shelter for people in Iowa City is a problem. Increasing the available shelter is a solution, not a problem. I urge you all to support this project to the fullest extent possible. Thank you. Jennifer Britton 1719 Rochester Court Iowa City IA 52245 Do you Yahoo!? Free _online~ ~alend~ with sync to Outlook(TM). 5/28/03 Dear Connie and members of the city council, I was upset to read your comment in the Daily Iowan on May 16, 2003 in the article, City considers move that could raise rents by Jesse Helling. In the article it is reported that you said "if it's a four-year college students, we really don't care". Since when are college students not part of the Iowa City community. I am really tired of all the anti-student bashing I've been hearing from the city council lately. Students have been members of Iowa City since the establishment of the University. Most of them are fine members of our community. It's true there are always those who are stupid, foolish and dnmk. When I was young we did many of the things that the council are trying to crimminalize. Sofa on porches, house parties till the wee house of the morning, sneaking drinks at bars when underage, not mowing our lawn every 7 days. But most of my friends grew up have jobs, children and we are obsessive about lawns, cars, and other respectable behavior. The Nusance Ordinance would make criminals of behaviors like this. Living around students for years if things get out of hand I have called the police and they come tell the offenders to quiet down and it works. I don't want people kicked out of their apartments because of this. As far as rents, I don't think you can separate students from non students in this town. I am moving in August because the rent for the house I live in is going up $70.00 a month. Last year it went up $30.00 a month. The year before it was $20,00. The excuse our landlord gives is that he has to pay higher property taxes. That is just an excuse, I doubt this house's property taxes have gone up $ 840.00 in one year. So please cool it with the anti-student bashing, and please, I am at my limit with rent increases so think of ordinary people like me, who work in IC, rent, and have children I hope to sent to college here. I am also disappionted the Iguanas Comic Book store and Planet X are closing. These are places my kids frequent. I haven't been to the Mill in a long time but I have good memories of the food and rm~i~I heard there. I will miss it. l~osir-- Sincerely Barb Threlkeld 613 Grant st. Marian Karr From: Amy Martin [amy@avalon.net] Sent: Wednesday, June 04, 2003 4:15 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: crossing guard rumors Members of City Council, I am a tax paying resident of Iowa City and a parent in the Lucas school district. I was very shocked and alarmed by a rumor going around about eliminating crossing guards to address budget concerns. I live in the Village Green neighborhood and in order for my child to get to school each day, he must cross at Muscatine and Southlawn. Due to a recent influx in housing east of Scott Blvd (Windsor Ridge) and the Scott Blvd extension and the recent housing boom there, as well as growth of general business on Muscatine, traffic has grown tremendously. One would only have to visit this area on a Friday at around 3:00 P.M. to understand what a death sentence eliminating the crossing guard would be for my child and many other children. It is one thing to increase library and parking fines (which I don't think is very acceptable either but given the alternative), but cutting crossing guards, which directly effect the lives of so many citizens in this community is quite another. I would be deathly afraid to let my child walk across Muscatine by himself- which means either that I would have to take more time out of my schedule to walk him to and from school (which I already do most of the time and have little luck crossing myself without a guard there) or demand that he ride a bus and demand that the district bussing system pick him up! Could you imagine the costs incurred from an increased bussing structure generated as a back-lash from cutting in other places? In all my years of living in and around Iowa City, I have never felt so compelled to write to City Counsel. Crossing Guards are needed and warranted on this side of town. Anything less would put my children and others in direct danger. It might even cause a loss in property value for those who do not live closer to schools and who might think twice about living somewhere where their children would have to cross such a busy street unescorted. Ail I can ask is that you please listen to these concerns and know that there is a growing parent concern on the East Side should anything be decided that would eliminate crossing guards. Sincerely, Amy Martin 11 Durham Ct Iowa City, IA 52240 Marian Karr From: Michael Wright [michael-wright@uiowa.edu] Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2003 3:42 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Budget Cuts Dear Councilors: As you face the difficult decisions of where are how much to cut various city budgets, one area I specifically would ask you to spare is the line for neighborhood association printing and mailing. This is a relatively small amount of money, but its impact is very large. Most neighborhood associations simply could not pick up these costs on their own, including the relatively flush Longfellow Neighborhood Association which I represent. Two mailings would decimate our budget. It is not realistic to believe that substituting electronic notices via email or the Web can substitute for printed mailing. First, only a small majority of households have Internet access -- somewhere around 60%. Second, and I believe more importantly, to get information via the Internet, people have to be active information seekers, on the lookout for specific information or events. Most of us are not active information seekers, but passive ones. We get our news from magazines, newspapers, radio or TV news, and, yes, from mailings. Very few of us go looking on the Web for neighborhood events information. To assume that electronic information will pick up where printed left off is fallacious. There will be a huge decline in the number of households receiving information about Iowa City neighborhood activities and a concomitant decline in neighborhood participation. Until electronic resources are truly ubiquitous, we will continue to need to rely on printed information. I urge you to keep the neighborhoods' information flowing by keeping this line item intact. Sincerely, Michael Wright President Longfellow Neighborhood Association 815 Roosevelt St. Iowa City Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Helen Burford [hburford@mchs[.com] Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2003 11:24 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Community Support Members of the council- I am writing to ask your continued support of the community newsletters because it is important to foster local neighborhood organizations. The newsletters provide a forum for discussion of issues and ideas at the grass root level, delivered right to their mail box. Please remember that electronic communication has not reached everyone. There are many older citizens that are not online but they look forward to receiving their mail each day. Thank you. Helen Burford 6/4/03 Marian Karr From: Garry & Betsy Klein [the3rdiowa@mchsi.com] Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2003 5:52 AM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Budget Considerations Council Members, I understand from Marcia Klingaman that $16,000 is potentially going to be carved from the budget that normally would go to publishing Neighborhood Association Newsletters. As a resident of the Creekside Neighborhood, we are trying to revive the Association which has been dormant for the last couple of years and would appreciate the ability to inform our neighbors of a planning meeting. While some residents have Internet connections, many of our older residents do not. While I agree with Steve Atkins general idea to shift Neighborhood Association information to the web, for a "fledgling" Association, it would not be a fair way to inform most of my neighbors. I can't speak for other NA's, but would think they too would have neighbors looped out without the opportunity to receive a newsletter. Given the cuts in the budget for services, I think that Neighborhood Associations will play a more important role in helping the Council how to best provide services. While I understand the need to cut the budget, I understand from Ross Wilburn that the city may be able to cut funds from membership dues to keep the money earmaked for these newsletters. I would strongly ask that the city do so. If, however, it is possible to reduce the cost of the newsletters or send them less frequently, this should be considered too. On a second topic, the Advisory Boards play an important role in helping to form policy. I attended a working meeting where the Neighborhood Arts program was laid out and later approved by the Council. It seems imperative that the Art Advisory Board continue its work with a focus turning toward finding grant money to fund public art. In the last few years, I understand from my wife Betsy, who is on the AAB, that funds have been cut. This suggests that even without the current budget cuts the city has systematically been trying to get out of the public art "business". It is my hope that with funds, some of which could be generated by a Downtown Business Owners Association, the Arts Advisory Board can be kept a going concern. Why is Public Art Advisory Board important? Just this weekend Betsy and I saw several people walking down Iowa Avenue taking in the Literary Walk. One