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CITY OF IOWA CITY 3 1
MEMORANDUM
Date: September 3, 2009
To: City Clerk
From: Darian Nagle-Gamm, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner
Re: Item for September 15th, 2009 City Council meeting; Installation of on-street metered
parking spaces, establishment of parking meter terms, and establishment of a NO
PARKING 2 AM - 6 AM TOW AWAY ZONE on the 300 block of Linn Street and the 200
block of Court Street.
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council
of the following action.
Action:
Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A (17, 10), a total of 9 new parking meters will be installed on the west
side of the 300 block of Linn Street. The meter numbers will be L319S, L321 S, L323S, L325S,
L327S, L329S, L331 S, L333S and L335S. A total of 8 new parking meters will be installed on
the north side of the 200 block of Court Street. The meter numbers will be C0204E, C0206E,
C0208E, C0210E, C0212E, C0214E, C0216E and C0218E. These meters will each have a
2-hour term at the rate of $0.50 per hour. This action will also establish a NO PARKING 2 AM -
6 AM TOW AWAY ZONE on both blocks.
Comment:
This action is being taken following the redevelopment of the former St. Patrick's church parcel
at 228 E. Court Street into amixed-use building. The redevelopment now allows for angled
parking on the 300 block of Linn Street. The passenger loading zone on the 200 block of Court
Street, previously used for the church, is no longer necessary and will be replaced with metered
parking. The establishment of overnight parking restrictions is consistent with other metered
parking in the area. -,~
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Date: September 4, 2009
To: City Clerk
From: Darian Nagle-Gamm, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner
Re: Item for September 15th, 2009 City Council meeting; Remove NO PARKING ANYTIME
signs with ARROWS in front of 1421 Ridge Street.
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council
of the following action.
Action:
Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A (10), Remove NO PARKING ANYTIME signs with ARROWS in front
of 1421 Ridge Street.
Comment:
This action is being taken as the resident for whom the signs were posted no longer resides at
this address. The signs were originally posted to provide access for a handicapped resident.
Mgr/agd/dng-remove npat-arrows-ridgest - sept09.doc
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
09-15-09
3 3
Date: September 2, 2009
To: City Clerk
From: Darian Nagle-Gamm, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner
Re: Item for September 15th City Council meeting; Establishment of a NO PARKING 2 AM -
6 AM TOW AWAY ZONE on the 100 block of Wright Street
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council
of the following action.
Action:
Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A (10), Establishment of a NO PARKING 2AM - 6AM TOW AWAY
ZONE on the north side of the 100 block of Wright Street.
Comment:
This action is being taken following the installation of parking meters on Wright Street. This
action makes the overnight parking restrictions consistent with other metered parking in the
area.
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Dear Council Members
My name is Bharati Windmon. I am 16 and I live in the Cross Park Nelghborhaod. I am agalnsfi the
proposed curfew because I do not think the police should harass people or ask them how old they are
just because they are walking down the street. The majority of the people in my neighborhood are good
kids and we shouldn't suffer because a few kids are outside and making bad decisions and doing dumb
things. Those kids should be held responsible, not the whole neighborhood. The curfew will not do
much to change the behavior of those kids, they need guidance from their parents not a law that they
will probably break. A curfew on the weekend would be especially hard for kids who want to go outside
and enjoy their free days and it would also be a hardship on parents who would have to stay home with
their kids. The police already harass us enough in Cross Park as It is and the curfew would only
encourage more harassment, !t might come to the point where we don't even want to go outside
because of all the harassment. The whole neighborhood shouldn't be punished because of a few kids
who make bad decisions; we shouldn't suffer because of crimes a few are committing. I personally know
some of the boys who have been committing'the crimes like the robberies and shooting. Some of them
just want to be followers and act like they are grown adults. We discussed the curfew at my school (City
High) and a lot of kids I talked to also do not want a curfew.
Another reason that we shouldn't have a curfew Is because the fine would be hard on the parents.
Some kids are rebellious and refuse to listen to their parents, yet the parents would be fined for their
child's actions which they have no control over. Sometimes punishment Is not enough to deter a child
and parents cannot always control what their children dv. If the parents do discipline the child, DHS
may get involved and the parents don't want that but they also can't pay a $50 fine. It would be a
hardship for these parents who may not have the money for such a fine._There could also-be lots of
exceptions to why someone would have tv be out after the curtew, i.e. emergencies, having to go to a
friend's house, and it would not be right to charge someone with a fine for being out late because they
had to be. The police should be focusing on real crimes not worrying about kids walking around the
neighborhood at night.
Bharatl Windmon
The degeneration of Iowa City continues.
3 (5) ~
Marian Karr
From: elzahari@netexpress.net
Sent: Friday, August 14, 2009 2:00 PM
To: Council
Subject: The degeneration of Iowa City continues.
The following message was recently sent to those who run our beleaguered and increasingly dangerous
schools in Iowa City. These conditions are just another result of your stupid, personal preferences
oriented social policies.
"How dare you allow a known homosexual, Donald Clark, to be alone with children in a public school?
A mixture of warped Ideology, political correctness, psychotic preoccupation with racial and gender
equality (as oppose to accepting only merit qualifications) and homelessness, and lack of experience in
life (otherwise known a provincial mentality) and its offshoots such as ignorance, and naive and
shortsighted perspectives that prevail in the present governing makeup of Iowa City, are ruining the
social integrity of this town.
One profound example of social degradation in Iowa City (as well as in many other cities in IA) is the
escalating experiences of serious violent crimes committed mainly by black males who intent to destroy
its neighborhoods (a prediction I made a long time ago in writing). Anyone who has evidence to rebut
this claim is welcome to debate me.
Any male who sexually abuses male children is a homosexual pedophile; yet, this gender orientation of
male pedophiles is omitted in reports by public officials and the news media alike, owing the obstruction
of this and other social truths to the tyranny of political correctness and the phobias of offending
someone. I grew up in a very large port city in southern Europe and as a teenager in the late SOs and
early 60s came across several male pedophiles. Most of them were homosexuals who were involved
with perverted sexual engagements with teenagers and adults alike and Donald Clark appears to fit that
category.
Donald Clark is a known homosexual and should not have been allowed to be alone with boys. Why?
Because according to what I observed during my growing years in the city I referred to earlier I
concluded that homosexual men are far more likely to yield to their abnormal sexual tendencies and
sexually abuse a boys than heterosexual males would girls. By the way, the negative psychological
effects on a young boy sexually abused by another male are more profound than in a heterosexual sexual
abuse setting but who dares to openly tackle these truths in the social realities stifling culture we endure
today.
The school district policies should be reviewed and a restriction applying to homosexual male
counselors and teachers to children be implemented preventing them from being alone with boys.
Anyone who wants to debate the dark side of homosexuality with me is also welcome as long as the
local newspaper Press Citizen would agree to print a summery of such discussion without editing and
after its manager sign a legally binding affidavit confirming the agreement.
Wake up!
