Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-01-27 CorrespondenceJan. 17, 1998 . ~'~ . 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA ~- ~ '~ '~ ~ '~ ~ 52240 ~, ~ Dear Councilors, ~.~{ ~]i~.~'% ~1,~ l ~ writing to ~k you to address a grave problem which I have obeyed su~ounding the Universi~ of Iowa c~pus. ~e interaction ~tween ~des~s ~d automobiles, es~ci~ly at inte~ctions is ve~ h~dous. In the ~e~ whe~ the universi~ adjoins the downtown ~ea, a climate prevails which is typified by disreg~d for traffic laws, lack of co~esy for fellow ~avele~, ~d ~ appalling disres~ct for the rights of way of each other. I am fairly certain that this is not the first time you have heard of this situation. You have probably experienced it personally. These problems exist in many cities of comparable size and around nearly all universities. Most communities have included in their long term transportation planning, a strategy to protect pedestrians and expedite the flow of auto traffic. I assume Iowa City has done this as well since traffic diverters were recently installed on Linn St. east of the public library. These are effective in compelling autos to slow and stop at a location which improves pedestrian safety. Does the city intend to employ more of these improvements elsewhere? Would you direct the planning staff to consider a similar strategy for Clinton St.? It appears to be a secondary arterial for auto traffic but with the periodic flows of pedestrian traffic blocking the roadway, this is hardly the case. If the city views Clinton as a valuable north-south corridor, I encourage you to consider these options, employ traffic officers at the center of the intersection to direct and monitor traffic during hours of peak use, install physical barriers to direct auto traffic in a safer fashion, i.e. discouraging right turns through an occupied crosswalk, or posting officers to give citations to those who violate the existing laws. These solutions address the legal aspects of the problem but leave the issue of courtesy untouched. I have been a pedestrian in cities throughout the US and have driven in nearly as many. Nowhere have I encountered the rudeness, belligerence, and aggressiveness evident in Iowa drivers. They turn right on red without stopping. they edge into occupied crosswalks. they stop in positions which completely block the right of way, they run red lights, and they will accelerate toward crossing pedestrians on the far side of the intersection after leaving their stop sign. These behaviors are common place in large cities where traffic is very thick and population is dense. It is unpleasant in any case but in Iowa City, it is disturbing, anomalous in an other wise genteel community. While one cannot hope to dictate morality or human decency, perhaps it is possible to instill the habits of decency and courtesy. I encourage you to look into ways to do this. If your planning staff needs guidance, I suggest they contact the Metro Area Planning Council in Portland, Oregon or other urban planning staffs in midwestern communities. I would appreciate a response to my suggestions. Thank you for your time, Michael Mcllrath 239 Ferson Ave. Iowa City, IA, 52246-3508 January 22, 1998 TO: FROM: RE: Members of the City Council Parks and Recreation Commission Matt Pacha, Chair Rex Pruess, Vice Chair Parkland Acquisition Fund/Hotel-Motel Tax CITY OF I0 WA CITY PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT The Parks and Recreation Commission at its meeting of January 14, 1998, voted unanimously to oppose the City Manager's proposal to redirect the hotel/motel tax monies allocated to the Parkland Acquisition Fund toward the operating costs of Mercer Park Gymnasium. From the beginning of the Mercer Gymnasium project, the Commission's position has been that the City would need to cover the operating cost from property taxes and fees, in keeping with our 45% self-sustaining goal. The Parkland Acquisition Fund was never suggested as a possible revenue source to assist with operating costs. Our position continues to be that the Council should not jeopardize that fund or cut into the Parks and Recreation budget to cover the gymnasium's operating cost. It appears that we are being asked to choose between parkland and recreation, when in fact both are equally important. The Parks and Recreation Foundation successfully raised private funds to substantially offset the cost of the much needed gymnasium. We will continue to manage the Parkland Acquisition Fund in the same fiscally-responsible manner. We have been consistent with our stance on the Parkland Acquisition Fund. In our February 1997 meeting (minutes attached), we clearly articulated our opposition to transferring money from the Parkland Acquisition Fund to help pay for construction of the 95a~nasium. Past Parks and Recreation Commissions have also vigorously supported the Parkland Acquisition Fund. Attached is a July 1992 memorandum from the Parks and Recreation Commission to Council regarding the importance of this fund. The Parkland Acquisition Fund is crucial to the Neighborhood Open Space Plan. This plan has identified the neighborhoods with large parkland deficits. Acquiring this parkland requires having money in the Parkland Acquisition Fund. Recent successes include the expansions to Reno Street Park and Wetherby Park. On the other hand, we have yet to make progress in addressing the deficit in the Miller/Orchard neighborhood and other areas. If these funds are not available it will be very difficult to acquire such parkland. 