visiting elderly woman remarked that she was looking for lilacs that someone had told her about, but failing to find them, found herself instead enjoying the beauty that was below her feet. She was impressed that a city our size had such a committment to the arts. I understand the difficult choices that must be made, but I also think the AAB is a great source of creativity in a time where creativity is sorely needed to cope with the state's "rob Peter to pay Paul" economic plan. Thank you for your time. Garry Klein 628 Second Ave. Iowa City, IA 52245 "Committed to improving the Quality of life in the Wetherby Park Area" www.jccniowa.org/~Wetherby/ Wetherby Friends and Neighbors (An Iowa City, Iowa Neighborhood Association) bear Council Members: May 14th, 2003 T am writing regarding the budget cuts that you have before you right now. I understand how lucky we are to live in Iowa City and have the support of the City Council in neighborhood matters. There are four issues in the proposed cuts that I wish to address. I will not give alternatives to these cuts. It is the job of our City Manager to make the proposals and the job of the Council to say yes or no. I do know that sometimes we do not get all of the information we need to make an informed decision. I feel that it is my job to provide you with information about these cuts. The first issue is PIN Grants. For many years now neighborhoods have taken advantage of these grants to do things in their neighborhoods to address individual neighborhood needs. These are small projects that probably would have gone unnoticed by City government but nonetheless are very important to that neighborhood. These projects cover a wide range of needs from upkeep to safety. I feel that they have played a very important part in the stability of all neighborhoods. I would urge you to continue this program under the new recommendations of the Neighborhood Council. The second issue is neighborhood newsletters. I fee~ this issue is even more critical than the PIN Grants. Mr. Atkins suggests that this service can be done electronically. I would advise you that perhaps in 10 years that might be true but not now. I know my neighborhood, in particular, only has approximately ten percent of the households with access to the Internet. If this suggested cut were to go through I believe it would mean the end of our neighborhood association and probably ail but one of the others. This would be a tragedy for our City. The third issue is the Nuisance Ordinance and is listed in the options section of the proposed cuts. Even if Council can not provide an additional building inspector this year I would urge you to pass this ordinance. If the proposed Police cuts go through, not passing the Nuisance Ordinance will leave our neighborhoods defenseless. With the ordinance in place at ~east we can use it when we really need it. I urge you to pass it. The last issue is the Police cuts. The following information relates only to the Wetherby Neighborhood. Things are not going well over here. There are two major · Page 2 May 23, 2003 gang struggles going on right now. One is between the Cedarwood Complex and the Villa Gardens Complex. The second is between the I;~roadway Condominiums and the Lakeside Apartments. These conflicts are gang and drug related. They are turf wars about who will be able to sell their drugs in what areas. These turf wars have spilled over into three of our schools that ]; know of and perhaps a fourth. The weapon of choice that these very young children are using is a C02 powered I~1~ gun. They are very quiet and look exactly like a real automatic pistol. The children are shooting out the windows of vehicles (mine included), shooting at people walking on the street while they ride by them on their bikes, and shooting at each other. Several children have ended up in the hospital, for treatment. There have also been numerous fights in the schools over these issues. One question that puzzles me is why these problems are not in the news. The school system policy is to not disclose information or names to the public. Who are we protecting? These children are the aggressors. There have been three of these powerful BB guns confiscated at one school in the last several weeks. When they are put out of school they are in our neighborhood all day long. My point to all of this is that in the last week ]; have been told by two separate police officers that they would not be surprised if there was a shooting in the neighborhood this summer. Which one of us will it be? Tt has been proposed that five officers be laid off. Police T have talked to say that proactive programs will be dropped and the cuts will probably come from the 5.C.A.T. Team. This is the team that deals with gangs and drugs. These are exactly the officers that we need on duty in our neighborhood. ];f officers must be laid off please find them from another place. Tf