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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-10-28 CorrespondenceMarian Karr From: Jeff Davidson Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2003 9:37 AM To: 'cgordon@inav.net' Cc: *City Councit; *City Manager's Office Subject: FW: speeding on Bloomington Street Hello Susan Shinnick. Your email message below was forwarded to me for response. I will request spot speed enfomement by the Police Department in this area during the morning peak traffic period. Spot speed enforcement (having a patrol car in the vicinity doing traffic enforcement on a sporadic basis) has been shown to be the only effective means of getting motorists to slow down. Putting up additional traffic control signs has not been shown to be effective. Hopefully this action will have a positive impact. Thank you for your message. Jeff Davidson, Traffic Engineering Planning. ..... Original Message ..... From: Lisa Mollenhauer Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2003 9:22 AM To: Jeff Davidson Subject: FW: speeding on Bloomington Street Could you please prepare a response and cc the Council? Thanks. ..... Original Message ..... From: Susan Shinnick [mailto:cgordon~inav.net] Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2003 9:07 AM To: cotmcil~iowa-city.org Subject: speeding on Bloomington Street Something must be done about people speeding on the 900-1400 blocks of Bloomington Street. This is a well known shortcut, and people are always bombing down it with no regard to pedestrians. I was walking my son to school today, and distressed by the cars speeding down the 1100 block of Bloomington. I actually stepped into the road in an attempt to slow down cars, which of course resulted in the drivers looking at me like I was a crazy woman, and one man (driving a kid to school) to roll down his window and scream at me. I then went to the police station to ask them to monitor this area for speeders, and now I am appealing to you, council members. I mostly wonder why other drivers are not afraid that they will kill someone, especially a child, while speeding down our city streets. Am I the only one who drives the speed limit in town? Susan Shinnick 1122 Rochester Avenue 10/14/03 Marian Karr From: James Lewis [lewis@performanceweb.org] Sent: Friday, October 17, 2003 11:40 AM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: FW: The Cost of Government Good morning. The office of Management and Budget now requires that budget allocations be made only after each department and agency show measurable performance goals and can calculate the full cost of providing taxpayer services. At the state and local level, budget cuts have placed a premium on funding and achieving cost savings. To help you calculate and manage costs in government as well as discover cost efficiencies for your program, you are invited to the 2003 National Summit on The Cost of Government, being held in Washington, DC on December 2-4, 2003. This summit will share with you how to achieve full-cost accounting and reduce overhead and administrative expenses, integrate cost-efficient practices to all functions of government, and design cost-effective performance measures. The latest and best innovations in cost management will be explored at the 2003 National Summit on The Cost of Government. This is your chance to engage in meaningful discussion with the leaders in the field of accounting and management analysis. May I send you a free copy of our summit agenda? I hope you can make it to the event. Have a great day. James James Lewis Associate Director Center for Government Performance The Performance Institute Downtown Association of Iowa City October 10, 2003 Iowa City City Council 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear Council Members, The Downtown Association of Iowa City has submitted our Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID) petition for your review. Organizers of the petition and those who have signed envision a whole new organizational structure for the Downtown Association to better represent all the stakeholders in Downtown, both property owners and tenants. Our new by-laws are attached that our current Board has approved and will take affect pending Council approval. The organization keeps its resources: computer, office supplies, and files about Downtown, but it will have a new, more representative Board to make decisions regarding how the new resources will be allocated. ]f~k~ you, Executive Director Downtown Association of Iowa City PO Box 64 · Iow^ C~TV, IA 52244-0064 · VOICE: 319-35443863 · E~n^~[: dta@iowacity, net · www.downtowniowacity.com Proposed Revised By-Laws of the Downtown Association of Iowa City Article I Name and Objective Section 1. Name The name of this organization shall be the "Downtown Association of Iowa City" hereafter referred to as the Association. Section 2. Object The Association is organized for the purposes of: a. Advancing the economic, professional, cultural and civic welfare of downtown Iowa City; b. Encouraging both the growth of existing businesses and the identification of new finns or individuals seeking to locate in downtown Iowa City; c. Supporting all those activities believed to be beneficial to the downtown community. Section 3. Calendar Year The Association shall operate on a calendar year basis. Proposed New By-Laws Page 1 of 7 Article II Membership Section 1. Eligibility All tenants in the CB-10 District shall be members of the Association. All property owners in the CB-10 District shall be members of the Association. Any business outside of the CB-10 may be members of the Association if said business has paid membership dues, set by the Board of Directors of the Association. The CB-10 borders are: south of Iowa Avenue from Clinton Street to Gilbert Street, west of Gilbert Street from Iowa Avenue to Burlington Street, north of Burlington Street from Gilbert Street to Capitol Street, east of Capitol Street from Burlington Street to Washington Street, south of Washington Street from Capitol to Clinton Street, and east of Clinton Street from Washington Street to Iowa Avenue. Proposed New By-Laws Page 2 of 7 Board of Directors ~ Section 1. Membership The Board of Directors shall be composed of fifteen (15) voting members. ~ sh~l~ have seven (7) seats. Tenants shall have five (5) seats. There shall be three seats. Non-voting ex-officio mc~nbers can be added by a majority vote of the ~l~oard o~ Directors. Section 2. Transition: Upon approval creation of the SSMID by the Iowa City City Council and the adoption of these by-laws the current Board of Directors shall become the Transition Committee. Its charge shall be the oversight of the convention and election the new Board of Directors. The new convention and election shall take place promptly after the creation of the SSMID. Section 3. Convention For the first-year only, notice shall be given to each member of the Association, as defined in Article 2 of these by-laws, ora Nominating Convention. The Convention shall be open to all members of the Association. At the Convention, property owners shall nominate individuals representing property owners to be candidates for seats for property owners. Tenants shall nominate individuals representing tenants to be candidates for seats for tenants. Section 4. Election For the first year only, each property owners shall be sent a ballot for election of those candidates nominated at the convention. Each tenant shall be sent a ballot for election of those candidates nominated at the convention. The seven candidates who represent owners with the greatest number of votes shall be seated on the Board. The five candidates who represent tenants with the greatest number of votes shall be seated on the Board. The Board will appoint three at-large members. Each member elected or appointed for the first year shall serve a one-year term. Section 5. Subsequent years The Board of Directors shall amend these by-laws to create a process in which subsequent Directors shall be selected. Section 5. Meetings A regular meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held at least nine times per year. Additional meetings may be called by the President, or other member of the Executive Committee. Nine members shall constitute a quorum. Section 6. Responsibility The Board of Directors shall be responsible for the policy and direction of the Association, for the employment of staff, and for the approval of an annual financial budget for the Association. Proposed New By-Laws Page 3 of 7 Section 7. Termination If any director has three unexcused absences for three consecutive meeting of the Board of Directors, then he or she can be removed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors for failure to perform his or her duties. Section 8. Vacancies Vacancies on the Board of Directors shall be filled by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. Proposed New By-Laws Page 4 of 7 Article IV Executive Committee/Officers Section 1. Executive Committee The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, and immediate Past-President. Section 2. President The President shall preside at all meetings of the Association and its Executive Committee. The President shall sign all formal documents of the Association. Section 3. President-Elect The President-Elect shall perform the duties of the President in the absence of that officer. In the absence of the President-Elect, a member of the Executive Committee shall act temporarily. Section 4. Secretary The Secretary shall perform such duties as directed by the Board of Directors. Section 5. Treasurer The Treasurer shall perform such duties as directed by the Board of Directors. Section 6. Past President The immediate Past President shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors, if he or she is still a member of the Board. If he or she is no longer a member of the Board of Directors shall be elected to the Executive Committee for one year to fill this seat. Section 7. Responsibilit~ The Executive Committee shall act for the Board of Directors between regular meetings of the Board or in absence ora quomm therof. The Executive Committee shall recommend the hiring and termination of the Executive Director to the Board of Directors. Section 8. Vacancies A majority vote of the Board of Directors shall elect new members to fill vacancies of the any officers of the Board of Directors. Section 9. Termination O ~ Any officer may be