HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-11-18 AgendaSubject to change as fu~li:,ed by the City Clerk. For a final official copy, contact the City Clerk's Office, 356-5040.
ITEM NO. 1.
AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
November 18, 1997 7:00 p.m.
Civic Center
CALL TO ORDER.
ROLL CALL.
ITEM NO. 2.
OUTSTANDING STUDENT CITIZENSHIP AWARD - Roosevelt Elementary
a. Emma Meurice
ITEM NO. 3.
ITEM NO. 4.
MAYOR'S PROCLAMATIONS. f//~ ~_.
a. World AIDS Day- December 1 ~~. ~
· ?. ..,~.,. f .4. ~-~ /?'-.~ ·
b. Make-A-Wish Week - December 1-7 ,~".-..d'.,' ~ ~-~"~:~,~.., /"~: cx~::'~- /
OR AMENDED.
a. Minutes of Boards and Commissions.
(1) Design Review Committee - October 20
(2) Riverfront and Natural Areas Commission - September 17
(3) Parks and Recreation Commission - October 9
(4) Police Citizen Review Board - October 22
(5) Police Citizen Review Board - November 6
Recommendations to Council: Adopt by-laws and forward to City
Council for approval. (This item should be referred to the Rules
Committee for review.)
Forward copy of PCRB Report on Complaint 97-1 to City
Council, Complainant, Police Officer, Chief of Police and City
Manager.
b. Permit Motions and Resolutions as Recommended by the City Clerk.
(1)
Consider a motion approving a Class C Liquor License for
Pagliai's Pizza Palace, Ltd., dba Pagliai's Pizza Palace, 302 E.
Bloomington St. (Renewal)
(2) Consider a motion approving a Class C liquor License for Ground
Round, Inc., dba Ground Round, 830 S. Riverside Dr. (Renewal)
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ITEM NO. 2a OUTSTANDING STUDENT CITIZENSHIP AWARD - Roosevelt
Elementary -- Emma Meurice
Nov/ Item #2 is the Outstanding Student Citizenship Award. We have some people from
Roosevelt Elementary School?
Marian Karr/ Yes, Madam Mayor. Here tonight are some of Emma's friends from
Roosevelt Elementary: Mrs. Kathy Jepson, supervising Teacher, Jared Johnson,
Emily Molof, Rachel Yucuis.
Nov/ Okay, are you the reader?
Rachel Yucuis/ (Yes).
Nov/ Okay, I'll hold this, and you read. Just turn around this way.
Yucuis/ We are nominating Emma Meurice as Roosevelt Elementary School's
Outstanding Student Citizen. Emma would have been a fifth grader at Roosevelt
this year. She was killed last summer, on June 28, when she '.vas hit by a car
while visiting relatives in Belgium. When we think of Emma, we remember her
as someone who was very kind and gentle. She was a good citizen because she
liked to lead and she xvas considerate toward others. Freedom and respect ',*,'ere
important to Emma and her family. She was a classroom representative on
Roosex,elt's Student Council. As part of their service learning project, she helped
collect food and supplies for the Iowa City Animal Shelter. Emma showed good
sportsmanship on her soccer and baseball teams. She was a strong athlete but she
played for fun over competition. Emma was an excellent student. She was smart,
creative, and a quick thinker. She liked to be first to answer a question. Last year
she had a reading buddy from the kindergarten class, sometimes she needed to be
x'ery patient but she was always kind. Emma was also a good musician. She was
in four orchestras. She played violin and bass and liked to work ahead. Emma
was unique and we '.,,'ant to honor her as an outstanding citizen and friend. She
loved Beanie Babies - Happy was her favorite one. She always had a smile on her
face and a sparkle in her eye.
Nov/
The Citizenship Award says "For her outstanding qualities of leadership within
Roosevelt Elementary, as '.'.'eli as the community, and for her sense of
responsibility and helpfulness to others, we honor Emma Meurice as an
Outstanding Student Citizen. Our community remembers her with pride.
Presented by the Iowa City City Council, November 1997. You want to hold
that? Thank you everybody.
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ITEM NO. 3a MAYOR'S PROCLAMATIONS -- World AIDS Day - December 1
Nov/ We also have a proclamation for World AIDS Day. (Reads agenda item #3a).
Kan'/ Here to accept is Linda Yanney from the Free Medical Clinic and Chuck Dufano
from the Johnson County Department of Public Health.
Linda Yanney/ Chuck is handing out red ribbons, which have come to symbolize a
dedication to stopping this disease and to support those among us who are stricken
with it. I want to keep my remarks really short, but also I think it's important to
point out that this message for this year's World AIDS Day, bringing hope to
children, is really very poignant for people in this town, and this community, and
this county. A town, a community that is devoted to its children, to the education
of youth, and through the University and other educational institutions, the
education of teachers and others who are in support positions for children and
young adults. So, to see the support of the City and the community and the
University around this particular message in this particular year is a very moving
one. It's also really important, given what we do in this community with so much
of our emphasis on education of children and young adults, to point out that the
age-group that is most impacted right now, in terms of infection, are children and
young adults 15 to 24. We don't have a vaccine for HIV. We don't have a cure
for AIDS. We need to redouble our efforts at prevention, and make sure that
service levels remain high. This community does, I think, a great job in all of
those areas. Ihank you very much.
Kubby/ Thank you.
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November 18, 1997 City of Iowa City Page 2
(3)
(4)
Consider a motion approving a Special Class C Liquor License for
India Cafe, Corp., dba India Cafe, 227 E. Washington St.
(Renewal)
Consider a motion approving an Outdoor Service Area for SG of
Iowa City, Inc., dba Jimmy's Brick Oven Care, 749 Mormon Trek
Blvd. (New)
c. Motions.
(1) Consider a motion approving abstract of Election for City Council
election of November 4, 1997.
d. Resolutions.
(1)
(2)
CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST THE RELEASE OF A
RENTAL REHABILITATION LOAN OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED
AT 509 SOUTH LINN STREET, IOWA CITY, IOWA.
Comment: The owner of the property located at 509 South Linn
Street received a $23,600 loan through the City's Rental
Rehabilitation Program on January 23, 1989. The financing was
in the form of a l O-year, no-interest Declining Balance Loan.
The balance of this loan was paid off on November 4, 1997;
thus, the lien can now be released.
CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST THE RELEASE OF A
RENTAL REHABILITATION LOAN OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED
AT 412 NORTH DUBUQUE STREET, IOWA CITY, IOWA.
Comment: The owner of the property located at 412 North
Dubuque Street received a $5,000 loan through the City's Rental
Rehabilitation Program on April 29, 1987. The financing was in
the form of a 10-year, no-interest Declining Balance Loan. The
terms of this loan were satisfied on October 29, 1997; thus, the
lien can now be released.
Correspondence.
(1) JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner:
(a) Modification of Bus Loading
Transit Shuttle
Zones for the Downtown
f. Use of City Streets and Public Grounds. (approved)
(1) Steven Breese (Jingle Bell Fun Run and Walk) - December 6
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR.
November 18, 1997 City of Iowa City
ITEM NO. 5. PUBLIC DISCUSSION (ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA).
Page 3
ITEM NO. 6. PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS.
Consider a motion setting a public hearing for December 9 on a
resolution approving the annexation of a 2.59 acre tract located at
4575 Highway 6 SE. (ANN97-0003)
Comment: At its November 6 meeting, by a vote of 6-0, the Planning
and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed
annexation. Staff recommended approval in a report dated October 16.
Action:
Consider a motion setting a public hearing for December 9 on an
ordinance amending the Zoning Chapter by changing the zoning
designation for a five acre tract located at 4575 Highway 6 SE from
County Rural (A1) (2.59 acres) and Rural Residential (RR-1) (2.41 acres)
to RM-20, Medium Density Multi-Family Residential. (REZ97-0017)
Comment: At its November 6 meeting, by a vote of 6-0, the Planning
and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the requested
rezoning, subject to certain conditions. Staff recommended approval
of the RM-20 rezoning in a staff report dated October 16 and set forth
the conditions of approval in a memorandum dated November 6.
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ITEM NO. 5 PUBLIC DISCUSSION (ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA).
Nov/
Item number 5 is Public Discussion. This is for items that are not on tonight's
agenda. We ask you to come forward, sign your name, or use the labels such as
Renfi's doing, and limit your comments please to no more than five minutes.
Renfi Paine/ Hello. I'm Ren~ Paine, and I live in Iowa City. As Director of Public
Access Television, I just wanted to announce two new series programs that are
going to be starting on the access channel. The first is called iHola!, and it
showcases the Hispanic culture in this area. The second one is called Parent-to-
Parent, and it deals with issues relevant to parents. So, those programs will be
beginning in the next couple weeks, and we'll be announcing those on Access
Update, and on our programming schedule that runs on our channel. I also just
wanted to take this opportunity to extend a personal invitation to the Council
members and also to the viewing audience to our annual meeting which is this
Thursday at 6:30 p.m. over at the Iowa City Public Library in Meeting Room A.
And it should be a lot of fun. We'll be electing a new person to serve on our
Board of Directors at that meeting, so we hope to see you all there. Thank you.
Nov/ Thank you.
Kubby/ Ren& I have a question.
Paine/ Sure.
Kubby/ Do you have any figures on the staff-assisted shows, when their times runs out
getting assistance from staff, do we know how many shows go off on their own
and get volunteers to be the crew, and are sustained programming?
Paine/
I couldn't give you an exact percentage, but I think, I could tell you that the
majority of them have gone on to do their own programs, and have gone,
sometimes several years at a time. And it's been really, I think, a very worthwhile
program just to get them up and running. And it's just a matter of people's time
and all that kind of thing. But I think it's been pretty successful.
Nov/ Well good.
Paine/ Thanks.