we lose the 5.C.A.T. Team we will be set back to where we started almost five years ago except now we are dealing with an increasingly violent and unpredictable youth in the neighborhood. We urge you to ask where the cuts will be coming from. Sincerely, .Ter r~, Hansen Chairman, Wetherby Friends and Neighbors Marian Karr From: bleicht [bleicht@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu] Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2003 9:16 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: budget cuts Dear Council Members, It has come to my attention that in the city's effort to deal with budget reductions, the school crossing guard positions are in line to be eliminated. Don't you think that there are better places to cut than the safety of Iowa City's children? Does the city have a plan to ensure the safety of the children on busy streets like Muscatine Avenue, First Avenue, and Benton Street? Or are you planning to let the schools and their PTOs figure this out? Many parents at my own children's school make sure that their children get there safely, but in some households this is not possible. I have seen children as young as 5 and 6 years of age walking to school completely unescorted until they reach the crossing area. Please reconsider this issue as you work on the budget for the coming year. Sincerely, Brenda Leicht Lucas Elementary PTO Marian Karr From: Kelly Kadera [kelly-kadera@uiowa.edu] Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2003 1:51 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Crossing Guards My 3 children cross Muscatine Avenue to get to school at Lucas Elementary. It is imperative that they have a Crossing Guard there. This is a serious safety issue. I urge you to continue funding Crossing Guards for next year. Kelly Kadera Moloney Kelly M. Kadera Assistant Professor Dept. of Political Science 341 Schaeffer Hall University of Iowa Iowa City, Iowa 52242 ph: 319-335-2363 fax: 319-335-3400 e-mail: kelly-kadera@uiowa.edu ................................................. Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: WilICre84U@aol.com Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2003 2:50 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Cc: kelly-kadera@uiowa.edu; lehmann.brian@iccsd.k12.ia.us; spenner@avalon.net Subject: School Crossing Gaurds Concern Council Members, As a tax paying resident and parent in Iowa City, I am very concerned about a rumor that is circulating stating that funding for crossing gaurds at schools may be eliminated next year. Can you verify if this is true? If so, I would seriously question how this effort could be underway with all the money spent on improvements of downtown streets used primarily by college aged students. It appears that the priorities seem to be focused on downtown, while the rest of the residents that carry the tax burden for this city are left behind, especially on the East side of Iowa City. I am a parent of two children currently enrolled at Lucas Elementary. The corner of Muscatine and Southlawn Drive absolutely requires an adult crossing gaurd. The safety of our children is very much at risk and I am sure that more than 80 kids each day use this intersection to and from school. In addition, SE Jr. High is a very high risk area as well and I would be equally concerned about losing any support that school may receive. I have copied Lucas Elementary principal, Brian Lehmann; our current PTO President Vicki Spenner and our President Elect, Kelly Kadera-Moloney. Please advise asap. Thank you, Dawn Willging 1134 Hampton Ct. Iowa City, Iowa 52240 319 358 0769 5/22/03 Marian Karr From: SYoung1808@aol.com Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2003 9:35 PM To: cou ncil@[owa-city,org Subject: Crossing Guards I understand that with the current budget cuts the city has proposed that the first area to be cut is the school crossing guards that are paid for with city funds. I am appalled that you would ignore the needs of our children. Without the crossing guards, many, many children's lives are being put at risk every day! I would like to know what alternate plans you have for getting our children across these busy intersections during the morning rush. I would also like to know what plans are in place to deal with the issues when an unthinkable accident happens to one of our children while trying to cross the street to go to school. Shame on all of you who vote to cut these valuable assets. We the parents should have a say in the matter. Our tax dollars are the ones in question, right? The safety of the kids should always come first. Our children rely on these people EVERYDAY!!! Don't take them away. Joey Young Robert Lucas Parent Marian Karr From: David K Daniel [d-binic@juno.com] Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2003 5:46 PM To: cou ncil(~iowa-city.org Subject: Schools Crossing Guards I understand