Elias Zaharias
Iowa City"
8/ 17/2009
I
3 (6
Marian Karr
From: John Yapp
Sent: Monday, August 17, 2009 11:34 AM
To: 'csch5456@gmail.com'
Cc: '`City Council; Matt Johnson; Darian Nagle-Gamm; Marcia Bollinger
Subject: RE: request
Hello Christy Schelling -your email has been forwarded to me for a response. The speed of traffic is a common
concern in all of our neighborhoods, and Iowa City has developed a Traffic Calming Program to address those
concerns. A brochure explaining this program can be found at this link:
htt~//www,iccog.org/docu_ments/trafficcalming~df
I wanted to let you know some of the steps already taken in this neighborhood. The City has installed a raised
crosswalk on Shannon Drive at the Willow Creek Trail crossing as a method of both slowing down traffic and
increasing the visibility of pedestrians crossing at this location. There are also curb 'bump-outs' on Shannon Drive
at some intersections south of Willow Creek to help slow traffic and shorten pedestrian crossings, and the street
network north of Willow Creek has been intentionally designed with off-set intersections so that Shannon Drive is
not an attractive 'straight shot' through the neighborhood.
As explained in the traffic calming brochure, the traffic calming program is one way residents can come together
to suggest strategies to reduce the speed of traffic, whether they be physical changes to the roads, educational
efforts with residents, or targeted enforcement. Please contact Traffic Engineering Planner Darian Nagle-Gamm
at Darian-Nagle-Gamm(a~iowa-City.org or 356-5254 if this is something you would like to pursue, and Darian and
Neighborhood Services Coordinator Marcia Bollinger can help organize an initial neighborhood meeting.
John Yapp, Transportation Planner
From: Christy Schelling [mailto:csch5456@gmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, August 16, 2009 8:13 PM
To: Council
Subject: request
Hello,
My name is Christy Schelling. I live on Shannon Drive in LC. Since Shannon Dr. was opened to join
with Melrose, there have been many, many people speeding up and down the road. I have called the
police on several occasions but this continues. I requested a radar so that people can monitor their speed
and realize that they are speeding. No luck getting that. I would at least like to see a speed limit sign on
the road! ! ! As traffic increases, speeding will likely become more of a problem. So far, little has been
done. Will it take a horrible accident to get someone's attention? There are many children in this
neighborhood who walk to school, including my own child. Please do something to help with this
situation. Speed bumps would be ideal! ! Would that be a possibility?
Sincerely,
Christy Schelling
8/ 17/2009
3 7
Marian Karr
From: Nerhus, Rena [Rena.Nerhus@linncounty.org]
Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 2009 12:38 PM
To: Council
Subject: Pet Central Station
Members of the Iowa City Council:
I am writing to you today as a concerned citizen of Iowa City.
As an animal lover, I have taken in many abandoned and stray animals over the years and found
them homes, at times with the assistance of Iowa City Animal Control. I am sure that you are
aware that thousands of homeless and abandoned animals roam the city and surrounding areas
every year. While the employees of the city's animal control office do an exceptional job of trying
to help with this need, the need clearly expands, at times, beyond what the City can handle. I see
no reason why the City of Iowa City cannot work along side a private enterprise to serve the
animals and animal lovers of Iowa City.
I have done business with Pet Central Station and Mix and Match Pet Adoption on several
occasions and have been very impressed by their professionalism and desire to help the animals
and animal lovers of Iowa City. It has recently come to my attention that the City Attorney's Office
is refusing to allow Pet Central Station to reopen at their new location, despite the fact that Pet
Central Station has a state permit, which would allow them to do so.
Pet Central Station is an asset to the City of Iowa City and a godsend for the many homeless
animals of Iowa City. As a citizen and as an attorney, I am alarmed and dismayed by the City's
actions (or lack thereof) that seem to be causing unnecessary and possibly illegal interference
with Pet Central Station's business. I, along with many other citizens of Iowa City, eagerly await
the reopening of Pet Central Station.
I hope that you, as elected officials, will do all you canto avoid any further unnecessary delay.
Each day that Pet Central Station remains closed constitutes a loss, not only for the owners of Pet
Central Station, but also for the hundreds of animals and animal lovers of Iowa City who depend
on the wonderful service they provide.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Rena Nerhus
Assistant Linn County Attorney
319.892.6335 Phone
319.892.6389 Fax
8/18/2009
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
September 14, 2009
Rena Nerhus
Assistant Linn County Attorney
Ms. Nerhus,
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240- 1 826
(319) 356-5000
(319) 356-5009 FAX
www.icgov.org
In response to your email of August 18th regarding issuance of permits to Tammara Meester,
have the following information:
Ms. Meester has been working on compliance to open her businesses at 611 Southgate Avenue
in Iowa City. She has been working with both Animal Services and the Department of Housing
and Inspection Services ("HIS"). Even if she had permits from Animal Services, she could not
open up her business until she had a Certificate of Occupancy issued by HIS. Ms. Meester, a
tenant at 611 Southgate Avenue, applied for a building permit on April 4, 2009 to remodel work
the leased space. HIS cannot issue a Certificate of Occupancy until the building passes
inspection. Ms. Meester's contractor did not contact HIS for a final inspection until August 19,
and it did not pass the inspection that occurred that same day. Another inspection was done on
August 21, at which time the building did pass and a Certificate of Occupancy was issued.
should add that it is a 6-month temporary Certificate of Occupancy because the site work is not
complete and it needs to be rezoned.
On the same date she was issued her temporary Certificate of Occupancy (August 21), she was
also issued permits by Iowa City Animal Services Division to operate a Pet Shop and Boarding
Kennel for dogs and cats.
Should you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Misha Goodman, Supervisor
Iowa City Animal Services
319-356-5295
09-15-09
3 8
Marian Karr
From: Joe and Mary Sturm [mtandjoe@q.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 19, 2009 7:17 PM
To: Jeff Davidson
Cc: Council; Julie-englander; cheryorvil@yahoo.com; deborah-sass
Subject: Re: Parkview Terrace; your email of August 18, 2009
Thank you for this information....this information would have been most beneficial to all of us in
this neighborhood a long time ago...before we put tons of money into our houses. I am guessing
that the neighbors who are interested in a buyout have little or no mortgage left of their homes,
have not repaired their homes and many I am guessing are not even lived in at the current time.
We have lived in this home for only 5 years...obviously our mortgage remains quite high. Had we
known about this Council Decision...which should have been sent to each and every member of
this neighborhood instead of placed in a packet.....you folks do realize that not everyone has a
computer do you not?.....we certainly would have repaired our home as cheaply as possible
instead of following FEMA and Red Cross advice of elevating this and that, using expensive the in
the entire house instead of carpeting, replacing the sunroom that was separated from the house,
elevating all the electrical. So you can easily see, this has been costly to us that we were NOT
informed that we were a throw away neighborhood!
Regarding the fact that many of the neighbors are delighted with the new buyout
information....we took a survery in this neighborhood early this winter and the numbers have not
changed....those that were back in their homes and settled did not want to have a future
buyout...those that were still not settled in their homes and those that had done nothing to their
homes and those that had done minimal repair were interested in the buyout. We canvassed all
the homes and at that time 21 people were not interested in a buyout....so given the numbers
that you report today...there is little change in that opinion or there are actually more people that
wish NOT to have a buyout as time passes.
When this council made this decision...we should have received letters...even" occupant "letters
would have been better than no notification of the council decisions regarding our community.
Since we have not heard about this decision of no barriers until now, we would like to know
WHEN this decision was made....