removed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board ofDirec~jor ~ failure to perform his duties. ~O-- ~--- Proposed New By-Laws Page 5 of 7 Article V Committees Section 1. Creation The Board of Directors shall create committees by a simple majority vote. Each member of the Association is eligible to be a member of a committee. Committee chairs are subject to Board approval. Section 2. Purpose Committees may be permanent or temporary. Permanent committees are created to oversee ongoing programs or tasks. Temporary committees are created to investigate, conduct studies, and make recommendations to the Board of Directors. Section 3. Limitation of Authority No committee shall take or make public any formal action, or make public any resolution, or in any way commit the Association on a question ofpohcy without first receiving the approval of the Board of Directors. All financial expenditures require the final approval of the Board. Special committees shall be discharged by the Board when their work has been completed and their reports accepted, or when, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, it is expedient to discontinue the committee. Proposed New By-Laws Page 6 of 7 Article VI Amendments Section 1. Revisions These By-laws may be amended or altered by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors present at any meeting in which a quorum exists. The members shall receive notification of said amendments. Proposed New By-Laws Page 7 of 7 Dear Mayor Lehman, My name is Louis Ginsberg and I'm a member'oftroop 211 in the Boy Scouts of America. I got a little concerned about our last Scouting for food numbers, people to be donaii~gless food. Scouting for food is an arrmm! scorning event that we do to collect food for charity. t was worried about our recent numbers because they were a tot lower than normak So I was wondering if you could add to a future agenda, putting up some advertising next year (dateto be detrained) to encourage people to participate. For example the city could put up some signs or have some radio and TV public set-dm announcements, to encourage more donations of food. Please respond as soon as possible. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Louis Ginsberg Toe Ten Reasons to Keeo MidAmerican./~/.,~. '~ '~~as Iowa City's Electric Provider 10. Lower, stable energy prices for the last twelve years 9. Ability to move student body in and OUt annually..~~ onc~.~&~~ 6. Rates frozen at current levels through at ;east 2010. '~-~ 5. We built the system over the last 145 years. ~ ~ , 4. $2,300,000 spent over last five years for ;c~,a C~lty Energy Efficiency. 2. Remember June of 1998? More than 140 MEC employees get 1. More than 70 friendly MEC employee rgy need City. ~~_~ n~MidAmerican c. & &Uy p. Fun~ 1621 Broadway St. ~ Iowa City, IA 52240 Think to the Future Spay and Neuter REPORT ANIMAL www. aspca.org '-""-' "~ ........ Ii · ""- --::- - "~-.-'~ h, ,. ~ ,,hhh,llh.,,,lth, Marian Karr From: Dale Helling Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2003 5:28 PM To: 'kathryn-pedersen@uiowa.edu'; *City Council Cc: Marian Karr; Lisa Mollenhauer Subject: RE: helping out an Iowa City native Katy, The City Council members do not directly receive emails sent to them. Your communication will be forwarded to Council members as part of their weekly information packet next week. To pose your questions directly to them, you may contact them individually. Their names and telephone numbers can be found on the City of Iowa City website at www. icgov.org Click on "Council" to access the list. Good luck with your paper. Dale Helling Assistant City Manager cc. Marian Karr, City Clerk Lisa Mollenhauer, Administrative Assistant ..... Qriginal Message ..... From: kathryn-pedersen@uiowa.edu [mailto:kathryn-pedersen@uiowa.edu] Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2003 7:02 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: helping out an Iowa City native Good evening I am a freshman at U of I and am writing in regards to an investigation I am conducting for a paper on Affirmative Action in which interviews are crucial to the outcome of the paper. All of you hold a prominent position in the Iowa City/Coralville area which is why your opinions are not only important to our community, but why I am interested in hearing what you are willing to share. I have attached a list of questions which you may or may not choose to answer, however any information regarding this topic is valued highly. Answer all or one of the questions, any is plenty. If you would prefer to remain unidentified within the context of my paper, i will take proper action to make sure your identity is hidden. If you know of anyone that could contribute to this investigation, please let me know. I realize that each of you are extremely busy and overloaded with more important issues, but know that the time you took to simply read this email is greatly appreciated. Thanks again, have a wonderful Tuesday. I hope to hear from you soon. Katy Pedersen Iowa City Native City High Alum *** eSafe scanned this email for malicious content *** *** IMPORTANT: Do not open attachments from unrecognized senders *** 1) Why are you for or against Affirmative action? 2) What does Affirmative Action mean to you? 3) How has Affirmative Action affected you? 4) What kind of influence does affirmative action have on society...on our campus? 5) Who in large part is in charge of admittance here at Iowa and determines which individuals qualify above other students according to affirmative action? Are all campuses the same? 6) Are students cheated by affmuative action? In other words would a white student with exemplary grades be placed above a minority student with average achievements if the minority % at the university was low? 7) Are student's achievements weighted equally according to academic standards? 8) What advantages do you believe whites have over blacks and vice versa? 9) Are opportunities the same regardless of race, gender, class, etc. on campus? 10) There are various scholarships and grants that are strictly available to minorities; do you feel that these types of scholarships should exist--why? 11) If there are scholarships available only to minorities because they are minorities, how would you feel if there were scholarships available to the white race because they are white? 12) Do students who have received acceptance in accordance with affirmative action or have received any type of minority scholarship seem to experience different attitudes form students and faculty on campus? 13) Why do you think that Affirmative Action exists? 14) What place does affirmative action have on society? What place should it have? 15) What do you think will become of Affirmative Action? Mayor Emie Lehman and October 15, 2003 Members, Iowa City City Council I regret that I feel it necessary to relate a recent and unfortunate experience with the city cable TV service MEDIACOM and request your assistance in resolving the complexities involved. Background: Let me preface the actual experience by indicating that I served as professor and scientist in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Iowa for 36 years. I retired in 1997 and took up split residences in Coralville, Iowa and Spearfish, S. D. The reasons are not important, but involve my closest family ties and the fact that I had been making numerous ~ips between the two cities. For the past four years or more, I have alternated months between Spearfish and Coralville. I should also indicate that I have a small office at the University and remain an Emeritus Professor. I am 73. Problem: Since I frequently change residences between Spearfish and Coralville, I must rely on the United States Post Office to forward my first class mail. I must say they have been very professional in this service. I have been able to keep abreast of all bill payments. This is to say with the exception of one recent case. This involves MEDIACOM. I recently returned to Coralville alter going through a move from a house to a town house in Spearfish and I also had an auction. Since I get no information about the Iowa football program in Spearfish, I came back in time to hopefully watch the Michigan-lowa Football game!! NOT! There was no picture. Call to MEDIACOM: On Friday before the game, I called MEDIACOM to determine if there was a problem. The lady indicated that my bills had not been paid and that the post office indicated that I was gone and my mail could not be forwarded. Therefore, my service was cut. Mind you, this is e~'en though no attempt was made to determine what was going on; nor the fact that I only use cable service alternate months, but had been paying for service each month fur four years!! I do not understand why the post office selectively determined that it was the mail fi-om MEDIACOM that was not to be forwarded, because all my other bills came through as usual. I did not realize that the MEDIACOM bills had not been forwarded, probably because I was so busy with the moving and lxeparations for the auction in Spearfish. In any case, I still do not have cable TV service and there was no indication fi.om MEDIACOM that they had any intention of resolving the problem--but, simply cut offmy service. As far as I know, it is impossible for me to obtain any other cable service, is this correct? If so, I feel the city council should look curefally at the actions of restricted companies and determine whether or not they are acting in an equitable manner. Also, I personally feel there should be some mechanism for one who only uses a service on a half time basis not be required to pay for full time service. I ask that you and the members of the Iowa City City Council please assist me in any manner possible with a problem that MEDIACOM appears to have no interest in resolving, but rather prefers simply to ent offmy service. I resided in Iowa City from 1961 to 1997. I will very much appreciate your efforts on my behalf and I will greatly appreciate learning of any progress you are able to make. Thank you. Sincerely, Richard G. Kessel 2268 Holiday Rd. # 408 ~-~ Coralville, Iowa 52241 CITY OF IOWA CITY www.iegov.org OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER Stephen J. Atkins City Manager steve-atkins~iowa-city.org October 20, 2003 Dale E. Helling Assistant Cit7 Manager dale-helling~iowa-city, org Mr. Richard Kessel 2268 Holiday Road #408 Coralville, Iowa 52241 Dear Mr. Kessel: This letter is in response to your October 