Robert Kemp/ I'm Robert Kemp, 1122 Estron Street. Probably easier if I could talk to
you about bringing lots of economic growth into the City, or at least keeping up
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those (can't understand) levels, or something like that. Mine is a very modest
proposal. It concerns the topic of the downtown fountain, water fountain. I think
the issue is whether or not people of Iowa City are willing to support and you as
representatives are willing to support continuation and improvement of the
present water fountain. I suppose I can bring you a lot of claims about what
happens with economics, people downtown buying things, and that. I think I
want to concentrate on one thing, though, and that is that the fountain brings joy
to people. It's a part of it. Now, in itself, it isn't much. But it's part of
something. And every city, I suppose, would like to have an Eiffel Tower, or
some great monument we could rally around, or march to, or something, and we
don't have that. But we do have a fountain. And that fountain, and that
surrounding area, those things bring joy to people. They, people like it. And I
think, you do a great job of paving streets and doing these things, and we ought to
continue doing those. But we ought to also think about something special, and
that is trying to bring, continuing bringing something that people like. And I
really, I don't know what it would get (can't hear) at night. Dee and I would
rather be home, probably. But I came because I really feel, you know, I don't
have any little children running around, but I do, I like watching it. And I like the
thing it brings to them, and the things that happen. Now, I just urge you that we
bring this in as a topic of discussion and so something that we can make sure that
we're not going to end that thing that was begun twenty years ago. And I don't
buy this stuff at all, you know, twenty years, and time is up. Maybe somebody's
car. I don't know about Karen's, but a lot of people, you know, their car runs out
at twenty years. But we don't have to have something run out at twenty years. I
think we can make things continue. Does anyone have any questions? I'm not a
part of anything, I just --
Kubby/ Are you particularly interested in keeping the current fountain we have, or just
insuring that we have some kind of interactive focal point?
Kemp/ Well,--
Kubby/ Downtown.
Kemp/
I mean, I certainly like, you know, the presumption is that we continue what we
have here. I'm sure there's something we could find fault about it. I'd certainly
hate to think of a change unless, I read the papers, and I listen to what you do and
that, and I don't think we have to do anything, you know, extravagant, or big
thing. But I think this thing is just not bad at all. Dee?
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Norton/ Well, Bob, there's some questions about it. First of all, its recirculating system,
it has to be repaired and brought up to modem standards. There's no doubt about
that. The infrastructure. There's a certain concern about the bricks being slippery
and sharp-edged and so forth. So, there are some concerns out there. I think
there's no disagreement about a water feature downtown. And the question is
only going to be if we can renovate that one, or we have to start over. Some
people think if it were flexible, it wouldn't take up all the space because you want
to do different things. But there'll be a feature there. Now whether it's exactly
that same one, we're trying to figure out.
Kemp/ Yeah. Well, there's always, at least potentially, a problem of water. We haven't
had that. But there's potentially.
Norton/ But we can fix that.
Kemp/
I mean, and I, we, I quoted something from Minneapolis, but that's been a
potential thing. And it is, and this is just me, and I know a lot of parents stand
around and watch, and somebody could get hurt. Someone could get hurt doing a
lot of di fierent things.
Norton/ You can't avoid all that.
Kemp/
They could get hurt, you know, drinking hot coffee or something. Kids get hurt.
I can't think, we can't stop everything because somebody might, somebody might
drink some, too much of the water or something. We just can't do, we can't have
that kind of thinking. We just have to think about, we have to think about joy,
okay? And I know, I knox,,, these other things have to come in. I knox,,' you have
to do those things. But I'm just, we just can't stop. We can't stop because
something might happen. I think we can fix those things, and I just think we'd be
terribly disappointed if we don't, I mean a lot of people, would be very
disappointed if something like that isn't continued. And I, I would certainly urge
us to continue doing that with the present one, unless there's some real problem
with it. Naomi? Ernie? Anybody else?
Thomberry/ I think it will be continued in one form or another. If it's, it may not be
exactly like, like it is, but I really would like an interactive water feature down
there, also. Kids and water just sort of go together. Kids have a good time in
water, and if it's not that deep, and parents are around, and I like to see the
interaction also. And I think there will be, will continue to be an interactive water
feature in that location. I certainly hope so.
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Vanderhoef Well, I guess I'm the only one who really wants to keep this one.
Kubby/ Well, I don't know. We were pretty split last night.
Lehman/ I don't know that that's true at all.
Norton/ It depends on the redesign. It depends.
Thomberry/ (Can't understand) the water.
Nov/
I think you can fix the chemical safety. It can be given filters and chlorine and the
kinds of things that will keep it chemically safe. I think any water feature, this or
any other, with children playing in it, is not considered safe. You'll need a sign of
some sort warning people that water features are slippery. We'll continue to do
that.
Kemp/
Okay. I was just in Kent Park this afternoon. It's a lovely place, and all of a
sudden I got this feeling, I'm like all the signs are "don't". What's happening to
the world? Everything "don't", "don't", "don't". I see all -- well, anyway.
Council/ Thank you.
Kubby/ Your comments about bringing joy are really important.
Nov/ Is there anyone else? Is there someone else who would like to speak on a topic that
is not on tonight's agenda7
Diana Henry/ Hello. My name is Diana Henry, and I teach at Weber Elementary School
in Iowa City. And I want to thank the Mayor and the Council for this opportunity
to announce that this is Geography Awareness Week. The National Geographic
Society has been the spearhead for Geography Awareness Week since 1987 with
various corporate sponsors. It is celebrated in November with a specific theme.
The theme for this year is "Explore the World: Geography Takes You Places".
Schools all over the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, have been working
on various geography activities since the beginning of the school year, and will
continue throughout the year. However, one week in November has been set
aside for a concerted focus on geography. Many teachers in the elementary
schools in Iowa City have received packets of material developed by the National
Geographic Society, to implement Geography Awareness Week. There are some
displays in the City. Old Capitol Mall on the second floor has some displays that
the children have worked on. There is a display at the Iowa City Public Library
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Nov/
and at the Coralville Public Library. Ihe children have also decorated some
grocery bags that will be used by people who purchase items at the Hy-Vee
grocery store that's a little off of Hollywood Boulevard. So, if you get a chance to
buy some groceries this week, stop over there, and you may get one of those
grocery bags. The goal of the National Geographic Society educational program
is to help students see the importance of geography in understanding local
community issues, to see its relationship to the global marketplace, and how it
connects them to a diverse world community. Once again, I want to thank you for
allowing me the opportunity to alert the community to this important subject.
Thank you. We're all going to go shopping at Hy-Vee and get the pretty bags. Is
there anyone else who would like to talk about a topic not on tonight's agenda?
Okay.
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November 18, 1997 City of Iowa City Page 4
Consider a motion setting a public hearing for December 9 on an
ordinance amending the Zoning Chapter by amending Title 14,
Chapter 6, "Zoning," Article B, "Zoning Definitions," Section 2, by
changing the definition of Transient Housing to increase the number of
days persons are able to stay as temporary residents.
Comment: At its November 6 meeting, by a vote of 6-0, the Planning
and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed
amendment. Staff recommended approval in an October 31
memorandum.
Action:
Public hearing on the Comprehensive Plan, including the South District
Plan. (continued from October 21 and November 11)
Comment: At its September 18 meeting, by a vote of 6-0, the Planning
and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the Comprehensive
Plan, subject to the addition of language regarding 1) information
technology, and 2) consideration of traffic issues on existing streets in
the annexation policy of the Plan. The Commission also recommended
approval of the South District Plan by a vote of 6-0.
Action:
Consider a resolution approving the annexation of a 2.81 acre tract
located southeast of the intersection of Iowa Highway 1 and Naples
Avenue. (ANN97-0002)
Comment: At its October 2 meeting, the Planning and Zoning
Commission, by a vote of 7-0, recommended approval of the
proposed annexation. Staff recommended approval in a report dated
September 18.
#6d page 1
ITEM NO. 6d PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS -- Public hearing on the
Comprehensive Plan, including the South District Plan. (continued from October
21 and November 11).
Nov/ (Reads agenda item #6d). Public hearing is now open. Okay. City Council and
P/Z Commission are going to meet together and discuss potential problems or if
none, approve this plan, so we're going to continue the p.h. until the 9th of
December.
Kubby/ So moved.
Lehman/ Second.
Nov/ Moved by Kubby, seconded by Lehman that we continue it. Any discussion? Any
Council discussion on the Comprehensive Plan or the continuance?
Kubby/ Didn't we get a letter from Southgate Development?
Norton/ I thought we had a note, yeah.
Steve Atkins/ There was a letter that came in. I'm not so sure I've got --
Lehman/ We haven't gotten it yet.
Atkins/ I think it just came in today and I --
Nov/ Okay.
NortorL/ As long as we have it before our meeting tomorrow.
Nov/ Can we close the public hearing? We'll have it.
Kubby/ Okay.
Nov/ All in favor of the continuance, please say aye- (ayes). Opposed, same sign.
Motion carried.
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November 18, 1997 City of Iowa City Page 5
f. Amending the Zoning Ordinance by changing the use regulations of a
2.81 acre tract, located southeast of the intersection of Iowa
Highway 1 and Naples Avenue, from County CP-1, Planned
Commercial, to C1-1, Intensive Commercial. (REZ97-0014)
Comment: At its October 2 meeting, the Planning and Zoning
Commission, by a vote of 7-0, recommended approval of the
proposed rezoning. Staff recommended approval in a report dated
September 18.
(1)
Public Hearing (continued from November 11)
Action: ~_
(2)
Consider an Ordinance (First consideration)
Action:
g. Consider an ordinance amending the approved Sensitive Areas
Development Plan for Walden Hills to allow the development of 120
dwelling units on Lot 53, containing 8.66 acres and located within the
OSA-8, Sensitive Areas Overlay zone at the northwest corner of
Rohret Road and Shannon Drive. (REZ97-0016) (First consideration)
Comment: At its November 6 meeting, by a vote of 6-0, the Planning
and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed
rezoning and amended Sensitive Areas Development Plan. Staff
recommended approval in an October 31 memorandum.
h. Consider an ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance by changing
the use regulations of a 0.87 acre tract, located on the east side of
West Side Drive and south of Earl Road, from RM-12, Low Density
Multi-Family Residential and C1-1, Intensive Commercial, to CO-1,
Commercial Office. (REZ97-0004) (First consideration)
Comment: At its October 2 meeting, the Planning and Zoning
Commission, by a vote of 7-0, recommended approval of the
proposed rezoning. Staff recommended approval in a report dated
September 18.