You state that Normandy and Manor is the first place to flood in the neighborhood...not so, it is
the far end of Normandy closest to the park that is first. While it is important to get the
emergency vehicles into the neighborhood during the flooding process and the raising of Manor
and Normandy would certainly be warranted.... perhaps it would be as beneficial to put a
backstop on the three drains to the river....this was the biggest influx of water.
We are in constant contact with our Senators and Congressmen with regard to the Corps and
their following of their regulations..this is another concern for this neighborhood and the Council
should be concerned as well. The City of Iowa City should be in constant contact with the corp,
both at Coralville and with Colonel Sinkler at the Quad Cities making certain that proper levels are
adhered to at the reservoir....this also would be a great safety measure for our neighborhood.
and the whole city. Congressman Loebasck has promisted to make this a priority concern and has
Dave Leasch concentrating a great deal of effort in that regard.
Many of us are truly disappointed in the response of the City to our needs, especially those
decisions made irreverantly without our input.
8/20/2009
Page 2 of 4
Mary Sturm
----- Original Message -----
From: Jeff._Davidson
To: mtand1_oe.@q.com
Cc: °`Ci~__Council_ ; "City_._Manager's._Office ; *Ct~ Clerk's Office ; *Ci~ Attorne~r Office ; Rick._Fosse ;Ron
Knoche , Steve.._Long ,David Purdy_ ; _D_oug Onge
Sent: Wednesday, August 19, 2009 3:22 PM
Subject: FW: Parkview Terrace; your email of August 18, 2009
Hello Mary Sturm
Your email message below was forwarded to me for response. I will attempt to summarize for you the
decision making by the City Council on flood mitigation strategies for Parkview Terrace. There are
some very specific strategies that we believe will significantly reduce the exposure to flood hazard in
your neighborhood. Although you may disagree with the direction being taken, it has been taken after
much evaluation and discussion of alternatives.
In the future, I encourage you to monitor the City Council Information Packets which are generally
distributed Thursday afternoons and available on the City's website. These packets include all of the
materials distributed to the City Council for their consideration of flood related matters, as well as
general informational materials. Any requests for specific information should be directed to our flood
recovery staff; David Purdy (356-5489, david- u.rdy@iowa-city.org) or Doug Ongie (356-5479, doug=
on ie.. iowa-city_.org).
The City Council decided early in the discussion of flood mitigation strategies to focus on property
buyouts as the first priority for flood recovery. This was due to a several factors:
1. It is the only 100% effective flood mitigation strategy. The 2008 flood has many examples of
underdesigned levees and elevated buildings being inundated by flood waters. If a property is
purchased and the residence demolished, there is no longer any threat to life safety from that property.
2. The inability to construct levees in certain locations, such as Parkview Terrace. This is a
combination of the physical space needed, particularly in areas where buy outs occur; and the
expense. Our engineering staff have concluded that there is not the physical space needed to
construct a levee in Parkview Terrace while keeping open buyout properties that under federal law
must be allowed to be inundated during a flood event.
3. You are correct that we have not rolled out the large engineering projects that some of our
surrounding communities have put forth. Frankly, we find these projects to be highly speculative based
on the tens of millions of dollars that will be required for implementation. They certainly will not be built
in the short term future. We have wanted our flood impacted citizens such as yourselves to be able
to make good decisions based on a realistic set of flood mitigation strategies for the short term.
We now have approximately 77 out of 137 residents of Parkview Terrace who have indicated they
would like us to pursue a buyout of their property, either through the FEMA or CDBG programs. As you
know, these are voluntary programs, and those of you who refuse buy out funds may remain in your
homes. We have focused buyout activities in the Parkview Terrace, Parkview Church, Taft Speedway,
and Elks Club areas. We have not been able to offer buyouts in the Idyllwild neighborhood because of
the condo association, leading to development of the Taft Speedway/No Name Street levee proposal.
We would have preferred to be able to offer buyouts in Idyllwild, but this is not possible.
The City's long range strategy is to continue to offer buyout funds to properties in the 100 and 500 year
floodplain of the Iowa River as those funds are made available to us. The following actions taken by
the City Council will reduce the flood hazard to the remainder of the Parkview Terrace neighborhood:
8/20/2009
Page 3 of 4
1. We have applied for grant funds to elevate the Manor/Normandy intersection. This intersection is
one of the first locations in your neighborhood to flood, which cuts off access for emergency vehicles.
This requires us to evacuate the entire neighborhood whether individual residences are inundated or
not.
2. Elevation of the Park Road Bridge. Our flood modeling information shows that replacement of the
Park Road Bridge with a structure at a higher elevation could reduce the flood water level in Parkview
Terrace by approximately 9 inches during an event similar to the 2008 flood.
3. Funds for individual rehab projects. These include things like relocating furnaces and air
conditioners out of basements.
I apologize for the confusion related to you initially being told you were not eligible for FEMA buyout
funds, and then subsequently being told you would be eligible for CDBG buyout funds. This is just a
matter of when we received the information. I must tell you that many of your neighbors are
delighted with the additional availability of buyout funds. I encourage you to contact David or Doug if
you have additional questions.
The City Council will receive a copy of this correspondence.
Jeff Davidson, Director
Department of Planning and Community Development
The City of Iowa City, Iowa
From: Joe and Mary Sturm [mailto:mtandjoe@q.com]
Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 2009 4:01 PM
To: Council
Cc: deborah-sass; Julie-englander; cheryorvil@yahoo.com
Subject: Parkview Terrace
Council Members:
Again as I read the daily news it strikes me odd that there have been no flood
prevention measures mentioned for Parkview Terrace. Lots of mention of Coralville
moving forward to protect their residents, plenty of mention of the Idyllwild area
going to have preventive measures, Dubuque Street, Park Road, the Water
Treatment Facility and of course, the never ending news that FEMA is regaling the
University with unending flood repair funding.....but nothing for Parkview Terrace
Residents.
I would like to remind the Council that we are living, breathing human beings down
here, families working hard to survive both emotionally and monetarily the great
flood of '08. Many of us have poured all of our monies back into homes that we
were told would NOT be getting a buy out. We were asked what type of flood
mitigation we would favor.......so this would lead one to believe that there was going
to be some type of flood mitigation for our neighborhood....afterall we were told this
by CITY REPRESENTATIVES. Now we are told there is no help for us....where
exactly is the explanation for this????? Don't even try to tell us it is lack of
money...every town around has written a grant for help and received it and we only
8/20/2009
Page 4 of 4
need 1.5 .million here to preseve us.
As a group we have been told nothing. We have received "occupant" letters asking if
we are interested in a buyout.....lets see, if you figure we have an SBA loan, we
received the max from FEMA, we got some from Jumpstart AND we have a
mortgage....we would not nearly come out even in a buyout situation using our
assessed values plus 12 percent. YOu see, many of us had to dip into our
retirement funds to come up with enough money to make our homes habitable......I
am not even addressing furniture, only structure!
Many of us feel that the City is out of touch with what we actually have had to spend
to get back into our homes; out of touch with what we feel about our area and out
of touch with what you folks have actually told us....or your representatives have
told us.
The rumors are rampant about what you are and are not going to do with our
neighborhood. It would be comforting, no HUMANE, for you to have a meeting with
us and tell us your actual plans. Obviously you have something in mind if you are
not going to protect us and we have a right to know your plans. It seems that every
time one of our neighborhood phones a city employee and asks questions...the
answers are so different it just causes more concern, animosity and anxiety.