220 SOUTH GILBERT STREET IOWA CITY IOWA 52240-1632 PHONE (319)356-5100 FAX (319)356-5487 Members of the City Council Parkland Acquisition Fund/Motel-Motel Tax Page Two ( 2 ) The Parkland Acquisition Fund can also be a vital resource to acquire property for trail development. With recent emphasis placed on revitalizing the downtown, we ask you to be aware that trails will aid in that revitalization. An October 1997 study of the partially completed Iowa River Trail showed trail traffic comparable to that on a "collector street", such as Friendship Street, Keokuk Street, or Teg Drive. When the trail system and the Iowa River Trail are completed, they will help provide access to the downtown, just as the Coral Ridge Mall will have trail access to its stores. We urge the Council to continue to support the Parkland Acquisition Fund as an important element for the vitality of our city. cc: City Manager Excerpt from February 1997 Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes 14ERCER ~I~ G~TQN PROJECT Pacha stated the project is at a pivotal juncture. The feasibility study has been completed, results of which the commission received in their packet. He stated the next step is to take the plan, along with the commission's recommendation to the City Council at their work session on March 3rd. The commission will be requesting the Council's commitment to support the overall financing package and future operating costs. Previously the commission unanimously endorsed a financing package. The Park and Recreation Foundation committee is recommending a modified financing package. The proposed change relates to the Parkland Acquisition Funds; previously $250,000 was proposed to be borrowed from the fund, and the foundation is recommending that $100,000 be borrowed and $100,000 be transferred with no payback. This change demonstrates a strong, true commitment to the commission's #1 priority. Pacha stated in the past the commission has spent a lot of time on parks, green space, and trails, but that recreation is also part of the commission's responsibility/charge. Trueblood distributed an accounting of the Parkland Acquisition Fund and Park Development Fund. Klink noted $250,000 would be more than one-half of the total Parkland Acquisition Funds available. Stroh asked how the funds would be paid back, with Trueblood statin~ from the General Fund by adding a line item in the operating budget. Pruess noted the intent of the Parkland Acquisition Funds, asking how it was possible to transfer $100,000 out of the fund for non-acquisition purposes. Trueblood stated the commission can only make a recommendation to the City Council who will make the final decision, noting the City Council could theoretically use the funds for whatever they want. Pruess questioned whether the fund received interest, with Trueblood noting at one time it did but ceased due to the department's budget deficit in 1988. Since that time interest is put into the General Fund, from which a large part of the department's budget is funded. Wilburn noted he supported the change in the financial package in that funds will remain in the Parkland Acquisition Fund. He felt some pressure is taken off due to the Neighborhood Open Space Plan, noting he felt it was more important to focus on accepting land instead of fees. He felt since the Mercer project is the commission's #1 priority, the contribution would help highlight how important this project is to the commission. Stroh pointed out two sides to the actual transfer of funds one being it sends a message that the commission is committed to seeing this project completed; the other that it sends a message that the Parkland Acquisition Fund is not that important and can be used for other purposes. Pacha stated in the past the commission has demonstrated it does not endorse the use of acquisition funds for short- term borrowing needs, but has recognized that the fund has served as a vital resource for funding much-needed projects. If borrowing from the fund was deemed necessary it has been on a short-term payback basis. Stroh stated with the Neighborhood Open Space Plan there will be many opportunities to use the fund to acquire property. He stated he would rather borrow from the fund than take from it. 3 Wallace noted as of yet she had not become totally familiar with the Neighborhood Open Space Plan, and Klink gave a brief history. Klink objected to the transfer of $100,000 with no payback based on her perception of history of what the commission has been doing in the last two years. Klink stated the Neighborhood Open Space Action Plan Committee is at a point where districts will be prioritized, based partly on need, and there could be a number of pending acquisitions. She stated she would hate to see the fund permanently eroded for the sake of this project, noting the two are not operating under the same pressures. Maurer stated the foundation looked long and hard at how it could get this project done. He stated the commission needs to do whatever it can to see that this project comes to fruition. The facility is