Action:
#6g page l
ITEM NO. 6g PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS -- Consider an ordinance
amending the approved Sensitive Areas Development Plan for Walden Hills to
allow the development of 120 dwelling units on Lot 53, containing 8.66 acres and
located within the OSA-8, Sensitive Areas Overlay zone at the northwest comer
of Rohret Road and Shannon Drive. (REZ97-0016) (First consideration).
Nov/ (Reads agenda item #6g).
Vanderhoef Move first consideration.
Kubby/ Second.
Nov/ Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by Kubby. Discussion?
Kubby/ Bob, did you or the Planning staff, or any Council member take any comment
from the Walden Hills or the Ty N Cae Neighborhood Associations? No, no one
did. That's interesting.
Norton/ I believe we mentioned last time, I still thought those were a good illustration of
staff and the developer to try to come up with a plan that was a great
improvement. Two big buildings down to four smaller ones, I think it was
wonderfully well done.
Vanderhoef I think it started out with one big building.
Thomberry/ One big building.
Nov/ One big building.
Norton/ One big building. That was going to kind of look like a ship underway?
Thomberry/ Like enlarged (can't understand).
Vanderhoef At least.
Nov/ Okay. Any other discussion? Roll call- (yes; Baker absent). We have approved
this first consideration.
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November 18, 1997 City of Iowa City Page 6
ITEM NO. 7.
AMENDING TITLE 2 OF THE CITY CODE, THE HUMAN RIGHTS
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA, TO ALLOW FOR
ADMINISTRATIVE CLOSURES OF HUMAN RIGHTS COMPLAINTS THAT
DO NOT WARRANT FURTHER INVESTIGATION.
Comment: The Iowa City Human Rights ordinance does not include a
procedure for the administrative closure of a complaint when further
investigation is unwarranted. The Iowa City Human Rights Commission
has recommended that the Commission have the authority to
administratively close complaints that do not warrant further investigation
and believes such authority will result in a more efficient human rights
complaint process.
PUBLIC HEARING
Action:
ITEM NO. 8.
CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE
(FIRST CONSIDERATION)
3, 'CITY FINANCES,
TAXATION AND FEES," CHAPTER 4, 'SCHEDULE OF FEES, RATES,
CHARGES, BONDS, FINES AND PENALTIES" OF THE CITY CODE, TO
INCREASE WASTEWATER SERVICE CHARGES AND FEES IN IOWA CITY,
IOWA. (FIRST CONSIDERATION)
Comment: The proposed ordinance for wastewater service charges and
fees reduces the minimum usage from two hundred (200) cubic feet to
one hundred (100) cubic feet and the minimum fee charged is reduced by
50%. Fees are then increased by 10%. A new five percent (5%) late
penalty fee on the current portion of the bill is added. A new two-tiered
rate structure for BOD is included. The effective date is for billings on or
after March 1, 1998.
Action: ~~~~~
#7a page 1
ITEM NO. 7a AMENDING TITLE 2 OF THE CITY CODE, THE HUMAN RIGHTS
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA, TO ALLOW FOR
ADMINISTRATIVE CLOSURES OF HUMAN RIGHTS COMPkAINTS THAT
DO NOT WARRANT FURTHER INVESTIGATION.
Public Hearing
Nov/ (Reads agenda item #7a). I believe we've sort of said they can do it and then didn't
provide a procedure in the last revision?
Kubby/ Yes, this will provide the procedure.
Eleanor Dilkes/ There's just a brief reference to administrative closure in another section.
It doesn't really do anything.
Nov/ It doesn't do enough.
Dilkes/ Anything but reference it.
Nov/ Okay.
Dilkes/ It says if this and this and this happen, then you go to the next step kind of thing.
Nov/ All right. Public hearing is open.
Thomberry/ Close it.
Heather Shank/ Hello. I just want to assure you that with this revision, we are not
precluding anyone from their rights under the ordinance to pursue a complaint of
discrimination. If we find enough evidence after we have sent out the
questionnaires and we receive the responses, to believe that an investigation
doesn't need to be continued, we have three different groups that will make the
determination. And that's unlike the State process. They don't have that
decision-making going from one group to the next. So, we've put in a lot of
safeguards here, to make sure that we wouldn't be too fast in making the decision
that a case needed to be closed. Okay?
Nov/ Okay.
Kubby/ And one of the questions I had asked Heather was, have there been times when
you got those questionnaires back, and you thought this isn't a case of
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discrimination, and then did further investigation, and found that that wasn't
really true, that there was a case for discrimination? The answer was no, that --
Shank/ That's correct.
Kubby/ So, it makes a lot of sense to do it.
Vanderhoef/ Heather, I've just got one question here. On the review process of the
administrative closure, it just says the team shall "promptly review" and in other
places, you're talking about time limits and so forth. Is there some reason that
when it comes back to you for a second review that there isn't a time limit?
Shank/ I think it's because of the schedule of the Commissioners. Usually, they do
things within thirty days. But promptly usually, we can get people to come in
fairly promptly within a week, maybe ten days at the most.
Thomberry/ She's probably over-staffed to the point where she could probably do it
almost (can't understand).
Shank/ That's right, I have lots of time.
Nov/ Would it make sense to say "two weeks" instead of "promptly", or, you know,
some specific number?
Dilkes/ I think often, when we have the Commission that has to act, there are not time,
for instance, when the Commission, when Heather issues an investigation, and I
issue an opinion, there's no time limit within which the Commission has to act on
that.
Shank/ I think there's thirty days --
Dilkes/ Is it thirty days?
Shank/ They have to read it and make a decision within thirty days.
Nov/ There are references to thirty days in other places in this ordinance.
Norton/ I don't see the point.
Shank/ Well, we could add thirty days.
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Dilkes/ Yeah, we could do thirty days.
Thomberry/ A prompt thirty days, or promptly in thirty days.
Nov/ Well, "promptly" is so --
Dilkes/ Usually they do it faster than thirty.
Norton/ But thirty days is a long time.
Thomberry/ Oh, within would be a lot prompter than thirty days.
Vanderhoef I like that.
Nov/
Or you know, if you feel that ~,enty-one days is better, if you want to say
"promptly", I think it's a little easier to understand because "promptly" is vague.
And somebody may say "Geez, it's taken you a whole week. What do you mean
by promptly?"
Dilkes/ Is there a time limit within which the Commission has to act after they get an
opinion from us, or an investigation from us? I don't think --
Lehman/ Promptly.
Dilkes/ There is.
Nov/ No, there's a thirty day reference in here somewhere, but I'm not sure where it is.
Dilkes/Okay.
Shank/' They have to, after they get the case, we give them a case to read, they have to
read it and make a decision within thirty days.
Thomberry/ So we could say "thirty days or less".
Dilkes/ You could say that.
Norton/ Do they get working days, business days, and so on? If you're going to do it,
you've got to be careful.
Shank/ A lot of times the Commissioners read it on the weekend.
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Thornberry/ Thirty days.
Lehman/ I really kind of like "promptly". It doesn't bother me a bit.
Kubby/ Yeah, I'm fine with it.
Norton/ "Promptly" doesn't bother me.
Dilkes/ It hasn't been a problem at all.
Lehman/ No.
Shank/ No, we don't have a problem generally with people.
Thornberry/ The big scheme of things.
Norton/ Well, if it becomes a problem, we can fix it.
Lehman/ Promptly.
Thornberry/ Promptly.
Nov/ Well--
Shank/ You know what? I can sometimes be a nag, so ifI think things are not being
prompt enough --
Lehman/ Come back to us. We'll put in the days.
Thornberry/ Okay.
Norton/ Yeah.
Shank/ Generally they do it very quickly, though. I have no complaints.
Thomberry/ We can close the public hearing.
Shank/ Thanks.
Council/ Thank you.
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Art Vincent/ Good evening. My name's Art Vincent, and I reside in Iowa City. And
first, I wanted to publicly thank this Council for having passed favorably on my
application for appointment to the Human Rights Commission most recently.
There were a number, a large number of eminently qualified applicants, and I do
hope that they remain active in Human Rights and other aspects of this City's
welfare. Secondly, I'd like to add my x'oice, as a citizen, yet to be officially
appointed to the Commission, in, add my x'oice in favor of the approval of this
amendment for the Human Rights Commission. Thank you very much.
Nov/Thank you. Any other discussion?
Thomberry/ Thank you for coming up and saying, and showing us who you are, as
opposed to just names, or voices on the telephone. It would be nice to see each
person on each board that we, that we appoint. And I think Marian is going to be
taking that to heart.
Karr/
Oh yes. On December 16th will be your inauguration of your recognition
ceremony, and we'll be inviting all of your recently-appointed, including Mr.
Vincent to join us. And then we'll have a name and a face, and be presenting
them with their official appointment letter at that time.
Norton/ Nice.
Thomberry/ Thank you. And you're right, there were a lot of qualified people that
applied to all of the Boards and Commissions. And it's sometimes very difficult
to pick and choose just from talking to someone on the phone, or looking at their
application. And it's nice to see someone face-to-face on that.
Nov/ Okay. Anyone else? I'm going to close the p.h.P.h. is closed.
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ITEM NO. 8 CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 3, "CITY
FINANCES, TAXATION AND FEES," CHAPTER 4, "SCHEDULE OF FEES,
RATES, CHARGES, BONDS, FINES AND PENALTIES," OF THE CITY
CODE, TO INCREASE WASTEWATER SERVICE CHARGES AND FEES IN
IOWA CITY, IOWA. (FIRST CONSIDERATION).