We should not have to read about our neighborhood in the paper, we should not
have to surmise what is going on, we should be told directly what lies in the future
for us.
When is the City going to be straight forward and honest with us and give us ONE
story for our future and tell us why you descarded our safety measures that you
were telling us to "think about"?
In actuality we cost the city very little....we pay pretty high dollar taxes in this
area ,our snow removable has been minimal and for years only went to the corner
where Normandy and Manor intersect leaving the rest of us to trudge through the
muck; our street repair has been very minimal and they are in poor repair at this
time. The city is quick to mark our sidewalks for US to repair but slow to give us
street repair, curb repair, divot repair in the streets. We have few children in our
area so our use of the public school system is minimal, so your making money on
that too! We've had one house fire, three drug busts (at the same residence), and
one suicide call that come to mind since 1987..oh, and I think two burglaries not
associated with the flood. Because of our elderly we have quite a few medical assist
calls...but those people are all gone now. So we are high revenue for the city and
low cost. So why on earth would you not want to keep the revenue. One flood in
30 years is not a backbreaker...if it were all Ithe houses along Ralston Creek would
have been removed YEARS ago.
So whats up, City Council? When are we going to be told face to face about our
lives? Voting time is coming and we are studying carefully our choices.
Mary Sturm
800 Eastmoor Drive
Iowa City
319-338-5161
8/20/2009
3 9
Marian Karr
From: Alisa Meggitt [Meggitt.Alisa@iccsd.k12.ia.us]
Sent: Monday, August 24, 2009 8:48 AM
To: Council
Subject: PUBLIC ACCESS TELEVISION
Attachments: PATV letter of support.doc
Dear Iowa City City Council:
Attached please find a letter supporting PATV's funding. I love this program!
Very Warm Regards,
Alisa Meggitt
ICCSD teacher
8/24/2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Dear Iowa City City Council:
Thank you for the opportunity to express my support for Public Access
Television. Public Access Television has been an invaluable resource for
my students in the Iowa City School District. They've actively participated
in PATV's FREE programs for the past 7 years, and have produced more
than a dozen programs using PATV resources.
PATV has supported my class by sending guest speakers fora `service'
panel, voted by the students of ICCSD. Every year, my students receive a
list of 80 service organizations in Johnson County and they vote on which
organizations to invite for their service panel. Three times they have voted
PATV as their top five organizations! And all three years PATV has
provided us with excellent guest speakers.
PATV has supported my students in countless service projects, ranging
from Child Labor, to the Raptor Center, Factory Farming, Animal Shelter,
Seniors, Global Warming, Wildlife, and even PATV itself. The PATV project
involved students actually videotaping and producing TV programs of their
peer's service projects! As a teacher it was so delightful to watch my
students produce television programs about their peer's service projects.
PATV has extended itself to my students unconditionally again and again. I
often ask PATV to go beyond their purview to help my programs, and they
say YES 100% of the time. For example, they will send their staff to a farm
to videotape my kids interviewing a family farmer. (Generally it is the
consumer's responsibility to take the classes and rent the cameras). They
will make me copies of the shows my students produce, they will come to
my classes whenever I ask (and share fun resources, like bumper stickers
etc with the kids) and they will even let the kids use their technology *(with
their supervision).
PATV is a wonderful, CRITICAL program in our community, and I thank you
in advance for supporting one of my very favorite teaching resources.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you'd like to discuss PATV's
exceptional service any further.
Very Warm Regards,
Alisa Meggitt
Global Studies Instructor
North Central Junior High
The Housing and Development Commitee -
3 10
Marian Karr
From: Gatlin, Jarrod M [Jarrod-gatlin@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, August 26, 2009 8:37 AM
To: Marian Karr
Cc: 'City Council
Subject: RE: The Housing and Development Committee
Thank you for a prompt answer to my questions. I appreciate it.
Jay Gatlin
From: Marian Karr [mailto:Marian-Karr@iowa-city.org]
Sent: Wednesday, August 26, 2009 8:12 AM
To: Gatlin, Jarrod M
Cc: *City Council
Subject: RE: The Housing and Development Committee
Mr. Gatlin,
Your email has been referred to me for a response. At their August 18th meeting Council decided to re-
advertise two of the vacancies on the Housing and Community Development Commission in an attempt
to achieve greater balance on that commission. While the Council has often expressed interest in
maintaining gender balance on city boards, recent state law (HF 243) requiring gender balance on
certain boards and commissions beginning January 1, 2012 has heightened the Council's concern.
Your email notes the concerns expressed by members of the public on August 18 about the problems
in the southeast area of Iowa City and an interest in seeing that these interests are represented on the
commission. To answer your questions, currently there is one African American serving on the
Commission. He has served on the Commission since 2005 and his term expires September 1, 2009.
He has chosen not to reapply for another term. Other African Americans have served on this
commission in the past. Currently, two members of the commission live in the Twain elementary
attendance area, one member lives in the Wood attendance area, and one lives in public housing.
City procedure is to retain an application for 90 days and automatically consider it for any vacancy
during that time. Your application will be re-submitted to Council for the attached vacancies. You may
remove your name from consideration by submitting a written request to our office. It has been Council
policy not to permit an individual to serve on two Boards or Commissions at the same time. If you have
applied for more than one Board or Commission vacancy, please indicate your preference in writing to
the City Clerk's office.
Feel free to contact me with any further questions you may have.
Marian K. Karr
City Clerk
From: Gatlin, Jarrod M [mailto:jarrod-gatlin@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, August 19, 2009 3:33 PM
To: Council
Subject: The Housing and Development Commitee
8/26/2009
The Housing and Development Commitee
Council Members,
Page 2 of 2
I was unable to make the 8/17 Work session, so I was wondering if I could gain some information from you
collectively. I submitted an application for a position with the Housing and Development Committee on August
12, 2009. I believe that I met all the qualifications for this position so I would like to know why the council felt
compelled to leave these 2 positions open? My application is on file and will be re-submitted to the applicant
pool, but I want the following to be added to the public record. After hearing the concerns of the individuals from
the 8/18 city council meeting I would encourage you to place a person from this meeting on this particular
committee. It doesn't have to be me, but I think that I can represent this group of concerns citizens. I would also
like to know the demographic composition of this particular committee. How many African American members
belong to this group? Have there ever been any African America members; have any ever applied? How close
are the current member homes to Section 8 housing? Has any committee member ever lived in subsidize
housing? I would like a response from anyone about these questions and this matter. Thank you for your time
and consideration in advance.
Jay Gatlin
Jarrod "Jay" Gatlin
Clerk III
Womens Health Clinic
356-2631
jarrod gatlin@uiowa.edu
This correspondence will become a public record.
8/26/2009
3 11
Marian Karr
From: WALKSCREEN@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 26, 2009 10:41 AM
To: Council
Subject: re: chicken ordinance
Members of the City Council,
It is my understanding that this is to be discussed at the council meeting. I urge you to look at all the issues
involved with the raising of animals.
1. noise- if there are several people in the neighborhood raising chickens. Chickens are noisy especially
if there is a number of them in one neighborhood.
2. Chicken manure and warm summer day- The smell is terrible. The mess that chicken manure creates
when we already have the problem with ducks, geese, cats and dogs that roam.
3. Shelters- Chickens will need to have protection against the weather and animals (raccoons, cats, dogs,
hawks) that prey on chickens and other fowl.