very much needed, especially by the youth in the community. He referred to how the Recreation Center was packed tonight with youth. He stated there are youth at risk, after school and beyond, and if they have a place they can go it will reduce that risk. The commission has a real responsibility to take care of the youth in the community, which continues to grow. Pruess stated he could not support the no pay back option for various reasons. He noted that land is available that could be purchased (Neuzil property, Miller Orchard area). The intent of the fund is to acquire parkland and to vote against this intent would set a precedent. The public has not had a chance to give their input as to use of these funds. The public may perceive that parkland acquisition is not important. He noted if the fund received interest at 10% it would amount to $45,000 in funds that could be used. Concerns were raised as to if a parcel of land became available to purchase in a much needed area and there were insufficient parkland acquisition funds, if the city would advance the necessary funds. Trueblood stated that in such a case he would work with the City Manager and Finance Director to determine a possible financial package which would then have to be approved by the City Council. Pacha and Maurer noted the possibility of exceeding the fund raising goal which could reduce the amount necessary to borrow. Casey Cook asked for clarification on the borrowing aspect. Trueblood stated funds have been borrowed on a small scale from the Parkland Acquisition Fund in the past and the'amount paid back was included as a line item in the operating budget. Cook asked if money from the General Fund is used to pay back this commitment whether it is dependent on the City Council, with Trueblood stating the City Council has to approve it. Stroh noted if the City Council approves the financing package it would imply that they accept the responsibility to repay the funds. Casey stated he was one of the original authors of the Neighborhood Open Space Plan, and from the beginning the intent of the plan was to provide parkland in developing areas of the city. He did not think that having such a plan alleviated the pressure on the inner city. He noted he was the appraiser on both the Neuzil and Jensen parcels. He stated the problem of high land costs will not change but will become worse. He stated he was president of F.I.R.S.T. which is interested in trail development and there are a lot of possibilities for use of parkland acquisition funds that have not been raised. He could foresee the city being in a position of running a trail from Benton Street to Napoleon Park, where there are two private properties the city would need to be acquire in order to accomplish it. He stated if he had some assurance that he could count on that the funds would be repaid, with interest being paid on the borrowed funds, he would feel more positive on the compromise being shaped. Trueblood stated the only assurance would be the past record that has been established in borrowing from the fund and paying the funds back. He noted this borrow/payback has been done with the Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund, with Pacha noting he thought the Animal Shelter was also financed by borrowed funds. Casey stated he appreciated the commission taking matters seriously and their time in doing this work. Wilburn noted he has been impressed with discussions on various parcels of land and possible trail systems, and expressed appreciation to F.I.R.S.T. for their work keeping the commission aware and informed about trail systems. Moved by Maurer, seconded by Stroh, to approve and recommend to the City Council the financing proposal for the Mercer Park AGuatic Center proposed expansion dated Februarv 6, 1997, with the change that the total $200,000 from the Parkland Acquisition Fund be borrowed, with a scheduled payback. Moved by Klink0 seconded bY Wilburno to amend the motion by adding if private sector contributions exceed the anticipated amount that the additional amount be credited to reduce the amount necessary to borrow from the Parkland AcGuisition Fund. Unanimous. The amended motion was voted on and approved. Unanimous. Pacha and Maurer expressed appreciation to the commission for their openness in discussing this matter and for their support. Maurer urged commission members to consider what they could do over a three-five year period in terms of contributinG to this project personally. ~ISSION TIME _ ~ Klink repor~ ~ sh~ is keeping informed on the West_~A~J~ School trail extension from Wx_~w Creek Park, noting stu_.q~C~ are interested in seeing this completed. _ ~ Wilburn reported he attende~q~nt~- last~rGant Wood Neighborhood Association meeting. ~ had q~c-~i, ons as to commissioner responsibilities and "~ Neighborhood Open spa-~ Plan. He encouraged commission memb~ to attend their neighborhood as~-~ation meetings. Fear4-b ~nd~cated he had been asked why the Parks and K=t--ation m_partment is responsible for the removal of snow from the down~b% , 5 TO: FROM: DATE: RE: Stephen Arkins, City Manager and Members of the City Council Mary A. Weideman, Chair Parks & Recreation Commission July 8, 1992 CITY OF I0 WA CI7 PARKS & RECREATIOIX DEPARTMENT Parkland Acquisition Fund/Hotel-Motel Tax This memo is in