Nov/ (Reads agenda item #8).
Norton/ Move first consideration.
Vanderhoef/ Second.
Nov/ Moved by Norton, seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion?
Thomberry/ I think there will be some, as soon as Don gets here.
Nov/Well, Don was here last week for the p.h. I don't knox,,' that he --
Lehman/ So I don't think there will be any discussion.
Thomberry/ Okay.
Nov/ You have anything to discuss?
Thomberry/ This isn't that 16%?
Norton/ No, no, no.
Council/ (All talking).
Atkins/ You sent us back to do some more work on it.
Norton/ Naomi, there is one point o-
Thomberry/ He's in back doing some work. I see him. He's working late.
Norton/ I don't know whether we should do this before Don's here, but I think it should
be understood that ~vhat this does is make the effective increase this year very
little. And when you consider this along with the increase in water rates, it makes
the actual apparent rate to an average user only go up a matter of a few cents,
where it would've ordinarily gone up several dollars.
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Nov/ Yeah. It depends on the amount you use.
Nortow' But on 800 cubic foot, it would've gone up several dollars. So, it's going to
look really nice this year, but I want to remind people that won't necessarily be
the case every year, as we seek to accumulate the cash --
Nov/ Right.
Norton/ As we're trying to do. This is a one shot relief, isn't that right, Don? Am I right
in saying this is a one --
Don Yucuis/ On rates?
Norton/ A one time.
D. Yucuis/ This year it should probably be the one shot, because they're still working on
the 20% accumulation of cash.
Norton/Right.
D. Yucuis/ And we need to make sure we achieve that. So next year, when we look at
rates again, we'll most likely increase, or suggest we increase everything,
including the minimums.
Lehman/ Yeah, but that 20% applies to the water plant, not the sewage plant, is that
correct?
D. Yucuis/ It applies to both.
Lehman/ Both of'em?
Nov/ Yeah.
D. Yucuis/ Correct.
Kubby/ Although we've gone through the most painful increase which was the first v. vo
years.
D. Yucuis/ Correct.
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Norton/ But there's considerable relief this year because a typical bill went up 28 cents
or something like that, as I look at it. Is that fight?
D. Yucuis/ Correct.
Vanderhoef/ Did you just say that next year there would be an increase in the minimums
again?
Norton/ A rate increase.
D. Yucuis/ We would increase the percentage on all rate blocks, including the minimum.
We wouldn't change the minimum --
CHANGE TAPE TO REEL 97-158 SIDE A
Thomberry/ Portion of the bill is added? I thought there was a late fee before. No?
D. Yucuis/ No, there wasn't. If you did not pay your bill, and you got a letter and then
got your, you got carded on your door, you had a fee added on at that time.
Thomberry/ So when does this 5% late fee, penalty fee begin? On the date that your bill
is due? Or is there any grace period?
D. Yucuis/ No. The due date is approximately 15 days from the billing date, and then
approximately 22 days from the billing date you will be assessed the 5% penalty.
So, you get approximately a week grace period.
Norton/ That's very generous.
Thornberry/ Very generous.
Kubby/ In terms of time, I think the percentage is pretty outrageous. I mean at most
businesses the penalty is 1.5% per 30 days, and on some later ordinances, where
the only thing we're changing is the 5%, or changing from no late penalty fee to a
5%, I'm not going to support that. But I will support it in here because I support
all the other changes in the ordinance. The change in the minimum, and the
increase in the rates.
Norton/ Didn't we look at that late payment for other cities, Don?
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D. Yucuis/ Yes, we did.
Norton/ And that 5% seemed not unreasonable?
D. Yucuis/ It wasn't unreasonable. There was a varying amount of rates, but there was a
lot of communities that do assess a penalty.
Thomberry/ Have you thought about giving a percentage off if you pay early?
D. Yucuis/ Well, we actually have a Sure Pay discount program, where if you have your
bill automatically taken out of, the payment of your bill automatically taken out of
your checking account, it's taken out the day aPter the due date, and you get a
dollar discount on that. So we do have a discount program right now.
Thomberry/ It has to be a payroll deduction though. What if you pay it ahead of time
and it's not a payroll deduction?
Nov/ It's not, it has to be --
Kubby/ It's not saving them anything.
Nov/ It's a bank account deduction.
Thornberry/ Oh, your bank account deduction. Well I don't want the City to have access
to mine. Sorry.
Norton/ I'd like to do it.
Nov/ Even if you save a dollar and 32 cents?
Thomberry/ No, no no. I've seen the budget.
Nov/ Wait till the postage goes up. Okay. Any other discussion? Roll call- (yes). We
have approved first consideration.
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November 18, 1997' City of Iowa City Page 7
ITEM NO. 9.
CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 3, 'CITY FINANCES,
TAXATION, AND FEES,' CHAPTER 4, 'SCHEDULE OF FEES, RATES,
CHARGES, BONDS, FINES, AND PENALTIES' OF THE CITY CODE, TO
INCREASE WATER SERVICE CHARGES AND FEES IN IOWA CITY, IOWA.
(FIRST CONSIDERATION)
ITEM NO. 10.
Comment: The proposed ordinance for water service charges and fees
reduces the minimum usage from two hundred (200) cubic feet to one
hundred (100) cubic feet and the minimum fee charged is reduced by
50%. Fees are then increased by 15%. A new five percent (5%) late
penalty fee on the current portion of the bill is added. The effective date
is for billings on or after March 1, 1998.
CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 3, 'CITY FINANCES,
TAXATION AND FEES," CHAPTER 4, 'SCHEDULE OF FEES, RATES,
CHARGES, BONDS, FINES AND PENALTIES" OF THE CITY CODE, TO
ADD A DELINQUENCY CHARGES OF FIVE PERCENT TO SOLID WASTE.
(FIRST CONSIDERATION)
ITEM NO. 11.
Comment: The proposed ordinance includes a five percent (5%) late
penalty fee on the current portion of the bill.
Action: ?) .. '
CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 14, ENTITLED ~UNIFIED
DEVELOPMENT CODE," CHAPTER 3, ENTITLED 'CITY UTILITIES,"
ARTICLE A, ENTITLED 'GENERAL PROVISIONS,' SUBSECTION 6,
ENTITLED 'BILLING AND COLLECTION PROCEDURES; DELINQUENT
ACCOUNTS" OF THE CITY CODE TO AUTHORIZE A DELINQUENCY
CHARGE WHEN THE ACCOUNT IS CONSIDERED DELINQUENT. (FIRST
CONSIDERATION)
Comment: The proposed ordinance adds-in language regarding when the
five percent (5%) delinquency charge is assessed.
#9 page I
ITEM NO. 9 CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 3, "CITY
FINANCES, TAXATION, AND FEES," CHAPTER 4, "SCHEDULE OF FEES,
RATES, CHARGES, BONDS, FINES, AND PENALTIES" OF THE CITY
CODE, TO INCREASE WATER SERVICE CHARGES AND FEES IN IOWA
CITY, IOWA. (FIRST CONSIDERATION).
Nov/ (Reads agenda item #9).
Vanderhoef Move first consideration.
Lehman/ Second.
Nov/ Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by Lehman. Discussion7
Kubby/ I again support all these changes, except the 5% late penalty fee, and will be
voting in favor of this, although when I look at our total rate structure, there in the
past has been discussion on the Council and in the community about not
maintaining our declining rate structure, meaning the more water you use, the less
you pay after a certain amount. And when I look at residential use, the amount of,
the percent of the total dollars that's for water in this community, 58.2% comes
from Iowa City residential users. But we only consume 37.1% of the total water
that is consumed. And I know that there's a lot of other factors involved when
looking at issues of fairness, but I know that Naomi, years ago, had given us, I
think it was Portland, Oregon's water rate structure that was a little complicated
probably for our tastes --
Nov/ Very complicated.
Kubby/ But there were some elements in there that helped create a more, in my mind a
better sense of fairness in the water rates. And I guess one of the things I want to
try to focus some of my time on is to try to understand those issues a little better
in the next year, so that before we start doing the rate increases for next year, I can
articulate what might be a fairer way to distribute our water structure among
different kinds of users.
No,,'/
You have to add on to this discussion the fact that Portland, Oregon water plant
sen, es the entire county. There isn't a neighboring community with a different
rate structure. And that's a big factor here.
Kubby/ But doesn't, that doesn't stop me from wanting to explore other ways, especially
when we start talking about using sales tax money for paying for water and sewer
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F111897
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fees, that ifa regressive tax like that is less regressive than our current water rate
structure, then maybe really the long-term and equitable answer is to look at our
water rate structure. So, I want to spend some time trying to understand this a
little better in the next couple of months. And if anybody up here has any
suggestions of places to head me, that would be great.
Thomberry/ I'm having trouble understanding, Karen, why you oppose the 5% late
penalty fee. You can explain that if you would?
Kubby/ Even though we've looked and compared the late fee that's in this ordinance to
other communities, I think they're !ate fees are outrageous. That most late fees
are not that high of a percentage of your bill. Usually, it's 1.5% per thirty days
that you don't pay your bill, for many different kinds of things. I just think it's
too much.
Thornberry/ You just got through saying that the water usage by individual households is
very minimal compared to the overall usage, and it would seem to me that ifa
business uses more water, they should be paying their bill on time. And probably
do. And I don't know what percentage of households or commercial ventures are
lax in paying their bill, but I think, like I explained, asked Don, those that pay
their bill on or in front of the date, should be given a consideration on their bill,
and they do. And those that are late on anything, I mean if you were to sell some
beads and they promised to pay you at a certain time, and they didn't pay you,
you would want a late charge for sending out additional bills and additional
paperwork and stuff. And I don't think that 5% is bad. And I think there should
be a penalty fee for late bills.
Kubby/ I'm not disputing the fact of the penalty. I'm disputing the amount. And we just
disagree on what is an appropriate amount, I guess.
Thomberry/ I think --
Nov/ And-- go ahead.