that budget cuts are necessary and that we have to start somewhere but is it really best to compromise the safety of our children with the first stroke of the budgetary axe? Is it really wise to expect young school children to reliably control themselves near heavy traffic? Sounds like a recipe for disaster. I would much rather face a cutback in garbage collection (like a 10 day rotation?) than see Crossing Guards eliminated. Please don~t cut our crossing guards! Dave Daniel 1315 Second Avenue Iowa City IA 52240 Phone: 319-466-1899 Leave any messages here. Cell: 319-936-4681 Do not leave voice mail--It is not checked Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Valerie Bills [vdavine57@mchsi.com] Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2003 4:43 PM To: co u ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: crossing guards Dear Councilors: It has come to our attention that you are considering the elimination of crossing guards due to budget restraints. We are parents of two children at Lucas Elementary School. They, along with numerous other students, must cross Muscatine Avenue, a very busy street, nearly every day. It is critical they have a crossing guard to stop the traffic and ensure their safety. This street is a challenge for even an adult to cross. Please do not wait for a dreadful accident before reinstating the crossing guard. It is essential you allow monies from your budget to maintain the safety of students through crossing guards. Sincerely, Valerie and David Bills 3325 Village Road Iowa City, IA 52240 5/23/03 May 22, 2003 Mayor Ernie Lehman and the City Council City of Iowa City 410 E. Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Mayor and Council: As you know, FAIR! is a local membership organization dedicated to social, economic, and environmental justice, accountable government, and democratic practices. As such, FAIR! is concerned about the current budget situation in which the City of Iowa City has been placed. We recognize that he actions of state government have left you with many difficult decisions. We also believe their actions give you an opportunity to devise a creative response, to truly "reinvent government." On behalf of FAIR! 's membership, I would ask that you consider the enclosed statement when deciding how to revise the budget. If you would like to discuss these recommendations further, please let me know. I'm sure that any of the members of FAIR!'s Steering Committee would be please to talk with you about them. Best regards, 1020 Church Street Chair of FAIR! Cc: Steve Atkins A FAIR! Position on the Budget FAIR! is a local membership organization dedicated to social, economic, and environmental justice, accountable government, and democratic practices. As such, FAIR! is concerned about the current budget situation in which the City of Iowa City has been placed. We recognize the actions of state government have left Iowa City with many difficult decisions. FAIR! also recognizes that this is an opportunity for the city to make some positive changes - an opportunity to truly "reinvent government." The May 6 memo from the City Manager proposes several options for handling budget reductions. His proposed changes most heavily affect our most vulnerable citizens--those who are most dependent upon city services. While his proposals do offer a few good ideas, FAIR! believes that there are better options available. Some of the City Manager's proposals would so negatively affect Iowa City that every effort should be made to avoid their implementation. These include: $37,000 reduction in Community Events and Aid to Agencies. $180,000 saved through elimination of Saturday bus service. $8,000 saved by elimination of the Saturday evening concert series. $100,000 reduction of the Parkland Acquisition Fund. $70,000 saved through program reductions in cable operations. $11,000 saved through the elimination of the Public Art Advisory Committee and the Police Citizen Review Board. $226,000 saved by the elimination of transit service after 7 p.m. $48,000 saved through eliminating weekend SEATS service. gh th $80,000 saved throu e elimination of the downtown shuttle. _ Instead, FAIR! offers the following proposals: z-~ .. The 37 city employees who earn over $70,000 a year forgo raises this year. Reduce the City Manager's salary by 10%, to $J20,000 annually. The City Manager claims that cuts have been felt across city government, yet he took no cut in his $133,000 salary. Immediately require the airport to become self-sufficient. Airport users should pay for airport services. End airport subsidies, and collect on back due rents. The airport, which serves but a few wealthy members of the public, should be made self-sufficient. Continue to explore the possibility of public power. A municipal utility could generate millions of dollars of additional revenue for the city, while also lowering the cost of