response to the memorandum dated June 11, 1992 prepared by Stephen Arkins in connection with the hotel/motel tax. This is also in response to a prior memorandum regarding budget cuts and proposals, some of which included using the Parkland Acquisition Fund for other funding purposes. For purposes of this memo "parkland" refers to green-space, open-space, neighborhood parks, trails and natural areas. The Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission believes that the City of Iowa City will be disserved by capping, cutting, eliminating or borrowing from the Parkland Acquisition Fund. The Commission believes that the creation of this fund was a wise and far-sighted decision. The City of Iowa city is growing; the community's needs for and interest in recreation areas and facilities, is increasing, not decreasing. Recently, much time and energy has been spent in updating and completing the Neighborhood Open Space Plan. Although not completed as yet, it has become evident that a number of areas of the city are lacking in parkland, in both the developing areas and those areas already developed. Thus, it will be necessary to maintain an adequate acquisition fund to be used for future purchases. Creating a trail system along the river is becoming a reality in some areas, and is a vital project of great concern for many citizens. Unless this trend surprisingly reverses itself, this too could be a critical need for Parkland Acquisition Funds. The certainty of future parkland needs must have been a primary motivation behind the City Council's establishing the Parkland Acquisition Fund. Concerns have been expressed to Commission members that keeping funds may be a luxury the City cannot afford, especially since the fund has not been recently used for purchasing parkland. Historically, however, the acquisition fund has been used extensively. In fiscal years 1985 and 1986 the fund was used to purchase the Hunter's Run property ($16,000) and Ryerson's Woods ($109,000). In fiscal year 1990, $20,000 was expended to acquire land for expansion and improvement of Reno Street Park. In fiscal year 1992, $10,000 was set aside to initiate development of Benton Street Pocket Park. Between fiscal years 1988 and 1992 a total of $120,000 was borrowed from the fund to purchase much needed equipment, renovate Mercer Park infields, reconstruct City Park tennis courts, and fund the park/sports complex design. Although the Commission does not endorse the use of acquisition funds for short-term borrowing needs, the fund has served as a vital resource for funding much-needed projects. Concerns have also been expressed ~hat the fund has a significant amount of money - approximately $400,000 - part of which could be used for other immediate co.mmunit¥ needs. Unfortunately, in reality, $400,000 is sorely inadequate for acquiring real estate for parkland needs. For example, serious inquiries were made in 1984 and again in 1988 regarding the purchase of real estate referred to as Miller Orchard. Discussions for the purchase ceased when the property was appraised at nearly $40,000 ~er acre. (To put this in perspective, to purchase the primary part of Hickory Hill Park at this price would cost approximately 3.9 million dollars.) The Miller Orchard property is not an uncommon example. The .nature of the acquisition fund requires that substantive. amounts be kept in reserve. The Commission is thankful to the City Council and management staff for its support in general, and for its interest in our input regarding the Parkland Acquisition Fund. The Commission respectfully requests that Council consider the following recommendations: 1. That the Parkland Acquisition Fund retain its specific acquisition nature, and that hotel/motel tax revenue distribution for parkland acquisition remain at 10% as indicated on the June 11, 1992 memorandum. 2. That a cap no% be placed on the fund due to its acquisition nature, and for the reasons identified herein. 3. That requests for borrowing from the fund for non- acquisition needs be discouraged. If borrowing from the fund is deemed necessary, however, the Commission requests that it be on a short-term payback basis. The Commission further requests that we be given advance notice and the opportunity to evaluate proposals and provide input regarding the terms, and its justification in relationship to the goals of the acquisition fund and park and recreational needs. This memorandum was reviewed and approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission at its meeting of July 8, 1992. I / 2 ~~Council A~tivifies //' September 1, 1992 Rural District. to RS, Suburban Residential. This property is 1ocmed in Fringe Area 6, approximately 1 1/2 miles south of Iowa City at 4274 Nursery Lane. The Mayor declared the motion carried unanimously, 7/13, all Councilmembem present. Max Yocum appeared mga~ling the City demolition of a house on Waterfront Drive. Bud Gode updated Council on upcoming activities at the Senior Center. Richard Soppe appeared mga~ling construction of the Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp; railroad tracks needing repair on Gilbert Stn:et and Hwy. 6 by-pass: and DNR monitoring of Sturgis Padt. A public hearing was held on the conveyance of City-owned property at 451 Rundell Street. No The Mayor announced the following