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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-02-10 Transcription#2 Page 1 ITEM NO. 2 MAYOR'S PROCLAMATIONS. a. Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Day - February 14. Lehman/ We have three proclamations tonight. First, is that one, and you've arranged them correctly, Marian. First is Salute to Hospitalized Veterans. (Reads proclamation). Marian Karr/ Here to accept is Gary Strank from the VA Hospital. Gary Strank/ Thank you, thank you very much. IfI could just take a moment of your time, I would also like to give the City a certificate of our appreciation for their support for the past years for the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans at our hospitals. They've had members of the Board come out and visit with our veterans and hand out valentines, and we really appreciate that effort on their part. And also, I brought with me a copy of the White House letter and a copy of the new Secretary of Veterans Affairs letter that I'd like to leave here to read, and also to display as they desire. Kubby/ Thanks. Lehman/ And I'd like to let you know, there will be, Mr. Thornberry will be at the Vets Hospital on Saturday representing the City. Strank/ Thank you. Norton/ I'll be happy to go, too. You want me to go? Lehman/ Dee Norton will go. Thornberry/ You'll have two of us. Norton/ You want (can't understand). Thomberry/ Two vets. Norton/ I'll be happy to go. b. Sertoma's Freedom Week - February 15-21. Lehman/ Our second proclamation is Sertoma's Freedom Week. (Reads proclamation). This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #2 Page 2 Karr/ Here to accept is Jeff Edburg. Jeff Edburg/ Mayor Lehman, Councilors, on behalf of the Old Capitol Sertoma Club, (can't hear). I'd like to thank you for this proclamation and the recognition of our efforts. We do a lot of projects throughout the area, a lot of service clubs do, but this is one thing that really affects us all. It's, it's a dramatic event, having eighth grade students talk from the heart about why they're proud to be Americans. Thank you very much. Lehman/ Our next proclamation is for Special Olympics Month. (Reads proclamation). Joyce Rossie/ Hi, I'm Joyce Rossie with Las Vegas Live Steering Committee, and also a member of the Board of Directors of Iowa Special Olympics. On behalf of Las Vegas Live Committee, and Special Olympics Iowa, we would like to honor corporate sponsors, L. L. Pelling, I'd like to recognize Deb Tisor of River Products, Gary Bidney of General Mills. We also have several athletes, as you can see, with us this evening. We have Leanne Mayhew, we have Mike Newman, we have Darrin Corcorry, Amanda Hook, Carla Sczecha, Michelle Schneider, Mary Kay Eckerman, Brian Bates, John Simmel, Doug Syrin, Chuck Lacina, and Rachel Villhauer. Our fundraiser, Las Vegas Live, enables us to hold the Mid- winter Tournament for over 1,000 athletes from across the state of Iowa. They compete in basketball, cheerleading, gymnastics, and power-lifting at the University of Iowa Fieldhouse on March 21 st. The funds we raise cover the meals and accommodations while the athletes attend the Mid-winter Tournament here in Iowa City. Our Committee thanks this Council, who has once again declared the month of March Special Olympics Month. Without the support of the community, volunteers, medal sponsors, area businesses, who've donated prizes, and the merchants of Eastdale Plaza, who have allowed us the use of their facilities, we would not be able to enjoy the success we have had. We hope you join us Saturday, March 7th, at Eastdale Plaza, for a truly enjoyable evening of fun and entertainment. Thank you. Kubby/ Madam Mayor, I understand these athletes are missing practice tonight to be here, so I really appreciate your commitment to be here tonight and have a good practice next week. Karr/ Could we get the athletes to line up across here so we can get a picture of you and the Mayor? Lehman/ I want to thank the Special Olympians for being here, and I really expect to get This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #2 Page 3 a copy of that picture. That's probably one of the best pictures I've ever been in. I appreciate that. This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #3 Page 4 ITEM NO. 3 OUTSTANDING STUDENT CITIZENSHIP AWARD - Hoover Elementary. Lehman/ We now have our Outstanding Student Awards. Today's students are Sarah Schulte, David Rumsey, Lucas Kennedy, and Jessica Hertick. Karr/ Why don't we put two on each side. Okay? Lehman/ Yeah. Kubby/ Great, thank you. Karr/ Then we can catch that camera. Lehman/ I'll hold the mic for you, and you can read your statement. Sarah Schulte/ I think a good citizen is someone who is kind and caring, helpful and responsible, polite, cooperative, and someone who can be trusted. A good citizen is someone who can work well in groups with other people. I think that a good citizen would be a good leader. I think that I was chosen to represent the students at Hoover Elementary because I work well with others and help students when they need it. I contribute to the Wesley House free lunch program, and deliver a monthly, and deliver homemade cards monthly to the residents at Oaknoll. And I try to be as kind and considerate as I can to my classmates and friends. I would like to thank my family and friends for influencing me, and I will try to do my best to continue to act as a good citizen. Lehman/ Thank you, Sarah. I'm going to read one of these plaques. They're all the same, but I'll read the first one. This is for Sarah. "For her outstanding qualities of leadership within Hoover Elementary, as well as the community, and for her sense of responsibility and helpfulness to others, we recognize Sarah Schulte as an Outstanding Student Citizen. Your community is proud of you. Presented by the Iowa City City Council." David Rumsey/ I think a good citizen is someone who doesn't break the rules, is responsible, and nice, helps other people, finishes tasks on time, and is a good leader. A good citizen makes the surroundings comfortable in our community. I think I was chosen to represent Hoover school because I usually get my work done on time, I'm polite to others, and I am dependable. As part of my church community, I help with projects that benefit the community. I owe a great deal of thanks to the members of my family for helping me be who I am. Thank you for This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #3 Page 5 this award. Lehman/ David Rumsey. I think we're going to get him to be on the Council. Lucas Kennedy/ A good citizen. I think a good citizen builds a community and thinks beyond self-interest while working hard for the common good, and gives to the community without any return. I think I was chosen because my family and I help out with charities and shelters. I was raised with a belief in honesty. Mother Teresa inspired my life, and she was a good citizen. She gave her life to people who lived in poverty, and she did right while believing. When she passed away, I began thinking who's the next outstanding good citizen. Maybe it'll be you, or maybe it'll be me. We talk and say what a good citizen is, then you should live it and walk it. As Pearl Bailey said, "Everyone wants to help but no one wants to be first." Stand up and defend yourself with a belief in good citizenship, even if your voice shakes. Thank you. Jessica Herrick/ I think a good citizen is someone who is responsible, polite, sharing and caring, and is a good listener. A good citizen gets homework done on time, and works well in cooperative activities. A citizen, a good citizen gives their time and reaches out to people of all races and finds an individual's best qualities. I think I was chosen to represent Herbert Hoover Elementary School because I contribute to the classroom community and in global projects for people in need. I contributed to the Philippines Toy Drive to help Operation Smile. I also helped to raise money for Operation Smile by contributing to the bake sales every month. I would like to give a special thanks to my family and friends who have been very supportive throughout my life. I will continue to be a good citizen, to solve problems, and to create positive changes. Thank you for this award. Lehman/ We thank you very much. We're very proud of you. Come back to see us when you don't have to speak to us. Thank you. This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #4 Page 6 ITEM NO. 4 CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED OR AMENDED. Lehman/ Item 4 is consideration of the adoption of the Consent Calendar as amended. Thomberry/ So moved. Norton/ Second. Lehman/ Moved by Thornberry, seconded by Norton. Any discussion? Norton/ Lots of important public hearings coming up. Lehman/ Yes. Norton/ Are you going to mention the one, Ernie? On the Willow Creek? Thomberry/ Willow Creek Interceptor Sewer. Norton/ Willow Creek is a big project. And the trail to Galway Hill, I guess. And the connection of the two plants, right? Thornberry/ Number four. Norton/ Oh, that's a resolution. But the other ones are public hearings that are of some consequence. Thornberry/ Yeah. Lehman/ But I think these do reflect that things are moving right along with the sewer project, and heatings that are going to be affecting new projects. Roll call- Kubby/ One other -- Lehman/ I'm sorry. Kubby/ Thing that's very important is that we're setting a public hearing in here, aren't we, for the budget? Norton/ Yes, that's -- This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #4 Page 7 Lehman/ Yes. Kubby/ And that's on February 24th. And so I hope people will come and make comments about our budget, which, when you include all the money, ins and outs and moving around, is $135,000,000. So I hope people will take a look at a citizen summary that is available at the Civic Center, and at the Public Library, and make comments to help guide how we spend your money. Lehman/ It's a good point, Karen. In the four years I've been on Council, I've been, I suppose, most disappointed with the number of folks who don't show up for that hearing. Because that is a very important heating. And certainly, the public is invited. Roll call- (yes). Resolution passed. This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #5 Page 8 ITEM NO. 5 PUBLIC DISCUSSION ( ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA). Lehman/ At this time, we have public discussion for any item that is not on the agenda. The public is invited to comment. If you do, please sign in with your name and address, and please limit your comments to five minutes or less. Thank you. Casey Cook/I'm not sure if the question of trails and trail funding is on the agenda tonight? Lehman/ No. Cook/ It is not. So I will take this -- Norton/ You can talk. Cook/ I can talk, huh? Can everybody hear me all fight? Thornberry/ No. Cook/ This is the wimpiest microphone I've seen. I understand that there's a lot of concern and energy focused fight now on the improvements to Iowa Avenue, and that there's also some planning going on for another, yet another parking ramp. And so I know that priorities are shifting, and you're making difficult decisions. Back in April, April 30, 1997, there was a Council meeting, and at that meeting, we had some discussion about putting through a trail system, as you know, between Burlington Avenue and Napoleon Park. And later, I, and at that meeting, we cut out $1,300,000 in that process. The reason I'm here tonight is that my understanding is, and the word on the street is, that there's somewhere between 5 and 6 votes, fight now on the Council, that are opposed to completing the trail segment at this time between Benton Street and Burlington Avenue. Lehman/ I don't think that's true, but go ahead. Cook/ I hope that's not true. There are two things, there are several points that I'd like to make. In a letter to the Press-Citizen, I expressed my gratitude to the Council for making such a wise decision, for using wise business principles to leverage the City's resources. And specifically, I talked about leveraging the $750,000 in federal funds that are available. I talked about leveraging our existing park and trail system to extend what we already have. And finally, I talked about leveraging land that isn't well-suited for other kinds of development. And in fact, the point I'd like to make is the cost of acquiring parkland, approximately 20% of This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #5 Page 9 it is the acquisition, and then 80% of that cost is in foregone property taxes. A second point I'd like to make is that the value of the land along the fiver has not changed. It's the same, approximately, as it was when the decision was made back in April. That land value hasn't particularly gone up. It's been the same. The anticipated expense, however, has increased from, I think, $50,000 to $230,000. And I wanted to make sure that the Council is aware that Parks and Recreation, the Parks and Recreation Commission had spoken in favor of using Hotel/Motel tax funds for the acquisition of trail land. And my last comment, it's always a little difficult to say how much money is in that fund, because it keeps getting shifted off in other areas, but my understand is there's $200,000 available in that fund fight now. Is there $400,000? Thanks, Steve. So, whatever increase occurred as a result of, whatever change in expectations occurred would be more than offset by the funds from the parkland acquisition fund. And the funds that, I think you can check, obviously you're going to have to check with Parks and Recreation, I think those funds would be available for trail acquisition. So, the one thing that's changed is not that the land value's any, worth any more, or any higher, it's that funds are now available that weren't available before. I guess, the last thing I want to say is that I want to encourage you all to strike while the iron is hot. If you do make the decision that there's absolutely no way we can build that trail segment, I understand it is the most expensive segment, and there's good reasons for that. If you decide that there's absolutely no way you can build that segment, I encourage you to continue with the process of land acquisition. There's far too much momentum, there's funds available. It would be a terrible shame not to complete that part of the trail at this time. Thank you. Lehman/ Thank you, Casey. Michael Wayne Newman/ My name is Michael Wayne Newman, 1447 Eastview Drive, Coralville, Iowa. I'm here to talk about SEATS. And last week, or last meeting you had here, you had a lot of people here and you talked about SEATS. I was very disappointed in the situation. I've heard people say, well, they help me to the house. They carry my stuff in. They carry this in. They carry that in. That is not what SEATS is made for. SEATS is made to transfer us from one place to the other. And that is all. SEATS also has a rule that if you need help, you may have a person to go with you, and they will help you, at no charge