Who is going to decide and enforce what type of shelter and the appearance and upkeep of
shelter provided.
4. Wing Clipping- Is wing clipping going to be required so the chickens are not roosting in trees or not
flying over the fence to surrounding yards.
5. Enforcement of the ordinance- How will this ordinance be enforced? What is the plan to monitor the
the ordinance? The city has a difficult time and lack of employees to enforce
the animal ordinance regarding all on leashes, the subsidize housing,
unkept yards, unshoveled sidewalks, cars parked on the street without moving. Will the
ordinance only be enforced if there are complaints?
Will passing the ordinance reguire more employees to enforce and monitor it?
If we are looking for a solution for people to have raise chickens for the meat and eggs why not consider having
a year round farmers market. We have the empty building around town and perhaps this would be
away to help the economy of farmers that live in our county. They could sell eggs, meat, baked goods and
perhaps some would even raise produce year around in the hot houses.
Thank you.
Lorraine J. Bailey
8/26/2009
3~,C~~)
Marian Karr
From: Pascoe, Judith M ~judith-pascoe@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Friday, September 11, 2009 4:56 AM
To: Council
Subject: yes to chickens!
Dear Council Members,
I hope you will allow Iowa City to join the increasing number of cities where backyard
chickens are permitted. In doing so, you would lend your support to the local food
movement and make many gardeners happy.
Please allow chickens with a minimum of restrictions. Chickens are far less noisy and
dangerous than dogs, so I see no reason why someone who wants to keep chickens should have
to go through more hoops than those who acquire dogs. I hope you will keep the rules and
restrictions to a minimum so that City staff are not overburdened by new obligations and
so that as many people as possible (renters as well as owners) are free to keep chickens.
I may be wrong, but I think only a small number of well-intentioned people will actually
want to go to the trouble and expense of keeping chickens. Perhaps you could agree to a
three-year trial period with a mininum of restrictions, and then add more rules later if
problems develop.
Thanks for giving this issue your consideration.
All the best,
Judith Pascoe
317 Fairchild Street
1
Page 1 of 1
3~ C[~~
Marian Karr
From: Annie Nilsson [annie.o.nilsson@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, September 14, 2009 2:11 PM
To: Council
Subject: Urban Chickens
As a homeowner in Iowa City, I am writing to express my support for allowing residents to keep a
limited number of hens in their backyards.
Growing up and in Los Angeles, CA (an urban environment that allows residents to keep chickens) I
have firsthand experience in the raising of backyard chickens. I would like to attest, for the record, that
these chickens were neither dirty nor overly noisy, nor did they present a nuisance of any kind to our
neighbors. On the contrary our chickens were happy, contented pets as well as a source of organic eggs
for my family.
During the day our hens (never more than four or five at a time) would peck around in our fenced yard,
eating insects and nibbling grass, at night they would return by instinct to their secure coop, at which
time we would lock them in and their potential predators out. As we kept only hens, the noises they
made were limited to mild clucking and the occasional squawk when one laid an egg. (Certainly their
noise output never reached the levels of the dogs, lawn mowers, crows and children in the
neighborhood.) As we kept only a small number of them, their waste output was very small, and
cleanup consisted of simply sweeping out the soiled wood shavings once a week or so and adding them
to the compost pile.
This may paint an overly idyllic picture of life with backyard chickens, but there is reason for that. The
maintenance of four or five chickens is in fact a simple and tidy act, and one that requires less effort than
owning a dog. Frightening stories about the smells and sounds of chickens come only, I imagine, from
their being kept in large numbers in unsuitable conditions.
Were this ordinance to pass, strict regulations could be put in place about the amount of chickens kept,
the distance they lived from houses, the designs of the coop, and so forth. Residents might have to
apply for chicken licenses, or get approval from their immediate neighbors in order to raise them.
I urge the council to look to many other urban areas that allow backyard chickens, and see how
successful this has been for them. Then look at the facts, listen to peoples' stories, and do the right
thing.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter,
Annie Nilsson
1614 Morningside Dr.
Iowa City, IA
9/ 14/2009
Page J ~ 2~ f , \
J
Marian Karr
From: Derderian, James D [fames-derderian@uiowa.eduj
Sent: Monday, September 14, 2009 4:08 PM
To: Council
Subject: Chicken ordinance
Dear Council members:
I understand that you are planning to discuss the proposed chicken ordinance at tonight's Special
Session. I hope that you will seriously consider allowing Iowa City residents to keep a small number of
chickens per household. I feel this would make Iowa City a better place to live in a number of ways.
Following, in no particular order, are some relevant points:
1. Chickens are not loud. You are not planning to allow CAFO's in town; the sounds made by five
(or fewer) chickens could certainly not be worse than the barking of dogs that is presently heard
in every neighborhood (for the record, I am a dog lover).
2. A hen produces approximately one cubic foot of manure every six months. If left in place, this
manure will stink. However, this manure can be easily composted to produce incredible compost
for local gardens: many of these gardens are tended by the same people who are hoping to be
able to keep chickens (I count myself in this number). The "smell" issue is likely to be a non-
issue, since many if not most potential chicken owners do not regard chicken manure as "waste."
3. Allowing local residents to produce their own eggs is another step toward encouraging local
food production and consumption. This is more important than ever when many people are
losing jobs and when our just-in-time economy is shaky at best. Home egg production could be
more of a necessity than a hobby in the not=too-distant future, for ourselves and for our
neighbors.
4. I know that others have raised issues regarding keeping hens confined to their own yards,
sheltered from the elements, and so on. I believe that these issues will sort themselves out in
short order. Keeping hens in town requires a certain investment of time and energy -for food,
shelter, etc. - that I think discourages the casual (ab)user of animals: i.e., it's a lot easier to adopt
a cat and let it roam freely through the neighborhood.
I could go on, but I think you understand that I am in favor of being allowed to keep a few chickens for
my own -and my neighbors' - benefit. I think that people who are interested in keeping chickens in
Iowa City are interested in doing a good job of it, and I hope you will give us the opportunity to
demonstrate this. Thank you for considering the ordinance.
Sincerely,
James D. Derderian
2131 D St
Iowa City
This correspondence will become a public record.
9/14/2009
Chicken Coops in Iowa City Page 1 of 1
3 c~~
Marian Karr
From: Rasmussen, Maryann [maryann-rasmussen@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 10:27 AM
To: Council
Subject: Chicken Coops in Iowa City
Dear City Council Members:
I am writing to urge you in the strongest possible terms not to allow chicken coops in residential
neighborhoods in Iowa City. Unbeknownst to me and my husband when we bought our house on Bloomington
Street in the early 90's, our neighbor on Davenport Street whose house was right behind ours had a pigeon
coop in his backyard. It was the only one in the city and it had been grandfathered in. The pigeon coop was
smelly, especially in the summer months when over and over again we were forced out of our backyard
because of the noxious odor, noisy and a source of health related problems for me. I have asthma and
allergies and the feathers, dust and fecal matter the coop generated and sent into the air seriously aggravated
my lungs and caused damage to my health. My husband and I spent thousands of dollars on a lawsuit to get
the coop shut down. Our neighbor finally agreed to dismantle it, but the hard feelings and tensions in the
neighborhood over this matter unfortunately still linger today.