vacancies: one vacancy on the Historic Preservation Comm. for an unexpired term ending 3/19/93. This appointment will be made at the 10/13/92 Council meeting. Councilmember Kubby noted the recemly passed cigamtm education ordinance and com~imented C~ief Winkelhake and Lt. Fort from the Police Department for their footwork and enforcement; and requested that individuals sending her correspondence include their name. Larson noted the letter from Tom and Sue Aunan regarding Heritage Cablevision informiqg Council of the ability to take off or "trap' unwanted channels and the possibility of moving MTV to a different spot: noted that the City would be compiling an inventory of City owned properties: informed citizens of a product, Milorganite, to deter deer from garden areas; and informed citizens of an affordable housing project in the former Pros Citizen building and the cities intern to abate taxes on the improvements. Ambrisco explained the experiment currently underway in the Old Capitol parking ramp whereby parking is prohibited on the bottom Ihree floors until 10:00 a.m. and r~quested citizen input on the experiment: and noted the 60th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Milo Pecina. Horowitz reported favorable comments from bus drivers on the police bike patrol: urged citizens to register for the 10/lg Hospice Road Race; stated curbside pick-up of recycled goods does not presently include white office paper, colored glass or cardboard but those items can be discarded at drop-off sites; and alerted citizens of pop hotties that may appear to be clear but when held up to the light have a greenish tint and should be recycled in the g~en glass container. Counney ~t__,~l the City is selling a container for recyclables for $42.50. which includes the container with a lid and three separate bins and tray inside, and each has a serial number for easy identification. yN Moved by Horowilz, seconded by Larson, to accept the mcommendatious of the Riverfront amral Areas Comm. to endorse and support the Parks & Recreation, Comm. position as stated in the memorandum from Mary Weideman, Chair of the Parks & Recreation Comm.. dated 7/8/92. The Riverfront & Natural Areas Comm. specifically endorses the following Parks & Recreation Comm. recommendations: 1. That the P~kland Acquisition Fund retain its specific acquisition nature and that hotel/motel tax revenue distribution for parkland acquisition remain at 10% as indicated in the 6/I 1/92 memorandum fr~m the City Mgr.: 2. That a cap not be placed on the fund due to its acquisition nalure, for the reasons-identified in the 7/8/92 memorandum from Mary Weideman; 3. That mque~s for borrowing from the fund for non-acquisition needs be discouraged. ff borrowing from the fund is deemed necessary. however, the Parks & Recreation Comm. requests that it be on short-term payback basis. The Commission further requests that it be given advance notice and the opportunity to evaluate proposals and provide input regarding the terms, and its justification in relationship to the goals of the acquisition fund and park and recreational needs. The Mayor declared the motion carried unanimously, 7/0, all ~,._,.=,,Councilm em hers present. Moved by Kubby, seconded by La~on, to defer indefinitely the resolution authorizing staff to proceed with acquisition of property for a collector street between Rochester Avenue and Hickory Hill January 9, 1998 CITY OF I0 WA CITY TO: RE: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council Civil Service Entrance Examination - MAINTENANCE WORKER II - FORESTRY We, the undersigned members of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, do hereby certify the following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Maintenance Worker II - Forestry. Judson Yetley IOWA CITY CIVIL COMMISSION Mfchael W. Kennedy, SERVICE Chair ATTEST: EAST M~'ASHI~iGTO~ STREET · IO~.A ('IT%. IOM~A S2240-18.~6 · 13191 .t.f, 6-5000 · F~X. 1319! January 9, 1998 CITY OF I0 WA CITY TO: RE: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council Civil Service Entrance Examination - WORKER - FORESTRY SR MAINTENANCE We, the undersigned members of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, do hereby certify the following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Sr. Maintenance Worker - Forestry. Rae Lynn Schepers IOWA CITY CIVIL COMMISSION M£chael W. Kennedy, SERVICE Chair ATTEST: Marl-an Karr, City Clerk 411~ IrAST WASHINGTON STREET · IO~,A ~'IT%'. IOWA 52240-1826 · I319J 3~6-.~000 · F%X 13191 35&-$009 JAN 2 6 99,9 CITY I {A;fASF. R'S OFFICE To: The City Council of Iowa City From: Steve Singer, Resident of Iowa City and Driver for Johnson County SEATS Re: Systemic Flexibility in Paratransit Operations 1-26-98 · Johnson County SEATS provides service for over three -- hundred elderly and disabled passengers each day, deligerig~ individual attention and assistance unique to each person's circumstances. Information concerning the number, type, time and duration of rides provides only a narrow view of SEATS' mission. I offer three anecdotal examples that may help complete this picture. 