15, 2003, correspondence to the City Council of Iowa City regarding Mediacom. Iowa City's franchise agreement with Mediacom covers residents within the corporate limits of Iowa City. It appears you are referring to service in Coralville. Therefore, if you are interested in passing along your concerns, the City of Coralville would be the appropriate venue. The address is: Coralville City Hall 1512 7t" Street Coralville, IA 52241 Best of luck with your situation. Sincerely yours, / ADSals~stE~r Ht ecllii~gM a na~ -- /*'-~ ~ ~/ ,,~ cc. City Council Drew Shaffer, Cable TV Administrator 410 E. Washington Street Iowa CiB,, IA 52240 Phone: (319) 356-5010 Fax: (319) 356-5009 Marian Karr From: Joe Cherner [Joe@smokefree.org] Sent: Monday, October 20, 2003 9:32 PM To: Joe Cherner announce list Subject: [JoeCherner-announce]ZAGAT Survey Finds Smokefree Air Popular With Diners ZAGAT Survey Finds Smokefree Air Popular With Diners 96% of restaurant goers eating out the same amount or more often A new Zagat survey of 29,361 diners finds that 96% are eating out the same amount or more often as a result of New York's smokefree restaurant law. Specifically, 23% said they were eating out more often because of the law. 73% said they were eating out the same. Only 4% said they were eating out less often. "The Zagat survey, like those done by Global S~rategy, Zogby International, and Quinnipiac University, shows that the vast majority of New Yorkers prefer smokefree dining," says Joe Cherner, Founder of BREATHE-- Bar and Restaurant Employees Advocating Together for a Healthy Environment. "Most diners simply don't want to breathe dirty air while they are eating." In other Zagat findings, restaurant openings outnumbered closings by nearly 2-1, with 174 new restaurants opening and 91 closing. "The number of major openings occurring now and scheduled for early next year is amazing," said Tim Zagat, who publishes the survey with his wife, Nina. Tobacco interests still claim that New York's smokefree workplace law is killing business, causing layoffs, and destroying New York's economy, despite all of the surveys and data showing an increase in employment, food/beverage sales, and tourism. "Tobacco interests have lied, lie, and will always lie," adds Cherner. "Fortunately, fewer and fewer people believe them." To send a "thank you" to the New York State legislature for passing smokefree workplace legislation, go to www. smokefree.net/NY To send a "thank you" to the New York City legislature for passing smokefree workplace legislation, go to www.smokefree.net/NYC To send a letter in support of smokefree workplace legislation where YOU live, go to www.smokefree.net/alerts.php Joseph W. Cherner "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead To search the JoeChemer-announce archives, go to: h.~p'..{[s~ mokgfr~.net/JQ~Cheme?announce/messagg~s_ Sent to 43348 JoeCherner-announce Subscribers http://s~o~kefree~net/J~hemer-annot!~ce/_subscribgrs To unsubscribe council~iowa-city.org, send any email to uns:!Q~:178750-~m0!~efree.net If you would like to help prevent another generation of tobacco addiction and disease, click her~ to send a smokeffee EZ-letter to a key decision maker. 10/21/03 Sent to council~iowa-city.m Page 1 of 2 Marian Karr From: Joe Cherner [Joe@smokefree.org] Sent: Tuesday, October 21,2003 9:33 PM To: Joe Cherner announce list Subject: [JoeCherner-announce]Massachusetts Poised to Become Nation's 6th Smokefree State ******************************************************** To send a letter in support of smokefree MA, go to www.smokefree.net/MA Massachusetts Poised to Become Nation's 6th Smokefree State House Speaker backs smokefree workplace law joining CA, DE, NY, CT, and ME Parts excerpted from the Boston Globe, 10/21/03 Massachusetts moved one large step closer to becoming the nation's sixth smokefree workplace state, as key lawmakers endorsed the measure on the eve of a debate scheduled for tomorrow in the House of Representatives. If successful, Massachusetts wili join CA, DE, NY, CT, and ME. The proposal would require all workplaces in the state to be smokefree, including bars, nightclubs and taverns. The latest convert to the cause is House Speaker Thomas M. Finneran whose support was viewed as pivotal. A similar bill has languished in the House during the past decade due in large measure to the considerable influence of the tobacco lobby. The Massachusetts Senate has already demonstrated support smokefree workplace legislation, having endorsed it last May. Finneran's backing of the bill, disclosed last night by a spokesman, came on the same day that the Joint Committee on Health Care gave its approval. The office of state Representative Peter J. Koutoujian, House chairman of the health care committee, confirmed the panel's action and said the smokefree workplace law is destined for votes in the Senate and House, with the lower chamber scheduled to consider it tomorrow. "A person working an eight-hour shift at a worksite where smoking is allowed may inhale the equivalent of half a pack of cigarettes," said Koutoujian. "Over the course ora year (using a 5 day work week), that works out to 115 packs of cigarettes inhaled in the form of secondhand smoke." "The health care committee has done a tremendous job crafting a bill that will lead to a smoke-free environment in Massachusetts," said Finneran press secretary Charles Rasmussen. "The speaker totally supports the committee and its work and is looking for an active debate on the issue on Wednesday." The quickening momentum emerges five months after Boston implemented a smokefree workplace law and just weeks after similar laws started in Cambridge and Somerville. At last count, 94 cities and towns in Massachusetts had moved to eliminate smoking from all workplaces, most notably bars and other nightspots. Increasingly, legislators who once opposed a statewide ban changed course urging the creation of a level playing field. "We're really at a point of critical mass with 94 cities and towns having done this," said Diane Pickles, executive director of Tobacco Free Massachusetts, a coalition of health organizations advocating for tobacco control policies. "From our perspective, it only makes sense to provide the same protection for all workers regardless of the industry they work in as well as the communities they live in." The state smokefree workplace law is expected to largely mirror Boston's law which went into effect on May 5. 10/22/03 Page 2 of 2 Governor Mitt Romney's office said last night that it would review the law if passed by the Legislature, but did not commit to supporting it. Earlier in the year, a spokesman for Romney had said the governor preferred to leave such measures to cities and towns to decide. Health advocates were encouraged this year as opposition from trade groups melted away; the Massachusetts Restaurant Association decided in the spring that it would give up its battle against a statewide smokefree workplace law and instead support it. But they remained anxious about what position Speaker Finneran would take. Without the endorsement of the powerful House leader, they had acknowledged, their prospects remained dim. The news couldn't be sweeter for Joe Cherner, founder of BREATHE-- Bar and Restaurant Employees Advocating Together for a Healthy Environment. "Most workers won the right to a smokefree workplace years ago," said Cherner. "Somehow hospitality workers were excluded and that wasn't fair. We are all created equal, and we are happy that smokefree laws are finally treating us all equally." To send a letter in support of smokefree MA, go to www.smokeffee~net/MA To send a letter in support of smokefree workplace legislation where YOU live, go to ~.smokefree.net/glerts.php Joseph W. Cherner "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead To search the JoeChemer-announce archives, go to: http://smokefree.net/JoeCherner-announce/messages Sent to 43235 JoeCherner-announce Subscribers http://smokefree,net/JoeChemer-announce/subscribers To unsubscribe council~iowa-city.org, send any email to uns-102-178750-~smokefree.net If you would like to help prevent another generation of tobacco addiction and disease, click llere to send a smokefree EZ-letter to a key decision maker. Sent to council~iowa-city.org 10/22/03 Page 1 of l Marian Karr From: Joe Cherner [Joe@smokefree.org] Sent: Wednesday, October 22.2003 10:24 PM To: Joe Cherner announce list Subject: [JoeCherner-announce]Massachusetts House Passes Smokefree Workplace Legislation Legislation Massachusetts House Passes Smokefree Workplace Legislation, 125- 25 Boston, 10/22/03... By a landslide vote of 125-25, the Massachusetts House of Representatives today approved smokefree workplace legislation. If passed by the Senate and signed by the Governor, Massachusetts would become the nation's sixth smokefree state joining California, Delaware, New York, Connecticut, and Maine. "Smokefree workplace legislation is great for health and great for business," says Joe Chemer, founder of BREATHE-- Bar and Restaurant Employees Advocating Together for a Healthy Enviromnent. "Most people prefer to breathe clean air. The only loser is the tobacco cartel." To send a letter in support of smokefree MA, go to www.smokefree.net/MA To send a letter in support of smokefree workplace legislation where YOU live, go to www.smokefree.net/alerts~php Joseph W. Cherner "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead To search the JoeChemer-announce archives, go to: http://smokefree,net/JoeChemer-announce/messages Sent to 43202 JoeCherner-announce Subscribers http;//smokefree,net/JoeChemer-announce/subscribers To unsubscribe council~iowa-city.org, send any email to uns-102-! 78750-~smokefree.net If you would like to help prevent another generation of tobacco addiction and disease, click here to send a smokefree EZ-letter to a key decision maker. Sent to council~iowa-city.org 10/23/03 CYNTHIA E. PARSONS ATI'ORNEY AT LAW SUITE 300, BREWERY SQUAILE 123 NORTH LINN STREET IOWA CITY, IOWA 52245 OFFICE PHONE FAX (319) 337-9659 EMAIL: cparsons~i¢ialaw.com (319) 354-0559 October 14, 2003 /City Council City of Iowa City 410 E. Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 Historic Preservation Commission City of Iowa City O 410 E. Washington St. ~>'~ c~ Iowa City, IA 52240 Shelly McAfferty Planning Dept., City of Iowa City .