electricity to the public. Support the City Manager 's proposed $250,000 cut in Police Department budget. This cut eliminates the DARE program, which was of uncertain merit in the first place. While this cut will also affect patrol strength, it should be viewed as an opportunity to do things differently. As evidenced by the recent community discussion on the jail, there is considerable room for discussion when it comes to Police Department priorities. Support the City Manager's proposed $75,000 increase in income that would result from the increasing of parking fines from $3 to $5. A $50,000 savings that would come from rescinding the recently passed Nuisance Ordinance, eliminating the need to add a full-time housing inspector. A $100, 000 savings from the elimination of the scheduled deer kills. Support the City Manager's proposed $40,000 cut reducing the Planning Department by one Associate Planner position. Perhaps this will enable the city to make greater use community input. Support the City Manager's proposed $5,000 reduction in the City's contribution to ICAD. Require ICAD and other groups that receive public funding for economic development to demonstrate their successful use of public money, just as human services agencies are asked to demonstrate outcomes to secure city funds. Support the City Manager's proposed $90,000 increase in income that would result from increasing housing inspection fees, and the $70,000 increase from increasing building inspection fees. Consider the possibility of saving the city $106, 000 by eliminating the position of assistant city manager. FAIR!'s Steering Committee is not of one mind on this possibility. Some think that the duties of the Assistant City Manager position could be shifted to elected officials and Department heads, whereas others think that the Assistant City Manager performs a valuable role behind the scenes. Finally, FAIR! would ask that this process include Council approval and public -' ': discussion of the City Manager's budgetary decisions, as well as a plan for the u~e:. additional income that comes to the city. Bob Elliott 1108 Dover Street, Iowa City, Iowa 52240 May 20, 2003 City Council 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Honorable Mayor Lehman, and other City Council members: As you may recall, my brief remarks during the public discussion period in tonight's city council meeting were twofold. I expressed my appreciation for your efforts thus far to trim nearly $2 million from the city's financial budget over the next two years, and urged you to pay closer attention to adjectives in the remainder of your deliberations. My reference, though perhaps vague, was to address the difference between budget items that are good or helpful and those that are vital. In my personal opinion, that has.not yet been done in some instances.. At the conclusion of tonight's meeting, what I consider a counter-point to my suggestion was communicated very articulately by City Manager Steve Atkins, a man whom I respect for his contributions and accomplishments for our community. I disagree with his comments. Not specifically his words, but their inference. It has to do with those adjectives I mentioned earlier tonight. As I recall, Mr. Atkins indicated there has been inordinate reaction to proposed budget cuts possibly resulting in police and fire stafflayoffs. If my memory is accurate, he added that there are hundreds of other city staff who work just as hard and just as effectively. That's undoubtedly true, but those "other staff" may not be as vital to our highest priority needs -- crime and fire safety, safe drinking water, effective sewer systems, adequate street systems and other infrastructure. That's why making measured and comparable cuts in all budget areas may be fair to staff, but it's probably not fair to the public. And for both council and staff,, the primary responsibility is to the public. 319/351-4056 elliottlJ53@aol, com Mayor and City Council May 20, 2003 Page 2 A wide range oi~materials, programs, administrative and support staffare important and dedicated. They may be excellent materials, sound programs, good people, fine workers. But if they're not as vital, they go first. It should not be how dedicated or helpful they are, it needs to be how vital they are to the public's health and safety. The bottom line is strict priority setting, t s those adjectives again. In the end, hopefully any position eliminations deemed necessary can come fi.om normal attrition over the next two years. As Ma-. Atkins said at the start of this task, the intent is not to slice and dice programs and jobs, but to manage our way out of it. We all hope that's possible. Thank you for your dedicated, sincere efforts with these most difficult budget decisions. Sincerely, Bob Elliott .... Marian Karr From: Lesley P. Morony [LMorony@prconline.com] Sent: Friday, May 30, 2003 10:53 PM To: 