1) A couple weeks ago I took an elderly woman from home to her dentist. The medication she was taking left her quite nauseous, and upon arrival at the dentist's office she began to vomit. It was decided to reschedule her appointment for another day. Her return trip, however, would not be for another 1% - 2 hours. I notified our office of the situation, then waited until the woman was ready to walk back to my van. Once seated she had to vomit again, partially in the trash basket I offered, and partially out. Back at her house I helped her off with her coat and walked her back to her easy chair, then got her a wash-pan in case she had to vomit some more, along with some paper towels and a glass of water. Once she was settled (and with a phone next to her), I returned to my van and cleaned and disinfected the seat and floor where she had been sitting. This entire process took an unplanned half-hour out of my schedule. In my absence, other drivers were recruited to pick up two of my passengers, and still other drivers were asked to cover for them. This had a ripple effect through many schedules that day, so that I eventually found myself helping the driver who was helping the driver, who was . . · helping me. With an elderly and disabled population, surprise situations like this occur several times a day and cannot be ignored. 2) On a hot afternoon last summer one of our engines 'died.' The only remedy was to open the hood and let it cool off for half an hour. In this case there were no passengers on board, but it was after 3:00 PM and the driver had a packed schedule to complete. Within minutes five or six other drivers were busy picking up parts of the first van's schedule, or rearranging on the fly to cover each other, while the office called waiting passengers to reassure them in the face of possible, slight delays. Because vehicles do overheat, or get flat tires, or break radiator hoses, or have to wait for accidents or moving 2 trains to clear, the time and ability to respond as a knowledgeable team is crucial to consistent service. 3) As a "part-time" driver at SEATS (I'm one of four or five drivers who work 20-39 hours a week and receive reduced benefits), I allow the system to adjust for fluctuations in rider numbers. For example, a regular shift covers 9-10 hours. But twice in this month alone I have been asked to work reduced schedules: either a "split," where I drove from 7~50 to 10:25 AM, and again from 2:45 to 5:50 PM~ or a very late start, where I drove from 2:25 to 5:25 PM. The day I drove the "split" followed an night and morning of heavy snow, and we had numerous cancellations. Bather than leave several "full-time" drivers idle, I was directed to give up the middle portion of my schedule and take myself and my van off the clock. The proposed 'take over' of SEATS by Iowa City on fiscal grounds ignores or at least minimizes the needed flexibility of the current system. Significant reductions in cost will result in a more rigid system that will break rather than bend under constantly varying pressures. Although Iowa City ridership dropped 19% in the last year, this number reflects a one-time, narrowing interpretation of the guidelines that cover riders. Steady increases in the elderly population over the next 10-20-30 years, combined with Iowa City's reputation as a desirable place to live, will result in even greater pressure on the paratransit system. At present, Iowa City is fortunate to have one of the finest of these systems in America. Further, in an era when many municipalities are sinking beneath the weight of duplicated programs and top-heavy bureaucracies, Johnson County SEATS provides a model regional service with efficient administration and a highly experienced work force. For almost all of us at SEATS, this is not merely a job but a professional 'calling,' a chance to earn a living by helping others in a direct and meaningful way. Make adjustments because adjustments are always needed; this is the nature of a flexible system. But please don't try to 'fix' what isn't broken. CABLE TVSURVEY Put an X by the TV channels you d9 like to watch. lb 1. FX 2. Weather Channel 3. WGN -7~, 4. Cartoon Network ] 5. TNN 6. Disney Channel / 'Tdr '/. Univision 8. Nickelodeon 17~ .... 10. ESPN ..... Put an X by the TV channels you don't like to watch. 1. FX 2. Weather Channel 3. WGN 4. Cartoon Network 5. TNN 6. Disney Channel 7. Univision 8. Nickelodeon 9. USA 1 0. ESPN Petition to TCI to reconsider removing Cartoon Network from the February channel line-up Address 2 3 4 6 Petition to TCI to reconsider removing Cartoon Network from~he Febru ,a~y channel line-up 5 11 12 9 '! 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 19 20 Petition to Tel to reconsider removing Cartoon Network from the February channel line-up Name O0 w o"-- 4 7 Address Z $ 6 7 2i;. 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 8 12 16 17 19 Petition to TCI to reconsider removing Cartoon Network from the February channel line-up Name 1 4 5 Address 1 6 5 6 7 7 8 9 9 10 11 12 11 12 13 14 14 15 16 16 17 17 18 20 19 20 Petition to TCI to reconsider removing Cartoon Network from the February channel line-up '",.~,- Address 2 , 2 4 5 8 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 16 17 18 19 2O Petition to TCI to reconsider removing Cartoon N~twork from the Februal~ channel line-up Name :',d"-_ .'],0 '~-- t/. :,"..J".-~.--, ,,~', ~' - 2 ] .-"2' .-'" ./'//- 3 .-./ ~; . __,,;/ 4 ~--~;? ./,,,.....~ 6 ' ."; ' -.,~//'// --../?