-7 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 c~ Mitch Behr Assistant City Attorney, City of Iowa City 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 re: Application to replace windows, 702 E. Washington Street Dear Council and Commission members, Shelly and Mitch: I am writing regarding our application to replace windows at 702 E. Washington Street, which application was denied by the Historic Preservation Commission at its meeting October 9, 2003. As building owner, I am extremely exasperated at this example of bureaucracy run amok. First of all, we were never advised as to when our request would be heard by the Commission, and therefor we were not afforded the opportunity to address the Commission or to participate in its discussion of the application. This building, although in a Neighborhood Conservation District, has been identified as a non-contributing structure. There is nothing in the least which is "historic" about our building; it was originally a single family house which was substantially modified in the mid 1970's to serve as an apartment building. At that time a six unit addition was also constructed so that it is now a 10 unit apartment building. The existing windows are cheap, single pane windows with even cheaper combination aluminum storm screen units, which are extremely leaky and are nearly 30 years old. Our plan is to replace these windows before the really cold weather sets in, to conserve energy and reduce heat loss, and also to provide a more comfortable place for our tenants. This window replacement will also greatly improve the fire safety of the structure as none of the current windows meet escape and rescue standards. We have in fact already ordered and obtained replacement window units, which are vinyl clad, Energy-Star rated, and which are quite nice looking. The windows have an integral brick mold trim. They should improve the appearance as well as the safety and habitability of the building. However, we were informed on October l0th that our Application was denied, as the current zoning rules for this District apparently allow for only wood or wood clad replacement windows, although there are currently proposed changes to the applicable roles which should be implemented by January 2004, which will allow metal and vinyl clad replacement windows in an RNC District. We were advised by Planning staff and the Commission that we should simply wait, and then reapply the first part of 2004, at which time the Application should then be approved without difficulty. This situation is ludicrous; since there is a pending change in the applicable rules which will allow this type of window, what sense does it make to force us to wait another four months to apply? If the windows are not replaced now, we will have to wait until spring of 2004 to do so, since obviously we do not want to replace windows in the dead of winter. This will not only waste energy in the meantime, but will also waste staff and Commission time in having to address this issue AGAIN when it could easily be approved and finalized now. The Building Department has already approved the building permit, subject only to the Historic Preservation Commission "signing off' on it. What sense does this denial make when our building has been definitively identified as NOT being any sort of historic structure? This is a huge waste of Corrmaission time, Planning stafftime, and our time as owners. Our tenants are also being denied the opportunity for a safer dwelling place, for no logical reason. There is already precedent for the Commission voting to allow vinyl clad windows under similar circumstances, even though the rules did not allow for it; this was done last spring for a structure on Melrose Avenue which is even on the National Historic Register. How can it now be "arbitrary and capricious" to approve our Application, especially when there are proposed rule changes which will allow it anyway within several months? I have asked to be placed on the agenda of the Commission's next meeting on October 23, 2003, to have the opportunity to be heard. Inthe meantime, hopefully someone with some common sense can look at this situation and strongly recommend to the Commission that our Application be approved~ "~'/~with°ut/furtl ~elay. G~~A- ne~elter~/'~ E. Parsons BUILDiNG OWNERS CEP:mm ~; ~ cc: Tom Sherman, Iowa City Window and Door 63 -'<- ~ -FI City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM TO: City Council FROM: Shelley McCafferty, Associate Planner DATE: October 23, 2003 RE: Memo from Cynthia Parsons This memo is in response to the October 14 memo from Cynthia Parsons regarding the replacement of windows at 702 E. Washington Street. At least two months prior to receiving the application for historic review, I spoke with the property owner, Gary Klinefelter, regarding this building. Mr. Klinefelter was informed by telephone and email that the historic preservation guidelines would allow replacement windows, however, only wood or metal-clad wood windows are permitted. I also informed him that if this application complies with the guidelines, because this is a non-contributing property in a conservation district, staff could approve this application. On approximately September 30, Mr. Klinefelter inquired regarding historic review and he informed me that he had purchased all vinyl replacement windows. Because these windows do not comply with the guidelines, I told Mr. Kiinefelter that this project would have to be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission and that I would need an application for historic review by the morning of Friday, October 3 in order for it to be reviewed at the October 9 Commission meeting. The application was submitted to Housing and Inspection Services at the end of the day on Friday and I did not receive it via internal mail until Tuesday morning. Although this was a late application, I did add this item to the agenda and posted the revised agenda. Due to the late submission, the applicant did not receive the standard letter informing them of the meeting. The Historic Preservation Commission, by a vote of 1-7, denied the certificate of appropriateness on the basis the current guidelines clearly disallow "Installing metal or vinyl windows when they were not original to the building." In December, the Historic Preservation Commission will be recommending to Council revised historic preservation guidelines that will allow the installation of vinyl windows in non-historic properties in conservation districts. Mr. Klinefelter was informed that once the new guidelines are adopted, he may re-apply and his application would likely be approved. The principal concern of the Historic Preservation Commission regarding this issue is the desire not to establish the precedent that if a contractor or owner purchases noncompliant products, that the Commission is obligated to approve the installation of these products so as not to cause the owner to be financially burdened. Ms. Parsons sites the Commission's approval last spring of the installation of vinyl clad windows in a landmark on Melrose Avenue. In this case, the contractor applied for a building permit for the replacement of several custom windows. At the time the permit application was submitted, due to issues with the computer program, HIS failed to inform the contractor of the historic preservation regulations. The windows were manufactured and delivered before the contractor was informed that historic review was required. Because these windows were not grossly noncompliant, the contractor made a good-faith effort to comply with City regulations, and because City error would have caused a October 23, 2003 Page 2 substantial financial burden to the contractor, the Commission voted to approve this application. The computer glitch has since been resolved to prevent such issues in the future. At their October 23 meeting, the Historic Preservation Commission will reconsider Ms. Parsons' and Mr. Klinefelter's application. fi JOHN ?APPA~OHN ENTREPRENEURIAL CENTER tHE UNIVERSF[Y Alan M. Hallene, Jr., Ph.D., P.E. OF IOWA Adjunct Assistant Professor 108 John Pappajohn Business Bldg., Ste. S160 Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1000 309-736-7790 Fax 309-736-7789 Cell 309-236-6409 ahallene2@aol.com Introducing: Owners/Operators/Managers Uptown Bill's Coffee Shop - Matt Powills Bill's Book Shop - Gretchen Gentsch & Michael Kacer Leslie's Luxuries - Leslie O'Leary & Lauretta Springer Land of African Botique - Abdala Faye Mad Hatter Room - Delbert Atkins Mr. Ed's SuperGraphics - Edmond Gaines Art Curator - Jeremy Tinder Mall Hours Monday-Sunday 8:00AM-8:00PM* *Hours extended when there is a late night program in the Mad Hatter Room Gallery Hours ~'~//~,(,~[.+~v Friday 6:30PM-8:00PM Saturday 12Noon-8:00I'M / (J /r~] - / (JcS*/J Or By Appointment Musical & Artistic Events at Uptown Bill's Location: 401 S. Gilbert, Iowa City, IA 52240 See w~'w.culturalcorridor.org! Phone and Fax: 319-339-0401, 319-339-0804 Email: bill uptownru'hotmail.com Space Rental is available at the Small Mall Call Tom Walz 339-0401 A Call for Donors and Volunteers Uptown Bill's Small Mall Thc success of thc small businesses owned and operated by Uptown Bill's consists o£ a number o£ businesses owned and persons with disabilities depends heavily upon community operated by persons with disabilities. Businesses include Mr. Ed's support. Among thc donations welcomed are books, £urni- SuperGraphics, Leslie's Luxuries, Bill's Book Mart, Uptown Bill's ture and collectibles. Volunteer duties include staffing thc Coffee Shop, Mad Hatter Room (community events), Uptown Aris shops, advising business owners and walking with the Mall (gallery and salon), dog. The small Mall is named after Bill Sackter, a mentally challenged man, who became one o£the best known and well-loved Iowa Citians Sharing the Bill Story during the late 1970s and early 80s. Though involuntarily committed to a Civic, service, church and business groups interested in state institution £or £orty-£our years--entering at age seven--Bill returned to hearing The Bill Sackter Story or The Small Mall Story should the community to become "a gift" to those knew him. His remarkable contact Thomas Walz, Project Director o£ the Extend the Dream li£e was memorialized in an Emmy award winning movie "Bill" and a Foundation and a nationally noted storyteller. Call (319.339.0401) sequel, "Bill on His Own." His celebrity is recorded in a biography o£ or email thomas-walz~uiowa.edu. his li£e "The Unlikely Celebr#y" published by Southern Illinois University Press. Bill operated a coffee shop on