'council@iowa-city.org' Subject: Paid Crossing Guard Positions As a concerned parent of a Lucas Elementary student, I am writing in opposition to the potential cutting of paid crossing guard positions due to budget cuts. I hope the council will take these crossing guards into serious consideration before cutting wages; these people play a vital role in our children's safety on the way to and from school. The intersection of Muscatine and Southlawn Drive cannot be without a crossing guard! I encourage you to make a trip to this intersection at 8:25 a.m. or 3:05 p.m. on a regular schoolday so that you can see for yourselves the danger that our children would be in if an adult crossing guard were not there to manage the traffic safely. I appreciate in advance your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Lesley Morony 3104 Alpine Ct. IC IA 52245 339-8082 May 30, 2003 Iowa City City Council 410 E. Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear Council: Like you, I was extremely dismayed by the recent decision to reduce state funding to local governments. These reductions and the manner in which they occurred were wrong, plain and simple. Vital city services are going to be cut. As these cuts are implemented, the people of Iowa City are going to complain, and rightly so. With this in mind, 1 think it is important to explain to the citizens of Iowa City exactly where the blame lies- Republicans in the Iowa Legislature. During the May 29 Special Session, Democrats attempted to restore $60 million of the $70 million that was cut. This was voted down on a party-line vote; 21 Democrats in favor, 29 Republicans opposed. Locally, Democratic Senators Bob Dvorsky and Joe Bolkcom did the right thing, and voted to restore the money. Republican Senators David Miller and Dick Drake voted to leave local governments in the lurch. It is important that we tell the whole story here. The Iowa Legislature did not do this. Republicans in the Iowa Legislature did. So, as firefighters and police are laid off, bus services get cut, services for seniors disappear, after school programs close, human services agency budgets are slashed, and community events are cancelled, remember who made these things a reality- Republicans in the Iowa Legislature. Sincerely, Rod Sullivan 2326 E. Court St. Iowa City, IA 52245 354-7199 rodsulliv@aol.com Cc: Steve Atkins Marian Karr ~ From: Lisa Mollenhauer Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2003 4:56 PM To: 'Mo1666@aol.com' Cc: *City Council Subject: RE: School civics project Ms. Rodriguez, City Council Members do not all utilize emaiL Therefore, I suggest you call them on the telephone if you want responses from them on these questions. You can access their phone numbers at: http://www.icgov.org/citycouncil.htm. Have a nice day. Lisa Administrative Assistant to the City Manager City of Iowa City 410 E Washington Street iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 356-5010 ..... Original Message ..... From: Mo1666~aol.com [mailto:Mo1666~aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, May 2i, 2003 4:53 PM To: council~iowa-city.org Cc: Mo1666~aol.com Subject: School civics project Hello, I'm Aha Rodriguez I am working on a project for Mrs. Redlinger's State and local class and as part of the assignment I am required to interview a member of the city council, board of supervisors, or the school board. I choose to interview any responding member of the city council because in my opinion you seem to be the most involved with the community. So if have the time to answer these few question I would really appreciate it.you can E-mail me your responses at mo1666@aol.com Thank you, Ana Rodriguez 1. When did you become interested in becoming a member of the city council? 2. How do you decide on the issues brought upon the city council? 3. How long have you been a member of the council? 4. Why have you been a member for the time you have? What keeps you going to work? 5. How do you feel you have influenced the city in the time you've been a member? 6. What would you tell someone who is interested in becoming a member of the council? 7. Do you think that people should get involved in their communities more? 8. What if any is the worst part of being a member of the Iowa city council? 