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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-10-28 Transcription#3 Page 1 ITEM 3. OUTSTANDING STUDENT CITIZENSHIP AWARDS - Weber Elementary Lehman: Okay, we're going to go right to Item 3. Tonight we have some students from Weber Elementary, if they'd like to come forward please. (applause) This is the part of the Council meeting that we all like the best - never any controversy, just a lot of fun. Council's been doing this for a long, long time and we're really proud to recognize citizenship throughout the community, especially when students from schools come here, we recognize them, we make a special presentation. What we'd like each of you to do is give your name and why you were nominated, and we'll start with you. Eckman: My name is Matt Eckman and I was nominated because I am a good student at Weber and I (can't hear). Lehman: If you'd like to read that you may do that. Eckman: My name is Matt Eckman. During my time at Weber I've learned the importance of the core virtues. I have learned respect for my family, friends, and teachers. I've also learned self-discipline through many of my activities I've been involved in - football, hockey, basketball, baseball, swimming, church youth groups, safety patrol captain, and band. All of these activities require self-discipline. I have had many role models from my family and teachers and friends. All have taught me the core virtues. During the past two years one person, my grandpa, has taught me an important core virtue - perseverance. He had a massive stroke two years ago and wasn't supposed to live. He has worked very hard to relearn to walk, talk, and many other things. He has never complained or given up. That's real perseverance. Not only are the doctors amazed with my grandpa, so am I. So thank you to my family, friends, and teachers for teaching me the core virtues. (applause) Engelhardt: Hi, I'm Paige Engelhardt. I'm 11 years old and I go to Weber Elementary. Through the past years I have always enjoyed volunteering. In the media center at school I enjoy being a media helper and helping kids check in or out books, find books and more. I also really enjoy helping out in the special needs room. It is a lot of fun to play with the kids. During lunchtime I enjoy working at the school store and helping organizing it. It is a lot of fun. Another volunteer activity that I like is babysitting. I love to play and watch the kids during school events, but of all the volunteer work that I've done, safety patrol is definitely my favorite. My job as a safety patrol is to help kids get to their bus, to the BASP, or just keep them safe. I really enjoy helping kids and making school a better place. (applause) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #3 Page 2 Murray: Hi, my name is Grace Murray and I am in 6th grade attending Weber Elementary. Thank you very much for this honor and award. In my school I have contributed in many different ways. One way I contribute to my school is by participating in safety patrol where I am captain. My job is to make sure that kids are safe on school grounds. I also help my school by working at the school store where I help sell supplies and then the money is given to the school. I have also been media helper where I help check in and out books for the library. I also go with my class to Hunter's Run Park and help clean it up. In my community, I have helped by making a dinner with my friends and family to help people at the free lunch program. I have also participated in the Red Cross Babysitting Program where I learned how to care for kids and infants. Presently I am collecting "dinner dollars" which will be turned in to Hy-Vee and then the money will be donated to the Salvation Army and Crisis Center. In all I do I strive to do my best at home, school, and in the community. Again, thank you for this award. I am very grateful. (applause) Lehman: Well I can tell you that the Council is very proud of you. I'm sure your parents are, and you saved me the trouble, young man, of saying how proud your grandparents are (laughter). Believe me, they are really proud of you. I'm going to read what the award states and I'll give each of you one. "For outstanding qualities of leadership within Weber Elementary, as well as the community, and for sense of responsibility and helpfulness to others, we recognize these as outstanding student citizens. Your community is proud of you. Presented by the Iowa City City Council." Matt, Paige, and Grace. Thanks guys! (applause) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #4 Page 3 ITEM 4. CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED OR AMENDED. Champion: Move adoption. O'Dormell: Second. Lehman: Move by Champion, second by O'Donnell. Discussion? Wilbum: I'm sorry, real quick. There's an item I forgot. I'd like to have item d(1) Setting the Public Heating for the amendment to the 2006 Consolidated Plan (City Steps), I have a conflict of interest. Lehman: Okay. Pfab: I'd like to pull out d(2) the one on the storm water. Lehman: Okay. Other discussion? Roll call. Champion: Move adoption of d(2). O'Dormell: Second. Lehman: A motion and a second for adopting d(2). Discussion? Pfab: I think that this thing needs some work before it goes for a public hearing. I think the City is known for a sense of fairness, and I think this does not portray that sense of fairness. It doesn't make sense to me that a person, maybe in a habitat house, pay the same fees as someone in a million dollar home, and I think that, well it may be an easy way but I don't think it's a fair way. Lehman: Well that's why we have a public hearing, Irvin. Pfab: I think by the time we get to a public hearing this is kind of a, a, I think it should go back to staff for more work on that even before it gets to the public hearing. That's my feeling. Lehman: Okay. Other discussion? Kanner: I'd like to move that we delay the public hearing. I don't know if I agree with all that Irvin says but I think it can be worked in a better fashion. We are moving in the right direction. Yesterday at our work session.....just so the public knows, we're talking about a new storm water utility fee. It's the proposal that's in our consent calendar to set a public hearing which This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #4 Page 4 would then lead to the votes on the proposal to increase the fees for all property owners in the City to deal with storm water because of Federal regulations, but I'd like to propose that we move this back until our first regular meeting in January, so that would give staff some time to iron out some of the things that Irvin is talking about, and see if we can get it even fairer for citizens of Iowa City. Lehman: Okay, I think what you're asking for is a Motion to Defer. Is that correct? Dilkes: Well, it's either that or it's a Motion to Amend to change the public · th to 6th. heanng date from November 10 January Kanner: Yeah, I want to amend the public hearing date to January 6th. Lehman: Is there a second to that amendment? Pfab: Second. Lehman: We have a motion and a second. Discussion? Kanner: I think as Irvin was saying, when we get to the public hearing stage, that's like the staff, they've come to their consensus on it and um, it's hard to deviate. Certainly Council can do that, but I think we should ask staff to come back with something a little different at this point. Vanderhoef: Well from my perspective last night, we had discussions about exactly what Irvin was talking about and the fairness of it is fairly apparent in that it's an average, number one, and number two, there are certainly some unfair kinds of things that can happen on large lots with lots of open space around them, where the storm water will be absorbed. Lehman: Dee, I think we really have to talk about whether we're going to defer this to January, not the meat of the ordinance. Kanner: Well I think ....... Vanderhoef: Well I'm explaining why I'm not going to support changing it. I think it's okay the way it is. Lehman: The date? Okay. Kanner: Yeah, I think I understand what Dee's saying. One thing I'm not quite clear on, and another reason I will support delay, is that we've spent hundreds of thousands of dollars, I don't know hundreds of thousands, thousands at least, tens of thousands, on what is it called? GIS? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #4 Page 5 Lehman: Right. Kanner: And it seems that that would be able to give us a fairly good look, snapshot of what the square footages are and be able to move. I don't think it's so bad right now but I think it could be even better in its fairness, and be able to determine exactly what we're looking at and get a better average for houses. It may seem like a small amount but it adds up and as Irvin pointed out yesterday, Des Moines has been doing, I think it was Des Moines, that's been doing it for 5 or 6, 8 years and theirs has gone up and we could expect ours to possibly go up and so we want to get it as fair as possible from the start. Lehman: Other discussion on the ........ Pfab: I would say that if the objection to my suggestion is that it would cost too much, I would suggest that maybe what we should do is put it out for bid, see what it would cost. I don't think it's that difficult with the technology we have and I think that that, I don't think that that really addresses the main issue. I think somebody, like I said in a habitat house, should not expect to pay the same fee as a million dollar home. Champion: The only fair way to do it, Irvin, absolutely fair way, would be to measure every house and measure how much cement they have and how much yard they have, and then how much run off they may have, and so those million dollar houses you're talking about probably don't have any run-off into the street at all but the little house in Goosetown that might be worth 1/5 the price is going to have a tremendous amount of run-off because of when it was constructed. So if you're trying to protect people who don't have as much money as the people who live in the million dollar houses, you're going about it the wrong way. P fab: I ................. Lehman: Look, these discussions are the sort of things that we should be discussing at the public heating. We have a motion to defer until January. All those in favor of that amendment, signify by raising their right hand. The amendment is defeated 2 to 5, Kanner and Pfab voting in the affirmative. Now, your motion was to do what? Champion: To pass it. Lehman: To pass, now we have a motion to pass. Is there discussion on it? Vanderhoefi Two, excuse me, say that again please. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #4 Page 6 Lehman: The motion is to pass, to set the public hearing. Discussion? Roll call. Motion carries 6 to 1, Pfab voting in the negative. Champion: Move d(1). O'Donnell: Second. Wilburn: I will be abstaining due to a conflict of interest. I work for an organization that receives community development block grant funds which are worded as part of this process and cannot by Federal Administrative rules, participate in deliberations of this matter. Lehman: Thank you. We have a motion by Champion, second by O'Donnell, to approve d(1). Discussion? Kanner: I have a question. It says that in the City Steps priority is, that the priority for neighborhood facilities be amended from medium priority to high priority. What's the definition of neighborhood facilities? Anyone aware of what that would be? That seems to be the big change. Franklin: I know that it pertains to facilities like neighborhood centers, and I would assume that it would be similar sorts of facilities to neighborhood centers, urn, possibly if you had a neighborhood park or some kind of public facility also that was neighborhood based. Kanner: So the, this is coming out that HCDC is saying that in our City, to help low to moderate income we need to have more neighborhood centers, neighborhood facilities. Franklin: Neighborhood facilities, yes. Kanner: Okay. Thank you. Lehman: Other discussion? Roll call. Oh, all in favor. Opposed? Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #5 Page 7 ITEM 5. PUBLIC DISCUSSION. Lehman: This is the time reserved on the agenda for folks who would like to address the Council on items which do not otherwise appear on the agenda. If you wish to address the Council, sign in, give your name, address, and limit your comments to five minutes or less. Hallene: Hi, my name's A1 Hallene. I'm Chairman of the Extend a Dream Foundation of Iowa City, located at 401 S. Gilbert, and I'll introduce quickly Tom Walz our Executive Director, and we're kind of following, Emie, what started with the wonderful achievements of the three kids. We're here just to say thank you. Two and a half years ago you gave us a block grant of $105,000. It allowed us to rent over 3,000 sq. feet at the old Hawkeye Audio, down, I'm from Moline. I'm an adjunct business professor and I'm finding my way, but I teach in the College of Business and Tom and I have had a dual role in trying to have my business students understand that people with disabilities are fully capable and deserving of the great employment opportunities that all of us enjoy and that because of your actions you've allowed us to have over seven businesses that are owned or operated by people with disabilities. We have twenty full-time, I'm sorry, part-time people with disabilities either owning or operating these businesses. We have over a hundred student volunteers that are doing this. I've had over six hundred business students that as part of their course, take field trips and do business planning with our students, and we're just here to say thank you. We have some information that we'd like to leave with you. I think some might have gotten, Mr. Nasby has been very helpful. Having been President of the Moline School Board, I know you can't get too much information in your packets but we have a little brochure. I have my business card, and also I have some reading materials that Tom and his staff from the Department of Social Work put together for our students regarding reading materials for students, regarding small business projects and disabilities, and I want to commend you for taking a chance on us. We'll be approaching you at some time to ask for some continued assistance but in our role, as we want to be self- sufficient. Our people want to be self-sufficient. We feel we can pay half the rent bill after our first three years. We're very proud of that. We want to be seen as promoting free market and free enterprise, and we think we're on our way. So I'd like to, knowing it's a time constraint, Tom Walz. Walz: I'll just take a minute, just to add a few remarks. We've just finished, we're about in the first quarter of the third year, and we finished our annual report for the second year which I've passed on to Steve Nasby and Steve Young, and so that's available to you, but some of the kind of exciting things are, one, we've incubated one business out of the center This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #5 Page 8 and it is now standing on its own. Iowa Heart Song, which has developed with another group to form a performing arts business, and we have two new businesses starting. One of which will have its opening on Saturday, and many of you have been to the mall but Saturday would be a great day to come. It's a small business, owned by a low-income man who's an immigrant from Senegal and it's called Abdala Faye Land of Africa Arts and Crafts, and it's beautiful. It's in the downstairs area. A second business that we've got up and running now is a home improvement business which is very labor intensive, and allows us to employ a lot of the people that ~ve see in, come around the mall, both of whom have variety of disabilities but still have some physical ability and are able to do things like painting and floor refinishing and so on. We're now at a point where we