the University of Iowa campus groin The Mad Hatter Room 1974 to 1983 until he died at age 70. Wild Bill's Coffeeshop is still a part o£ the University of Iowa's School of Social Work and is operated by The Mad Hatter Room offers a venue for musical events persons with disabilities. A documentary, Bill Sackter: ~4 Special Spirit, by and small meetings. To book an event, contact J. P. Claussen at Iowa City filmmaker Lane Wyriak is in the works and will premiere in (319) 339-0401 or jp~mudriver.org. Spring 2004 The Uptown Arts Salon and Gallery Its Mission The Uptown Aris Salon and Gallery offers on going art The mission of the small Mall is to provide an alcohol and smoke exhibits and cultural arts programming. free environment that is rich in diversity and provides a crossroads where able persons and those with disabilities may come to know and serve Key Volunteer Staff one another. The Mall seeks to continue "the spirit of Bill Sackter" by providing generous and simple caring. The focus of the Mall is on the Dr. Alan Hallene, Jr. - Chairperson, Extend the Dream Foundation enrichment of people and their relationships. Uptown Bill's is sponsored Dr. Thomas Walz - Project Manager, Uptown Bill's Small Mall by a private, non-profit organization, Extend the Dream Foundation. The Karen Dusek - Bookkeeper & Accountant Foundation operates with total volunteer commitment and depends upon Wole Ife - Communications Coordinator community support (volunteers and donations) for its success. Melissa Derr - Volunteer Coordinator J. P. Claussen - Community Events Coordinator Jake Livermore - Assistant Music Coordinator Jeremy Tinder - Uptown Arts Curator Carolyn Lukrofka- Donations Coordiantor Reading Materials for Students Regarding Small Business Projects & Disabilities Table of Contents: Story of Bill Saekter ~z Vv-fld BRI's Coffee Shop Infor~on regarding disabiiil~e~. Mental Retardurlon Multiple Sclerosis Cerebral Palsy Fragile X Syndrome movie, and a coffee shop:... Sackter Days celebrates all tthtt~ A ma,; a movie, and a coffee shop:... Sackter Days celebrates all tl~ttp A man, a movie, anda "Bill blossomed like a flower," recalled Tom coffee shop: Bill fyi[ Walz, professor o f social work and the driving Sackter Days force behind Wild Bill's. "He attracted everyone to him as if he was some sort of celebrates all three beautiful rose. Students, faculty, community people would just sort of seek him out. He was such a special person, and that didn't have anything to do with his retardatiom" The story of Wild Bill's began in 1973, when Walz came to Iowa as director of the School · ~ ~::~ of Social Work. Walz was keen to hire one of '~: his former students, Barry Morrow, to bring some creative new blood to the school through expanding the use of media in instruction. But Morrow had just assumed guardianship of an elderly, mentally retarded man who had been institutionalized since the age of seven. Morrow wanted the job but told Walz he could only take it if there was a job for Bill too. "He was functionally pretty slow but was a very race man, Walz sat . "We had Bill making coffee." Tom Walz, professor of social work and author of The Unlikely Celebrity: Bill Bill Sackter, with his harmonica, in a 1983 photo. Sac~ter's Tdumph Over Disability, in Wild Bi]l's Coffee photo by D.R. Miller Shop, photo by Rex Bavousett On a campus where the vending machines sell Coca-Cola exclusively, Wild Bill's Coffee In the course of time, Bill proved himself to Shop in North Hall is one place you can still be more than very nice. His unique blend of get a Pepsi. innocence and good cheer drew people into the closet-sized shop for coffee and popcorn. You can also get a sandwich, a muffin, or a At the time, the College of Education operated fifty-cent paperback. Hardcovers cost a dollar, a day care center on the second floor of North A backpack will run you ten dollars. Forty Hall, and Bill received daily visits from the gets you a chair, children. He became something of a cult figure in Iowa City. As his entourage grew, A lot of people come for the coffee. That was the coffee shop moved into its present larger Bill's drink. Wild Bill Sackter was the space on the third floor of North Hall. mentally retarded counter man who reigned All of which prompted Morrow, Bill's young here for ten years. Until Bill died in 1983, guardian, to write his story. He did it in the people mostly came to be near him. In the form of a screenplay called Bill. The script years since his death, his friends and fans have was made into a television movie in 1982, kept his memory alive by observing the annual starring Mickey Kooney as Bill Sackter. Both Bill Sackter Days, this year on Nov. 13 and Rooney and Morrow won Emmy awards. The 14. film was rebroadcast twice a year for several man. a movie, and a coffee shop:... Sackter Days celebrates all tthnp A ma.. a movie, and a coffee shop:... Sack'ter Days celebrates all tthttp: years after its initial showing. According to Rainman, for which Morrow won an Oscar. Walz, over 150 million viewers saw it. He's now at work on a new film, also on the theme of the disabled, in collaboration with "That brought a kind of visibility for the Steven Spielberg. University and for Bill," Walz said. "The From noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, at letters poured in. We had to hire a secretary to Prairie Lights bookstore, Walz and Morrow answer Bill's mail." will sign Walz's new book, The Unlikely Celebrity: Bill Saclaefs Triumph over But celebrity was brief. Bill died in 1983. The Disability, for which Morrow wrote the shop did not. forward. That evening from 7:30-9:30 p.m. in the Space Place in North Hall will be an e.vent "There was a woman with mental retardation," called "Wild Bill's Chautau-qua," an evemng Walz explained, "fi'om the Evert Conner of music, Sackter stories, and desserts hosted Center for Rights and Resources for by Dan "Dr. Science" Coffey. Also present Independent Living who said, 'I knew Bill, will be Rabbi Jeffrey Portman, who bar and I'm not going to let you close down the mitzvahed Bill at age 67 and served as one of coffee shop. I'm going to replace Bill.' She his guardians. worked there for two years before she too Walz sees the shop, the celebration, and his died. At that time we made a commitment to book as ways of keeping B. ill's .life and his. expand the work opportunities for the adult contribution alive. In a umvers~ty commumty, disabled." where students, faculty, and administrators come and go, it's important to remind people Since then, Wild Bill's Coffee Shop periodically that once there was a man like continuously has employed adult persons with Bill here. The Unlikely Celebrity recounts disabilities. The workers receive food and a some startling tales. stipend, the maximum amount allowed without jeopardizing their federal "A million stories built up around him," Walz supplemental security income. In exchange, said, "including a very powerful one in which they must be willing to interact with students Bill goes to University Hospital. Barry in the School of Social Work as part of the Morrow's daughter had encephalitis and was students' training in working with the in a coma. Bill wasn't allowed into intensive disabled. It's never been a financially winning care because he wasn't family. When he was proposition, and in an effort to keep the losses finally allowed in, he fell on his knees and down Walz added books, antiques, and other started praying in tongues, lie walked over to collectibles to the shop's wares. And where her crib, and she came out of it then and does this bric-a-brac come from? there." "I get done with my class at 8 p.m.," Walz Waiz hopes the book will generate some said, "and you know where I go? I go to an revenue that he can put toward the auction. I buy a truckload of goodies and bring maintenance of the shop. Currently, Walz them back. It's my hobby. I refinish furniture." donates not only his time but also the salary he earns for teaching an extra freshman seminar Bill's memory lives on not only at the coffee on Gandhi to keep the shop afloat. shop, but also in the annual Bill Sackter Days. Most years it's a quiet affair, a chance for the It's a worthwhile labor. There's something disabled and the abled to meet for supper and inviting about Wild Bill's, a pocket of quiet in to honor Bill. Last year there was a harmonica the middle of the bustle of campus. Wooden festival, in memory of Bill's favored chairs and banquettes invite guests to read, instrument. This year, there are some special study, converse, and sip rather than slug down events, their coffee. For students, the learning experience has been consistently invaluable. At 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13 in Shambaugh Bill's benevolent presence lingers there. Auditorium, there will be a free screening of the film Bill. Morrow, who is now a full-time "I'm trying to explain to the world why this screenwriter living in California, will be on person became a celebrity, given ali the hand to answer questions. The film launched a limitations," Walz said. "It wasn't because he screenwriting career that includes the movie was retarded. It was because he was a gift to the world." 