and cost to them. There are all other benefits here in this town that I have worked with. Hy-Vee is one of 'em. They do take me home. They do deliver my groceries. And they do it very nicely. I think a lot of the SEATS people could also benefit from their program of this. They also helped handicapped people in finding food, getting food, and they don't charge you nothing for this. They never charge me a dime. So you can't say they help me into the house, they help me this, and they help me This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #5 Page 10 that. That is not what it's for. That's one thing I want to make sure of. I understand a lot of these people's problems, because I have a handicap. None of us here have asked to be a handicap. Not a one. But we have asked if we can be on the committee, or someone to represent us on your committee, for the simple purpose to have our say. Now, I agree with some of the things they say. But I don't agree with a lot of it. I really don't. I think John F. Kennedy said "Ask not what we can do for you," meaning that he's already put plans in motion. He's put plans for us to use. I think we should use them. But not to take abuse of them. And at the end he says "Ask what you can do for your country." And I'm saying that if these handicapped people want this program, let's stop taking abuse of these things. I think that is why the County is having trouble with part of their problem of handling SEATS. I really do. I also think SEATS people also realize that there are other people that need it more than I do. For instance, I know between 3:30-4:00 and 6:00 it is impossible to get SEATS fides for individual people that want to go to see their friends. For instance, if I wanted to go play a game of chess, and I want SEATS to pick me up, instead of saying SEATS pick me up, I realize there are other people that need it much more than I do to go play a game of chess. And I would like to see the rest of SEATS people understand there are people that want to go to work. There are people that want to go home. There has to be some priorities in these things. And this is why I think SEATS has to be looked at. Because we are taking abuse of things like this. Unfortunately, I have to say, I think we do. There were people up here last week who said they do this, and I also know them very well, that they complained about it, too. They really have. And I've talked to a few of them. I have also heard that some people have called them about SEATS. They didn't call me because they know what they're going to get from me. They're going to get the facts. I don't think, fight now, the County is doing a good enough job. But I also think, possibly, part of it is our fault, meaning the handicapped. I don't do two things. I won't lie and I won't take advantage of things. And I think we all should set a goal of that. And if we all did, we would have our programs in better shape than what we have them in now. And this goes for everything that we do. I think this is very important that we understand this. No matter if the County takes it, no matter if the City takes it, if God takes it, whatever. It's going to be there. But in the future, let's use it in the right prospects. Let's use it in the way that it's supposed to be used. Not in the matters of what I want, it's what we want. That's the way it should be ran. Not I want help to carry my stuff to the door. I don't want help to carry my stuff to the door. If that's the case, I know they've got a program there that says bring somebody with you. And they don't cost you nothing, folks. And that goes for all you handicapped people. And I went to school with some of you. And I know what I'm talking about. I see it every day. So, please, if you go forward and take it, I hope you do, in my opinion, I really do. This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #5 Page 11 Because I've had a lot of trouble with them. And I know why now, because I heard it from last time. But I also want you to realize, I want some handicapped people on that board, too. And I don't give a dam if it's me or whoever you want to put on it. Put somebody on it. And I hope my city, and I'm going down there next Tuesday to tell them the same thing, I want them to vote to go along with Iowa City, to take over the SEATS program. I really mean that. And I want to thank every one of you. And I know a few of you, and I appreciate what you've done for us. Thank you. Lehman/ Thank you, Mike. Newman/ Yes, sir? Lehman/ I said thank you. Does anyone else choose to address Council? Rick McCaslin/ My name is Rick McCaslin. I'm here on behalf of Rod Sullivan who's the executive director of Johnson County ARC. I'm here because he could not be here tonight to read to you a letter that you've already received so that the public is aware of this letter. "The ARC of Johnson County has been advocating on behalf of people with disabilities for 40 years. One of ARC's biggest victories came 23 years ago when Johnson County began providing paratransit service. It's unfortunate that 23 years later, we need to advocate to hold onto what the community has gained. Many of the City's recent actions cause us concern. Our office has fielded numerous calls on this issue, voicing similar opinions and feelings. On behalf of several hundred Iowa City residents with disabilities, the ARC would like to make the following points. Iowa City taxpayers are Johnson County taxpayers. All Johnson County residents need to work together to make the region a better place to live. We are known as the ARC of Johnson County for a reason. We are pleased to hear the City talking about a unified, seamless system, but when we hear talk of streamlining or reducing cost, we can only assume that this will take place at the expense of the flexibility we pay for, and have come to expect. We have to make these assumptions because the City has been unable to provide the definite answers we need. The ARC and the people we represent are extremely concerned with the lack of opportunities for public input on the issue. It appears that City negotiators were going to go this route from the beginning, despite overwhelming opposition from SEATS riders. How can the negotiating team possibly feel that they were representing the people affected by this issue? Why should SEATS riders believe the things the City says, when they obviously didn't listen to the riders in the first place? We do not feel that the City adequately represented the hundreds of Iowa City voters with disabilities on this issue. The City still has an opportunity to right this wrong. Number three, the This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #5 Page 12 City plan calls for a private taxicab company to do a portion of the work. Where will this company get the vehicles they need? Will it be at taxpayers' expense? What training will the drivers receive? Will they learn each individual rider's style of communication? Will employees of the cab company respect the rights and confidentiality of each rider? Will cab company employees help riders put on coats, carry groceries, and the like? Will SEATS riders have to wait while more profitable customers tie up the cab company on snowy days? Finally, if the cab company is able to do all this, will it really be cheaper? We need the answer to these questions. Number four, the City is concerned about $49,000 that they feel SEATS owes them. First of all, there was no stipulation in the contract to return any money to anyone. Secondly, the lion's share of the budget surplus comes from an on-field director's position. It is all easily explained. We do not see the City rushing to return our tax dollars in instances where they have come in over budget. Can we expect the Council to be diligent the next time a developer comes looking for a $49,000 handout? Or is corporate welfare preferable to general welfare? Obviously, many people are upset with this decision. It is not too late to ensure the same quality of service that people with disabilities have come to expect. But it's going to take a Council that will listen to people. We want to partner with the City to make this happen." And it's signed, Rod Sullivan, Executive Director, ARC of Johnson County. Lehman/ Thank you. Maureen Howe/ My name is Maureen Howe, and I'm here as an advocate for persons with disabilities. And, excuse me, I'll speak up. And I think that the young people that were here earlier receiving awards pointed out some very good models for us all to listen to, which is a good citizen makes our surroundings comfortable. A good citizen is a good listener. And a good citizen is going to work for the common good of all persons in his community. And I'm here to talk about SEATS and its current level and quality of services. When you look at implementation and the design of the plan of implementation, I hope that those quality of services can maintain or be better than they are now. I think change is difficult. There's a lot of concerns in terms of jurisdiction in the 28E Agreement, how these persons are going to get served, and especially persons in the outlying townships. I work with several individuals who also have jobs in Iowa City, and getting those persons to those townships, and so that brings me to that all public entities need to work together on this. And so we need to be good listeners, and we also need to be able to resolve conflict. And sometimes there can be a lot of magic in conflicts, as long as you know how to do that, how to utilize that magic. The complimentary paratransit service is much different than the fixed route system, and I think that there will be many things that we won't even realize that This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #5 Page 13 are barriers until it actually happens. And I guess, during that time, you need to be able to also look at what those barriers are, whether they're physical barriers, or other barriers. SEATS has been like a human service agency in many ways, with the service providers that it provides the transportation to, and the individuals. And I know that they have worked in many ways to have individuals be as independent as possible. And if that is relating stories to counselors, persons who work with them in their group homes, transitions and transferring of jobs, people may have different shifts at jobs and may forget that they have to, you know, work one shift, and they need to be called, and they need a ride to get out to work right away. And so in a lot of ways, they've been a very good connection for all persons involved. Customer needs and wants need to be considered so the customers are the persons utilizing that paratransit system. And I think last night, the plan of action meeting was a good first step at the Public Library, to listen to those wants and needs. But it was only the beginning. And, of course, in any system, there's always continuous improvement that can happen. And a plan of looking at what that continuous improvement can be. And I think maybe, within the current system, the eligibility criteria needs to be looked at. Maybe there needs to be a more formal intake plan where individuals are met rather than represented on a piece of paper. And so you can look at the whole individual and look at what needs may need to be addressed. For instance, a fixed route may be, one person may be able to use that, and then another, and also in the same instance, a person may learn a fixed route for one instance, and that's how to get to work, and they may not be able to learn a fixed route, or a different route in how to pick up groceries. And so the paratransit system may then need to be put into service for that individual. And so maybe a work permit, you know, or, you know, a grocery permit, so there's many different levels that can be looked at. And in the proposal, I wish that there could have been two or three days looked at throughout each season, rather than just the two or three days looked at in winter months. And I think that that could have given you a broader idea of the current ridership level. And in contracting out to a taxicab service, I think that there are potential difficulties with that in terms of education and training of individuals. And I think that there's going to be a lot of education and training in regards to working with disability issues. And I think that that needs to be looked at. And so, any consultation in regard to the design implementation of that, whether it be from persons with disabilities, or from service providers within this community, I think is really important, and I'll volunteer my services publicly, so if you need any of that training, I'm more than willing to help out with that. So, thank you. Lehman/ Thank you. Leanne Mayhew/ My name is Leanne Mayhew. I have a question for you Council This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #5 Page 14 members. Have any of you guys rode the SEATS buses? We'd like to see you guys ride the SEATS buses. Kubby/ Good idea, Leanne. Lehman/ In answer to the question, I have not. Tim Keller/ Excuse me, can I speak? Kubby/ Go ahead, Tim. Lehman/ Yes, please. Keller/ Am I speaking into the microphone? Kubby/ Yeah. And Tim, will you introduce yourself, please? Keller/ My name is Tim Keller, and I live near the Christian Science Church here in town. Seven, no, eight years ago, I wanted to go up to North Liberty to hear a guy sing in a choir at a church on Sunday. SEATS only couldn't leave at that time, and the Church was to provide transportation. I was advised later, by even a fellow from Des Moines who's also blind, not to ask a church for transportation. Well, we may have to look at that in that churches are setting up what is called Ecumenical Transit, which will tie into this for alternative services, and we could visit our friends in North Liberty, Swisher, Solon, or Lone Tree. If, for some reason, out of no lack of, out of choice, or lack of choice, where I would be directed by family or friends, or the courts, to live in the towns surrounding Iowa City, ifI was told that I could not hold a job there, it would be because I'm disabled, not because I'm not able to have the transportation. I would not be told that. I'd be told, because of my disability, I'm not able to hold a job when I live in those places. The businesses of those places are going to have to be involved with the transit needs of the disabled, whether they have the interest or not. They have put themselves in that effort. As is the case with the guy that runs a minimart that is next to Towncrest Amoco. He would be involved with that, also, lack of interest notwithstanding. With the business community in the smaller towns, as well as the churches get involved, even to a group that I came with, Faith and Light, once every month or two months, we would have what is called Ecumenical Transit. It would run 24 hours a day, or I could be able to walk eight miles, say from Solon, ifI were living in the country, to use an ATM machine, on a 24-hour basis, and not be intimidated by the law enforcement