5/22/03 City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM DATE: May 30, 2003 TO: City Clerk FROM: Beth Pfohl, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner ~ RE: Item for June 10, 2003 City Council Meeting: Installation of a NO PARKING CORNER TO HERE sign at the intersection of Dover Street and Muscatine Avenue As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3A of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of the following action. Action: Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A(10), a sign indicating NO PARKING CORNER TO HERE will be erected on the west side of Dover Street near its intersection with Muscatine Avenue Comment: This action is being taken due to alleviate a chronic problem of motorists parking too close to the intersection and restricting visibility. J ccogtp~memo\dover-muscatinen p.doc Marian Karr From: Brian Butler [brianfbutler@hotmaiLcom] Sent: Monday, June 09, 2003 11:02 AM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: intersection Court/Scott Are there plans to make the intersection of Scott Blvd & Court St a four-way stop? I feel that by making it a four way, either with signs or signals, it would be much safer. Respectfully, Brian Butler Current: 1614 Morningside Dr, Iowa City Future: 4685 Dryden Ct, Iowa City Add photos to your e-mail with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*. http://join.msn.com/?page-features/featuredemail .._~,,_~ (,,, { ~) Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: mjc [mcrane@lcom.net] Sent: Monday, June 09, 2003 9:31 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: scott blvd and rochester i pass through the scott blvd/rochester avenue intersection often and the only problem i see with traffic there aro the obstructions that encroach on the visibility of the intersection, i don't think a stop light is needed, traffic flows very well just as it does at the intersections of scott/american legion road and scott/highway 6. i do think there needs to be another "outlet" for traffic for the housing east of scott blvd on court. i think there can be too many traffic lights which can impede the flow of traffic rather than expidite it. and if thero are accidents at those intersections, the nature of the accidents needs to be evaluated, stop lights don't prevent many of them, for example, "rear enders". michael crane 6/9/03 City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: June 2, 2003 To: City Clerk From: Anissa Williams, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner ~ Re: Agenda Item for June 10, 2003, City Council meeting: Installation of a;l-way stop control at the intersections of Scott Boulevard/First Avenue and Scott Boulevard/Rochester Avenue As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3A of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of the following action. Action: Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A(5), signage indicating STOP will be erected on Scott Boulevard at the intersection with First Avenue, and on Rochester Avenue with the intersection of Scott Boulevard. These signs will have the effect of conveding both intersections to all-way stop control. Comment: The results of studies by the JCCOG Transportation Planning Division show that all-way stop control is warranted at both of these intersections. jccogt p\memos~aw-scottblvdstops.doc POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD A Board of the City of Iowa City 410 East Washington Street Iowa City IA 52240-1826 (319)356-5041 May28,2003 Mayor Ernest W. Lehman 410 E. Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear Mayor and Council Members: At a regular meeting on May 27, 2003 the PCRB voted in open session to request a 60 day extension in addition to its regular 45-day reporting deadline for the Public Report according to the City Code for PCRB Complaint #03-01 for the following reasons: · Due to timelines and scheduling. · Collection of additional information to proceed with investigation. · PCRB Complaint #03-01 - Public Report presently due July 7, 2003 60-day Extension request - Public Report for #03-01 due on September 5, 2003 The Board appreciates your prompt consideration of this matter. Sincerely, John Stratton, Chair Police Citizens Review Board Linda M. Dellspem3er 227 Magowan Ave. Iowa City, IA 52246 .Tune 1, 2003 Mayor Ernie Lehman & . Iowa City Council Members 410 East Washington Street ]~owa City, ]~A 52240 Dear Mayor Lehman: ]~t is with deep regret that [ write to you and the other Iowa City council members, this letter of resignation from the ]~owa City Public Library Board of Trustees. have not even started my term, but my husband Kevin has just been offered and accepted the position of Chief of ]~nternal Medicine at the Universi~ of Missouri in Columbia. We will be relocating there the end of ~uly, 2003. [ have thoroughly enjoyed my time and experi~ces as a trustee of the [CPL. It has been p~ticularly rewarding to work with all of you on the new library project. [ have enjoyed getting to know all of you and appreciate all the good work you do in othe~ ci~ matters well. As you can imagine, it will be difficult to I~ve Iowa Ci~. [ have been here 26 years and Kevin just celebrated his 20 y~r anniversa~ in town. Our children were bo~n here and while the challenges of moving a family are difficult, we are ve~ excited for the opportunities ah~d in Columbia. ~anks to all of you for the opportunities you have afforded me. Good luck to you directing the future of Iowa Ci~. Sincerely, Lind~ bellspergee