4 0£5 by Sam Samuels Introduction to Mental Retardation What is mental retardation~ An indMdual is considered to have mental retardation based on the following three criteria: intellectual functioning level (I(:;l) is below 70-75; significant limitations exist in two or more adaptive skill areas; and the condition is present from childhood (defined as age 18 or less) (AA/~R, 1992). What are the adaptive skills essential for daily functionin.c~-~ Adaptive skill areas are those daily living skills needed to live, work and play in the community. They include communication, self-care, home living, social skills, leisure, health and safety, self-direction, functional academics (reading, writing, basic math), community use and work Adaptive skills are assessed in the person's typical environment across all aspects of an individual's life. A person with limits in intellectual functioning who does not have limits in adaptive skill areas may not be diagnosed as having mental retardation. How many people are affected by mental retardation? The Arc reviewed a number of prevalence studies in the early 1980s and concluded that 2.5 to 3 percent of the general population have mental retardation (The Arc, 1982). Based on the 1990 census, an estimated 6.2 to 7.5 million people have mental retardation. Ment~al retardation is 10 times more common than cerebral palsy and 28 times more prevalent than neural tube defects such as spina bifida. It affects 25 times as many people as blindness (Batshaw, lg97). N~ental retardation cuts across the lines of racial, ethnic, educational, sociat and economic backgrounds. It can occur in any familY. One out of ten American families is directly affected by' mental retardation. How does mental retardation affect individuals? The effects of mental retardation vary considerably among people, just as the range of abilities varies considerably among people who do not have mental retardation. About 87 percent will be mildly affected and will be only a little slower than average in learning new information and skills. As children, their mental retardation is not. readily apparent and may not be identified until they enter school. As adults, many will be able to lead independent lives in the community and will no longer be viewed as having mental retardation. The remaining 13 percent of people with mental retardation, those with IOs under 50, will have serious limitations in functioning. However, with early intervention, a functional education and appropriate supports as an adult, ail can lead satisfying lives in the community. How is mental retardation dia.qnosed? The ~ process for diagnosing and classifying a person as having mental retardation contains three steps and describes the system of supports a person needs to overcome limits in adaptive skills. The first step in diagnosis is to have a qualified person give one or more standardized intelligence tests and a standardized adaptive skills test, on an individual basis. The second step is to describe the person's strengths and weaknesses across four dimensions. The four dimensions are: 1. Intellectual and adaptive behavior skills 2. Psychological/emotional considerations 3. Physical/health/etiological considerations 4. Environmental considerations Strengths and weaknesses may be determined by formal testing, observations, interviewing key people in the individual's life, interviewing the indMdual, interacting with the person in his or her daily life or a combinaUon of these approaches. The third step requires an interdisciplinary team to determine needed supports across the four dimensions. Each support idenUfied is assigned one of four levels of intensity- intermittent limited, extensive, pervasive. Intermittent support refers to suppor~ on an "as needed basis." An exampie would be support that is needed in order for a person to find a new job in the event of a job loss. Intermittent support may be needed occasionally by an individual over the lifespan, but not on a continuous daily basis. Limited support may occur over a limited Ume span such as during transition from school to work or in Ume-timited job training. This type of support has a limit on the time that is needed to provide appropriate support for an individual. Extensive support in a life area is assistance that an individual needs on a daily basis that is not limited by Ume. This may involve support in the home and/or support in work. Intermittent, limited and extensive supports may not be needed in all life areas for an individual. Pervasive support refers to constant support across environments and life areas and may include life-sustaining measures. A person requiring pervasive support will need assistance on a daily basis across all life areas. What does the term "mental aqe" mean when used to describe the person's functioninq? The term mental age is used in intelligence testing. It means that' the indMdua] received the same number of correct responses on a standardized I~l test as the average person of that age in the sample population. Saying that an older person with mental retardation is like a person of a younger age or has the "mind" or "understanding" of a younger person is incorrect usage of the term. The mental age only refers to the intelligence test score. It does not describe the level and nature of the person's experience and functioning-in aspects of community life. What are the causes of mental retardation? Mental retardation can be caused by any condition which impairs development of the brain before birth, during birth or in the childhood years. Several hundred causes have been discovered, but in about one-third of the people affected, the cause remains unknown. The three major known causes of mental retardation are Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome and fragile X. The causes can be categorized as follows: Genetic conditions - These result from abnormality of genes' inherited from parents, errors when genes combine, or from other disorders of the genes caused during pregnancy by infections, overexposure to x-rays and other factors. More than 500 genetic diseases are associated with mental retardation. Some examples include PKU (phenylketonuria), a single gene disorder also referred to as an inborn error of metabolism because it is caused by a defect/ye enzyme. Down syndrome is an example of a chromosomal disorder. Chromosomal disorders happen sporadically and. are caused by too many or too few chromosomes, or by a change in structure of a chromosome. Fragile X syndrome is a single gene disorder located on the X chromosome and is the leading inherited cause of mental retardation. Problems dudn.q preqnancy - Use of alcohol or drUgs by the pregnant mother can cause mental retardation. Recent research has implicated smoking in increasing the risk of mental retardation. Other dsks include malnutrition, certain environmental contaminants, and illnesses of the mother during pregnancy, such as toxoplasmosis, cytomegaJovirus, rubella and s/phillis. Pregnant women who are infected with HE/may pass the virus to their child, leading to future neurological damage. Problems at birth - Although any birth condition of unusual stress may injure the infant's brain, prematurity and low birth weight predict sedous problems more often than any other conditions. Problems after birth - Childhood diseases such as whooping cough, chicken pox, measles, and Hib disease which may lead to meningitis and encephalitis can damage the brain, as can accidents such as a blow to the head or near drowning. Lead, mercury and other environmental toxins can cause irreparable damage to the brain and nervous system. Poverty and cultural deprivation - Children in poor families may become mentally retarded because of malnutrition, disease-producing conditions, inadequate medical care and environmental health hazards. A]so~ children in disadvantaged areas may be deprived of many common cultural and day-to-day ~xperie.nces provided to other youngsters. Research suggests that such under- stimulation can result in irreversible damage and can serve as a cause of mental retardation. Can mental retardation be prevented? During the past 30 years, significant advances in research have prevented many cases of mental retardation. For example, every year in the United States, we prevent: 250 cases of mental retardation due to phenylketonutia (PI~CI) by newborn screening and dietary treatment; 1_,000 cases of mental retardation due to congenital hypothyroidism thanks to newborn screening and thyroid hormone replacement therapy; 1,000 cases of mental retardation by use of anti-Rh immune globulin to prevent Rh disease and severe jaundice in newborn infants; 5,000 cases of mental retardation caused by Hib diseases by using the Hib vaccine; 4,000 cases of mental retardation due to measles encephalitis thanks to measles vaccine; and untold numbers of cases of mental retardation caused by rubella during pregnancy thanks to rubella vaccine (Alexander, 1998). Other interventions have reduced the chance of mental retardation. Removing lead from the environment reduces brain damage in children. Preventive interventions such as child safety seats and bicycle helmets reduce head trauma. Early intervention programs with high-risk infants and children have shown remarkable results in reducing the predicted incidence of subnormal intellectual functioning. Finally, early comprehensive prenatal care and preventive measures prior to and during pregnancy increase a womads chances of preventing mental retardation. Pediatric AIDS is being reduced by AZT treatment of the mother during pregnancy, and dietary supplementation with folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defects. Research continues on new ways to prevent mental retardation, including research on the development and function of the nervous system, a wide variety of fetal treatments, and gene therapy to correct the abnormality, produced by defective genes. ' . Multiple Sclerosis Definition ^ disorder of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) involving decreased nerve function associated with the formation of scars on the covering of nerve cells Alternative names: MS- Causes, incidence, and risk factors Multiple sclerosis (MS)' affects approximately 1 out of 1,600 people. Women are affected about 60% of the time. The disorder most commonly begins between 20 to 40 years old. MS is one of the major causes of disability in adults under age 65. Multiple sclerosis involves repeated episodes of inflammation of nervous tissue in any area of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). The location of the inflammation varies from person to person and from episode to episode. The inflammation destroys the covering of the nerve ceils in that area (myelin sheath). This leaves multiple areas of scar tissue (sclerosis) along the covering of the nerve cells. Sclerosis slows or blocks the transmission of nerve impulses' in that- area, resulting in the development, of the symptoms of MS. Symptoms vary because the location and extent- of each attack-varies: There is usually a stepwise progression of the disorder, with episodes that last days, weeks, or months alternating with times of reduced- or no symptoms (remission). Recurrence (relapse) is common. The exact cause of the inflammatiorr associated with MS is unknown. Geographic studies indicate there may be an environmental factor involved with MS. It has a higher incidence in northem Europe, northern Llnited States, sotzthem Australia, and Hew Zealand than in other areas of the world. There seems to be a familial tendency toward the disorder, with higher incidence in certain family groups than in the general population. An increase in the number of immune cells in the body of a person with