look forward to the end of this year, we should have gross revenues of about $150,000 or plus for the year so we feel we're getting off the ground. It's tough, Irvin, you know, downtown properties are not cheap, and for our ability to pay our own way for the rest of the way, we're going to have to buy a little bit more time but we do see light at the end of the tunnel and apart from that, from my perspective, it's been a very successful venture and we thank you for the opportunity. Lehman: You know, Tom, it's really ...... cities can do only so much and we were fortunate, I think, to have the opportunity to do what we did for the project you're referring to but it's only because of people like you and Al and the rest of them that make it work. We can't make it work. We can help facilitate it but it's folks like you that made it work, and I thank you! Walz: Well, and I think just the entire corp of volunteers, I've got a report on that for our past year and it's amazing how many thousands of hours people have put in, and I'm just very appreciative. Not just to the students, but of community folks as well. Kind of a just, it's very heartening to me to be part of that. Lehman: You're doing a great job. Hallene: I was just going to leave the materials. Kart: Can we have a motion to accept correspondence? Wilburn: So moved. Vanderhoef: Second. Lehman: A motion and a second to accept correspondence. All in favor? Opposed? Motion carries. Thank you. Hallene: Thank you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #5 Page 9 Lehman: Any other public discussion? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #6b Page 10 ITEM 6. PLANNING AND ZONING MATFERS. b. CONSIDER A MOTION SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR NOVEMBER 10 ON AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE DEFINITION OF RESTAURANT. Vanderhoef: Move to set the public hearing. O'Donnell: Second. Lehman: Move by Vanderhoef, second by O'Donnell. Kanner: I have some questions about this for Council. We talked a little bit about this. It's redefinition of restaurants for downtown areas and it seems like a small thing but I was out of town this weekend and I just read the paper and coincide with what Connie said about, this is in part being driven by Starbucks moving into Clinton, which can be good and bad. There are people who have a lot of opinions, but I'm concerned about redefinition and we're not clear what the staff is going to propose as far as a percentage of floor area that has to be devoted to seating. There are certain requirements in the CB-10 downtown zone about how much should be seating, and I think having a lot of seating contributes to it being a walkable, community type place, and so I would recommend that we not set a public hearing at this time. That we wait for some definitive ordinance from the staff and some more information before we get to the point of setting a public hearing. Pfab: I second that idea. Lehman: Other discussion? Dilkes: Is that a motion to defer, or ...... ? Kanner: I'm going to at this point vote against it because I think it's not ready for our public hearing before the Council. Lehman: All in favor of setting a public hearing say aye. Opposed? Motion carries 5 to 2, Kanner and Pfab voting in the negative. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #6c Page 11 ITEM 6. PLANNING AND ZONING MATFERS. c. PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF APPROXIMATELY 13,500 SQUARE FEET FROM CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (CB-2), TO PLANNED HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (PRM), LOCATED AT 512 S. DUBUQUE STREET SOUTH OF COURT STREET. (REZ03-00021) Champion: Move to set the public hearing. (can't hear) Right. Lehman: We set this one last time. Anyone wish to speak to this? Holland: Thank you, Mr. Mayor and Council Members. My name is Joe Holland. I represent the applicant for rezoning in this instance. This property is, with one exception, surrounded by properties already zoned PRM. Use of the property under PRM would be consistent with the Southside Plan Comprehensive Plan. Planning and Zoning did vote 6 to 0 in favor of this recommendation, and we'd ask that the Council give a similar favorable consideration. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to try and answer those. Kauner: Who do you represent? Lehman: We looked at the map last night ...... Holland: Pardon? Lehman: I say, we looked at the map last night at the work session. Obviously it goes with the rest of the zoning around it. Holland: Reception from staff has been favorable all the way down the line on this particular proposed rezoning. Pfab: Can I ask a question? Lehman: Yeah. Pfab: What is going to keep this, I only have one concern here, by taking away the businesses, what is going to keep this from looking like a south Johnson and the other street over here, Dodge. You know, apartment house after apartment house after apartment house. Do those kind of places need little neighborhood businesses to make them work? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #6c Page 12 Holland: Well that might be a question more appropriately addressed to staff, but during the staff reports, I think, they indicated that that had been the original intent of the zoning in the area and that it had not succeeded. It's been zoned CB-2 since approximately, well I think since the ordinance in 1983, and with changing times I think staff has made a reassessment, and while that might be desirable, it hasn't happened in the neighborhood and seems unlikely to happen, and that the residential oriented use of the neighborhood is more appropriate. I think, as I say, your staff is probably better equipped to answer the fundamental question you have. Pfab: That was the only concern I have. I'm not necessarily opposed to it. Lehman: Irvin, if you recall, there's residential on both sides of this property, and when you get to the south, around ........ yeah there's apartment house, one side is, I'm sorry ........... a new ........... Holland: It's the Willis Law Firm and Security Abstract Company. Lehman: Right, right, and to the south along the tracks is still commercial. Pfab: Not all the way down. Vanderhoef: And behind it is residential. Kanner: Joe, who do you represent? Holland: University View Partners is the owner of the property. It's a partnership composed of some of the Clark family. Kanner: The Clark family? Holland: Uh-huh. Kanner: And what's it called? University ..... Holland: University View Partners. Lehman: Thank you, Joe. Anyone else wish to speak to this? Public hearing is closed. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #6d Page 13 ITEM 6. PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS. d. VACATING A PORTION OF THE ALLEY LOCATED TO THE EAST OF 512 S. DUBUQUE STREET (VAC03-00002) (1) Public Hearing Lehman: Public hearing is open. Sorry, Joe (laughter). Holland: Yeah, in case anyone else wanted to speak I sat down. This is companion development item which goes along with the previous rezoning. There's an old city alley to the immediate east of this property which the southerly portion has been vacated. I'm sure you're familiar with the topography, it slopes offsteeply. The reason for vacating this is to obtain some necessary buffer for parking at the rear of the property. We're asking that 68 feet of the alley be vacated. It started out as 90, then it went down to 70, and now it's down to 68 which is primarily driven by the concerns of the fire department, have adequate access in the remainder of the public alley to the back of this property and adjoining properties. Staffhas been in favor of this. The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 6 to 0. In order to help move this along we would request expedited consideration because since this does have to bend some ordinances it'll take some time to do this and we'd appreciate whatever assistance you could give in expediting consideration. If you have any questions I'll try to address them. Pfab: What did you say the reason was that you wanted to expedite consideration? Holland: Pardon? Pfab: What was the reason you asked for ........... Holland: Expedited consideration.....we'd like if at all possible to start construction this fall before there gets to be frost on the ground. Kanner: And, if this, if property adjacent to this alley is not rezoned, am I to assume that you do not still want the alley or do you still want the alley? Holland: I think it's probably appropriate to vacate the alley in any event. There's really no particular use for this alley and I think the abutting property owners would like to have the alley, vacated alley, for whatever use might be made of the property, whether it's the rezoning we requested or another. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #6d Page 14 Kanner: And, urn, I believe there was an offer for a few thousand dollars. I appreciate that, having that in advance. Is that correct? We had the offer? Dilkes: At your last meeting, you were advised of the offers and you set the public hearing on the disposition for the 25th. Kanner: That's right, yeah, so I appreciate having that in advance. That's helpful. Holland: Thank you. Any other questions? Lehman: Thank you, Joe. Public hearing is closed. (2) Consider an ordinance (First Consideration) Lehman: Do we have a motion? Pfab: So moved. Lehman: Moved by Pfab. Vanderhoef: Second. Lehman: Second by Vanderhoef. Discussion? Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #8 Page 15 ITEM 8. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST AN IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FUNDING AGREEMENT FOR THE WATERWORKS PARK BUTLER HOUSE/AMPHITHEATER TRAILS PROJECT STP-E-3715(623)--8V-$2. Pfab: Move the resolution. Champion: Second. Lehman: Move by Pfab, second by Champion. Discussion? Vanderhoefi Just to remind people, that we got a REAP grant that goes along with the development out there so we're moving along in that park. Lehman: Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. //9 Page ! 6 ITEM 9. PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT, AND ESTIMATE OF COST FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE WATERWORKS PARK BUTLER HOUSE/AMPHITHEATER TRAILS PROJECT, ESTABLISHING AMOUNT OF BID SECURITY TO ACCOMPANY EACH BID, DIRECTING CITY CLERK TO PUBLISH ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Lehman: Public heating is open. Estimated cost for that project is $168,000 with $104,200 coming from STP funds. Public hearing is closed. Do we have a motion? O'Donnell: So move. Vanderhoefi Second. Lehman: Move by O'Donnell, second by Vanderhoef. Discussion? Pfab: I just have a question. What if the bid comes in so low that it won't be 80%? Lehman: It only pays 80%, Irvin, regardless of what the bid is. If it comes in at $28, it'll pay 20% of that. Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #10 Page 17 ITEM10. PROCEEDINGS TO TAKE ADDITIONAL ACTION FOR THE AUTHORIZATION AND ISSUANCE OF $3,925,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS. Lehman: Public heating is open. Ross: Byron Ross. What I would like for you to look at is where you're at now and I have some things to hand to you. Here's one for each, and one extra. Our property taxes are in orbit. Iowa City is 17.5987, Coralville 12.16, Ames at 11, North Liberty at 10. I was referred to "you're all wet, compare it with West Des Moines". Theirs is 11.6. You need to start cutting expenses. In addition to that, according to the City budget, the levy cannot go over 25% of the total levy. This will, if you do everything you're going to this year, 26, down a little from 27. You may make these limitations but if you don't follow them, it doesn't pass the smell test. You're, there are some things you can delay. Burlington Street Bridge has been there for a couple days. Another year or two may not cause too many deaths. Just a lot of them, go down through. What you can cut will help. You're hurting people. You can say well it's the state and the federal government. We individuals that live on interest and retirement, our interest investment to income has gone down, retirement because it's gone down. We pay less income taxes. If the state gets less income taxes they got less to give to you. You have to cut expenses. Why you don't wake up to that ........ I would almost bet you have the highest levy in the state of Iowa. That's really something to be proud of. I know you're growing like hell. You grew 2,500 population the last ten years. Huh, you should be almost ashamed of yourself. There are places you can cut if you'll look. The ........ I've heard the blame on the taxes given to the county and the school district. The combined county and school district levy is less now than it was ten years ago. Don't blame them! The total property taxes in Iowa City is hurting a number of elderly people. And people I know, retirement income, interest income, that's gone down a little. Within the last two years, they live in $120,000 houses, their property taxes have gone up $30 a month. That comes out of their bread and butter. Do you care? I don't know. You haven't given any indications. I haven't seen any cuts. You can say we're different. You gave the 3% to the City staff. These people are taking a cut. Please, please do something, and these same comments apply to the other three bond issues that you're proposing. I would suggest you sit back, take another look, and see how much you can carve it down cause that does come out of these people's pocket and a lot of them cannot afford it. Thank you. Any questions? I did give you a comparison of property taxes and all those things, and hopefully it upsets your stomach. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #10 Page 18 Pfab: I'm just noticing here as I look across the tax billings, I see that Ames is not that different from Iowa City. That seems to be quite a discrepancy there. Ross: Well, Ames, if you go down, they have a 1% local option. I've heard from one of the executives at Ames that that's about the equivalent of about 2 mills, so if you go on down it's about 11.68. If you go to Des Moines, about 11.6. You go to West Branch it's 10.43. So those towns are all about the same, they have a local option tax. Pfab: But still, Ames really jumps out. Ross: Yeah, but Ames isn't doing too well. They voted the 20 best places in the US to work. Their library is ranked 9th. City's at 50-100,000, you know, what can they be doing wrong to get ratings like that. I'm being facetious. That's on that sheet also. Take a good hard look. They're doing it with a lot less. You're hurting some of the older people. You can say well you moved from the county to Iowa City. I moved to Wellington which happened to have a lot of friends, which happened to be in Iowa City. It's costing us about $200 a month for the privilege of paying Iowa City taxes. Thank God so far we can afford it. Thank you. Any other questions? If you have any questions on this, I've given you a bunch of information. Spent 15 or 20 minutes putting it together. Kanner: Thanks, Byron. Karr: Motion to accept correspondence. Vanderhoef: So move. Pfab: Second. Lehman: Motion and a second, all in favor? Opposed? Motion carries. Anyone else wish to speak. You have to go to the microphone and give us your name. Knapp: I'm not even sure I can talk tonight. God is punishing me for last week. I just wanted to ask a question. My name is Jim Knapp. If you do all of this, selling these income bonds, selling these bonds, obligating the community to doing, paying more taxes down the road, and then turn around and give tax abatements and give TIF's and give other things, you're even more obligating the people in the conununity that probably can't aflbrd some of this stuff, and I don't think that's quite right. I think there's too many people either unemployed or under-housed or under, let's just say they're living in cramped living quarters. I'd say they're