No Iowa City resident should have to worry about the loss of value to their house, noise and odor issues
created by and diseases associated with a neighbor's chicken coop. Chicken coops must be cleaned daily and
are known to attract flies, lice, mites, rats and mice. Not much research on the Internet reveals that odor
from feces and noise complaints (clucking even without roosters) accompany proximity to chicken coops in
urban settings. Besides creating problems for people with allergies and asthma like me, there are avian
diseases that are transmissible to humans associated with chickens that are serious and potentially deadly:
avian influenza, chlamydiosis, salmonellosis, cryptosporidiosis, avian tuberculosis, histoplasmosis,
cryptococossis, campylobacteriosis and listeriosis. If individuals want to take on these risks, they of course
should be allowed to. But they should not impose these risks on others; allowing chicken coops in residential
neighborhoods insures that these risks will not be borne individually but collectively by those who live around
them. For these reasons chicken coops have traditionally been zoned for rural areas where close proximity to
neighbors is not an issue.
If you have not taken these matters into consideration, please do so. My experience with my neighbor's
pigeon coop is a lesson on the problems and issues that will inevitably arise in our neighborhoods if you allow
this to go forward.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Rasmussen
1346 E. Bloomington
Iowa City, IA
9/15/2009
Page 1 of 1
~ ~~~~
Marian Karr
From:. Regenia Bailey [bailey@avalon.net]
Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 2:48 PM
To: Marian Karr
Subject: FW: northside and goosetown
----Original Message-----
From: Pascoe, Judith M [mailto:judith-pascoe@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 6:52 AM
To: regenia-bailey@iowa-city.org; matt-hayek@iowa-city.org; michael-Wright@iowa-city.org
Cc: amy-Correia@iowa-city.org; ross-Wilburn@iowa-city.org
Subject: northside and goosetown
Dear Mayor Bailey, Council Member Hayek, and Council Member Wright,
I hope you will come around to supporting backyard chickens.
There are already chickens in the Northside (as well as in other Iowa City neighborhoods). They are far quieter
than dogs (even dogs that are kept inside).
I hope Council does not require that people get permission from all neighbors before getting chickens, since this
is not required when people acquire dogs (and it would present far more of a restriction in high-density
neighborhoods than it would in lower-density zones). Neighbors could report an irresponsible chicken owner, just
as they can report an irresponsible dog or cat owner--no need to invite them to anticipate problems before they
happen.
Thanks for your consideration of this issue.
All the best,
Judith Pascoe
317 Fairchild Street=
9/15/2009
3 12
Marian Karr
From: TMChait@aol.com
Sent: Sunday, August 30, 2009 1:47 PM
To: Council
Subject: letter to council
Attachments: Letter to City Council.doc
Please distribute the attached letter to City Council members. Thank you very much.
Terri Miller Chait
Idyllwild Development
218 E Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
319.338.0354 office
319.530.7052 cell
8/31/2009
Idyllwild Development II, Inc.
August 28, 2009
Dear Members of the Iowa City City Council:
It is now almost 14 months after the worst Iowa flood in my history, and I am compelled
to write you regarding flood aid in order to garner some support for my plight.
As you know, I am the owner of the small business Idyllwild Development II, Inc. This
company is in the business of developing the small tract of land called Idyllwild, and
building 4-plea condominiums. Our company addresses the upscale condominium
market with both sales and rentals. In June 2008, Idyllwild Development had 5 condos
rented to tenants.
As the owner of this company, I am responsible for the decisions on how best to develop
this tract of land. I have chosen the predominant model followed by small businesses in
the industry, which is to employ sub-contractors to complete the myriad of tasks involved
in developing land and constructing buildings. Thus I contract out the excavation,
construction and landscaping, as well as the surveying, legal and appraisal work. In
doing so, I employ the services of many small companies in the community, and dozens
of their employees.
The Idyllwild community was devastated by the Flood of 2008. Our own rental units
sustained uninsured damages in excess of $325,000. The subsequent fallout included
property values that dropped 70% overnight and loss of rents for more than a year. In the
shock waves to follow, we've struggled to pay the continuing property taxes, interest on
ever-increasing debt, and insurance. I have tapped all available personal assets (life
insurance and 401K plan) in addition to taking out second mortgages on any assets we
have to assist in rebuilding. It has been slow and arduous work. At this point some of
them are rebuilt, and we have tenants in a couple of them after having been vacant for
more than a year.
We applied for and were denied every source of flood grant aid that was available:
1. FEMA funds were available for homeowners, as a business we were not
eligible.
2. JumpStart Iowa funds for businesses specifically excluded landlords.
3. Iowa City/Coralville Small Business funds excluded us because we have no
employees.
4. We met the qualifications for Rental Rehabilitation Repair funds with the
exception that we do not have low-income housing. Because we have upscale condos,
we would not even be able to make the mortgage payment under the rent caps, let alone
pay for the cost to rebuild, property taxes, etc.
We were extremely grateful when the City Council instructed staff to look for grants that
might be able to assist us. We agree with the stance of Council that it is important to
limit building in this area, as flooding in this area will no doubt continue to worsen as
218 E Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240
office 319.338.0354 cell 319.530.7052
email tmchait@aol.com
Idyllwild Development II, Inc.
communities up river from us make changes to the water's flow as they try to mitigate
their own future flooding. It was a big relief when we found out that the State had
approved the grant money to enable the City to purchase 2 of the 3 remaining building
sites of Idyllwild. The flood has made this tract of land undesirable for anyone to build
on, and it seems the best use of this land is simply green space. The investment we have
made to the infrastructure and development of the land is lost, and yet we have a high
amount of debt on the land, which we will soon have to pay back as the value of the land
has plummeted and can no longer support the underlying loan.
The sale of these 2 building sites would have a huge impact in moving us out of the
increasingly dire straits we are in.
I am now devastated to find that we cannot come to terms with the City on how to
complete the sale. While the sales transaction is complicated, I believe there are ways to
satisfactorily complete it. For reasons unknown to me though, it seems that the tenor of
the conversation has changed, along with the intention and commitment of the City. I
have even heard that some believe that Idyllwild Development is not interested in
completing the sale. Nothing could be further from the truth. I am bewildered and
distressed at this most current failure to move beyond the flood.
I am asking for your help to resolve this problem and complete the transaction. The
funds are available and committed for this purpose. It would be a tragic waste of money
to lose this opportunity to bring this land out of development and make it into green
space.
I believe our company adds value to the community in many ways. We employ dozens
of local workers and companies to complete our projects. We provide housing to many
incoming doctors and professors at the University of Iowa. We support the economic
health of the community in which we live and work. We pay property taxes. And now
we need assistance in order to continue to be a viable business.
Coping with the devastation of the flood loss and the financial circumstance this has
placed us in has been the most difficult task I have ever encountered. The sale of the
building sites may not seem like such a big deal to anyone else, but to me, it was a large
piece of the puzzle of recuperating from the storm.
I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss this with you further. My contact
information is listed below. Please assist us in moving through this most unfortunate
circumstance.
Thank you for your consideration,
Terri Miller Chait
218 E Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240
office 319.338.0354 cell 319.530.7052
email tmchaitCaol.com
3 ~. c ~ ~-~
Idyllwild Development II, Inc.