Lehman/ I just have, would you prefer a fixed amount, you know, like a five dollar fee?
Kubby/ No. I think that's even more outrageous.
LehmaW I would imagine the reason --
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Kubby/ You know, like TCI. You know, we get so many complaints about TCI's five
dollar flat penalty.
Lehman/ Well, but I think from a practical standpoint, it costs us money for, to have late
charges, people don't pay their bills on time, it costs us money to re-bill those
things, and it's only reasonable that we have some sort of late fee.
Kubby/ Yeah, no problem.
Lehman/ And 5% is considerably less than five dollars in probably 95% of the cases.
For example, in residents, it's like forty cents.
Norton/ Well, I know that Cedar Rapids and Clinton, Cedar Rapids and Clinton and
Coralville all have 10% late fees. So I think we're in the appropriate --
No,,'/ Everybody has a little different --
Thomberry/ Yeah.
Nov/Don, while we're wrapped up in the discussion of late fees, can we set up our
computer billing system so that we have something similar to what Mid-American
charges for energy? They say before this date, this is the amount to pay; after this
date, you pay that amount. And the penalty is visible on every bill?
D. Yucuis/ We're in progress in doing that. That's exactly what we're trying to do on
the bill. And it should be in place for the March 1st billing.
Kubby/ Great. Because then it does what Dean is trying to get after. It makes you feel
like you're paying less.
Norton/ Yeah.
Kubby/ For paying on time, when really you're just not being assessed the penalty.
Thomberry/ That's right.
Nov/ That's the way the --
Norton/ But then they used to give you the grace period once a year.
No,,'/ Very aware that if you pay on time you get a better rate.
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Thomberry/ That's right. And I, Don, I want to commend you on putting, if someone
has ~'o meters at the same location, they were getting ~'o different bills in v, vo
different envelopes. It's all, one bill is going to one address, and that's a savings
to the City. Thank you very much.
Lehman/ You changed that a long time ago, didn't you?
Thomberry/ Yeah, a year ago.
Norton/ That's a long time.
Thomberry/ Not in this business.
Nov/ Everything takes forever in a very short time.
Lehman/ Promptly.
Norton/ It's a prompt thirty days.
Nov/ Okay. Are we ready to vote?
Lehman/ Let's vote before we get penalized.
Nov/ Roll call- (yes). We have approved first consideration of this ordinance.
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ITEM NO. I0 CONSIDER AN ORDiNANCE AMENDING TITLE 3, "CITY
FINANCES, TAXATION, AND FEES," CHAPTER 4, 'SCHEDULE OF FEES,
RATES, CHARGES, BONDS, FINES AND PENALTIES" OF THE CITY
CODE TO ADD A DELINQUENCY CHARGE OF FIVE PERCENT TO SOLID
WASTE. (FIRST CONSIDERATION).
Nov/ (Reads agenda item #10).
Lehman/ Move first consideration.
Thornberry/ Second.
Nov/ Moved by Lehman, seconded by Thomberry. Discussion?
Lehman/ One quick question. What is the refuse charges? W'hat are they per month?
Per residence.
D. Yucuis/ It's $11.55. That's for refuse and recycling.
Lehman/ So the late fee would be 57 cents if they don't pay on time.
D. Yucuis/ Correct.
Lehman/ So we're talking about a very small amount of money on refuse.
Nov/ Yeah.
D. Yucuis/ Correct.
Nov/ It becomes higher on the other bills which are higher to begin with. Okay. Roll
call- (yes; Kubby, no). We have approved the first consideration on a 5/1 vote,
Kubby voting no.
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Fl11897
November 18,
ITEM NO. 12.
ITEM NO. 13.
3~5
ITEM NO. 14.
,~?- 3 ~j(,.
1997 City of Iowa City Page 8
CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 8, ENTITLED 'POLICE
REGULATIONS,' CHAPTER 7, ENTITLED 'WEAPONS," TO PROHIBIT THE
USE OF BOWS, ARROWS AND CROSSBOWS WITHIN THE CITY.
(SECOND CONSIDERATION)
Comment: The City has recently received several inquiries about hunting
deer with bow and arrows within City limits, including Hickory Hill Park.
This proposed ordinance amends the City Code by making it unlawful to
discharge from a bow or crossbow an arrow or other dangerous missile
which is capable of inflicting serious bodily injury or death. The ordinance
does not apply to persons discharging an arrow from a bow or crossbow
at an inanimate object provided the person has the permission of the
property owner and the person exercises due care and caution to avoid
striking people or animals.
Action:
CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE BUDGETED POSITIONS IN
THE CABLE TV DIVISION BY INCREASING THE HOURS OF THE CABLE
TV ADMINISTRATOR.
Comment: The increase in hours better reflects the current job duties and
demands placed on the Cable 'rv Administrator. The annual cost of this
increase in wages and benefits is approximately $10,000. Funds are
available from franchise fee revenue. A detailed memorandum from the
Assistant City Manager is included in Council packet.
Action: ./
CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND
THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST A LEASE OF THE UNION BUS DEPOT
PROPERTY, 404 EAST COLLEGE STREET.
Comment: The City of Iowa City, Iowa has leased the Union Bus Depot
located as 404 East College Street to Greyhound Lines, Inc. under the
current lease since March 1, 1993. The current lease is set to expire on
February 28, 1998. A new lease with the Greyhound Lines, Inc. has
been negotiated for the sum of $1200 per month, for an additional three-
year period. This Resolution authorizes the execution of the Lease
Agreement with Greyhound Lines, Inc. for the Union Bus Depot located at
404 East College Street for a three-year term.
Action: ~/~.~/~/'~. / 25~/W4~/c---~
#13 page l
ITEM NO. 13 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE BUDGETED
POSITIONS IN THE CABLE TV DIVISION BY INCREASING THE HOURS
OF THE CABLE TV ADMINISTRATOR.
Nov/ (Reads agenda item #13).
Vanderhoeff Move adoption of the resolution.
Norton/ Second.
Nov/ Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by Norton. Discussion?
Kubby/ Dale, is there any way to shift some of what the Administrator, what Drew does,
to other employees, or to div,,5' some of these things up that he's currently doing
so that, I just hesitate in, I'd rather have 5;10,000 more in programming, and I
mean, part of, I'm hearing that we can't do it without the supervision, without the
administration.
Dale Helling/ Yeah, I think because programming is just one aspect of what goes on, and
that's one of the things that Drew devotes probably a very small percentage of his
time to. He deals more with the oversight of the franchise and enforcing the
franchise ordinance, working with us on the development of the
telecommunications ordinance, the Infovision aspect of it which he's very
knowledgeable about as well.
Kubby/ Right. But the money that we're now going to pay for administration could be
going into programming is what I'm saying. Because it comes from that pot of
money that we do all of Government Access with, including all the franchise
agreement and all those things you just mentioned. But if we take 5;10,000 out of
that pot for administration, it means it's not available for other kinds of cable
issues.
Helling/ I think that's right, and I think that in this case, with a .6% administrator, and
the work that's being done, and the time that's required, I think it's --
Kubby/ It's not (can't understand).
Helling/ That's right. I think we have not increased his time for a long time. Frankly, I
think we've been getting extra hours free. And I think this reflects more
accurately the job that Drew is doing, and the time he's spending doing it. And
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that's why we're here, rather than looking at putting this into maybe more
attempts to increase the amount of production.
Norton/ It started out as full-time, after all.
Helling/ It started as full-time, and about ten years ago, we went to .6 time, and this is
going to 3/4 time.
Kubby/ Well, as we deal more with right-of-way issues, we may be glad that we do this.
Thomberry/ I think so.
Norton/ I always figure 3/4 is hard, you know. Three days, or four to 80% is the issue.
Slicing it. You've got to leave at like 2:15 to make it work.
Helling/ Yeah. In this case I've never worried about the hours, either. I think, in fact I
think he spends a lot of time --
Norton/ Sure.
Helling/ Monitoring the net and stuff, on his own time, from his own computer, just
keeping up with what's going on in this area, because it's happening really
quickly.
Kubby/ Okay.
Thomberry/ I oppose it for a different reason. I just think that if we had fexver public
access channels, we wouldn't, we could save some money there, and then still be
able to afford a full-time administrator. And make those channels full-time
instead of part-time channels.
Kubby/ But this --
Thornberry/ Because they are super part-time channels. When I turn them on, sometimes
there's nothing on. It's just white.
Kubby/ But those channels are not supported by this pot of money except for Channel
Four. PATV is a separate pot of money that goes through us, but directly to
PATV, right?
Helling/ Right.
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Kubby/ And the Kirkwood Channel and the Library Channel do not come from this pot
o f money.
Norton/ Well, isn't that a question that the BTC, the Telecommunications Committee, do
they look at this matter? Or is this just strictly us?
Helling/ This is pretty much administrative.
Norton/ I see.
Helling/ I, you know --
Norton/ Dean's question, doesn't it go to them? The possibility of consolidation? I
noticed the Library Channel and the Senior Center Channel and the Library are
trying to get together, aren't they? Irying to get some efficiency?
Helling/ Well, the Senior Center doesn't have a channel, but the Government Channel
and the kibrary, we've talked with the Library about doing this a number of times,
and I think we're moving in that direction, although I think it'll take some time.
But the rest of the access channels are reserved by virtue of the franchise, and
they're programmed by other entities with the exception of Channel Four, and the
Library Channel, I0, I believe. So, this really wouldn't affect them, because all we
really do for those other channels is just by the virtue of the franchise reserve
channel space for them, for the schools, for the University, and for public access.
Nov/ But franchise fees do fund the kibrary Channel?
Helling/ Part of it. You allocate a certain dollar amount each year to the kibrary to help
them program their channel.
Thornberry/ This program administrator is now, ,,','hat did you say, 3/4 time?
Norton/ 3/5 right now.
Helling/ Right no,.,,' it's 3/5. It'll go to 3/4.