community. Those are issues that affect my use ofparatransit, whether it is available or not. This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #5 Page 15 We rely on places like Auto Salvage Yards, Campgrounds, and the like, except for those that have restaurants in them, to direct these needs in regard to the disabled community, whether it's through a lack of interest that they put themselves in charge of the system because of supremacist activity in towns like Solon, Swisher, Lone Tree, and Oxford. Supremacist activity against the disabled community in those towns. It is unfortunate that we have to spend money for this, but a lack of funding, or cutting back on funding isn't an issue. It is an issue of the business community in those towns directing our needs, even if they have a lack of interest. Because it is their needs too, because we're their board of directors of their business because we're the disabled. And the more mentally disabled we become, the higher rank we become. And that's how the disabled think. And this is backed up by the Evert Connor Rights and Resources Center. Kubby/ Thanks, Tim. Lehman/ Thank you, Tim. Steve Singer/ My name's Steve Singer, and I wrote you about two weeks ago when this was first starting. And I'm not sure if you've read the letter or not, but I had a couple of additional comments I wanted to make. I'm a resident of Iowa City. The address is 260 Samoa Place. I'm also a part-time driver for SEATS. I've worked for SEATS for 3 1/2 years. A lot of this is in the form of questions, beginning with why the rush to make this decision? How can you even consider voting on a budget when you have no operating plan to go with the budget? You have wish list, you have some good ideas, you have some intentions, but you have no operating plan. How can you listen to public discussion when you have no plan to discuss? Where is your plan? If you have a plan, then you can discuss one. On a previous occasion, you said that believe that one authority for paratransit is better than two or more, yet a takeover now would lead to chaos and a chaos in which the riders would suffer. Right now, it takes one phone call to schedule or cancel a ride. One phone call to get help or share a concern. Right now, we have one set of dispatchers directing one set of schedules, and one set of drivers who know the needs of each passenger we work with. You say you're willing to break this up and replace it, but with what? You say you can train new drivers and new office staff to do the same job that we do, but what is your plan? Are you going to teach somebody to be patient? Are you going to teach somebody to have compassion? Are you going to teach somebody to think on their feet? Are you going to teach someone to go the extra mile? This is not about rider miles. This is not about a budget surplus. This is not about peak hours or any other statistical issue. This is about fixing something that isn't broken. You say that this is a matter of civic philosophy, that you know how to This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #5 Page 16 run a transit system. But what is transit's philosophy? Transit's philosophy is stay on schedule at all costs, to stick to your route, to keep the buses on time. It's what a fixed route is all about. The SEATS philosophy is to take care of each person, whatever it takes. And we do it as well, we do it well, we do it as well as anybody in the country. When we go to national conventions, the feedback we get is that they can't believe our scheduling efficiency, for example. You say that 50,000 riders, we have about 1,300 that use us on a regular basis, but if there were 50,000 riders, that would mean 50,000 scenarios as if that were something wrong. But that's exactly what it's all about. Every rider is special for paratransit. If they weren't, they could use fixed routes. They could get to and from. Why don't you get a plan first? A complete plan that covers every contingency. Have Joe Fowler work it out. Have Ron Logsden work it up. Have them work together with our Director. Have them all come and talk to you. Why would you ever say that you don't want to listen to anything that Bumell has to say anymore? And say it again, and again, and again, when he knows more about paratransit needs of Iowa City residents than anybody else in this town right now. Once you have a plan, compare your plan with the service that SEATS now provides, and then, and only then, can you make a thoughtful decision for all of us. Not just for the elderly. Not just for the disabled who are with us now. For all of us for all time. We're not superhuman. We have accidents. We get sick. We're going to grow old. SEATS is going to be there if you let us. But if not, we ask you over and over again, where is your plan? And I just want to add a personal note. At the beginning of this meeting, a lot of the SEATS staff was outside because we didn't want to come in while there was a large group that needed the space. And we were watching you make your presentations honoring the Special Olympians. We were smiling and laughing, because we know every single one of those people. They're personal to us. We know where they live. We know where they work. We know what their schedules are. We know how to stop and listen, because they all talk differently. Some of them can't talk. Some of them use sign language, but we've gotten to know them. I know where they keep their punch cards if they use punch cards to pay for it. I know where in their backpack, where in their tray. Every single one of them we knew, and it was like, this is great, because they're getting honored, and they're our friends. So, I hope that you will get a plan, -- CHANGE TAPE TO REEL 98-24, SIDE B Singer/ What did you say, Karen, $135,000,000 for the overall budget? Kubby/ Yes. This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #5 Page 17 Singer/ And you guys are sweating the County over, at most, $70,000, and at least $10,000 to $20,000? Thanks. Lehman/ Thank you. Louise Young/ My name is Louise Young. I am currently a resident at Capitol House Apartments, 320 South Dubuque Street. And I have recently moved here from North Liberty. I've used SEATS both places. And I think it is a very big mistake for you to try to run this system, which the County is running very well. Now, I've heard someone say that it's abusing the system to ask people to, to ask the SEATS people to help with groceries. But that person is not recognizing that each handicap affects people differently, and each person is affected differently as an individual. Regarding the taxicabs, and relying on them as a backup transportation. Not good when it comes to wheelchairs. My husband uses one. We, I have had experience putting his wheelchair into my car. I've had that experience on two different kinds of cars. If you can set it in relatively straight up and down and push it in at an angle, that's easier than if you have to put it in flat, I can tell you straight out. But I can also tell you that on most of those old cabs around this town, they'd have to put them in flat, and they'd have a devil of a time. The thing is, you're dealing first with people that have just as much need for independence as anyone else. The SEATS service for the whole County makes that possible. You are not considering, when you try to take your part out and run your own, the effect you're having on the whole County. The whole County needs better service. Some of that has happened where the service changes have happened because increased demand for it in Iowa City. In some communit8ies, there's been a slight decrease because of this. But it needs to be evened out again, and it's not going to happen with the City taking the lion's share of the ridership away from the system. Lehman/ Thank you. Shannon Lundquist/ Hi. I'm Shannon Lundquist. About the Advisory Committee, have you considered one person who is currently using the system already at work for us? I know, I empathize with what Steve said, that every person with a disability is very unique, and needs different care. I mean, some people cannot hand somebody change. Other people who are going to take over, are they going to be trustworthy for someone who barely, who is paralyzed? Thanks. Lehman/ Thank you. This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #5 Page 18 Casey Hayse/ My name is Casey Hayse. I live at 14 North Dodge. This morning, I woke up, and I was ashamed to live in Iowa City for the first time in my life. I have lived here since 1980. I have always thought of Iowa City as a progressive community, inclusive of persons with disabilities. A (can't understand) in the state of Iowa, for people with disabilities to live. And what did I hear this morning. I couldn't stay last night. I helped to organize the meeting at the Library. Well, we packed the house. With SEATS, we packed the house. We couldn't have packed the house at the Library without SEATS. I woke up this morning to find out what happened. Every City Council member, except for Karen, voted to move ahead after all of that. And Steven Atkins says we cannot use people with disabilities to put together a plan. We will use them after the plan is created. That is crap. We would not have an ADA without people with disabilities. We cannot move forward with anything without including people with disabilities. And we will not back off. It's going to get ugly if that's what you want. I'm here with the demands from people with disabilities that came to the meeting last night. And yes, I'm very angry. I'm furious. Consumer involvement is imperative. You all have copies of this. I'm going to read it and put it on the public record so people who watch TV can see it, what people with disabilities think about paratransit. Can you hold this? Thank you. It says: "Summary and position of consumers of paratransit services. Consumers have met and concluded that paratransit services, regardless of provider, must maintain the following. Consumer involvement. Create work sessions to enlist consumer input during the planning stages before the final decision is made to ensure that a cost effective and efficient service is designed to meet the consumer's requirements. Establish an administrative advisory board comprised of at least 51 percent of consumers ofparatransit services to oversee quality assurances including monitoring the cab contract, that will report directly to city council. Quality and quantity of services." We sustain the quality and quantity. We unify the transportation system, which means that we don't have to make 14 calls to get a ride. I used to live in Chicago. I moved from Chicago back to Iowa City because in Chicago, I had to make 3 or 4 calls to get to one place. I believe that we need to continue with one call, one system. "Staff sensitivity training and continued flexibility. We need to maintain the human element. Consistent commitment to assist consumers to meet individual needs, including walking, carrying packages, children, car seats, groceries, whatever." (Reads Paratransit Consumer Meeting 2/9/98 Group Reports (Outcome) Statement). That was input from all the people at the meeting. I'd like to thank the City Council members that attended the meeting. I'd like to apologize to the members of the group that don't necessarily support SEATS. I personally support SEATS, and so I need to make a distinction that those comments were from a larger group, and not from me specifically. Myself, I've used paratransit in Chicago, Illinois, San Francisco, This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #5 Page 19 Washington, D.C., and the SEATS paratransit I have heard horror stories for 12- 14 years, and refused to use them until I recently had a baby and it was necessary for me to break down and use SEATS. And I was enlightened greatly by the compassion of the SEATS drivers, their understanding, their flexibility, and their genuine care about the people that they transport back and forth. And I hope to God that the City slows down the train and seriously considers how to involve people with disabilities in this process. Because if you don't involve us now, there's going to be a scene. I know that there will be a scene, and it's not going to be pretty. Thank you. Lehman/ Thanks, Casey. Just for the record, I'd like to point out that Council last night did direct Staff to appoint a committee. I'm sure that was in the paper as well, that there will be a committee with input. Hayse/ But will the committee be (can't understand) before a decision is made? Lehman/ Yes, yes I believe that it certainly will be. Hayse/ That's the important issue, people with disabilities need to be involved in the process in a formal way, now. Not after decisions are made. Lehman/ Why don't we have a couple more, and then we're going to take a break. Marilyn Belman/ All right, I'll be quick. You've heard me before. Lehman/ I certainly have. Belman/ Enough times, right? Lehman/ Oh, no, not at all. Belman/ All right. I'm Marilyn Belman, 922 East Jefferson. I think, I'm going to just speak somewhat to feelings, and you've heard a lot of feelings tonight. Let me just put this down. I think, I was at the meeting as many of you were last night, Monday, and I think, on a SEATS bus on the way home, I think what I was picking up from several of the elderly ladies that were with me on the bus was a feeling that people were there, but they weren't listening. And when it came to the meeting last night, I think that the effort to make a, an advisory board was an attempt to listen, but I don't think you've got it. I think what Casey's saying is getting it. I think that people like Casey are the people who have the disabilities. When I could no longer drive, my whole life changed. You know, I couldn't just This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #5 Page 20 hop in a car and go someplace, I had to rearrange my whole life. Everything changed. And I think that you need to talk to people who are here, whose lives have changed, and not just have somebody on an advisory board. I think that that's what they're sort of getting at, is that they want somebody that really knows what's going on to make the, to do the planning. And not to have you sort of patemalistically hand it down. And I think that a lot of things have been said that way. And I think, also, the other thing that, one of the biggest applause, the line that got the biggest applause at the Library was when they said "Keep the SEATS drivers". And yet, when Mr. Atkins was talking at the session yesterday, he was say8ing that well, there are several people who want those jobs. Well, I think that sounds very much like a hostile takeover. And that's a corporate kind of thing that, you know, that's not very good policy. Lehman/ Let me just make a point that these are union positions, and we may not have a great deal to say about it. Belman/ Well, I think it should be kept in mind that we're electing, we're electing you folks, and you'd better try and work on it. Because that's the feeling that is going out here. And it's