homeless but they have a place to stay. I haven't quite figured out why This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #10 Page 19 they're homeless and they have a place to stay, except they must be crowded together. But, one of our largest taxpayers according to what he says when he makes an application, is in arrears of$112,000 in paying his property taxes. Now that would go a long way to serving the school district in this City, and everybody else who receives benefits from the property taxes. So I would suggest you look and see why this man does not pay $112,000 worth of property taxes on the books right now because it's costing him 18% a month. If it's costing him 18% a month, can't he borrow any money at a lesser rate than that? I can understand how somebody who's living off of credit cards and has to pay 30% might not pay their property taxes or doesn't have employment and might not pay their property taxes, but a man that owns half of downtown Iowa City can't pay his property taxes, I'd be questioning about some other things too. Thank you very much. Lehman: Thank you. Anyone else wish to speak to this? Friedan: My name is Forrest Friedan. I live at 20 S. Lucas. I have not addressed the Council before, but I feel pretty strongly that someone needs to talk about the obligations that the City Council is imposing upon the City, particularly the property owners, who are passing along these taxes to students. I am not one, but I'm sure that you're all familiar with the amount of student debt that people are leaving the university with, and each one of these property tax increases seems to be directly put down to students. It astonishes me that I could live in Chicago for 8 years for less than I've lived in Iowa City. I've been back now for 3 ½ years, and I've watched the property taxes go up and I've watched the student debt. Tuition keeps going up. Rems keep going up. And I think there's a huge population of individuals in this town that the City is not representing, City Council particularly. And I just wanted to make that comment. Thank you. Lehman: Thank you. Ross: Mr. Mayor, I'd like to make another comment. It appears that the City is using the general obligation multipurpose bonds like some people in financial trouble are refinancing their house and using credit cards. In the fiscal year 03, this is not for the library and stuff, it went up a net of $23,695,000. That almost upsets my stomach. Your general obligation, multipurpose bonds, they've gone, if you go back about ten years it was about $30,000. I know we put in $18,000,000 or $30,000,000. I know we put in $18,000,000 for the library. At the end of this year if all this goes ttu:ough, it'll be over $88,000,000. You're using it, that's why you're up to over the limit, or will be as to what you said you could issue. I didn't make those rules as to what the percentage is supposed to be, but you're using it like some people use credit cards and refinancing their house. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #10 Page 20 What we do when your income goes down, or what I've done and some others, you readjust your spending. Maybe you should take a hard look at that. Thank you. Lehman: Thank you. Champion: I want to clarify something, and I think I'm right but I'm not always right. When we give a TIF, they still pay debt service, isn't that correct? Atkins: Yes. Champion: So the TIF, they still have to pay debt service and levies. Ross: This is not TIF, but you know Coralville has a lot more TIF than you have. Champion: I was talking to Jim Knapp. Jim Knapp said they're not paying the debt and I was just pointing out to him that they do pay debt. Ross: No, what he's talking about is Mr. Moen. He hasn't paid on all of the stuff he has and it's not a TIF. You go down to the Courthouse, or the City Administration, you might find some things. You might find out he's buying property with a nickel down, like your general obligation bonds. You might find out he hasn't paid his property taxes. I know he's borrowing money from the County, but it's only I ½ - 2% a month. Champion: Thanks. Ross: And yet. Champion: And just so people know, we did talk a lot about this at the last budget, when we did the last budget. These were all part of this year's budget for which we had a public hearing. The 25% limit is imposed by the Council, not the State. Ross: (from audience) I understand but it was put there for a reason. Champion: It only goes over for 1 or 2 years, doesn't it, once we start the library, so we drop it back down. It's just the initial funding of the library. I agree with you, Byron, I think our taxes are getting incredibly high, and I think that we're certainly going to have to address it on our next budget hearings in January. Ross: Okay, you're giving excuses. The $18,400,000 for the library. How 'bout the $23,695,000 that was pen money the year after? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #10 Page 21 Champion: I'm not giving excuses. I'm saying we have allowed ourselves to go over that 25% ......... Ross: We're spending too much money. Champion: One or two years. We are .......... Ross: No, it's going to go up more two years from now, according to your own numbers. Champion: I don't think so. Ross: Well, if you look at the sheet, two years from now it's going to be 27%. And that's according to your own budget. Lehman: Public hearing is closed. Do we have a motion? Vanderhoef: So move. Wilbum: Second. Lehman: Move by Vanderhoef, second by Wilburn. Discussion? Pfab: There was somebody who came to speak there. Knapp: Sorry I moved too slow, Ernie. It seems like even if it's low-income housing that gets built, eventually it works its way into the property tax basis and the PACE taxes. It's virtually impossible ...... (change tape) The other day I said, where is there some ground the developers don't want? That they wouldn't put a $200,000 house on? You're making it almost impossible to construct low-income housing, but even low-income housing will be taxed eventually and it will pay taxes. The City of Forest City actually went out and developed ground. Put in the streets, sewer, water, everything and gave it to people to come and work for Winnebago, and now it's paying property taxes, and now it's getting State money to put children in school. So, if you create a situation where you can't have low-income housing, even though for a place that needs low-income housing, how do you answer that? By raising property taxes, and raising bond issues, and by raising the cost of building. I don't see how they can work together. I think that you gotta find it some way, and now you're throwing away what could potentially be $1,700,000 worth of CttDG money, and yes you do fund CBDG money every year. You've only turned away about $1,000,000 in the last three years but everybody asks for more than what they're going to get because they know they're going to get something cut back. I suggest that you start looking at ways to be more efficient and start comparing costs of running the community with This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #10 Page 22 the values of the land in the community and find out, because I think you'll find out you've got a much larger staffand much more costs to run this community than you do others. Part of the reason is because we supply a lot of stuff to the University that they don't pay their full share. Lehman: Thank you. Council discussion? Yeah, I think that we will be obviously picking up budget in January. These bonds are, if we read the comment section which I obviously did not read, but for the construction, reconstruction, repairing of improvements to sidewalks, public ways and streets; construction, improvement and repair of bridges; construction of sanitary sewers and storm water sewers and systems; rehabilitation, improvement and equipping of existing city parks; and the equipping of the fire, police and street departments. You know, I think if we want to take, and we probably need to take a good hard look at where we are from a debt standpoint, but I don't think the time to do it is when we're ready to sell the bonds for basically maintenance projects like these. Other discussions? Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #11 Page 23 ITEM11. PROCEEDINGS TO TAKE ADDITIONAL ACTION FOR THE AUTHORIZATION AND ISSUANCE OF $360,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS. a. Public Hearing Lehman: Public hearing is open. Public heating is closed. b. Consider a Resolution Instituting Lehman: Do we have a motion? O'Donnel]: So moved. Vanderhoef: Second. Lehman: Move by O'Donnell, second by Vanderhoef. Discussion? Kanner: Just wanted to mention to Byron and the other speakers, I appreciate your coming here. Even though I concur with some of what you're saying and I did vote against the budget in the last year, at this time I feel that the bonds, what they're authorizing, the majority of it is beneficial to the citizens of Iowa City, and that's why I'm supporting them at this time. Ross: I just asked you to cut back a little, not the whole thing. That Burlington Street Bridge is one. Won't that last another year or two? There's some others in there, $200,000 here and $200,000 there. I know in a letter to the editor the mayor said $800,000 is chicken feed but us people who pay taxes, $800,000 ain't chicken feed! Think a little. That may be asking too much, and I shouldn't be that way. Lehman: Other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #14 Page 24 ITEM 14. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR SALE OF $5,570,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, AND APPROVING ELECTRONIC BIDDING PROCEDURES. Vanderhoef: Move the resolution. O'Donnell: Second. Lehman: Move by Vanderhoef, second by O'Donnell. This is enabling the previous ones to be sold electronically, is this correct? Atkins: Yes, that's what it does. Lehman: Okay. Kanner: Is this what Irvin was asking for before? Atkins: That's what he was asking for. Kanner: And so at this time you feel it's a pretty safe procedure? Atkins: It's ..... for that very reason. Kanner: What's changed? Atkins: Security, built into the system now and it's been done a number of years. We're very comfortable with it now. Vanderhoefi And it also allows the regular method of sealed bids be brought into the City, so it's a choice of the bidders, which way they want to apply. Pfab: It also may open up more people that may be interested in doing so, possible. Atkins: We usually don't have any trouble with that cause of our credit rating. Lehman: Other discussion? Kanner: Thanks, Irvin, for pursuing this. Lehman: Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #15 Page 25 ITEM 15. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADOPTION OF DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS WITH THE INTERNATIONAL CITY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION RETIREMENT CORPORATION AND NATIONWIDE RETIREMENT SOLUTIONS. Champion: Move the resolution. Vanderhoef: Second. Lehman: Move by Champion, second by Vanderhoef. Discussion? Vanderhoef: This is primarily to cut down on the work within our accounting department. We administer these without cost to our employees so it tums up as a benefit to the employees, and there are many companies out there, in the 30 some companies that might do this, and it creates a lot of additional work if more companies are using. The two who have been chosen are companies that have most of the present people in the plan belong to these two companies, and we have a long history with them so we feel comfortable with them. Karmer: I have a question, perhaps for Kevin. In budget amendments and the budget that we looked at again a couple months ago in light of the cuts from the State, we are looking at cutting back on staff in a number of departments, including the Finance Department. Do you feel that that has something to do with cutting back the number of deferred compensation plans that are eligible, since we have less people? O'Malley: Yes, that's correct. We'd like to provide as much service as possible but when we see these cuts on the horizon, and people started coming in and asking, vendors started coming in and asking for us to spend money on mailing these things to our employees, using our staff resources, I said wait a minute, I don't have enough time now to do diligence on the companies we currently have so I asked Eleanor to look into do we have to provide and she said no, we can limit. There used to be a law saying that you had to provide to any vendor that came in off the street, and since then the State changed that law so we did a survey of other communities and most of them restrict them. And those that didn't restrict them, after we talked to them, said we wished we'd thought of that. So that's where we're at. Kanner: Thanks. Pfab: I would like to make one comment. O'Malley: Yes, Irvin. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #15 Page 26 Pfab: I thought it was nice of you, good move, to at least continue to service the ones that had ............ even though (can't hear) O'Malley: Yes, we honor all the plans that we don't sponsor that are currently in place, but we're not going to accept any more. Lehman: Thank you, Kevin. Other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #16 Page 27 ITEM 16. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING FEES FOR SERVICES RELATED TO GEOGRAPHIC COMPUTER DATA BASE SYSTEM MAPPING ACTIVITIES OF THE IOWA CITY ENGINEERING DIVISION. Wilbum: Move adoption of the resolution. Champion: Second. Lehman: Move by Wilbum, second by Champion. Discussion? Pfab: I'm going to vote for this but I think it's probably one of the things that we have to take on faith more than any of the other things we're going to vote on. The ways they arrived at the fees were .......... but I'm very comfortable with it. Lehman: Okay. Other discussion? Kanner: And we were also told last night that the fees are not to collect past expenses but future staff time expenses. Something we just heard from our Finance Director, we have to be weary of. Lehman: I think it's just the cost of producing what they're looking for. Kanner: Staff time, yeah, and the physical nature of it. Lehman: Okay. Roll call. Motion carries. I've been asked to take a short break so we will take a break for about 8 minutes. (Bm~) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #17 Page 28 ITEM 17. CONSIDER A MOTION APPROVING A LETTER TO FEDERAL LEGISLATORS REGARDING THE USA PATRIOT ACT. Champion: Move the resolution. Wilbum: Second. Lehman: Move by Champion, second by Wilbum. Discussion? Klein: Good evening, I'm Garry Klein of 628 2"d Avenue, and I want to first of all thank the Council for your time and I, it occurs to me I've spoke one time before on an issue that I thought was very important, and at that time I remember walking away and saying something along the lines of I hope next time the Council will do better, and in the case of the decision tonight I think you have, and I want to, and when I say that sending a letter to our congressional delegation is, with seven signatures on it, is a wonderful, giant, great step. Now my colleague Julie Spears will highlight other points we wish you would consider but you've already set the bar higher and we're appreciative of that. Respectfully I say that this discussion has served to inform the citizens of Iowa City about the Patriot Act, which has been a goal of our organization, the Bill of Rights Defense Committee. More importantly, the City has willingly visited the gray area that our founders addressed in the l0th Amendment of the Constitution. Now I'm not often one to read out of a book but I'i1 make an exception this time, so I want you to listen to these words because they are powerful and really have given you, each one of you, the authority to act with the wisdom you've chosen to exercise. The l0th Amendment of the Constitution says the powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, and the last words which are the powerful ones, or to the people. And as representatives of the people, I want to thank you for what you have chosen to do. I also want to leave you with something that the mayor of the city that I was once from when I was a mere tot, Mayor Daley of Chicago once said reportedly of city government, that a city government often is like a traveling circus. You build up hope and you leave them wanting more, and once again, I appreciate your ears. I've appreciated having them and I'd like to thank you once again for your time. And dare I walk away not saying what I always would like to say, which is next time I hope you will do even that much better. Thanks so much. Lehman: Thank you. Spears: Good evening, I'm Julie Spears, and like Garry said I'm with the Bill of Rights Defense Committee as well, and I've spoken to you on this issue before. Like Garry said, your letter does a great job of addressing the This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #17 Page 29 intent and spirit of what we were trying to get at, and we really appreciated the tone. It was really much better than I could have done, honestly, my writing is kind of dry. But the one thing that did concern us is it is fairly focused on the first amendment, and first amendment issues of freedom of speech, and freedom to assemble, etc., and so therefore it lacks reference, we think, to the other amendments in the Constitution that were also addressed in the resolution. And so for this reason we're offering these additions, not subtractions, and not amendments to what you have already written, but we're hoping that you consider just a couple more sentences in there which I distributed tonight. I'm glad you took a break, sorry, by the way, congrats on one of these record timing Council meetings. So, just to outline it here, the first one just tries to broaden what you're addressing, not only just first amendment issues but also due process, speedy and public trial, equal protection, freedom from unreasonable search and seizure, and cruel and unusual punishment, that are addressed in the other amendments to the Constitution that are, what we believe, are compromised by the Patriot Act. And then the second item refers to, and I know this is something that's up in the air so I'm not even sum exactly how to word this if you would consider it, but the second one references the intent to monitor the local affects of the Patriot Act which is what we're left with as the only real action, ongoing action, that this Bill of Rights Defense Committee was hoping that the Council would take on, and I believe that is under consideration right now so if at this time it needs to be worded as such, that's fine, but, or if it needs to be worded as such that just the intent to monitor this then maybe you'll consider ways to do that in the future, but just that to our congressional delegation that you do intend to monitor the local affects of the Patriot Act, that would suffice as well. So just those main things for you to consider, um, and we're also wondering if you still intend to copy this to the President, the Attorney General, Iowa's Governor, and our local legislatures on that list that was suggested in the resolution. That would be something we would like to see, and I think that's an easy enough thing to do. That's it. Thank you for your time. Irvin, you have a question? Pfab: One question, if you were going to make changes do you have any suggestions? She's suggested changes in the current letter. Champion: Yeah, that's what she just talked about. Lehman: It's right here. Spears: These would just be simply additions, let's say after paragraph 3, just adding these couple of sentences. Pfab: I was looking at ........... so you're just saying add these? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #17 Page 30 Kanner: Who are the additional CC's that you'd like us to do? Spears: You know, what I had originally, what was in the letter that I addressed to Council last week was all affected City departments, I don't know if that makes sense at this point, but Johnson County District Attorney, Iowa State Police Chief, Iowa's congressional delegation, Iowa's state house delegation, Iowa General Attorney, the Governor of the State of Iowa, the local US Attorney, the United States Attorney General, and the President of the United States. Champion: Julie, I appreciate your coming with these additions, and I think it would be good to have them in there, but I'm not willing at this point to change the letter. I'm much more interested in getting this letter off and since we don't have a lot of meetings between now and January 1 st, we're all going to sign this letter tonight if it's approved and it's going to be mailed, and I think it does say that we want it looked at more closely, and it may not be perfect but it's pretty good, and I just think it's much more important if we just get something done. I hope that's not too disappointing to you. Lehman: Well, Julie, in the 5th paragraph it says, "However, to the extent that any such measures may threaten those fundamental rights upon which our Republic was built, we urge you to join in opposition." And I really think that that addresses your issues in the first paragraph of yours, cause I think it's rather comprehensive. I think the idea here is we express the concerns ora lot of folks who live in this community. We don't pretend, I don't pretend, to be an attorney to interpret this act, but on the other hand I think legislature passed this. They need to determine what they did do, and I think this letter really encourages them to take a hard look at it. Champion: And I also felt it was very important that it be very readable, and that it be on one page. Pfab: I would like to thank you, and the other members of your group, for the education of us and the public. I commend you for your efforts and I appreciate it. Champion: And Ross did bring up one time that maybe we should be monitoring local affects. Maybe we could talk about that at a future work ...... Wilburn: Someone from legal last time said that, I thought it was some type of memo in the future, commenting on whether or not that would even be something allowable. Does that sound familiar, Eleanor? Dilkes: Well the way this is specifically written I wouldn't have any problem with it because it talks about under consideration and to the extent legally permissible, so there wouldn't be ........ This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #17 Page 31 Wilbum: I just meant, I thought we walked away that we would hear more about whether or not we could do ............. Dilkes: Oh, did the group of you want a memo on that issue? Kanner: Yeah. (several others agree) Dilkes: Okay. Lehman: I don't know if there's interest in doing that but I think we were going to get a memo about whether or not it was possible. Atkins: And for Council's consideration, given the language under consideration and to the extent legally permissible, I'm not so sure that even needs to be incorporated into the letter. Champion: Oh no, we don't want it incorporated into the letter. Atkins: You simply direct me verbally and ............ Champion: No, we don't want to change the letter. We want it sent. Atkins: Okay. Champion: Well, I want it sent. Pfab: Okay, I'd like to .......... Ross, are you saying that you're interested in a work session? Wilburn: No, just a memo directing ......... Champion: If we could do it ........... Pfab: So in other words ............. Dilkes: I just want you to know that that could take some considerable work, and it's fine to do but it's not ........ the Act is thick, the laws ......... Wilbum: And because of that I am not suggesting a work session at this point. Give us something to frame our thought on. Atkins: Members of the Council, I think you can feel very comfortable. You will hear back from these legislatures. Their tradition is you write a letter, particularly of this consequence, you will hear back from them and they This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #17 Page 32 will likely make specific requests of you. So you can expect that. If they don't, I'll be surprised. Dilkes: I just want to make sure I understand and I apologize because Sarah and I haven't communicated, but you want a memo from me addressing the legality of monitoring requests made under the Patriot Act to the library, police department, etc.? Lehman: How much is that going to involve of your time, your office's time? Dilkes: I think it's going to take some time, and I'm happy to do it. I just want to understand what you want. Wilburn: At least at the discussion we had last time, the library had already taken some action, and there was a component related to police and that was the only thing that I had spoke of at the meeting when Sarah was here. Dilkes: Why don't we take a look at it and I'll let you know. I'll give you some preliminary thoughts. Lehman: Alright, fine, fine. Other discussion? All those in favor of sending the letter, indicate by saying aye. Those opposed same sign. Motion carries. Karr: Motion to accept correspondence. O'Dormell: So moved. Kanner: Second. Lehman: Motion and a second to accept correspondence. All in favor? Opposed? Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #22 Page 33 ITEM 22. CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION. Lehman: Irvin? Pfab: I'd just like to make a comment and congratulate the staffof the Public Library. Today I made an inquiry about a book which they did not have and they offered to search, you know inter-library loan, and that wasn't possible because the book was a new book, which I wasn't aware of that, but anyway, they did direct me to fill out the request online as a way of cutting down their work load and I even, before I left, checked my computer and my computer had responded they were going to order the book. Lehman: Good! Pfab: And that's all electronically! Lehman: Connie? Champion: Nothing. O'Donnell: I'd just like to remind people to get out and vote for the Council candidates, and thank all of those who decided to mn, for stepping forward to serve their community, and encourage everybody to vote. It's a very important election. Champion: I do have one comment. Lehman: Yes. Champion: Is that today, on Dubuque Street, this is always my pet peeve you know, there was a track parked in the middle of the road all day long. 8 hours. Lehman: Did you bring that to the attention of the proper authorities? Champion: I'm doing it right now (laughter). Lehman: It would've been easier if it was still there. Champion: I just thought about it (laughter). It might still be there. Lehman: Okay. Atkins: Do you recall, was it a beverage truck? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #22 Page 34 Champion: No, it was a pickup truck. Atkins: Would you mind copying the plate for me next time? Champion: Yup. Atkins: Okay. O'Donnell: One other thing, Emie. For the second time in 8 years, we've had a rescue from the fiver at City Park. Steve Thunder-McGuire stepped forward, and this guy is always in the right spot at the fight time, and Iowa City is very fortunate that he is, but thank you to Steve. There should be some type of award for him, I mean that's truly a great thing to have. Atkins: The public announcements you've made tonight, I think, are really important too, Mike. I don't know the man well but I suspect he's just as flattered by those kinds of comments as anything, from what I know of him. Lehman: Dee? Vanderhoefi Just reporting that I attended the briefing today for the Skills 2006. It's an update of one that was done Skills 2000. It's pointing the way to the need for mom education in our community, and what it's going to take to be in the work force in the future, and it's pretty exciting to know that the companies are saying they are going to be needing more and mom workers, and there will be more jobs available. I think we should all get a copy of it, in fact I'll get copies for everyone because it's a pretty exciting report. Lehman: Thank you. Ross? Wilbum: I just want to say congratulations to all the young people involved in the Youth Vote Forum last Thursday night. They did a great job. The questions, format kept moving and it was a lot of fun to participate in. Vanderhoef: I forgot something. Lehman: Yes? Vanderhoef: Congratulations to Ross and the Crisis Center for the opening of their new warehouse that was partially funded by CDBG funds from the City of Iowa City. It's a great addition to that property, and good luck with it. Wilburn: Thank you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #22 Page 35 Atkins: Are you allowed to congratulate him? Vanderhoefi Yeah! (laughter) Lehman: Steven? Kanner: First, thank you to the bicyclists and walkers in this City. They make this city a safer place for us and help us have less congestion. We're one of the cities in the country, in the USA, with the highest rate of walkers and bicyclists, and I appreciate what they bring to this city. I want to wish my parents a 50th wedding anniversary. This past weekend I was in the Cleveland area to help them celebrate, and they've given me a lot of support in my job here at City Council so I appreciate what they bring to the world. I want to also note that the National League of Cities which we are a member of here in Iowa City, has taken a stance against a proposed law, the Clear Law Enforcement for Criminal Alien Removal. It's called the Clear Act of 2003. Now this bill, like the Patriot Act, is a dangerous bill, and it has repercussions in local areas like Iowa City, especially areas with a lot of people from different countries. The bill would mandate the nation's 600,000 law enforcement officials, like our police in Iowa City, enforce all federal civil immigration laws, in addition to the criminal laws currently in force, or risk the denial of reimbursement from the federal government. It's dangerous on a couple of fronts. One, it hurts local law enforcement agents from doing their job in helping people in the city and people who perhaps have some difficulty with their legal status, or not, in this city in regards to immigration will be reluctant to come to police officers if they're also forced to enforce these federal civil immigration laws. Also, it's an unfunded mandate, and hopefully we as a city can endorse the National League of Cities position, and Dee, perhaps the next time you go to the National League of Cities you can bring us back some more information in regards to this. Vanderhoefi Be happyto. Kanner: Thank you. And then finally, I'd like to wish a good Ramadan to the citizens of Iowa City of the Islam faith that are celebrating that this month. It started a couple days ago, and we have one mosque in town, and I appreciate the openness that they've had in the last few years in sharing their religion with non-Muslims throughout the community. Thank you. Lehman: I was handed this tonight by Heather Shank, just to announce the Iowa City Human Rights Committee is kicking off the first annual Human Rights Youth Awards. The award is intended to acknowledge human rights activities performed by local youth. Human Rights Commission seeks to honor the contributions of human rights by numerous local youths. To receive more information you can call Heather Shank at her This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003. #22 Page 36 office here in the Civic Center 356-5022, or my suspicion is with almost anything, if you contact the City Clerk, they will point you in the right direction, and I'm sure you say thanks a lot! (laughter) Champion: And the person who answers the phone isn't bad either. Lehman: No, that's correct. O'Donnell: That's Marian! Lehman: Eleanor? Marian? Do we have a motion? Vanderhoefi Move to adjourn. Wilbum: Second. Lehman: All in favor? Opposed? Motion carries, we are adjourned. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of October 28, 2003.