MS indicates that there may be a type of immune response that triggers the disorder. The most frequent theories about the cause of multiple sclerosis- include a virus- type organism, an abnormality of the genes responsible for control of the immune system, or a combination of both- factors. Risks include a family history of ~ and living in a geographical area with a higher incidence rate for MS. Prevention There is no known prevention. Symptoms weakness of one or' more extremities paralysis of one or more extremities tremor of one or more extremities muscle spasticity (uncontrollable spasm of muscle groups) muscle atrophy movement; dysfunctional slowly progressive beginning in the legs numbness, decreased or abnormal sensation in any area tingling facial pain pain in an extremity may start suddenly loss of vision -- usually affects one eye at a time double vision eye discomfort rapid eye movements, uncontrollable eye symptoms worsen on movement of the eyes decreased coordination loss of balance decreased ability to control small or intricate movements walking/gait abnormalities muscle spasms (especially in the legs) dizziness vertigo urinary hesitancy, difficult to begin urinating strong urge to urinate (urinary urgency) frequent need to urinate incontinence (leakage of urine, loss of control over urination) decreased memory decreased spontaneity decreased judgment loss of ability to think abstractly loss of ability to generalize depression decreased attention span slurred speech difficulty speaking or understanding speech fatigue, tired easily Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease: constipation hearing loss positive Babinski's reflex i~ote: Symptoms may vary with each attack. They may last days to months, then reduce or disappear, then recur periodically. Fever can trigger or worsen attacks, as can hot baths, sun exposure, and stress. Skins and tests Symptoms of ~LS may mimic many other neurotogic disorders. A history of at least two attacks separated by a period of reduced or no symptoms may indicate the pattern of attack/remission seen in ]v~s. If there are observable decreases in any functions of the central nervous system (such as abnormal reflexes), the diagnosis of ~ may be suspected. Examination by the health care provider may show focal neurologic deficits (localized decreases in function). This may include decreased' or abnorma[ sensation; decreased ability to move a part of the body, speech or vision changes, or other loss of neurologic functions. The type of neuro[ogic deficit may indicate, to some ~xtant, the location of the damage to the nerves. Eye examination may show abnormal pupil responses, changes in the visual fields or eye movemeni~, nystagmus (rapid'eye movements) triggered by movement of the eye, decreased visual acuity, or abnormal findings on a fundoscopy (an examination of the internal skuctures of the eye). Tests that indicate or confirm multiple sclerosis include: EEG (electroencephalogram), including looking forchanges in brain waves in response to sounds or visual stimuli BERA (brainstem evoked response audiometry) visual evoked response head ~kRl scan that shows scarring ora lesion spine ~4RI scan that shows scarring or a lesion lumbar puncture (spinal tap) CiSF cell count CSI~ oligoc]onal banding Treatment There is no known cure for multiple sclerosis. Treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms and maintaining function to give the maximum quality of life. Medications vary depending on the symptoms that occur. Baclofen, dantrolene, diazepam or other anti-spasmodic medications may be used to reduce muscle spasticity. Cholinergic medications may be helpful to reduce urinary problems. Antidepressant medications may be helpful for mood or behavior symptoms. Amantadine may be given for fatigue. Corficosteroids or ACTH (a hormone that stimulates the body to produce increased amounts of its own corticosteroids) may be used to suppress the inflammation in an attempt to reduce the duration of an attack See corticosteroids - oral for information on similar medications./qedications that suppress the immune system may be helpful. Interferon may be helpful for some people. Physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or similar forms of therapy may be helpful. This may improve the person's outlook, reduce depression, maximize function, and improve coping sl~lls. A planned exercise program early in the course of the disorder helps to maintain muscle tone. Social work, counseling, and support groups may aid in coping. For this condition, see multiple sclerosis - support group. A healthy lifestyle is encouraged, including good general nutrition. Adequate rest and relaxation help to maintain energy levels. Attempts should be made to avoid fatigue, stress, physical deterioration, temperature extremes, and illness to reduce factors that may trigger an MS attack. Prognosis The expected outcome is variable and unpredictable. Although the disorder is chronic and incurable, life expectancy can be normal or nearly so, with a life span of 35 or more years after diagnosis occurring commonly. /vlost people with MS continue to walk and function at work with minimal disability for 20 or more years. The amount of disability and discomfort varies with the severity and frequency of at~acks and the part of the central nervous system affected by each attack. Commonly, there is initially a re~um to normal or near-normal function between at'tacks. As the disorder progresses, there is progressive loss of function with less improvement between attacks. There is a rare, acute type of MS that can cause death within weeks tO a few years. There is also a benign form of his that develops relatively few symptoms for many years. Complications progressive disability urinary tract infections side effects of medications used to treat the disorder Cerebral Palsy Definition A group of disorders characterized by loss of movement or loss of other nerve functions. These disorders are caused by injuries to the brain that occur during fetal development or near the time of birth. Causes, incidence, and risk factors The incidence of cerebral palsy is approximately2 to 4 individuals for every-1000 births. Cerebral palsy results from injury to the cerebrum (the largest portion of the brain, involved with higher mental faculties, sensations, and voluntary muscle actdviUes). IniUally cerebral palsy was thought to be related to birth asphyxia and trauma but in a study of 45,000 births it was shown that birth asphyxia is an uncommon cause of cerebral palsy. The cause of hypoxia (Iow oxygen) to the damaged areas of the brain has not been adequately made clear, but it is believed that there are predisposing factors occurring during the development of the fetus that makes it more susceptible to hypoxia. Premature infants have a slightly higher incidence of cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsymay also occur during early infancy as a result of cerebral injury caused by illnesses (encephalitis, meningiUs, herpes simplex infections, and so on), head injury that results in subdural hematoma, blood vessel injuries, and many others. Injury to the cerebrum can result in the loss of nerve functions in widely different areas. The classical finding of CP is spasticity (increased muscle tone) which may affect a single limb, one side of the body (spastic hemip[egia), both legs (spastic diplegia) or both arms and legs (spastic quaddplegia). In addition there may be partial or full loss of movement (paralysis), sensory abnormalities, and defects of hearing and vision. Speech abnormalities are common and seizures may occur. [nteilectual function may range from ~xtremely bdght normal to severe mental retardation. Symptoms are usually evident before age 2 and in severe cases may appear as eady as three months; Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive type of encephalopathy (injury to the brain) and symptoms directly resulting from the disease do not worsen. Classifications of cerebral palsy include spastic, dyskinetlc, ataxic, and mixed cerebral palsy. Spastic cerebral palsy includes about 50% of cases. Dyskinetic (athetoid) cerebral palsy affects about 20%. It' involves development of abnormal movements (twisting, jerking, or other movements). Ataxic cerebral palsy involves tremors, unsteady gait, loss of coordination, and abnormal movements; it affects about 10%. The remaining 20% are classified as mixed, with any combination ofsymk,~.oms. Prevention Adequate prenatal care may reduce the risk of some rare causes of cerebral palsy, however, dramatic improvements over the lest 15 years in obstetrical care at delivery has not reduced the incidence of cerebral palsy. In most cases, the injury causing the disorder may not be preventable. Symptoms seizures muscle contractions difficulty sucking or feeding irregular breathing delayed development of motor skills, such as reaching; sitting, rolling; crawling, walking, and so on motormental retardation mental retardation speech abnormalities (dysarthria) visual abnormalities hearing abnormalities spasticity progressive joint contractures limited range of motion peg teeth Signs and tests Examination indicates delayed development of motor skills in many cases. Infantile reflexes (such as sucking and startle) may persist, past the age where they usually disappear. ~4usc]e tremor or spesticity may be evident, with a tendency of infants to tuck their arms in toward their sides, scissors movements of the legs, or other abnormal movements. Vadous laboratory tests maybe performed to eliminate nutritional or other causes of the symptoms: Iv!RI of the head demonstrates structural or congenital abnormalities CT scan of the head demonstrates structural or congenital abnormalities hearing screen (to determine auditory status) visual testing (to determine visual status) EECi Treatment There is no specific cure for cerebral palsy. The goal of treatment is to maximize independence. Treatment is guided by the symptoms exhibited and may include physical therapy, braces, appropriate glasses and hearing aids, medications, special education or appropriate schooling; and, in severe cases; institutionalization. /V~ainstreaming in regular schools is advised unless physical disabilities or mental development makes this impossible. Glasses, hearing aids, or other equipment must be designed specifically for the particular disabilities and may assist with communication and learning: Physical therapy, occupational