// ., 7 I' ' 8 Address 1 11 9 Petition to Tel to reconsider removing Cartoon Network from the February ch_~nnel llne-up L 4 6 Name ... , 2 . 7J -'. ,/ ~ , '3 Address 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 15 14 16 17 e.._ & F'z° Petition to TCl to reconsider removing Cartoon Network from the February channel line-up Name -~i~..'~ c, -J ~. ., / / .' . 7~ ~ . , ~- . _- .' ~1.~_ .,]/ ~.~, , ~.-.. ~ --- Address 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 2O 18 Petition to TCl to reconsider removing Cartoon 3 Network from the February chnnnel llne-up 18 19 20 Petition to TCI to reconsider removing Cartoon Network from the February channel line-up Name 3 ~ . kl , ",i 5 6 7 8 9 l0 ll 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 Petition to TCI to reconsider removing Cartoon Network from the February channel line-up Name 17 19 ZO Petition to Tel to reconsider removing Cartoon Network from the February ch_~nnel line-up Name 2 3 7 8 16 17 2O Petition to TCI to reconsider removing Cartoon Network from the February channel line-up Name 1 2 S 6 7 ~0 ~etition to TCI to reconsider removing Cartoon Network from the February channel line-up Name 6 .. ~ ~_ _ · . ~~--- 8 9 Petition to TCI to reconsider removing Cartoon Network from the February chsnnel line-up 19 ZO Petition to TCI to reconsider removing Cartoon Network from the February channel line-up Name 2 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 2O Petition to TCI to reconsider removing Cartoon Network from the February channel line-up 5 Name 6 7 8 9 l0 13 14 17 20 Petition to Tel to reconsider removing Cartoon Network from the February channel line-up 1 '[ \ '"~vC" ! \ ' ~"' 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 16 17 19 ZO ?etition to TCI to reconsider removing Cartoon ~etwork from the February channel line-up 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 19 ZO Petition to TCI to reconsider removing Cartoon Network from the February channel line-up Petition to TCl to reconsider removing Cartoon Network from the Februar~ channel llne-up Name , 5 " ~ 5 ' ~'' '- .~A ' 9 :~ 14 SYSTEMS UNLIMITED INC. An Iowa Non-profit Corporation providing community support services for people w~th developmental disabilities. 1556 $. 1st Avenue $te. 1 · Iowa City, Iowa 52240-6099 · (319)338-9212 MEMORANDUM TO: Iowa City Council FROM: William Gorman, Executive Director DATE: January 27, 1998 SUBJECT: Initiation of Paratransit Service by City of Iowa City Last night, the City of Iowa City voted to initiate the provision of paratransit service unless significant roadblocks were encountered in the next two weeks. The City has concluded that it can provide paratransit services for Iowa City residents within Iowa City with the same or better quality and cost effectiveness than Johnson County SEATS. Perhaps this could be true. However, Iowa City residents need transportation not only within the corporate limits of Iowa City but also across jurisdictional lines into Coralville, University Heights and across Johnson County. Without proactive planning, the possible decreased cost to Iowa City will merely be transferred to Johnson County and the City of Coralville (the City of Coralville still contracts with Johnson County for paratransit services). This would be nothing more than a cost shift. Since Iowa City residents are also county residents, rm not quite certain what is to be gained for the tax payers of Iowa City. However, a conscious, planned move to a unified paratransit service which includes the participation of Iowa City, Coralville, University Heights, and Johnson County would be a welcome direction. A unified system would decrease costs and most likely improve the quality of paratransit services for all jurisdictions and all paratransit riders. If the City of Iowa City believes that it has the infrastructure and the management expertise to run a unified system, then I ask the City to provide the leadership and call all the players to the table and seriously begin discussions to create such a system. Unfortunately, the City's decision last evening appears to be a bit premature. To initiate a paratransit service for Iowa City only will fragment the system further and lead to inconvenience and perhaps safety issues for some of the riders of the service. Last July, I (representing Systems Unlimited) and John Watson (representing Goodwill Industries) met with the Iowa City negotiating team and Joe Fowler and Ron Longsden to express our concerns regarding the state of the negotiations between the City and the County at that time. I have attached a copy of our statement dated July 3, 1997 with this Memorandum. We advocated for the development of a unified metropolitan transportation system. We were informed at that meeting that the other jurisdictions ISSUES /CONCERNS PERTAINING TO IOWA CITY'S PROPOSAL FOR THE PROVISION OF PARATRANSIT SERVICE Goodwill Industries and Systems Unlimited have serious reservations pertaining to Iowa City's proposals for the provision of paratransit service. We have reviewed the letter dated March 7, 1997 from Steve Atkins to Sally Stutsman and we have reviewed Johnson County's Response to Iowa City's Proposals for the Provision of Paratransit Service dated 5/30/97. The review of these documents raises in our minds the following concerns: 1. All residents of Iowa City, whether they have a disability or not, should have access to the transportation service. We believe that the Americans With Disabilities Act requires public transportation services to provide paratransit services during the same operating hours as the fixed route service. Since the supplemental taxis service cannot physically provide transportation to some individuals with physical disabilities (in motorized wheelchairs or individuals who cannot transfer), Iowa City's proposal will deny any transportation service after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all weekends for these individuals. This is unacceptable. 