Thomberry/ Going from 3/5 to 3/4 for $10,0007
Helling/ Well that's, yeah. That's a pro-ration that includes salary increase plus that
percentage of benefits.
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Thornberry/ If he were full-time, what would he be making?
Helling/ With salary and benefits?
Thomberry/ Well if3/5 to 3/4 is 5;10,000, my goodness.
Helling/ If the division was level, it would probably be 5;50,000s.
Thornberry/ Yeah.
Helling/ Yeah.
Thornberry/ Fifty some thousand dollars for that.
Kubby/ For a cable expert.
Thornberry/ Yeah. For an administrator.
Lehman/ Well, I think what we're talking about is whether or not we want to change this
from a, up to a 3/4 position. I don't know that the salary is under discussion. It's
just a matter of if we need --
Helling/' The salary's been in place for some time.
Lehman/ Yeah.
Helling/ This is just a pro-ration.
Thomberry/ I understand a 5;10,000 pro-ration.
Nov/ Well, the budget discussion will come up and you'll have a chance to see if you
want to amend that.
Thornberry/ Okay.
Nov/ But for now, we want to give him 3/4 time? Let's vote. That's what the discussion
is about.
Thornberry/ I'd just assume keep the free-time that he's been doing.
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No,,,/ Okay. I think we're ready. Roll call- (yes; Thomberry - no). Thank you.
Thomberry/ Naomi said no.
Nov/ I said yes.
Thomberry/ Oh, did you?
Nov/ I did say yes.
Thomberry/ I'm sorry.
Nov/ And I think I heard just one no. I think we approved this on a 5/1 vote --
Thomberry/ Well, Larry would've said no.
Nov/ No proxies.
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ITEM NO. 14 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST A LEASE OF THE UNION BUS
DEPOT PROPERTY, 404 EAST COLLEGE STREET.
Nov/ (Reads agenda item #14).
Kubby/ Move we adopt this resolution.
Lehman/ Second.
Nov/ Moved by Kubby, seconded by Lehman.
Lehman/ Does anybody know the amount per month of the old lease?
Thomberry/ Eleanor probably does.
Atkins/ It did not increase substantially.
Dilkes/ No, I don't.
Atkins/ Very little change.
Lehman/ This is from '93, so --
Atkins/ Yeah, and it has not changed much.
Lehman/ Okay.
Atkins/ The (can't understand) was very little.
Kubby/ Do you know what that means? I mean like 5;1007
Atkins/ Less than 5;100.
Kubby/ By?
Atkins/ I couldn't tell you.
Lehman/ I would assume that this represents some fair market value.
Nov/ Who negotiated the lease?
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Atkins/ Oh yeah. We're not uncomfortable with the lease number, and Sarah may know
the previous lease.
Kubby/Hi, Sarah.
Atkins/ The--
Sarah Holecek/ Did you have a question?
Thomberry/ Sarah knows.
Kubby/ Do you know what the current lease amount is for the Greyhound?
Holecek/ It's $1,200 a month. It's the same.
Atkins/ So it hasn't changed.
Kubby/ No change. How come? How come no change?
Holecek/ I actually don't know. I think it's because of the property is not necessarily
been improved over the period of time.
Lehman/ I've noticed that.
Norton/ It hasn't.
Kubby/ And we can't, do we pay taxes on our own property, on something like that?
Atkins/ I think not.
Nov/ Yeah.
Kubby/ I would think they're going up on commercial property. So why wouldn't that
be reflected in the lease?
Atkins/ I would suspect, and I think the previous lease was 3 years, it had a good bit to
do with a willingness to pay. We had, I remember, during the previous
negotiations, there was some serious though, and Marian's nodding her head, I
think I remember where went --
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Kubby/ I knox,,' that they do all major maintenance. So we don't have any expenses with
that.
Arkins/ They were saying we can't afford it, so there's going to be no bus depot. And
we felt it was an important community sen'ice.
Norton/ So we're temporizing in a way. Yeah.
Lehman/ Well, and I think the other thing is probably that property probably is not really
suited for much of anything else. I mean it used to be a sen'ice station --
Atkins/ No, not at all.
Lehman/ I don't know ,,,,,hat else we could use that for.
Thornberry/ I think it could be a number of different things.
Norton/ Hamburger place?
Thornberry/ Not necessarily.
Kubby/ A china shop.
Atkins/ By itself--
Thornberry/ A lot of things.
Lehman/ Flowerama.
Atkins/ By itself, it would have to be cleared.
Nov/ It would have to be cleared and rebuilt.
Arkins/ And then you'd have the intervening property owner that's going to -- I would be
very reluctant to release it or build on it for not knowing what the intervening
property owner is going to do.
Norton/ With a gas station, there's probably underground tanks as well.
Arkins/ I couldn't tell you that. I suspect there probably are.
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Lehman/ Why'd you bring that up?
Vanderhoef I'll ask you, Sarah. You'll have the answer.
Holecek/ Sure.
Vanderhoef If the City chose to break this lease, would we have to buy it out if we
wanted to use the property for something else, before the end of the three years?
Holecek/ Typically, there would be some damages involved with breaking the lease.
Lehman/ That's what it says.
Dilkes/ It would depend upon the circumstances under which it were being broken.
Holecek/ But as in any lease agreement, as I'm sure you're aware of, you know, in a
landlord/tenant situation, if your landlord is removing the tenant, there is
generally damages that is paid associated with that breaking of the lease.
Vanderhoef When it isn't for cause.
Holecek/ Pardon me?
Vanderhoef When it isn't for cause.
Holecek/ Right, that's correct. If there's, you know, cause that we can't continue, for
instance, if we were shut down, or if the place was shut down due to
uninhabitability, you can't habitate it anymore, that would be something that I
think you've read in the terms of the lease, either party can dissolve the lease for.
Norton/ Were they insisting on a three-year lease, or were we? I mean who was --
Holecek/ They requested a three-year lease.
Kubby/ Thanks.
Lehman/ Let's do it.
Nov/ Okay. Any other discussion? Roll call- (yes). Okay. We have approved the lease.
Kubby/ I'll be everyone in town would like their rents not to increase for six years.
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Nov/ Yeah, right.
Kubby/ But it is good to have this downtoy, re.
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November 18, 1997 City of Iowa City Page 9
ITEM NO. 15. ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES.
a. Current Vacancies.
(1)
Airport Commission: One vacancy to fill an unexpired term
ending March 1, 2003. (John Penick resigned.) (4 males and 0
females currently serve on this Commission.)
This appointment will be made at the December 16 Council
meeting.
b. Previously-Announced Vacancies.
(1)
Public Art Advisory Committee: Four vacancies; one to fill a one-
year term, two to fill two-year terms, and one to fill a three-year
term all beginning January 1, 1998. The Committee will be
comprised of two community representatives and two art
professionals. (This is a new Committee.)
(2)
Board of Adjustment: One vacancy to fill a five-year term ending
January 1, 2003. (Term expires for Pat Eckhardt.) (2 females
and 2 males currently serve on this Board.)
(3)
Design Review Committee: One vacancy for a Business or
Property Owner from the Central Business District or Near
Southside Neighborhood to fill an unexpired term ending
July 1, 1999. (Daryl Woodson resigned.) (2 females and 4
males currently serve on this Committee.)
ITEM NO. 16.
_ se appointments will be made at the December 9 Council meeting.
CITY C~FORMATION.
ITEM NO. 17.
REPORT ON ITEMS FROM THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY.
a. City Manager.
b. City Attorney.
ITEM NO. 18.
#15 page l
ITEM NO. 15 ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES.
Nov/ Item number 15, Announcement of Vacancies. (Reads agenda item #15).
Kubby/ I got so excited because I thought I found a woman to apply for the Airport
Commission, but she lives in Coralville. At the end of the conversation, I thought
of asking that.
kehman/ Have her fly over.
Nov/ And she wasn't willing to move just to be on the Committee.'?
Kubby/ No.
Nov/Can't blame her. All right.
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ITEM NO. 16 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION.
Nov/ We have City Council Information. Where are we going to start? Vanderhoef?
Vanderhoef Nothing, thank you.
Nov/ Thomberry?
Thomberry/ The phone, Ernie's phone hasn't rung yet, so I guess he's not a new, a new
grandfather yet, but he's got a phone handy, and he's waiting for any minute.
Now Eleanor, I understand that you're fairly close here.
Dilkes/ Yep.
Thornberry,' That the hospital sent you home and said wait, huh?
Kubby/ And here she is working.
Thornberry/And here you are at the Council meeting.
Nov/ Yes. Well we keep hoping someday, you know, this is going to happen.
Thornberry/ It's close. We have a phone for 911 anytime that you -- That's all I have.
Nov/ All right. Ernie?
Lehman/ Well, two things. First of all, I'm sure the public noticed that we did get our
first case back from the PCRB, and we received that report in our packet. I was
personally very, very impressed with the way that was written. Aside from the
decision they came to, I think that they amved at it in a very professional manner,
and it was the kind of thing we were looking for when we appointed that
Committee, and I think we all have got to be ,.'ery, very pleased v.'ith the level of
v.'ork they did on that. So, I'm pleased with that. The other thing, we discussed
last night briefly, and we discussed it again when Mr. Kemp was here. Ihe
fountain downtown may or may not stay there, and I think in viev.' of some of the
things that have happened recently, I guess mainly First Avenue, I would like to
see as much public input as we can possibly get nov,', rather than wait until the
time has come to either refurbish or remove that fountain, and suddenly have the
public down there screaming at us, and saying we didn't give them a chance. So
their chance to speak is now. Plans are being made, I think, for that. And it
really, we do need, we do need to knox,,' hov.' the public feels about that fountain.
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I mean, if we want to keep that fountain and refurbish it, that's one thing. If folks
would rather see a new water feature, we need to know that. But I think we need
to hear from folks now, sooner rather than later.
Nov/ Karen?