very unsettling. These are people that have bonds with us, that have helped us in a variety of ways, and if you don't care, then we're saying you don't care. And that's not the way it should be. And when I talked to you one time, I think the last time I spoke, I said, well, what, if you guys can't come up with something that's equal to what we have now, what's the option of keeping SEATS? And you said well I don't think that's an option. Well, gee, and you're the negotiator? That's not an open negotiating mind. That's not a way to come into a, with a premise that you're, that that's not an option. Come on. You don't negotiate that way. You've got to be able to, and I understand that Joe Bolkcom has now presented something? I hope that you guys can get some conflict resolution going, because we're the ones who are going to suffer otherwise. And I think that what Casey was saying is, she doesn't want it to turn ugly. I don't want it to turn ugly. We're all making, we've been all out several times now. This is, you know, my third trip meeting with you folks. I didn't even know you before. So, listen to us. we're trying to get involved. And there are several people that have disabilities far worse than mine. Mine hits frequently, but only when I get distressed, and luckily you haven't seen me yet. I'm still standing up. So, take the word of the people who are disabled, listen to them, and try to keep them involved. I think that's the bottom line. Thank you. Lehman/ Thank you, Marilyn. Bob Welsh/ My name is Bob Welsh and I live at 84 Penfro. And I also have come to This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #5 Page 21 address the SEATS issue. (Reads statement). Lehman/ Well, Bob, I can't tell you a simple yes or no. There's a lot of question that we have as well as you. And these are questions that are going to have to be answered for all of us before we get through this process. Welsh/ Yeah. Let me, as kindly as I can, say the statements and terms of, and I was not at your last meeting of the Council, I did listen to your tape, I even at one point called my wife in and said "Is this what the Mayor said?" and wrote it down. "Yeah, that's what he said." We plan to make no changes in the service. Lehman/ I think it's fair to say that this Council intends to maintain the same degree of service that they are accustomed to. I think we said that. Welsh/ Okay. Then the answer to your question could be yes, to the question. Lehman/ Bob-- Welsh/ You know, if it's, we have to look at it. And here, see again, on the riders. You know, two weeks ago, or really two days ago, I was not aware of the "Union contracts" and the whole negotiations, and I understand that. But that fact, in and of itself, is something that you all have to take into account in designing the system. Because, again, let me emphasize, you can tell I am not a rider of SEATS, okay? I did break my leg a few years ago, probably seven years ago or eight years ago, and I did utilize SEATS service at that time to get from my house to the church, because I really couldn't fit into my car, and I couldn't drive. And that's a great service when you need it. I probably wouldn't have fit the ADA eligibility requirement -- Thornberry/ Bob, you've obviously read this from a written text. Could we have a copy of your questions, please? Welsh/ Yeah. Let me say, I have copies, and I'm embarrassed by one thing. I am learning how to use my computer, and on page two, the word "riders" appears here off to the side. And I apologize for that. Kubby/ I think we can handle it. Thomberry/ We probably can handle that. Welsh/ My wife's is (can't hear) she's going to be upset with me. This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #5 Page 22 Thomberry/ We would have the opportunity of responding to those in a timely manner, and we'll get back to you. Lehman/ All right. Thank you, Bob. ??/ (Can't hear). VanderhoefJ Congratulations on learning something new. Lehman/ All right, folks, we're going to take a break, and we'll resume at 8:30. Thank you. BREAK Lehman/ Okay, let's resume the meeting. We reserved a special time for you, Tim. Tim Clancy/ Oh, Ernie, please. Lehman/ Would you please state your name and -- Clancy/ All right. My name's Tim Clancy. I live at 302 South Gilbert, #1216, Iowa City, Iowa, 52240. And I guess, my first question would be, that during yesterday's meeting, there was this motion made, or at least a suggestion made that we want to send a finn directive to staff that we definitely want to do this, okay? And do this, I assume, means, you know, you definitely want to pursue providing our own paratransit service. But, as we've gone through aspects of the plan that's proposed, and the discussion tonight, it seems like 80% of the "this" is unknown. So how can the City say we definitely want to do this, when we don't know what "this' is? And so, I mean, I think it's a great, I can understand where it's cost-effective for the City to pursue their own service, because they have more control over how the dollars are spent and where they go. But if you're not involving people that are directly affected by the service in the planning process, initially, not afterwards as a police or a watchdog, but initially, how do you know that what you're, that the service you're providing is actually what the people need? As we've heard tonight, there's been a great rapport developed between the drivers and the riders. And you know, that, at any rate, needs to be maintained. Because you can't mandate that in a two-hour, two-day training, you know, what is twenty years of a person's life. So, I guess, I would hope that all this discussion This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #5 Page 23 would serve as a wake-up call to say that before we can do anything, we need to re-examine what it is that we're doing. It's, it's understandable why, and it's no secret that this desire is out there, because you know, there's been talk about it for years. And I guess, the other aspect of that, and I don't mean to be a rabble- rouser, -- Lehman/ Yes, you do. Clancy/ But why is it so important that it happen so quickly? I mean, I know our fiscal year, you know, ends in July or whatever, but until we get all these questions answered, how can we do anything? So, I would urge that the Council please move cautiously. Definitely, you know, look into whatever options you feel you need to look into. But, for God's sake, you know, I guess the main point of the meeting yesterday, and the meeting today, and the meeting two weeks ago, is that we're our best authority of what we need. And unless you involve us, you're going to end up with a plan like the one you have. So, thank you. Lehman/ Thank you, Tim. Becky Hoffbauer/ All the little stickers are gone, can I just sign it? Lehman/ Sure. Hoffbauer/ My name is Becky Hoffbauer and I'm a driver, dispatcher, and scheduler with Johnson County SEATS. Many of you know me, or some of you have seen me from last fall's budget meeting. A couple things that I feel like I need to address are, one of the things brought up by Rev. Welsh, that Mayor Lehman, you addressed, about whether drivers are hired and whether they're able to retain their benefits and seniority, etc., with the response that the Union, there's a Union contract in place, as though that would just take care of it, and there wouldn't be a problem. But, I'd like to remind you that the Iowa City and Johnson County and Coralville who hire employees through the Union, it's a negotiation process, just like the one between the City and the County. And the Union isn't going to be able to just come in and say this is what we want and feel like it's going to be handed over to us. We don't harbor any such fantasies. It's going to be up to the City to decide based on how many driver-hours, dispatcher-hours are needed, how many of the SEATS people will be hired. The City can say you don't retain any of your benefits. That's up to you. That is not up to us. The Union, certainly, is going to work for the best possible deal we can get, if it comes to that point. I'm still holding out hope that the City's going to reconsider based on the fact that it has very little knowledge, up to this point, of what they are opting to do, in my This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #5 Page 24 opinion. I feel like Bumell's memo from yesterday should set of a lot of alarms for you people, that there is a lot you don't know. That there is a lot in the City staff's budget that was put together that has not been addressed. These are costs that are not involved in the proposal that are there, that are reality, in running a paratransit system. To me, it's full of black holes. It's what about that service during the mid-part of the day when you drastically drop the number of vehicles, and you have mentioned privatization of taxi service, and other, whatever that is, to pick up the pieces. You're talking about a lot of pieces. A lot of service that's not going to be covered if you privatize that and cover it with privatization, then you're opting out of the control that you've worked so hard to get. And control has been an issue for years in why, in the City's problem with the way SEATS is running its organization. I've heard so many things said tonight that are based on the experience of the riders of SEATS, and I feel like that accumulated knowledge cannot be absorbed by you people until you go out and make the same kind of effort to know what you're taking on. You're taking on a paratransit service. It's a big undertaking, and you're making decisions based on City budget proposal that is bare-bones. That is not including everything. And you're trying to say that you can make a more efficient, better, cheaper service, when you have no idea what the service is that you have right now. When I was in college, and I had essay tests that said "compare and contrast this with that", ifI had answered with a budget proposal for one thing that didn't include a lot of the things that need to be in there, and contrasted it to something I knew nothing about, I would have failed. And I'm afraid that's what's going to happen if the City decides to go ahead with this, with the knowledge that they have now. Thank you for your time. Lehman/ Thank you for your comments. We're going to have to go on with the agenda, but there are a couple of comments I would like to make. I don't think that anybody has said anything tonight that we haven't heard, and I think that we have been listening. I really think we all have, from day one. We have said that we would like to pursue this. We'd like to, you know, continue putting together a plan. I think, at this point in time, there've been so many questions asked that perhaps haven't even been, the full picture's not put together, but I think that you can, we can rely on our staff to put together a plan that we can answer all the questions that come up. This happens to be a time in this process where all questions can't be answered at this point. But I'm sure they will be as we go along. We have, and I think I've heard several people indicate that we would like a committee of users and whatever to help in putting this together. We have instructed the staff last night that that was what we wanted as well. But I don't think we're, I think our goals are the same. And I can understand the concern at this point. We have received, and I saw this on the news tonight before I even This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #5 Page 25 came to the Council meeting, we received a letter from the Board of Supervisors, where they indicate, and I just perused this very quickly, but a willingness to work with us. They obviously have the same concerns that we do, that we maintain a single, unified system. Who provides that, probably, is not nearly as important as the fact that it does get provided, and that it does stay unified. So, I think that at least from a quick perusal of this, they feel the same way we do. we're going to keep working on it. Is there any comment from the Council? Champion/ I'd just like to comment that it's important -- Karr/ Connie, excuse me, could you raise your mic? Champion/ Oh. It's important that people remember that we're in a very early process of developing a system. All that we've really decided is that we'd like to move forward, looking at the possibility of taking over the system. we'd like to take it over, but we haven't gotten to that point. We've developed a system. And I think the other thing to remember is that people who use SEATS now are going to continue to use SEATS until we have answers to all these questions. And that it's going to require patience on everybody's part while we work all this out. That's all, a little bit of patience, and maybe not quite so much fear. Kubby/ I guess I wanted to comment on the memo from Joe Bolkcom, in that there were three things suggested which, I don't want to wait for two weeks for our informal to talk about them. And I want to direct staff to do some things. One of them is the County did, indeed, request an estimate for the City to put together numbers for a County-wide unified system. So, I would like the Council to direct staff to work on those numbers, since it was requested by the Supervisors. Last night, we wouldn't do it, because the Council, some Council members were talking about it, not the County. Well, the County has asked for it. So, I would like us to direct staff to do that. Lehman/ And I think this is the appropriate fashion for this to be given. Kubby/ And that's fine, so I guess I want us to nod our heads and say do the work. Lehman/ And I think that we agree with that. Atkins/ However, we need to have what County policies are currently in place. I cannot prepare a budget in a vacuum. Kubby/ They have said that they would provide whatever information staff would need This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #5 Page 26 to make this estimate. Atkins/ I've not read the letter. Lehman/ Okay. Norton/ You'll have to work with them to get that. Atkins/ They must provide us with the policies, and they must provide us with whatever limited management information they have to help support that policy. Again, our budget preparation is substantially based on information given to us by the County. So, I just want you to know that we'll frame it around what they give us. Champion/ I think what we're asking is for you to move forward on developing a unified system. Lehman/ Yes, but I think what Steve says, and I think this is correct, is that we'll have to request whatever information you need to do this. Atkins/ Yes. Lehman/ We have to have the tools in order to come up with the projections that they're asking for. Kubby/ Well, the second thing, it's suggesting that the City do an experiment, which I think is a pretty interesting idea. And the first part of the experiment is really to have us and staff better understand all the nuances of the system by riding and observing the dispatching. And seeing it from both ends, I think, is real