2. As we understand, the City of Iowa Cit7's proposal would not allow the paratransit service to cross the corporate limits of Iowa City. This would require that transfer points be established for passengers who travel between cities in the urban area. We believe this will be extremeIv inefficient, inconvenient and dangerous for some people with disabilities. Individuals who were able to ride on one vehicle directly to their destination will now need to get off a vehicle and then wait for a vehicle from artprimer transportation authority. The same thing would happen with the return trip. Many individuals who before did not need supervision will need supervision because of the transfer point concept. This will be expensive and a waste of time. 3. Iowa City proposes to limit paratransit services by employing only five vehicles to Iowa City during the hours of 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. We understand and accept the need to operate the paratransit service as efficiently as possible. However, Johnson County's response paper states that the Iowa City proposals will only save $11,197. What is Iowa City's estimate of the savinqs to be realized by their proposals? If Johnson County's estimate is even close to accurate, this would appear to be a huge amount of inconvenience, dislocation and cost shifting for a very small amount of savings. Surely we can bridge this small financial gap in some way without causing such a significant turmoil for the paratransit service. 4. The March 7th letter from the City to the County states that the paratransit service provided by SEATS to Employment Systems is the responsibility of Johnson County and thus not the City's responsibility. We do not understand this argument. All the people with disabilities served by Employment Systems and trans!corted under this contrac*, (with the exception of the consumers living at the Valley View Group Home in Coralville) are residents of Iowa City and thus have the same right to the transportation Comments to City of Iowa City Council January 27, 1998 My name is Mary C. McCarthy until August 30, 1996 i lived in Iowa City for 14 years. Currently, I live in Coralville. However, I work in Iowa City and am in Iowa City every day. My mission is to address concerns regarding the January 22, 1998 memorandum regarding the development of a paratransit system for Iowa City instead of working with the SEATS program. This is not my first communication on this issue, I have talked to Dee Vanderhoef as well as members of the negotiating team on this issue for Johnson County. I have been following this issue since last spring when re-negotiation attempts were initiated, extended, and re- extended. Recent articles in the newspapers and by obtaining a copy of the aforementioned memorandum have brought me there tonight I would like to publicly thank Lisa in the City Manager's office for promptly arranging for me to pick up the memorandum today - i always want to recognize and applaud good service by employees of Iowa City. My concerns are with the proposed changes in the level and types of services available by the proposed fixed paratrausit route and the use of cabs. While I lived in Iowa City, I witnessed many of my 7th Avenue neighbors use the SEATS system, in fact I am here after talking to two of my previous neighbors today about this issue. These individuals need door to door assistance and use wheelchairs and scooters that would not fit in a cab. I certainly hope that individuals with these special needs will be considered and respected in the City of Iowa City's future plans for its own system. Other questions are: if an Iowa City citizen wants to go to an event in Coralville, will this individual be able to go on an Iowa City transit or will they have to transfer? Will the cost change and how will they get home? Details such as these are concerns of many of the individuals who currently depend on SEATS. My job involves daily to weekly contacts with people who use SEATS to attend to health services, I am concerned that the proposed changes will put up one more barrier for people who are already challenged with transportation issues. Overall, I am disappointed that a negotiated plan was not developed. By monitoring the negotiation attempts, it has appeared to me that there was an Iowa City agenda to either privatize or leave the SEATS system in some way. i find it interesting in an era of downsizing, fightsizing, sharing services and attempts to not duplicate services that the City of Iowa City would develop and implement a plan that would re-invent a wheel. Thank you. Mary C. McCarthy 1200 23rd Avenue Coralville, Iowa 52241 351-4972H 339-3662W seatsic. doc