Kubby/ I wanted to add onto Ernie's comments about the PCRB report, and at the end of
it, it, there is a statement that says that there are some things worthy of further
public discussion. But I guess, my question to the Council is, then what is the
next step towards this public discussion as recommended by the Board and who
does that? Do we ask the Board to hold further public discussion on these issues,
meaning issues of policy in terms of arresting intoxicated individuals, and how
does our use of force policy, how is that guided by the severity of the crime
committed? Because that's something they recommended to us, and I'm not sure,
does it just sit there, what do we do with it?
NortoW My understanding, Karen, is that one of the charges of that Committee is that
they would periodically, report to us, or recommend to us, changes in our
procedures. So I would think they would, as early as, as soon as possible, look
into those procedures and discuss them with the relevant people and make some
recommendation to us for a change in a standing procedure.
Kubby/ Right. But it's not just about policy. It's about public discussion to determine
v,'hether we should be policy, and --
Norton/ They may need that, too.
Kubby/ Maybe Marian can, because she's got a --
Karr/ I believe the section, or the sentence you are referring to, was in the comment
section.
Kubby/ Right.
Karr/ And that was dealing overall with the fact that as part of their review, they will be
looking at general orders, the accreditation process, and all policies and
procedures. And they are right now determining how best to do that. They are
just finishing up their Academy, and looking at a regular meeting schedule. And it
would be my recommendation that they would be having their presentations and
dialogue with the Police Department on policies and procedures as soon as
possible. And then determine how they'd like to proceed as far as public input.
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Whether that be structured heating, or whether that be a series of dialogues, or
simply some input received through the neighborhood associations.
Kubby/ But they're going to take that on.
Norton/ Yeah.
Karr/ Absolutely. They feel that that is within their --
Kubby/ Great.
Norton/ They're certainly authorized to hold public hearings if they wish to.
Karr/ They are aware of that. I think, again, I think it's important that there's a
presentation explanation, and the policies and procedures, as you know, they're
quite a number of them, and that they be packaged in some containable fashion,
and not all digested at once, but in certain sections, and taken on a little at a time.
Norton/ Good. So they're pursuing it.
Karr/ Yes, they are.
Nortorff Good.
Kubby/ So I just want to remind the public of two things in terms of the PCRB. One is
that the reports like the one we got in our packet is public information, and
anyone can go to the Clerk's office and request a copy of it just to kind of see
what the format is and what information was in the report. And secondly, when
they do start having regular meetings, that there will be a section of their meetings
for public discussion. So, if you have something you want to discuss with the
PCRB, you have an opportunity during their regular meetings. This last weekend,
we had 74 City employees who volunteered to do some raking for senior citizens.
And I can't remember how many years we've been doing this, but every year, it
seems like there are a few more employees who get involved. And I wanted to
say thank you to the folks who helped organize it, Joyce Carroll and who's the
second person, Barb --
Atkins/ Coffey.
Kubby/ Coffey, thank you. I was going to say (can't understand) but I knew that was not
correct. And all the City employees who took time out on their days off to have
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the joys of the outdoors and getting sore muscles for the community. Thanks a lot
for that extra time. I wanted to remind people about an event happening on
November 20th, actually there's three things happening on November 20th that
are competing for the community's attention. One is the Public Access
Television's annual meeting, which is happening at the Public library, I believe at
7:00. The second is New Pioneer's annual meeting, and the third one, that I'm
encouraging people to go to, is the Women's Resource and Action Center's
having another Social Change training about working effectively with the media.
And maybe some of our media friends would maybe want to go and cover that, or
see what we're saying, and see if you agree or not. And that is happening on
Thursday, November 20th from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Indiana Room in the Iowa
Memorial Union. It's only 5;10 and their are scholarships and childcare is
provided if you need that. Io register, call the WRAC at 335-1486. I went to a
presentation last week from a, through Big Brothers/Big Sisters of a man who
wrote a book kind of telling the story of his being a Big Brother, and stories of
many people being Big Brothers and just all the happiness that that brings to
everybody. And it was very inspiring, and I got reminded about how many
people are on the waiting list. There are 75 kids on the waiting list for Big
Brothers/Big Sisters, and 75% of those are young men needing a Big Brother.
The other things I learned is that couples can go together to be a kind of Big
Brother/Big Sister team, or a Big Sister/Big Sister team, or a Big Brother'Big
Brother team, and I didn't know that. And part of that 50 cent pass-thru money
on your cable bill goes to community programming. And one of the things that
our community programmer did was make a video for our local Big Brothers/Big
Sisters. I think it's a seven or eight minute video. It's really nice seeing local
people kind of testifying about their experience. And that's available for sen'ice
clubs if anybody would like Barbara Curtin or any of the staff from Big
Brothers/Big Sisters, and can contact them at 337-2145, and don't forget that
Bowl for Kids' Sake is February 28th. You guys got to get your team rolling
along. We might have ~'o or three teams from this group of people which is a
great way to participate. Two other things. One is that the, in the paper this
morning, in the Press-Citizen, I read an article about having a holiday tree on the
fountain, and Santa Claus is going to come and light the tree. And I don't have a
problem with holiday lights on the trees downtown. I do have a problem with
Christmas caroling, and having a tree on public property, on the, is it really going
to be on the fountain?
Atkins/ Not sure. (Can't understand).
Nov/ Somebody has to give them permission.
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Kubby/ I have --
Atkins/ I could have done that, but I'm --
Thomberry/ I think it's a fantastic idea.
Atkins/ The fountain thing I wasn't real sure.
Kubby/ As someone who does not celebrate Christmas, I have a real hard time with the
City doing this, the --
Thomberry/ I think if the White House can do it, we can do it. I don't see any problem.
Kubby/ I'm just saying that I have a problem, and I wanted to bring it up to see if any
other Council members had a problem. And I know that some of the organizers
are saying, you know, we'll have some Kwanzaa activities, and we'll have some
Hanukkah songs, that as a Jew, I don't want to have, perpetuate the myth that
Hanukkah and Christmas are somehow connected or parallel. They're not. One's
about revolution, and one's about a religious commemoration, and it's a very
different holiday. And I don't think we should do it. And especially, I don't think
we should have a holiday tree on the fountain. In public space like Blackhawk
Mini Park where we allow people to have prayer meetings or political meetings,
or singing, that's fine, because anyone can come and get a permit for Blackhawk
Mini Park to be around the fountain. But I couldn't go and say I wanted to have
some event on the fountain and get a permit. It's just not part of our process. So
why should Old Capitol Mall and the Downtown Association have access to the
fountain when no other community group has access to permit having use of the
fountain. So if the majority wants to allow this to happen, I don't think it should
be on the fountain, but maybe there's another appropriate place that other
community organizations also have the opportunity to use for their purposes.
Thornberry/ Well, I can see that --
Norton/ Well, fine.
Thomberry/ Maybe the fountain itself is not the most appropriate place. But I think
getting back to family values and all of the things that Hanukkah, that Christmas,
that anything that brings families together, I think ought to be embraced. Not
only by individuals, but by the City.
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Norton/ Well I think one has to be very cautious about this. I do think we ought to hear
about it. I, you knox,,,', you pretty well succumb to the Christmas tree whether
your into it yourself or not. So, but it does seem to me it ought to probably come
to us. Is that going to happen? Where, exactly where, and how long?
Kubby/ It seems like it's kind of a change in policy, and that it should be a discussion
among us.
Atkins/ I read it this morning, so I can't tell you much more than that.
Norton/ But we don't know.
Lehman/ I suspect, and I'm guessing, I probably shouldn't do this, but I'm guessing that
if in fact it is to be placed on the fountain, it probably is to be done so for
visibility. And probably also to keep it up away from folks bothering it.
Atkins/ Well I'm heating two things. One is not at all, and one is not on the fountain.
Thornberry/ No, I didn't say not on the fountain. That may not be, but it may be.
Atkins/ This is what I'm heating, Dean. I said, not at all, or not on the fountain.
Lehman/ I don't have a problem with either.
Thornberry/ I don't, either.
Norton/ It's not my favorite, but I guess I would go along with it. It's not my favorite
thing, but it's like a lot of other things.
Nov/
I think it's possibly a public endorsement of Christmas. And I'm not sure that it
ought to be a public endorsement. But at least it's not a nativity. We've had that
discussion before.
Norton/ Yeah, I think it depends a little on how discretely decorated, and so forth, and
explicit religious symbolism, and so forth.
Nov/ Right.
Norton/ And maybe that would be okay.
Thomberry/ I don't see anything improper --
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Vanderhoef/ I think white lights is what I'd want.
Norton/ Yeah, that's what I thought, too.
Nov/ If it has plain white lights --
Vanderhoef/ In a holiday --
Norton/ Just like the lights we put on the other trees.
Vanderhoef/ Yeah.
Norton/ That'd be fine.
Nov/ I think so.
Kubby/But once you allow this group access to the fountain --
Thomberry/ At least we're not afraid to say the word Christmas.
Nov/ I don't know that --
Thomberry/ Yeah.
Nov/ Are you sure it's on the fountain?
Kubby/ Well I'm just saying that's what I --
Nov/ If there was a tree --
Kubby/ It was indicated in the article. But that may or may not be --
Norton/ I just thought it was going to be on the Ped Mall. I didn't --
Vanderhoef/ Whether it's on or in the fountain area --
Norton/ That's right.
Vanderhoef/ I read it sort of liberally, but it is in the fountain area, meaning in the
crossroads of the Ped Mall.
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Norton/ Well isn't this going to happen pretty quickly?
Nov/ But not on top of the fountain. That doesn't sound like a good idea.
kehrnan/ This week.
Norton/ This week. Well then we'd better make some statement, and if we're going to
go with it, let's go with it, and --
Thomberry/Okay, let's go for it.
Norton/ Then we'll be on the record.
Kubby/ Well, it kind of looks like it's three and three.
Lehman/ Really?
Norton/ Well I'll go with it.
Thornberry/ He wants to go with it.
Kubby/ Really?
Norton/ Yeah, I don't know what we can do, I mean --
Kubby/You can say no.