important. Because, when people talk about the flexibility, it sounds nice and theoretical and good public policy up here, but it really affects individuals' lives every day out on the street. And the second part of the experiment suggests that we kind of manage SEATS for awhile, alongside the County, so we can see what all the parts are. Parts that we like, and maybe some parts that we don't like, so that we can develop our plan through some experiential learning. I think that's a very interesting idea for us to think about. And I would like us to direct staff to do that. Norton/ And direct ourselves. Kubby/Yeah. And make a commitment to do that. This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #5 Page 27 Norton/ Take a ride, yeah. CHANGE TAPE TO REEL 98-25, SIDE A Champion/ What the Board of Supervisors has sent is that they're going to make sure that they help us know what we have to know to run a good system. And I thank them for that letter. Kubby/ But it's really to know what we need to know to see if we can develop a program to run a system in a cost-efficient way. And the answer may be yes, and the answer may be no. I mean, with your wording, it says like we are doing it, but another moment, the wording is we're still seeing if we can do it. And I want to keep it in that ballpark, using the analogy from last night, that we're still exploring the system to make sure that we can provide the same level of service for a lesser amount of dollars. Norton/ We want to keep it in the realm of possibility that we can't get there from here, yeah. Kubby/ I mean, that may or may not be true, we don't know that yet. Lehman/ Dean? Thomberry/ Karen, you're -- Lehman/ We're not going to get into a discussion. Thomberry/ I'm not going to get into a discussion on this. But, Ernie, I just got this. It's dated February 10th. It was here when I got here. I have not had a chance to review it. Karen is asking questions, or referring to this letter from her husband. Kubby/ Well, I just read it today. Thornberry/ That I have not even looked at yet, and I cannot comment or expect to direct staff to do anything until I've read the letter -- Kubby/ And that's fair. Thomberry/ From her husband. This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #5 Page 28 Kubby/ That's fair. Thornberry/ I just don't understand. Kubby/ But, this person wrote this letter as the chair of the Board of Supervisors. My personal relationship has -- Thomberry/ Karen, he happens to be your husband. Kubby/ Has nothing -- Lehman/ Well, that is neither here nor there. Kubby/ Well, tell that to him. Lehman/ Well, the point is, we got a communication from the Board of Supervisors. They have indicated -- Kubby/ It's just not acceptable protocol. Lehman/ They are trying to work with us, and us with them, in providing what we've all said that we want to see provided. And I think what Karen is saying is that City staff look the letter over, and we'll do what we can to do the sorts of things that the County's asked us to do, in keeping with the kind of information that they can make available to us. Atkins/ I understand. O'Donnell/ I think the number one thing is to get the material from them before we can do anything, right? Singer/ I'm sorry, I know this is out of order, but -- Lehman/ Come to the microphone, please. Singer/ If, just to add one thing to this suggestion of traveling with us on our daily routes, of sitting in the office for a day, and listening to what it's like going through a whole day, it's like being an air traffic controller. It's very stressful. We also would really urge you, other than, I really agree with Mr. Atkins, what you said, a war of memos is not to anybody's benefit. The only reason Burnell's This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #5 Page 29 written the two memos that he's written in the last two weeks is because he felt that he was trying to get a concise message through, because he had no other venue to get the message through. We'd like to see, and as an Iowa City resident, we'd really like to see that ifBurnell and Joe and Ron could be present together, all three of them, with you at a future Monday work session, where they, you could question all of them, and they could respond, all of them, and you could hash this out. You know, if you want direct advice, and direct opinion, rather than going through layers, having you, as you said, Dean, direct staff to inquire to Burnell to give information back to staff to give the information back to you, do it in one session. Thornberry/ I would say, though, that Bumell sat in on, I think, all but one of the negotiating meetings that we've had -- Singer/ Right, but -- Thornberry/ Since June of last year. Singer/ But, Dean, you and Dee are very familiar with him, and have done that. But we have several new Councilors who aren't familiar with him, and if it's going to be, you know, this is such a far-ranging thing, that I think everybody would benefit from that. You can't lose when you have information. Information is power. I also think that you've also acknowledged, I mean, what happened two minutes ago acknowledges that there are personality conflicts inherent in what's been going on since July, and that this might get around that somewhat, and diffuse it by broadening it out and letting you share, letting you and Dee share what you have with the other Councilors, rather than beating the brunt of being the go- betweens. So, that's all. Thanks. Lehman/ Well, this is obviously an invitation from the County for us to work with them, and share whatever information there is, and I'm sure that we intend to take full advantage of it. Thank you. Kubby/ There's another issue here, and we've said that we're going to do, to have an advisory group, but that can take many different forms. And we've just kind of thrown it at staff. We haven't said we want to make sure there's a majority of persons with disabilities, who are consumers of this service on this committee. We haven't said how many people. We haven't decided how to solicit volunteers, and in many other instances when there have been ad hoc committees helping advise the City Council, the Council has given direction as to how it will be done, given directions about that. And I feel just saying yes, we want an advisory This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 //5 Page 30 committee isn't quite enough direction to get what I think is needed, and what is being requested. Norton/ Yeah, we should certainly help shape the form of that committee, and decide on, in fact, I don't know when, I was going to do it at Council Time, but I don't know when we should do it, Ernie. But we need to say something about the shape of that committee, so that it has the proper respect of the community involved. Thornberry/ Then this is a new committee, because they haven't had a committee before. Norton/ I understand that. Thornberry/ And the County -- Norton/ Will help us work out the details of this plan. Thornberry/ Ernie-- Norton/ We want that committee to be an appropriate representative point of view of the users. Thornberry/ Dee, that's correct. And it's a new committee, like I said. Let me say what I have to say. And it's a new committee, because the County has not had a committee before. They have had problems in the past, and I mean, we've heard about the problems, of the riders to the County in the SEATS use. In our infinite wisdom, and their request, we have decided that there should be a committee made up ofparatransit riders. I think it's a fantastic idea. I think it should have been done ten years ago, but it wasn't. We'll start it. How many members on there, you want to start that tonight, I don't know. Norton/ I want to sometime. Thornberry/ Will there be three, five, seven, twelve, I don't know, Dee. Norton/ It might not be all users, it might be some providers, too, as well. Kubby/ But it can be general guidelines, Dean. For example, to say what's a workable group. And in our experience, that's between seven and eleven people. Staff can make that decision. And to say that we want more, at least, more than 50% of those members -- This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #5 Page 31 Norton/ The users. Kubby/ Persons with disabilities who use SEATS. Thomberry/ Well, when do we do this? Kubby/ I mean, could we do that right now? Thomberry/ Right now? Norton/ Could we do this right now? Why not, Ernie? Atkins/ Can I tell you who I've talked to already? Maybe that will help. Kubby/ Yes, please. Norton/ Please do that. Atkins/ We have calls in, and we did this this morning, right away, to the City of Coralville, communication to the City of University Heights, the committee on Disability Rights and Education, the Senior Center Coordinator, Goodwill Industries, Systems Unlimited, and the Human Service Coordinator. I've asked all those people to get me some names of folks. Kubby/ Please don't forget the Evert Conner Rights and Resources Center. Atkins/ We just didn't get to it today. Norton/ And, the question though, is trying to have a majority of the committee be users, we heard at the Library yesterday, that it might be okay to have a provider or two, but not to be dominated by that group. So, the structure of this committee, it seems to me a majority of them ought to be users, and perhaps the names ought to come to us and we pick them, or is that the way we ought to proceed? Atkins/ Understand, we spoke with the providers. You tell us who you think would make best represent your interests. It doesn't have to be the providers specifically, but these are the groups we contacted. Again, we just did this this morning, and I couldn't tell you where we are on that. Kubby/ I guess, for me, the value would come from organizations that are made up of persons with disabilities instead of having the director, even of Systems, as much This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #5 Page 32 as I respect that organization, to find someone that many people who live and work through Systems belong to the Johnson County Coalition of Persons with Disabilities, and are interacting with the Evert Conner Rights and Resources Center. And to go directly to those consumer groups instead of-- Norton/ Why don't we let Steve, one possibility is to let Steve come up with that list, and then we go over it, and others who are interested in serving can probably drop their names in the hopper now, couldn't they? Thornberry/ Don't you think that there should be someone from staff, or from the agency, from the transit facility be on that to answer questions -- Lehman/ May I suggest that we instruct Steve to put together a proposed committee that has a sizeable representation from users. Now, I don't care whether that's 50% or 51% or 40% or 45%, I don't care. I think they have to be represented. They should be represented. Providers, as well, should be, and would it be all right with the rest of the Council for Steve to have a recommendation for us for our next meeting? Champion/ Terrific. Kubby/ I would like to direct him that more than 50% are consumers of SEATS. I think that's a really important -- Lehman/ I don't think that's -- Champion/ I don't think makes -- Norton/ A disabled group, and the elderly group, surely. O'Donnell/ I think Steve was headed in the right direction, if we'd have given him the opportunity. We did this last night, and he's taken giant steps already. Let's give him the chance to do it. Kubby/ But there's a philosophical issue about that 51%, so that there is some sovereign, some self-government by consumers who understand and have effect on the system. we're still going to make the ultimate decision. O'Donnell/ Well, let's just wait till next time, and we'll see who's on it. Champion/ The problem I have -- This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #5 Page 33 Kubby/ There's not, I disagree. Champion/ The problem I have with 51% is how many people do we need on this committee? We obviously have to have someone from transit, someone from staff, -- O'Donnell/ Not too big. Champion/ We need to have some people who are employing the disabled. We need somebody from these organizations, I'm not totally familiar with all these organizations, so that maybe, in order to keep the committee at a workable level with representation, we need to have on it, it can't be 51%. I don't have any objection to it being 51% -- Kubby/ I would say that staff's not, staff is helping the committee, it is not the committee, so staff is above and beyond whatever the -- Norton/ They're ex officio members, aren't they? Lehman/ All right -- Champion/ Wait a minute -- Lehman/ Let's let Steve come up with something. Vanderhoef/ Yeah. Lehman/ I think he's heard us. It's important there be a sizeable representation of folks who use the system. Atkins/ It's understood. Lehman/ You give us a recommendation, and we will then discuss it and decide what we want to do. Atkins/ Okay. Kubby/ And just for some historical gratification on my part, that riders have asked for an advisory group for years, and it had been, there were multiple times, at least three I can remember, where Council members brought it up for the City of Iowa This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #5 Page 34 City to have an advisory group made up of users, to advise us on how we can better negotiate and contract for the kinds of services that we contract out with the County. And there was never a majority of Council who would direct that such a committee be formed. So, I don't think it was just up to the County to have an advisory group. We have a lot of, we always had control to have that, I mean, there was never a majority. If you had been on -- ??