September 11, 2009
Dear City Council:
I wanted to follow up on my last letter to you in order to ask for your guidance
in completing the sale of Idyllwild Development II building sites 25 and 26. I feel
it is so important to continue these discussions, as the removal of this land from
development seems to be in the best interest of everyone involved, regardless of
whether the levies on Taft and No Name Road are undertaken.
As you may no doubt remember, the City obtained a grant to purchase two
building sites from Idyllwild Development II, Inc., and the surrounding common
grounds from the HOA in order to assist Idyllwild in recovering from the flood
and to remove the flooded land from future development. As part of the sale,
the City requested the land be removed from the condominium regime. This
creates some difficulties, as the removal would require 100% approval from the
condominium owners and their mortgage holders. While the HOA favors the
sale, obtaining unanimous approval will be very difficult. Idyllwild has
requested an extension of the deadline under the purchase agreement to give the
parties time to try to resolve the issue; current deadline for the closing under the
purchase agreement is September 15~. Discussions have reached the point
where policy guidance from the City Council would be most helpful. My hope is
that you can provide some direction to assist in working out a solution. While
the 2 options below seem to be workable, the friendly condemnation would be
simpler and cleaner. Sally Cline, the HOA president supports either option.
The biggest hurdle we have faced in completing the sale is that the HOA in most
cases would be required to vote to remove the land from the Regime in order to
avoid future assessments to the landholder. 100% vote is required from all
homeowners and mortgage holders to remove the land from the Regime. Sally
Cline believes the vote would be positive if the 2 building sites were sold prior to
the sale of the common grounds, as any objections we have heard would fall
away after that first sale. (The objection is that the 2 buildings could be built at
some point in the future, which would add revenue in the form of dues to the
Regime.) The HOA would be motivated to complete the sale of the common
grounds both by the receipt of the sale proceeds and also because the removai~
would increase the likelihood that the regime would be completed, m~icing
homeowners eligible for loans on the secondary market. _
,. ~.s
/~ ~'., i
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;~• t„rt
218 E Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 '"`~
office 319.338.0354 cell 319.530.7052
email tmchait@aol.com
K"~®
Idyllwild Development II, Inc.
The parties involved have discussed the following 2 best options, but have been
unable to come to an agreement. Your recommendation would be important to
fusing a vision that would enable completing the sale.
I. FriendlX Condemnation
^ Surest and cleanest way for the City to acquire the property and insure
there is no further development in the flood plain
^ Avoids the potential for future HOA assessments
^ Benefits the Idyllwild HOA by removing property from the regime, which
increases likelihood of the regime being completely built out and
homeowners eligible for secondary market loans
^ Primary concerns expressed by City Staff to this approach is staff time and
costs. To the extent possible, Idyllwild Development is willing to work
with the City to keep both these City resources to a minimum.
II. Sale of Sites to Cif Followed by Sale of Common Grounds
^ Idyllwild Development II sells the building footprints for Lots 25 and 26
^ Idyllwild Development II indemnifies City for any potential future HOA
assessments
^ HOA votes to remove land from Regime (requires 100%) and sells
Common Grounds to City
Again, I request your help to find the right solution to complete the transaction
of the sale of these 2 building sites. With the funds available and committed for
this purpose, it would be a tragic waste of money to lose this opportunity to
bring this land out of development and make it into green space.
Thank you for your consideration,
Terri Miller Chait
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a_,,
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ltJ
218 E Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240
office 319.338.0354 cell 319.530.7052
email tmchait@aol.com
Message
Marian Karr
From: sally cline [clinesally@cs.com]
Sent: Monday, September 14, 2009 4:20 PM
To: Council
Subject: RE: Idyllwild letter from Idyllwild II Development
Dear Council members,
Thank you for your time to consider this letter.
Page l~of 1
.~ ~ ~
.~
Several months ago the City of Iowa City proposed the purchase of undeveloped land in Idyllwild, two lots #25
and #26, and the surrounding common grounds. The lots belonging to Idyllwild Development II and the
surrounding area to the HOA. At a meeting the owners strongly supported the City purchase of that land to
remove that land from future flooding.
I believe all parties to the purchase have found it imposable to accomplish, due to the difficulties of removing this
property from the Condominium regime.
The reality of the situation in Idyllwild is that the builder prior to the flood had 6 unsold units, there are 3 buildings
yet to develop, thus an additional 12 units. It is very difficult for the Condominium Association to believe this
regime will be completed in the next 10 to 15 years. Without a completed condominium regime, and the low value
of the property in Idyllwild, owners are unable to sell, finance or re-finance their property on the secondary
market. The removal of these two lots will give the Association a quicker time line for completion of the regime.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sally Cline
President of Idyllwild Condominium Owners Association
9/ 14/2009
T vy-~b-u9
3 13
Marian Karr
From: ELIZABETH MAHER [mahere@q.com]
Sent: Monday, September 07, 2009 10:59 AM
To: Council
Subject: flood mitigation information
September 7,2009
Council Members,
It has come to my attention that the City of Iowa City has made the decision to not provide flood
mitigation for Park View Terrace -- without consulting the residents of same.
It has been my understanding that the City must file a Mitigation Plan with Homeland Security. My
question is "does your plan comply with the regulations of Homeland Security"? And just what is
the plan?
I have not received any mailings other than those addressed to occupant about any of your plans
and or decisions that affect my personal well being.
For your information, many of my neighbors do not have computer access --- and if we do, are not
tied to the computer screen. I understand you may publish on the Web Site-- but you now know
you are not reaching the persons most affected by your decisions. As elected officials an informed
constituency should be your concern.
I ,for one would appreciate hearing what is happening regarding flood mitigation and others
decisions without learning of it after the fact. Since all of us receive mail, perhaps that could be
used?
Sincerely yours,
Elizabeth A Maher
817 Eastmoor Drive
Iowa City, IA 52246
9/8/2009
3 14
Marian Karr
From: Margie Peskin [mcpeskin@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 01, 2009 12:09 PM
To: Council
Subject: bicycling in Iowa City
Dear City Council,
On my way into town by bicycle yesterday within a span of about 5 minutes, I encountered the following
obstacles:
-a delivery truck pulled out in front of me unexpectedly
-a car in a parking spot started to back up without noticing me
-a car at a traffic light turning left from the opposite direction neglected to yield to me although i was going
straight
Having bicycled for more than thirty years I felt equipped to handle these obstructions. However, it was a clear
reminder of the potential perils of biking in the street, and further, for my kids, who have been biking for less
than 5 years, it would have been overwhelming and potentially dangerous.
I have always told my kids it is safer to bike on the sidewalk slowly and also taught them to be respectful of
pedestrians. I am told by several individuals that the Iowa City police are ramping up their enforcement of
bicycling laws, which are governed by City Council, and include a mandate to bicycle in the street within the
downtown borders. As someone who frequently bicycles into town with children, this causes me great concern. If
yesterday is any indication, encouraging my 5 & 7 year olds to take their bicycles to the streets is not a welcome
prospect.
Couldn't there be some kind of exception for children 12 & under? Suggesting to parents that they only commute
by car into downtown would not seem a good answer. But mandating that children bicycle in the street, given the
traffic and parking spot mayhem wouldn't seem a viable solution either.
Please help.