Norton/ I don't want to, I don't want to say no. As long as it's discretely decorated, you
understand what I mean?
Kubby/
Norton/
Nov/
What do you mean by discretely decorated?
White lights, you know, if it's got crosses all over it, then I'm not into it. Okay?
What if it has plain, small, white lights, and it's similar to what all the other trees
have. I don't think it's a bad decor. But I still don't think it belongs on top of the
fountain.
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Lehman/ You know, this problem, this may not be the most timely thing for us to talk
about now, when I think it's going to be put up yet this week, and I think the
festivities are scheduled for this coming Sunday.
Nov/ Are they?
Lehman/ But the one thing this Council and this City does not need is at this point in
time, when all of the preparations have been made, whether timely or not, for us
to come down and say you can't have a tree on the plaza. I think that is
ridiculous, and if we don't like it, afterwards, we say we don't do it again.
Kubby/ But we have no say about it.
Lehman/ I realize that. I say it's untimely.
Kubby/ It's a change in policy on how the Ped Mall is used around holiday time. And it
should have, it's not my fault it didn't come to us. It's not any of our fault.
Lehman/ I agree with you, Karen.
Kubby/ So it's not irresponsible to be saying something about it.
Lehman/ It's not irresponsible to say we should look at it. I think it is irresponsible for
us to try to do something about it at this point in time.
Nov/ I think we can say that they can have it on the Ped Mall without putting it on top of
the fountain.
Lehman/ No, but I think --
Kubby/ That's still a third question, as to whether that way that I read it was accurate or
not.
Norton/ See, we don't know what we're dealing with.
Lehman/ We don't know. That's the whole thing.
Kubby/ We can just insure that that's not the case.
Nov/ Yeah.
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Kubby/ Yeah.
Vanderhoef/ And it might turn out that the design that they have in mind on the fountain
would be fine.
Norton/ They'd have to work otherwise, maybe.
Thomberry/ What's--
Vanderhoef/ It might be safer if they're designing something that covers the fountain
area.
Kubby/ Okay. So ifI want to do an event in this, in, sometime when the fountain's not
on, can I go to Steve and get a permit to use the fountain? There's really no
process for that. Why should one group have --
Lehman/ There should be.
Norton/ We should have an application process like we do for every other thing that
happens on the Ped Mall. Don't they have to, if they want to set up a table, or
whatever? Well I'm kind of surprised that we are faced with a basically a fait
accompli.
Nov/ Well, we don't approve each table in the Ped Mall.
NortoW Right.
Kubby/ That's Steve. One of Steve's responsibilities.
Nov/ But it's usually in the Consent Calendar after it's been approved. We find out that
two weeks ago somebody did that, and they were approved.
Norton/ They are (can't understand) after the fact.
Kubby/ Does anyone else have problems with Christmas caroling or Santa Claus being
part of the -- '~
NortoW No.
Nov/ No.
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Thomberry/ Not at all.
Nov/ As long as they don't play it continuously. If they're going to do some carols for
an hour, that's okay. I don't have to be there during that hour.
Kubby/ No, it's not music piped into the Ped Mall in that sense.
Nov/ Yeah. If those people wanted to sing at Blackhawk Park, they would sing at
Blackhawk Park. If they want to sing on any other public property, they could do
that. And those that don't want to hear it don't have to be there.
Thornberry/ That's right. The kids caroling from school, when they'd come caroling
through the Old Capitol Mall. I think it's really neat.
Lehman/ They also carol on the Ped Mall.
Thornberry/ I think all of those activities are just really neat.
Nov/ So long as we don't have scanned music played continuously, it's really neat.
Thomberry/ Well I even like the music that was played at the Holiday Inn.
Kubby/ You know, it was kind of oppressive to those of us who aren't from that faith.
Norton/ There may be people who that's not their cup of tea, Dean.
Kubby/ Who don't want to be subjected to that in a public space all the time.
Thornberry/ Listen, this, we are, I don't want to belabor this point, but we are a
homogeneous nation of peoples from throughout the world, and --
Kubby/ We're not that --
Thornberry/ And it's supposed to be a country where people can get along. And if you
want yours, and but, you don't want anybody else's, then you don't really, you
can't act that way. I mean, you've got to, I've got no problem with any faith.
There's no faith that preaches bad things.
Nov/ Nobody said that.
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Thomberry/ So I'm just saying I can go along, get along, with other faiths without
having to be opposed to a Christmas tree or be opposed to caroling, or anything
else.
Norton/ We're talking about sensitivities to different traditions. That's all we're talking
about.
Nov/ And we're not, we're not --
Thornberry/ That's right. And I have no problem with hearing about your faith, or lack
of it, or Karen's faith, or anybody else's faith. I have no problem with it.
Nov/ We haven't said there was a problem with it. But we have said is that this --
Thomberry/ Karen had a problem with the Christmas tree.
Kubby/ Yeah, because it's part. The reason I brought this up is because there was an
unspoken policy about the lack of that kind of thing going on in our Pedestrian
Mall, and our public space. And that is being changed in a practical way. And it
bothers me, yes, and so I'm bringing it up.
Thornberry/ Okay.
Kubby/ And if people ,.,,'ant to do anything about it, I'm ready to --
Thornberry/ You made your point. I've made mine.
Kubby/ I'm ready to do on.
Thornberry/ Okay.
Norton/ Should we vote?
Nov/ We don't have to vote.
kehman/ No, we don't vote.
Nov/ We don't get a vote. That's really the main point here.
Kubby/ That's the problem that I had.
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Thornberry/ I think we have to vote. I just think it's the thing to do.
Kubby/ No, I guess what I would like the message to be is that when there is something
like this, it's kind of a change in status, I'd like it to come before us so that we can
make the policy change, and to do it in a timely way that doesn't interfere with
people's plans, as Ernie was talking about. I just have one last thing. Hickory
Hill, there are some places that get really, really muddy. And there are a couple of
people I want to thank. And you know, I don't know their names, but they're the
owners of Emma and the owners of Molly, and they know who they are. And
they have done some kind of spontaneous citizen action out at Hickory Hill, and
they've inspired other people to do so. Ihey bring plastic bags and fill them up
while they're up at the north Dodge Street entrance while they're walking their
dogs, and --
CHANGE TAPE TO REEL 97-158, SIDE B
Kubby/ The wood chips and haul them down to the really muddy places, before they got
muddy. And this week, they've been really muddy because it was cold and snowy
and wet, and filling out, and trails are really different when there are wood chips
on there. And they've inspired other people including myself to once in a while
haul chips around to the really, the very muddy places, and trying to work our
way around the park. So it's a lot of muscle power, and it changes the nature of
your walk, frankly, to do it. But it's really wonderful to see people just kind of
taking care of things themselves.
Nov/ And where's this pile, at the Park itsell'?.
Lehman/ Yeah.
Kubby/ The pile is at the Park itself. So thanks to Emma and Molly's moms.
Nov/ Okay. Dee?
Norton/ I have just one, or two quick questions for the City Manager. We got a recent
report on the Shuttle Bus, and --
Nov/ I have it.
Norton/ Oh, you do?
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Nov/ Yes, I do. Friday, November 14th, we had 645 passengers.
Kubby/It's not even that cold.
Norton/ That's one day?
Nov/One day, 645 passengers rode on the Free Shuttle.
Norton/ That is really wonderful.
Lehman/ We did something right.
Norton/ And the last question is, how's Rohret Road and Melrose coming? I see some
planting being done out there. Have we about got Rohret Road planting under
control?
Atkins/ The Rohret Road planting, I think, is under control. There are still the legal
issues. We've gone ahead and done the planting.
Norton/ So the planting's been done.
Atkins/ The planting's been done. Legal issues are not finished yet.
Norton/ And Melrose?
Atkins/ Melrose, we're still working with the contractor.
Norton/ Okay. Hurry, the weather's getting --
Atkins/ I understand that.
Norton/ Okay, all right.
Nox'/
Okay. I have one announcement. I would like to invite the public to come on
December 2nd at 7:00 p.m., Meeting Room A of the Iowa City Public Library,
and see the Human Rights Commission's video, which is entitled "Transgender:
The Lax,,' and Employers". And it includes some expert opinions within the video,
plus a panel discussion afterwards. It was generated for the purpose of educating
the various employers in gender identity issues and employment of transsexuals,
and it should be very interesting. Come to the premiere on December 2nd.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa CiD' council
meeting of November 18, 1997.
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City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE: November 17, 1997
TO: Mayor, City Council , and General Public
FROM: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
Re: Revised Agenda Item No. 18
REVISED ITEM. 18.
ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION. To discuss strategy with counsel in
matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its
disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage the position of the
governmental body in that litigation.
Action' ~ ~~/7~z~
ITEM NO. 19.
ADJOURNMENT
? '/~'
City Council Meeting Schedule
and Tentative Work Session Agendas
November 15 - November 21, 1997
November 1~, 1997
[] = Telecast Uve on Cable Channel 4
I November 17
7:00p
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE
7:00p
7:15p
8:00p
8:10p
8:20p
8:40p
8:50p
9:00p
Review Zoning Matters
Downtown Streetscape Plan
Deer Management Update
Airport Commercial Area / Project Committees
Cemetery Update
Low-Income Policy
Airpo, L Co,,,f,,is$1oR-FCouncil C~rrmlitt~s
Council Agenda/Council Time
MondayI
Council Chambers
[November 18
7:00p
FORMAL COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday J
Counc/I Chambers
November 19
5:00p - 7:30p
WORK SESSION
COUNCIL/PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
Comprehensive Plan
Wednesday
Council Chambers
Keg Ordinance
Hickory Hill West
Water Project Costs
Chutes and Vaults
Sales Tax
HCDC Issues
FUTURE WORK SESSION ITEMS
Landfill Master Plan
Sand Point Wells
DARE Program Review
Sanitary Sewer Repair - New Policy Update
Housing Forum
Peninsula