/ (Can't understand). Kubby/ If you had been on, maybe you would've been the third vote. Thornberry/ For a historical point, that's good, Karen. Because it has not been up, it has not been up in the last two years. Kubby/ Two years, no. Lehman/ All right. Let's move forward. Champion/ Can we move on? Lehman/ All right, moving on. Karr/ Can we have a motion to accept correspondence? Kubby/ So moved. Vanderhoef/ Second. Lehman/ Moved by Kubby, seconded by Vanderhoefto accept correspondence. All in favor- (ayes). Accept correspondence. This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #6a Page 35 ITEM NO. 6a. PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS - An ordinance vacating a portion of former Benton Street between Riverside Drive and the Iowa River which is adjacent to Linder Tire Service. a. Public Hearing Lehman/ (Reads agenda item #6a). This is a parcel of property that currently belongs to the City. It formerly was a road, and this is going to be, if we pass this, or this is just going to be a public hearing, this will be vacated, and traded for a like parcel of property which would then be used for the Iowa River Trail. P.h. is open. P.h. is closed. b. Consider an Ordinance (First consideration). Norton/ I'll move consideration. Champion/ Second. Lehman/ Moved by Dee Norton, seconded by Connie Champion. First consideration. Any discussion? Roll call- (yes). This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #6b Page 36 ITEM NO. 6b. Public heating on a resolution approving revisions to the August 6, 1996 Fringe Area Agreement with Johnson County, which is part of the Iowa City Comprehensive Plan. a. Public Hearing Lehman/ (Reads agenda item #6b). And before I open the heating, Karin, would you briefly tell us what this is? Karin Franklin/ This is a fairly minor amendment to the Fringe Agreement which changes the word from "plat" to "concept plan" for rezonings in Areas A and C. And it's basically to allow people to go through the rezoning process without putting in the engineering work for a plat, but have a concept plan so that we know that the rezoning will work. Lehman/ And staff agrees with this recommendation? Franklin/ Staff agrees with this, and this is something that the County has already looked at, and in fact, it was at the County's behest that we are putting this before you. Lehman/ P.h. is open. P.h. is closed. This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #6d Page 37 ITEM NO. 6d. Consider an ordinance amending Title 14, Chapter 6, entitled "Zoning," Article L, entitled "Provisional Uses and Special Exceptions," to provide for temporary use permits to allow short-term activities, such as special events or seasonal outdoor storage and sales. (Second consideration). Lehman/ (Reads agenda item #6d). This allows us to legally provide for what would not be exceptions to our zoning ordinance. Thomberry/ Move adoption of the ordinance. O'Donnell/ Second. Lehman/ Moved by Thomberry, seconded by O'Donnell. Any discussion? Roll call- (yes). This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #6e Page 38 ITEM NO. 6e. Consider an ordinance amending the Building Code and Title 14, Chapter 6, entitled "Zoning," Article B, entitled "Zoning Definitions," to change the definition of GRADE. (Second consideration). Lehman/ (Reads agenda item #6e). This is an ordinance which would prevent some construction from circumventing the requirements of our current zoning codes. Thomberry/ Move adoption of the ordinance. Kubby/ Second. Lehman/ Moved by Thomberry, seconded by Kubby. Discussion? Roll call- (yes). This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #7 Page 39 ITEM NO. 7 THE ISSUANCE OF $9,180,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS (FOR AN ESSENTIAL CORPORATE PURPOSE) OF IOWA CITY, IOWA. a. PUBLIC HEARING. Lehman/ (Reads agenda item #7). This is a public heating, to receive public comment on the proposed issuance of these bonds. There is, in the packet, a list of projects which would be included in the bond issue. P.h. is open. P.h. is closed. b. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION INSTITUTING PROCEEDINGS TO TAKE ADDITIONAL ACTION. Lehman/ Any comments? Thomberry/ This is no more than $9,180,000. It can be less? Lehman/ Yeah. Thornberry/ It-- Lehman/ It authorizes the total packet that we're going to get into, it authorizes up to $10,500,000. ??/ That's not germane, but that's nice. Lehman/ We could -- Thornberry/ There's a list of the projects there, Ernie. Karr/ Do you want the list of them? Lehman/ No, no. Champion/ No. Lehman/ We could issue up to that amount. It's my understanding that a lesser amount will probably be issued. Any further discussion? Kubby/ Is this public heating still, or the resolution? Lehman/ I think public hearing -- This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #7 Page 40 Norton/ You're going to get the list. There it is, now. Thomberry/ It's closed. Karr/ I'll do this, you do that. Champion/ I don't want to look at it. Kubby/ Actually, while this is up here, I was going to save my comment for when we vote, but since it's up here, can I go ahead and make it? Lehman/ Sure. Kubby/ It's really hard when there's a whole list of projects, like there's a couple you may not like, but you want to vote for the whole thing, because you like most of what's going on, and one of the ways I started looking at this is what are the things that are helping redevelop or make better parts of the City that are already developed? And that need some rehab, or we're increasing services to those parts of the City that are already developed. And what things are new things that will spur more development, create new arterial streets, and that kinds of things. And because I want to put more of our money at this point in our history into making sure the infrastructure we have is strong and efficient and working properly. And so, with those two categories, and actually this list includes the next two items as well, that if we did them all, and we each have an option of voting yes or no on each individual project as it comes back to us, so please remember that, that $7,000,000 of the up to $10,500,000 listed on here, are things that are in already developed parts of the City, and improving on services we're already providing. And $3,100,000 plus are real new projects like Captain Irish Parkway, which is a totally new street. Court Street extended, totally new street. And so I will be supporting this, although I don't support every single thing on here. And I'll feel free to say no to those individual items, as each of us will. Lehman/ Any other discussion? Vanderhoef/ Just one comment. This is the place folks that we didn't remember that phase on Captain Irish Parkway, and we've renumbered it, and it actually is Phase I now. Kubby/ Not Phase III. This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #7 Page 41 Vanderhoef/ Not Phase III. Just so we know for future reference. Champion/ It was originally Phase III. Vanderhoef/ Right, because it was going East to West, and now it's going to go West to East. Welsh/ It seems to me somebody should speak, since I'm about the only one left. Would I be right that number nine, Iowa Avenue Streetscape, $150,000 surely, I looked at the figures last night, that's surely not going to do it. I would assume that would be the planning process? Lehman/ I think that that's probably a good assumption. Atkins/ And also, folks, recall that this is the debt portion of the project. Kubby/ Right. Atkins/ We might be using road use tax, water, sewer monies, things such as that also. This is just the debt portion, but in this case it is substantially the planning mode. Norton/ Thank you, Bob for that. Ernie, I wanted to comment here on one of the projects here that I find particularly significant is the Sycamore South Regional Stormwater Detention Project, that shows on there at $1,066,600. It's a big project, a good deal of which will be repaid over time by developments that are made possible by this management in regional basis of stormwater in an area of town that really desperately needs attention to that problem. Lehman/ That's really big Comprehensive Project. Norton/ It's a very big one, and it's a very unique project, and I think a lot of cities are going to be looking to that project as a model of how to manage stormwater on a more regional basis. And we've been talking about that in other sections of town, so I think this is one people will be, I was going to say fascinated by, and there's a wonderful report about it. If anybody wants to see it, they should ask for a report. Lehman/ Right. Vanderhoef/ The thing that is important to me on that particular project is that the developers got behind this project a number of years ago, and worked with the City in developing it so that it could be a plan like this. And I like that kind of This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #7 Page 42 partnering. Kubby/ It's an advantage to everyone. Vanderhoeff Well, and their interest in paying for this in a group situation rather than on an individual developments. Lehman/ Well, as these projects come up, we'll all have an opportunity to comment on them individually. Champion/ I'd like to move to consider this resolution. Lehman/ I'd better close the public heating. All right, moved by Connie -- O'Donnell/ Second. Lehman/ Seconded by O'Donnell that we approve the resolution. Roll call- (yes). This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #8 Page 43 ITEM NO. 8 THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $620,000 OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS (FOR A GENERAL CORPORATE PURPOSE). a. PUBLIC HEARING. Lehman/ (Reads agenda item #8). This is for the Library Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning System, and some work at the South Soccer Site fields. It will be, $620,000 will be added to the previous one, so the total will be not to exceed $1,500,000. P.h. is open. P.h. closed. b. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION INSTITUTING PROCEEDINGS TO TAKE ADDITIONAL ACTION. Vanderhoef/ Move adoption of the resolution. Lehman/ Moved by Vanderhoef. Norton/ Second. Lehman/ Seconded by Norton. Discussion? Roll call-(yes). Resolution carded. This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #9 Page 44 ITEM NO. 9 THE PROPOSITION OF THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $700,000 OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS (FOR A GENERAL CORPORATE PURPOSE). a. PUBLIC HEARING. Lehman/ (Reads agenda item #9). This is for a new Parks Central Maintenance facility to be built in City Park. This will allow us to not park on any kind of a regular basis, vehicles in the Cemetery lot. This is something we anticipate building this summer. P.h. is open. P.h. closed. b. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION INSTITUTING PROCEEDINGS TO TAKE ADDITIONAL ACTION. Thomberry/ Move adoption of the resolution. Vanderhoef/ Second. Lehman/ Moved by Thornberry, seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion? Thornberry/ Mr. Dolezal will be happy. Champion/ Yes. He's out of town at the moment. Lehman/ A lot of people probably will be. Roll call- (yes). This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #10 Page 45 ITEM NO. 10 PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT, AND ESTIMATE OF COST FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE WATER FACILITY SITE DEVELOPMENT - PHASE 1 IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, ESTABLISHING AMOUNT OF BID SECURITY TO ACCOMPANY EACH BID, DIRECTING CITY CLERK TO PUBLISH ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS, AND FIXING TIME AND PLACE FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS. a. PUBLIC HEARING Lehman/ (Reads agenda item #10). This is preparing the site where the new water plant will be built. In fact, I think we have an overhead. Kubby/ Difficult to recognize (can't hear). Lehman/ My understanding is this will be the first activity that's really going to be visible to the public, where you can see what's really being done on this site. And will make, and if I'm not correct, Chuck, direct it. But I think its going to make part of the site accessible to the public once the site preparation is done. Charles Schmadeke/ That's correct. Lehman/ P.h. is open. Kubby/ So, Chuck, maybe we do have to explain what's up there. Schmadeke/ The work involves, well, this map shows the plant site, and it's bounded on the north and west by the Iowa River, on the south by Interstate 80, and on the east by Dubuque Street. The site work involves pond stabilization, that's this facility here. It's to stabilize the banks around the pond. Construction of an 8- acre wetland facility parcel there. Construction of sludge lagoons that will be used to de-water and store sludges from the water-treatment process, located at that site. Underground water piping, other underground piping including sanitary and storm sewers, and chemical feed lines. River intake for our water source, and roadwork on the site. Lehman/ Now, would you tell us what portion of this will be available for public use after the sitework is done? Schmadeke/ The lower area around the pond will be available. Lehman/ Okay. And the estimate for this is $5,160,000 to complete what you just This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #10 Page 46 described? Schmadeke/ That's correct. Norton/ I have a question here. Chuck, can you briefly review for me, who is looking at this project? I understand there's a staff committee that looked at this site because there's multiple uses envisioned. And isn't there also the Riverfront and Natural Areas Commission? Are they, they've looked at it as well and --? Schmadeke/ Not this particular project. There'll be another project that follows this one to do plantings and sitework on the surface of it. Norton/ And to consider multiple use? Schmadeke/ That's right. Kubby/ But Dean, the committee, or Dee, the committee you're talking about is looking at the peninsula. Norton/ But I thought I saw -- Lehman/ This one, too. Norton/ Somebody talking about looking at this one. Kubby/ Oh, really? Norton/ Because the Riverfront Committee, Commission said something in it about that they had expressed some concern about the availability of the pond and the protection. Kubby/ Oh, and whether people could fish there? Norton/ Right. Bu I thought we were talking about maybe if people would fish in that pond, even though it's a source of water, and that's the kind of thing we're talking about. We didn't want people to think that this is strictly water. It's going to be a considerable addition to our public lands and recreational opportunities. Kubby/ Yeah. Schmadeke/ Yeah, that's right. And they will be involved when we do that second This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #10 Page 47 contract. Norton/ Okay. Lehman/ Thank you, Chuck. Any further discussion? P.h. is closed. b. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING. Lehman/ Any discussion from Council? Thomberry/ Move adoption of the resolution. O'Donnell/ Second. Lehman/ Moved by Thomberry, seconded by O'Donnell. Roll call- (yes). passed. Resolution This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #11 Page 48 ITEM NO. 11 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT AND AUTHORIZING MAYOR TO SIGN AND CITY CLERK TO ATTEST A CONTRACT FOR THE MONTGOMERY-BUTLER HOUSE STABILIZATION PROJECT. Lehman/ (Reads agenda item #11). This is a project that will not restore the building, but prevent the building from any further deterioration, and it's my understanding this stabilization is a requirement from, is it DNR? In order to get the permits to work on the water plant site. Atkins/ The Corps. Lehman/ The Corps of Engineers. Anyway, our estimate was $47,680, the low bid was $22,692 from DW Robinson Builder of Iowa City. That was one of three bids, and the recommendation is that DW Robinson Builder of Iowa City be awarded the contract. Thornberry/ Move adoption of the resolution. Vanderhoeff Second. Lehman/ Moved by Thomberry, seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion? Thomberry/ Yeah. It seems like a lot of these bids, whether it be from architects, whether it be from engineers, are becoming quite different from the bids coming in. Is it because our estimates are too high, Steve, or is it because these people don't have anything to do? Vanderhoef/ Who knows. Atkins/ I'd like to believe, for the sake of our community's economy that they've got plenty to do. I think, Dean, this project, and Chuck is far more experienced than I am, this is one of those really difficult to make a call on. I mean, you've all been out to see it. Thomberry/ Yeah. Atkins/ We have the specs on what we want to do. Contractors traditionally, particularly when they go into remodeling, they don't know what's on the other side of the wall. They pull the wrong board, something comes down, you know, they have an obligation. And I think we estimate, or we've estimated high. Again, we were This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #11 Page 49 very, very surprised at these bids, that they came in as low as they did. Kubby/ But we did slow down the process so that some smaller companies could get bonded so they could bid, and that was a good result of that delay. Atkins/ Yes. These are reputable companies, and so we have no trouble making the recommendation. Thomberry/ Yeah. Atkins/ But I understand your observation. I just think it's somewhat like when you're doing remodeling, you're just not real sure what's there. Thornberry/ Yeah, I see bids of $22,000, $26,000, and $29,000, and our estimate was $47,000, and the next one, $3,100,000, and all the bids were less than that, and I was just wondering -- Kubby/ We have our share that come in higher, though. Vanderhoef/ Yes. Kubby/ Don't complain. Vanderhoef/ Our CIP plan had listed this particular project as possibly $65,000. Atkins/ Yes, that's correct. Vanderhoef/ And that, that was a wonderful surprise when I was this. Atkins/ I think Chuck can comment on the next one. I think it's the competition and the time of year we've bid this Captain Irish, why we got good bids. Thornberry/ Ok. Lehman/ Roll call- (yes). Resolution is passed. This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #12 Page 50 ITEM NO. 12 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT AND AUTHORIZING MAYOR TO SIGN AND CITY CLERK TO ATTEST CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE CAPTAIN IRISH PARKWAY PHASE I IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT. Lehman/ (Reads agenda item #12). This is a project that I think is really critical to Iowa City, especially the east side of town. It is the beginning of what can eventually be, if Council sees fit, the connection of Scott Boulevard and Dubuque Street. The estimate on this project was $3,190,000, roughly, and the bids, I believe we received eight of them. The low bid was a local contractor, Metro Pavers of Iowa City, with $2,357,399.75. Public Works and Engineering is recommending that this contract be awarded to Metro Pavers. Chuck, Steve mentioned just a minute ago you might have a comment as to why this came in almost a million dollars under the estimate? Schmadeke/ It is the only large contract under bid right now in the state of Iowa, and as you can see here, several contractors from eastern Iowa bid the project. And anytime you have that many bidders, it's going to drive the price down. Thornberry/ And when is it that they're, that they intend to start work on this project? Schmadeke/ We have to have the property available to them by April 15th. Thornberry/ By April 15th? Schmadeke/ Right. Champion/ Does that mean we have another million to spend? Lehman/ No. Norton/ We spent it last night. Lehman/ Chuck, we are intending to complete this project in a year, is that correct? Schmadeke/ That's correct. Lehman/ We'd like to have this done by the end of the construction season. Schmadeke/ That's right. This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #12 Page 51 Lehman/ And this involves the signalization of Dubuque Street, and the construction of water lines and the road. Schmadeke/ The entire project. Lehman/ To the ACT road. Kubby/ And as people observe, once this project starts, as people observe earth moving, be assured that it is not First Avenue preparations in any way. It is for Captain Irish Parkway. O'Donnell/ That's right. Thomberry/ Move adoption of this resolution. Lehman/ Moved by Thomberry. Vanderhoef/ Second. Lehman/ Seconded by Vanderhoef. Further discussion? Thomberry/ I thought maybe O'Donnell would've. Lehman/ Roll call- (yes). Resolution is passed. This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #13 Page 52 ITEM NO. 13 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION RENAMING A STREET LENZ COURT. Lehman/ (Reads agenda item #13). A private street on Lot 4 or Saddlebrook Addition, Part I was named Chestnut Court, and it has apparently been determined that we have another street by the same name. So the purpose of this resolution is to rename that street Lenz Court. Now this is a private street. Thornberry/ And I understand, Ernie, that the reason for Lenz Court is because it was the Lenz Farm, is that correct? Lehman/ I think that is correct. Champion/ Move to adopt resolution. O'Donnell/ Second. Lehman/ Moved by Champion, seconded by O'Donnell. Any discussion? Roll call- (yes). This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #14 Page 53 ITEM NO. 14 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A FEE FOR FOUNDATION PERMITS. Lehman/ (Reads agenda item #14). My understanding is this is a resolution for builders to get a fee for the foundation only, without having to have the entire permit ready at the time. It should be a time-saver for the builder, and in the long ran, it could certainly be a cost savings for the project. Now this has been recommended to us by the Planning Department, and it's been recommended by the Home Builders Association of Iowa City. Thornberry/ Move adoption of the resolution. Norton/ Second. Lehman/ Moved by Thornberry, seconded by Norton. Any further discussion? Norton/ Well, just, you know -- oh, somebody wants to comment. Joan Tiemeyer/ I'm Joan Tiemeyer. I'm with the Home Builders Association of Iowa City. Our Association would like to go on record in thanking the Building Department for working with us on expediting the permit process. And we'd also like to thank the Council. This was one of the issues that we felt were very important in order to assist the builders and in order to move our projects along smoothly, since we're under a short construction season period based on weather. You know, we appreciate the Council's efforts, and the Building Department's efforts, and we'd like to continue to work with them to expedite the building permit process. Lehman/ Thank you, Joan. Dee? Norton/ No, I was just going to say that I understand that it's kind of an experiment here, because this does mean that some construction could start, and perhaps go beyond the basement, and that happened, I guess in the past. But I do think it's probably an effort to try to speed it up. And we'll take a look at it and hope it work well. Lehman/ And I think, Joan, your comments are really well taken. I really believe that when there are impediments to the way construction occurs within the City, that if there are good suggestions that come from builders, or from builders associations, that our staff certainly is here to listen. And if we can, and I think this is an example, we will try to work with you. So I'm very pleased about this, too. Any further comment? This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #14 Page 54 Kubby/ In the past, for example, we took away the escrow for street cleanup and we're going to monitor that for a couple of construction seasons, to make sure that it is indeed working. I'd like us to direct staff to bring this back to us after, maybe, two construction seasons, to report back to us. I know they're going to be keeping track of it, but that we get updated, saying it's running smoothly, it was a good decision, and reinforce the decision. Norton/ But we did another one, remember, we permitted Romax in residential construction in the walls? Residential, rather than conduit. Lehman/ Well, that's always been the case. Norton/ No, we modified that not so long ago. And as I understand it, a lot of builders don't even realize it yet, that we had relaxed that opportunity. Kubby/ That it's allowable. Norton/ There was another effort in this -- Thomberry/ Move to be more friendly. Norton/ Move to be more friendly, if you wish. Lehman/ Roll call- (yes). This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #15 Page 55 ITEM NO. 15 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING CONDITIONS FOR THE REMOVAL OF CITY BOARD AND COMMISSION MEMBERS FOR JUST CAUSE. Lehman/ (Reads agenda item #15). I want to read this. This resolution establishes the misrepresentation on an application form for an advisory board or commission will constitute just cause for removal of an appointee and that the determination of whether other circumstances constitute just cause for removal shall be made on a case-by-case basis consistent with local, state, and federal laws. Vanderhoef/ Move adoption of the resolution. Lehman/ Moved by Vanderhoef. O'Donnell/ Second. Lehman/ Seconded by O'Donnell. Is there any comment from Council? Norton/ I guess I need a little clarification of the last sentence. Kubby/ What's other circumstances? Norton/ Yeah, I didn't quite, I understand the first one. Kubby/ Could you give us an example? Norton/ I think people should understand that I take it, we're adding to the application form some wording that they would have to attest, right? Eleanor Dilkes/ The reason I did the resolution is because you, you directed us to change the applications to specifically state that misrepresentation would be grounds for removal. And that is different than adding a question. It's actually establishing a condition for removal. And so that's why I did the resolution. Lehman/ That's to make it --? Dilkes/ The charter -- Lehman/ To make it consistent with the City Charter, correct? Dilkes/ And the City Charter says that you will establish conditions for removal. I don't This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #15 Page 56 think it makes a lot of sense to list a bunch of conditions, because you're always going to have one at the end that says anything else. Thornberry/ Anything else, yeah. Dilkes/ And so that's why I added the last part that said you'd look at it on a case-by- case basis, and do it consistently. Champion/ So it falls within the law. Kubby/ Right. But the only example that we've talked about is misrepresentation on the application. Could you just give a few examples? I don't want them in the resolution, but just so I understand what other circumstances might be. Norton/ Another category, right? Dilkes/ Well, it's not an example, it is a statement that misrepresentation will constitute grounds for removal. And then it states that other circumstances will constitute grounds for removal. Kubby/ Okay. What, can you give some examples of other circumstances? Thornberry/ Wrong name. Dilkes/ Certain convictions for certain crimes might have a bearing on, depending on what commission the person is a member of?. Thomberry/ Moving out of town. Dilkes/ Yeah, I mean. Kubby/ Okay, all right. Dilkes/ I think, I think you can't really do that, because you have to look at the position, and you have to look at the circumstance. Kubby/ I just want to know what the other possibilities are. Dilkes/ It's possible that the~, which is an indication of dishonesty, could have a bearing on whether you want somebody on a board or commission. This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #15 Page 57 O'Donnell/ Prison escapee. Kubby/ Thanks. Dilkes/ Yeah, something like that. Kubby/ Thanks, Mike. Dilkes/ What's that, a prison escapee? Vanderhoef/ What I think is important to note here, the questions that, the additional question that's going to be on this is a confidential page. That it is not something that is public knowledge when they submit their applications. Kubby/ Specific questions, I mean, we should be clear to the community what we're talking about. we're talking about a question that says Have you been convicted of any crimes other than traffic violations? Is that it? Dilkes/ A conviction in the last ten years for other than a simple traffic misdemeanor. Kubby/ And so, the response to that question, this resolution doesn't speak to that specifically. So that's why I'm going to vote for this resolution. I do disagree with asking those questions. Because even though Council members have said that they won't blanketly disregard someone just because they might answer yes, I think that it poses a problem. And I'm glad that it's going to be confidential as well. But I don't like that we're doing that. But I will vote for this resolution, because if someone has lied to us on an application, I don't think that they should be making recommendations to us about public policy. Dilkes/ And just so it's clear, the misrepresentation doesn't apply just to that confidential question, of course. It applies to the entire thing. Norton/ But yeah, we do need a little, I'm, it's difficult to call, but I think we do need a little more leverage than we have had in the past. Kubby/ Although, the specific circumstance that brought this to our attention, the person could answer very honestly there was no conviction. And so, it's not really helping. We're trying to respond to some community concerns. This isn't going to do anything for that. It may help in some other ways. Lehman/ Well, I think, from the -- This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #15 Page 58 Kubby/ Or people think it will, anyway. Lehman/ From the public perspective, we have added a couple questions to our application for boards and commissions, and we have added the statement that misrepresentation on those questions is grounds for dismissal. This makes it compatible with our Charter. Dilkes/ That's correct. Lehman/ Did we get a motion for approval? Thornberry/ Dee Vanderhoef-- Karr/ Dee Vanderhoef and O'Donnell. Lehman/ We got that. Okay, roll call- (yes). Resolution passed. This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #16 Page 59 ITEM NO. 16 ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES. Lehman/ (Reads agenda item #16). And a late notification tonight would be the Broadband Telecommunications Commission, one vacancy to fill an unexpired term ending March 13, 1998. Howard Vernon III resigned. And that appointment will also be made on March 24th. This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #17 Page 60 ITEM NO. 17 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION. Lehman/ City Council information. Karen? Kubby/ I started the last two times. Start down there. Lehman/ I'm sorry. The first shall be last, the last shall be first. Dee? Norton/ I will take a few items. Maybe some of the rest of you are going to mention this, but I just wanted to call people's attention to a meeting on Tuesday night, or not a meeting, a film actually, a presentation Tuesday night, here in the Council Chambers on Saving America's Cities by Design. It was on PBS, I think some time ago, but the, I think a lot of people who are interested in