Margie Peskin
1123 E. College St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
mcpeskin@yahoo.com
9/ 1 /2009
Page 1 of 2
3 ~~~)
Marian Karr
From: John Yapp
Sent: Friday, September 11, 2009 8:19 AM
To: Kathryn Johansen; 'mcpeskin@yahoo.com'
Cc: *City Council; Matt Johnson; Kristopher Ackerson
Subject: RE: bicycling in Iowa City
Hello Margie Peskin -thank you for your note, it has been forwarded to me for a response.
You are correct that bicycling on the sidewalk within the downtown core (defined as the area within Jefferson St,
Gilbert St, Burlington St and Capitol St) is not permitted. Bicyclists are permitted to ride on the sidewalk every
else in the City, provided they yield to pedestrians. The reason for the downtown prohibition is due to the
pedestrian-oriented design of the sidewalks and street furniture and primarily the high density of pedestrian
activity on our sidewalks, including people walking, standing in groups, loading and unloading goods and
supplies, and walking in and out of storefronts. There have been issues with bicycles hitting pedestrians with
severe consequences for the pedestrian. There is currently no exception for the age of the bicyclist.
The experience you describe with vehicle /bicycle interaction on the street is not uncommon in a downtown area
like ours; we have tried to mitigate these types of conflicts by keeping vehicular traffic in the downtown moving
slow (through the street design, block length, and parking). The City has also provided ample bicycle parking in
the perimeter of the downtown for bicyclists to park close to their destination, and bicyclists may also walk their
bike on the sidewalk if they choose. Increasing visibility while bicycling can also have a positive impact; for
example using a front and rear bike light during the day as well as at night has been shown to increase the
`noticability' of bicyclists by motorists, similar to how front headlights are now required for motorcyclists.
Iowa City has also posted `Share the Road' signs and painted shared-lane arrows on some downtown streets and
we hope these steps let motorists know they need to watch for bicyclists as well. Let me (john-y_agp an..owa-
c_.ty..org) (356-5252) or Kris Ackerson (_Kristopher-Ackerson_ iowa_-Ci~.org) (356-5247) know if you have more
questions.
John Yapp, Transportation Planner
From: Kathryn Johansen
Sent: Wednesday, September 09, 2009 10:55 AM
To: John Yapp
Subject: FW: bicycling in Iowa City
Hi John,
Here is the email we discussed. Please cc City Council on your reply.
Thank you, John.
Kathi
From: Margie Peskin [mailto:mcpeskin@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 01, 2009 12:09 PM
To: Council
Subject: bicycling in Iowa City
Dear City Council,
On my way into town by bicycle yesterday within a span of about 5 minutes, I encountered the following
obstacles:
9/ 11 /2009
Page 2 of 2
-a delivery truck pulled out in front of me unexpectedly
-a car in a parking spot started to back up without noticing me
-a car at a traffic light turning left from the opposite direction neglected to yield to me although i was going
straight
Having bicycled for more than thirty years I felt equipped to handle these obstructions. However, it was a clear
reminder of the potential perils of biking in the street, and further, for my kids, who have been biking for less
than 5 years, it would have been overwhelming and potentially dangerous.
I have always told my kids it is safer to bike on the sidewalk slowly and also taught them to be respectful of
pedestrians. I am told by several individuals that the Iowa City police are ramping up their enforcement of
bicycling laws, which are governed by City Council, and include a mandate to bicycle in the street within the
downtown borders. As someone who frequently bicycles into town with children, this causes me great concern. If
yesterday is any indication, encouraging my 5 & 7 year olds to take their bicycles to the streets is not a welcome
prospect.
Couldn't there be some kind of exception for children 12 & under? Suggesting to parents that they only commute
by car into downtown would not seem a good answer. But mandating that children bicycle in the street, given the
traffic and parking spot mayhem wouldn't seem a viable solution either.
Please help.
Margie Peskin
1123 E. College St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
mcpeskin@yahoo.com
9/11 /2009
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Greenville Proposal
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We would like to etition the Ci of Iowa Ci to allow house movie as art a ova ~ ~ "~.d
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form of demolition for the buyout properties near Normandy Dr in Iowa City. We would like to
move the approximately 30 homes from the Normandy Dr neighborhood to lots positioned near
Mackinaw Dr, renovate them, and sell them. A few points related to this concept are below.
1) We've spoken with FEMA and this activity is acceptable and fundable by them as a form
of demolition
2) We would charge substantially less than a demolition company would to remove the
property
3) Furthermore we would create 30 high value properties that the City of Iowa City would
generate property tax revenue from
4) The owners of Mackinaw Dr are amicable to this plan, and we have the financing
available to purchase the lots, and otherwise bring this process from beginning to end
5) We've already purchased, and renovated 3 properties in the area with success,
specifically 813 Eastmoor Dr, 832 Normandy Dr, and most recently 841 Normandy Dr.
We have experience renovating these specific properties, and a positive track record thus
far.
6) .We've spoken to many environmentalist organizations, and prominent residents of Iowa
City, all of whom are in support of this concept. Marian Gelb of IA Environment,
professor David Osterberg, Senator Joe Bolkom, and others have been briefed on this
concept and find it promising.
7) Approximately 30,000 tons of waste would be diverted from local landfills, and 3000
trees would be saved that wouldn't have to be cut down to create materials to build 30
new homes. The several trees we would need to remove to facilitate the moving of these
homes would all be replaced at our cost.
8) Quality affordable housing would be provided to residents of Iowa City, and the last
major area within Iowa City in need of development, would receive it, i.e. the Peninsula
project.
9) Conveniently the largest house moving business in the Mid-west is located nearby in
Washington, Iowa, and is willing and able to move the homes. They move
approximately 500 structures per year, and have never dropped a house, or had even a
single workman's compensation claim
10) Lastly, and interestingly the Discovery Channel is doing a TV series based on Jeremy
Patterson House Moving, and is eager to film what would become the first recycled
development in the county here in Iowa City that has the ability to set the precedent for
Mason City, and Cedar Rapids, and lead to potentially the first ever recycled town in the
nation. tt
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1354 Curtis Bridge Rd. NE
Swisher, IA 52338
September 15, 2009
Mayor Regenia Bailey & City Council
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Mayor Bailey & Council Members,
We would like to express our grateful appreciation for the
Community Event Funding $400.00 grant from the City of Iowa
City. We use the grant to support the composers and soloists.
The ICCSO is a community orchestra made up of musicians
of all ages and occupations from Iowa City and eastern Iowa. The
first of two concerts of our 30th season will take place Saturday,
November 7, 3:00 p.m., at the Englert Theatre. This will be our
fifth season at the Englert Civic Theatre, and we are very excited to
be a part of the community performing arts scene there!
The program features "Tawny Throated Ayres" for bassoon and strings by
Iowa's own Philip Wharton with soloist Benjamin Coelho, UI professor of bassoon. (If you
attended our June children's concert, you had a taste of this excellent new piece and of Prof.
Coelho's virtuosity, as well as Mayor Bailey's narration of Wharton's "Giant Jam Sandwich"!)
The concert will also include music by Georg Philip Telemann, Darius Milhaud, and Joseph
Haydn. As always, the concert is free and open to the public. We cordially invite you to
attend the concert.
On behalf of the orchestra members and the ICCSO Board, please accept our
appreciation for the grant award.
Sincerely,
~~-c
~~~~~~
Janice Horak
ICCSO Treasurer
IOWA CITY COMMUNITY STRING ORCHESTRA
WWW.ICGOMMUNITYSTRINGORGHESTRA.COM