the downtown redevelopment and so forth would be really interested to see that. I think it's at 7:00 on Tuesday, February 17th, here in the Council Chambers. I wanted to, before anybody else does, express publicly our thanks to the Deer Management Committee, and the staff, Lisa and others who worked with them. They pursued that matter very near to a successful conclusion. I guess there's one step yes with the full Commission at the State Environment level. But I think they've done a magnificent job of advancing our position about controlling or managing our deer situation. And we'll see what plans evolve next fall. I'd like to, I want to mention a couple of things to Steve that I hope we can get on the list. I'd earlier commented about exploring the possibility of an Police Auxiliary. And with what I think of as the season coming downtown, it might be none to soon to think of whether that is a viable possibility. Atkins/ I think the research has been completed. I'll check on that and get -- Norton/ I say, spring will be here none too soon. I mean, well, none too soon, right. Atkins/ We'll get you an update. Norton/ The other one, I was looking through some old notes. I realized, a year ago, we had a note about uses of the landfill, and I guess that ought to get back on our hoppers about ultimate uses of the property, when the landfill is closed, you know, we have to decide what's going to go on there. You know, a miniature golf course, or just what. Atkins/ I don't know about that. We've concluded a good bit of that work. In fact, your timing is uncanny. Tomorrow, at 11:00, the staff is convening for a session to begin packaging some kind of recommendations for you on that very issue, what This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #17 Page 61 do we do now. So that's in the mill. Norton/ And the last thing is, have we responded to the man's letter, Mr. McCrea about the parking tickets for rental cars? Do they go to the driver, or do they go to the agency that rented the car? Atkins/ No, we have not, to my knowledge, they go, our folks track them down to the ultimate owner of the car. Norton/ To the agency. Atkins/ To the agency. Whoever owns the car. And no, we have not responded to him. Norton/ But the implication in his letter was that in most states, it goes to the individual who was driving the car, rather than -- Kubby/ But it's because our system that no matter how many tickets you have, and no matter what ticket you want the money CHANGE TAPE TO REEL 98-25, SIDE B Kubby/ Goes to the earliest ticket. You don't have any control over what ticket, which I totally disagree with. So, I appreciate his point. Norton/ I thought it was a point well taken, and it ought to be considered. Atkins/ Okay. I have not done any research on that. We'll get you something on it. Norton/ I'm finished. Lehman/ Okay. Dee Vanderhoef?. Vanderhoef/ Okay, a couple of things. Also, on Tuesday night, there will be a town meeting sponsored by the Human Rights Commission on Race Relations in Iowa City and Coralville. And it will meet at 7:00 at the Iowa City Public Library. So, this might be something else that you'd be interested in doing this week. Norton/ A lot of competition. This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #17 Page 62 Vanderhoef/ A lot of competition. The film, Back from the Brink, is owned by the City, so there might be some other opportunities to see it, if you aren't able to see it on that particular night. So, we can check with the Planning Department on that one. Then, I'd just like to report on an issue that I heard about some more when I went to Des Moines last week, and went to the Legislature with the Iowa League of Cities. Ernie asked me to represent him in the Mayors' Group. And there's conversation and three possible scenarios, and who knows how many more scenarios might come up, on one cent sales tax and sharing some of that cost with schools or the possibility of schools being allowed to add a seventh cent if you already have a sixth cent. So I don't know how this is going to come out, but I think it's something that's worth watching for City business. Lehman/ Dean? Thornberry/ One question for Dale, perhaps, on the Telecommunication, or this Cable, our contract with them is in force, and I understand, by the end of February, they were supposed to have certain things done, and it doesn't look like they're going to get these accomplished by the end of February. What is our, what are our options at that time? Dale Helling/ We got, we're preparing something for you on that, which you should have by the end of the week. We will address those things. Thomberry/ I have had some questions on that, and I just thought I'd bring it up. Lehman/ Mike? O'Donnell/ I have nothing. Lehman/ Connie? Champion/ I just want to say that I got lots of enthusiasm about the downtown scape and the Iowa Streetscape. So I think a lot of people in town are enthused about it. Lehman/ Karen? Kubby/ Dee Norton and I are going to be meeting with the Student Senate on the 17th, so it's going to be a really busy evening for us. And one of the things that we're going to do is just to outline two issues really briefly, things that are coming up on City Council that may have some interest to the Student Senate, and then just have kind of an open discussion for a few minutes. So if people have things they This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #17 Page 63 feel it's real important to use as one of the two issues, feel free to contact one of us. And the Student Senate has asked a woman, Mona Zack, I think is her name, to kind of be a, like we're a liaison to the Student Senate, and she's going to be the liaison with us. And she came to my office hours to talk just about, you know, how does something go through City Council, you know, a citizen wants to bring something up, what happens, and some budget things. So it's really nice that we're trying to solidify this relationship a little bit between the City Council and the Student Senate at the University of Iowa. And, I wanted to make sure that people know about a fundraising event for Arts Iowa City, which is the County's arts organization, one of the County's arts organizations. And they have a facility on Washington Street. And they're having an art auction on Thursday, February 12th, from 6:00 to 10:00 at the Holiday Inn. And I can't remember how much it is to get in, which again, also could put in some bids for some nice artwork. Vanderhoef/ $15 and $20. Kubby/ Thank you. I gave something so I get a freebie in there. Vanderhoef/ Good for you. Kubby/ I think that's all I have. Lehman/ Marian, I've got a couple things. We have, there's been, we have changed our March meeting originally scheduled for the 9th and 10th, to the 11 th and the 12th, and it's come to my attention that there is some opportunity to change it back to the 9th and 10th. Is this an appropriate time to discuss that? Karr/ This would be the appropriate time, yes. Lehman/ It would seem there are certain advantages to maintaining Monday and Tuesday nights, if at all possible. Is there an objection to changing that back to the 9th and 10th? Then the dates have now been changed. Norton/ I should point out, this comes about because I changed my mind about going east. Lehman/ You didn't have to get involved. You didn't have to take the blame. Now that you did, why don't you make up your mind. Vanderhoef/ And, I will go to League of Cities -- This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #17 Page 64 Lehman/ If you're able. Vanderhoef/ If I'm able to go. Champion/ Are you sure there's going to be a quorum? Lehman/ Yes, there will be five and probably six. Champion/ (Can't hear) Lehman/ We probably would, anyway. Champion/ Exclusivity there. Lehman/ The other thing we discussed last night, briefly, and again, Marian, is this an appropriate at this time, I think we should make the appointment of the individual for the HACAP Board. Karr/ We certainly can do that. The other thing we can do, it need not be a Council appointment. It can just be the direction of the staff to -- Atkins/ I made the assumption that you wanted me to go ahead. I drafted the letter and -- Kubby/ Yeah, and I talked to -- Lehman/ All right, it's official. Kubby/ I talked to Maggie about some details about what it means, and time and all that kind of stuff, and she was glad to have that information. And after hearing it was still willing to serve. Lehman/ Well, we appreciate Maggie Grosvenor representing Council on the HACAP Board. I think most of us attended the Business Fair that was put on this last weekend at Carver-Hawkeye. I think it was well attended. A lot of folks had a really good time. I've got to tell you, a little story about a customer that came to my store and told me about, she had fallen as she was getting on a City bus, and she had apparently scratched herself. By the time she got into the bus, the driver had found a couple of Band-Aids for her, which did not cover the scratch. When she pulled up downtown, in front of the Old Capitol Mall, the driver went to another bus and got a couple more Band-Aids from another bus and took care of her hand. Now, she said, I really am sorry I didn't get his name. But I think this This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #17 Page 65 is representative of some of the kinds of things that happen in this town. And you've just got to be really, really proud of that. We have a winter carnival coming up on Valentine's Day in downtown Iowa City. It should be a lot of fun. I see Cedar Rapids cancelled theirs. I hope that, I was going to say, I hope the weather's cold. If it's like this, it could be a little tough. There was also a meeting a week or so ago between the bar owners and Mr. Atkins, and the Police Chief, and a couple Council people sat in on it, and I would like Steve, for you to, I attended the meeting. I think that our Manager represented the Council and the community very, very well in his response. So, if he would like to reiterate what occurred. Atkins/ Well, I think the, you know, the gist of the meeting was there were some particular complaints about the Police conduct with respect to our enforcement of underage drinking laws. And it was enlightening, I think, to us, to hear many of the stories. Of course, you have the propensity in those kinds of meetings to have a lot more information after the actual particular circumstance at hand. But, be that as it may, I assured the bar owners that those matters would be attended to. And in doing that, and there should be a letter, I think I put the letter in your packet, I directed the letter to one of the bar owners who was chairing that committee, that we would, chairing this group, that we would form sort of an informal committee, meet once a month, that the purpose of the committee would be to define certain goals, one of which is clearly the enforcement of underage drinking, how we can accommodate their interest without compromising the enforcement of the law, and handle the type of complaints that they felt were at issue with respect to how our Police officers were conducting themselves. But I also did assure them that the City intended to continue to participate in the Stepping Up program. We would continue our participation, sort of a new service, whereby our Police and the Department of Public Safety officers from the University, are working downtown together. That the police presence is not intended to be diminished. It's intended to be increased. And I have not heard back from Don yet, and I would hope to before too long. Lehman/ Well, Steve, there were three of us from the Council who were there. And I know that we probably all felt that someone should say something and we were just very thankful that you chose to say something. And we were, I think, very pleased with the way you handled yourself and represented the City. Atkins/ Thank you. This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 # 18a Page 66 ITEM NO. 18a. REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY MANAGER. Atkins/ Yeah, I've got one more item. Just, another reminder. We're going to be trying something new on Thursdays, it's our Local Government Day. And I didn't check this with Marian, so her head looked up real quick. We are having lunch with the students at about 12:00, 12:15, and the Mayor's going to be there, I'm pretty sure. Lehman/ Pizza, I'll be there. Atkins/ Pizza. The Council members are invited. I don't know if it's a formal meeting and you have to count noses and do all that, but you are all invited to be here on Thursday and do that. Kubby/ This Thursday? Atkins/ This Thursday. Kubby/ I didn't know we were invited. Atkins/ Well, Karen, I must tell you, you weren't until this very moment. Kubby/ Wow. Norton/ Who are the students? Vanderhoef/ Pizza? Atkins/ There are 12 students from City High, 12 students from West High. They will spend the morning out and about observing City services. They will come back here for lunch, talk about what they experienced during the day, and we have some games planned for about an hour or so. Norton/ They're in different staff offices during the morning? Atkins/ They are going to be at landfills, water plants, police departments, we've got them scheduled to go on a housing inspection, a building inspection. So everybody's going to be doing something a little different. Norton/ But they're more focused on that than they are on our kind of processes, I take it? This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #18a Page 67 Atkins/ Will they care if you're there or not? Norton/ Yeah. Atkins/ They won't know -- Kubby/ What time was that? Atkins/ Noon. Norton/ But if there's free pizza, I'm in. Kubby/We have vegetarians though. Atkins/ We'll figure something out. Lehman/ Sounds like a really neat -- Atkins/ If you all can make it, just give us, give me a call sometime tomorrow. Norton/ We have a big housing meeting, don't we? Lehman/ 2:00. Atkins/ And the next item is to remind you that at 2:00, you have to be here anyway for Housing. Vanderhoef/ Oh. Norton/ It's a big session. Atkins/ This Thursday. We have our Student Govemment Day all morning, and into the early afternoon. And then you all come in at 2:00 here. Norton/ We have lots of homework to do before then. Lehman/ You're right. Atkins/That's all I have. This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #18a Page 68 Lehman/ Thank you, Steve. This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098 #18b Page 69 ITEM NO. 18b REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY ATTORNEY. Lehman/ Eleanor? Dilkes/ You asked about the Keg Ordinance the last time you met. Lehman/ Yes. Dilkes/ And we're getting the final draft of that prepared to circulate to staff. After staff, then, it will come to you. But Sarah is going to attend that Stepping Up meeting. Lehman/ Thursday at 1:00. Dilkes/ Thursday that they're having about kegs. Lehman/ Okay. Thank you, Eleanor. This represents a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 10, 1998. F021098