therapy; orthopedic intervention, or other treatments may be appropriate. Medications may include muscle relaxants to reduce tremors and' spasticity, and anticonvuisants to prevent or reduce the frequency of seizures. Surgery may be needed in some cases t~ release joint contractures which- are a progressive problem associated with spasticity. Surgery may also be necessary for placement of feeding tubes and to control gastroesophageal reflux. The stress of coping with this disorder can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See cerebral palsy - support group. Pro,qnosis Cerebral palsy is a lifelong disorder. Long-term care may be required. The disorder does not affect expected length of life. The extent of disability varies. Complications seizures injuries from falls reduced mobility reduced communication skills (sometimes) reduced intellect (sometimes) Definition A genetic condition caused by spontaneous breaks in the long arm of the X chromosome. Causes, incidence, and risk factors Fragility of the long arm of the X chromosome is thought to be a result of increased methylation at the site of the break. The Fragile X accounts for approximately one-third of all X-tinked mental retardation in males and one-tenth of that in females. This syndrome occurs in approximately ] out of 2,000 males and 1 out of 1,000 females. Prevention Genetic counseling may be of benefit for prospect~e parents with a family history of Fragile X syndrome. Symptoms family history of fragile X syndrome mental retardation large ears oversized testes in the male ~ i_~_~_ a n d tests Measurement of testes in males and a chromosome analysis helps confirm the diagnosis. There are very few outward signs of Fragile X syndrome. Mental retardation is the hallmark of this condition and, in females, about the only finding. Treatment There is no specific treatment of Fragile X syndrome. Instead, effort is directed toward training and education of the child with this condition. .Pro,qnos s The outcome depends on the extent of retardation. Co_.~.~_~lications Complications vary depending on the type and severity of symptoms. CITY OF IOWA CITY www. icgov.org October 28, 2003 CITY COUNCIL The Honoreble Charles Gressley U.S. Senate 135 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Ernest W. Lehman Mayor Washington, D.C. 20510 Dee Vanderhoef Dear Senator Grassley: Mayor Pro Tern Connie Champion We are writing to voice our concems about the impact of the USA PATRIOT Act. Many Steven Kanner citizens have come to us with these same concerns. Mike O'Donnell Irvin Pfah Iowa City is, in some respects, an international community. Local residents from needy Ross Wilburn every corner of the wodd reside here. They are faculty, staff, and students at The Univemity of Iowa, our business and prefessional colleagues, service workere and laborers in the community, parents of our school children, and our friends and neighbors. Whether we are United States citizens or not, Iowa City residents enjoy the benefit of participating in a vadety of organizations and interest greups, some of which cleady address global interests and concerns. At times, these greups may reise issues that are questioning or even cdtical of United States policy. We are concerned that there are elements within the USA PATRIOT Act that may compremise our rights to reise these questions or to be cdtical of certain policies and prectices of our government. In that vein, many local residents have come to us questioning the constitutionality of certain previsions of the Act and have asked that we communicate those concerns on their behalf. The purpose of this letter is to urge you to carefully examine the vadous previsions of the USA PATRIOT Act and to work to remove any of those previsions that may threaten the basic rights of individuals to speak freely and openly and to legitimately express their convictions by way of free speech and legally permissible activities. We are aware of the difficulty our government faces every day in attempting to protect us all from acts of terrorism. Certainly the USA PATRIOT act was enacted to make anti- terrorist efforts more effective. We support strong measures to guarantee the safety and protection of everyone in this great nation. However, to the extent that any such measures may threaten those fundamental dghts upon which our republic was built, we urge you to join in opposition. Likewise, we oppose any attempt to eliminate the sunset provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act that would provide a necessary congressional review of the law before making it permanent. Please ensure that the USA PATRIOT Act does not abridge our rights by giving careful consideretion to its impact on the lives and liberties of all who reside in America. council~iowa-city.org Mayor Mayor Pro Tern Council Member 410 E. Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 .<~s.t~~ Phone: (319) 356-5010 Steven Kanner Mike O'Donnell Ross Wiibum Fax: (319)356-5009 Council Member Council Member Council M~nber Council Member CITY OF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org October 28, 2003 CITY COUNCIL The Honorable Jim Leach House of Representatives Ernest W. Lehman 2186 Rayburn House Office Bldg. Mayor Washington, D.C. 20515 Dee Vanderhoef Dear Mr. Leach: Mayor Pro Tern Connie Champion We are wdting to voice our concems about the impact of the USA PATRIOT Act. Many Steven Kanner citizens have come to us with these same concems. Mike O'Donnell lrvin Pfab Iowa City is, in some respects, an intemational community. Local residents from neady Ross Wilburn every comer of the world reside here. They are faculty, staff, and students at The University of Iowa, our business and professional colleagues, service workers and laborers in the community, parents of our school children, and our fdends and neighbors. Whether we are United States citizens or not, Iowa City residents enjoy the benefit of participating in a variety of organizations and interest groups, some of which cleady address global interests and concerns. At times, these groups may raise issues that are questioning or even cdtical of United States policy. We are concemed that there ara elements within the USA PATRIOT Act that may compromise our rights to raise these questions or to be critical of certain policies and practices of our government. In that vein, many local residents have come to us questioning the constitutionality of certain previsions of the Act and have asked that we communicate those concerns on their behalf. The purpose of this letter is to urge you to carefully examine the various provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act and to work to remove any of those provisions that may threaten the basic rights of individuals to speak freely and openly and to legitimately express their convictions by way of free speech and legally permissible activities. We ara aware of the difficulty our government faces every day in attempting to protect us all from acts of terrorism. Certainly the USA PATRIOT act was enacted to make anti- terrorist efforts more effective. We support strong measures to guarantee the safety and protection of everyone in this great nation. 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. Likewise, we oppose any attempt to eliminate the sunset previsions of the USA PATRIOT Act that would provide a necessary congressional review of the law before making it permanent. Please ensure that the USA PATRIOT Act does not abridge our rights by giving careful consideration to its impact on the lives and liberties of all who reside in Amedca. Dee Vanderhoef ./)' Connie Champion,' council@iowa-city.org Mayor Mayor Pr_,~o Tern r._/ Council Member 410 E. Washington Street '//,~7~b~),~,"~ Io,va 5224° Phone: (319) 356-5010 Steven Kanner ~ Irvin Pfaff/' Ross Wilburn Fax: (319) 356-5009 Council Member Council Member Council Mdmber Council Member CITY OF IOW^ C~TY www.icgov.org October 28, 2003 CITY COUNCIL The Honorable Tom Harkin U.S. Senate Ernest W. Lehman 731 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Mayor Washington, D.C. 20510 Dee Vanderhoef Dear Senator Harkin: Mayor Pro Tern Connie Champion We are wdting to voice our concems about the impact of the USA PATRIOT Act. Many Steven IO~nner citizens have come to us with these same concerns. Mike O'Donnell lrvin Pfab Iowa City is, in some respects, an intemational community. Local residents from nearly Ross Wilburn every comer of the world reside hera. They am faculty, staff, and students at The Univemity of Iowa, our business and professional colleagues, service workem and laborem in the community, parents of our school children, and our friends and neighbors. Whether we are United States citizens or not, Iowa City residents enjoy the benefit of participating in a vadety of organizations and interest groups, some of which clearly address global interests and concerns. At times, these groups may raise issues that are questioning or even cdtical of United States policy. We am cencemed that them are elements within the USA PATRIOT Act that may compromise our rights to raise these questions or to be cdtical of certain policies and practices of our government. In that vein, many local residents have come to us questioning the constitutionality of certain provisions of the Act and have asked that we communicate those concerns on their behalf. The purpose of this letter is to urge you to carefully examine the vadous provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act and to work to remove any of those provisions that may threaten the basic rights of individuals to speak freely and openly and to legitimately express their convictions by way of free speech and legally permissible activities. We am aware of the difficulty our government faces every day in attempting to protect us all from acts of terrorism. Certainly the USA PATRIOT act was enacted to make anti- termdst efforts more effective. We support strong measures to guarantee the safety and protection of everyone in this gmat nation. 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. Likewise, we oppose any attempt to eliminate the sunset provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act that would provide a necessary congressional review of the law before making it permanent. Please ensure that the USA PATRIOT Act does not abridge our rights by giving careful consideration to its impact on the lives and liberties of all who reside in Amedca. council~iowa-city.org Mayor Mayor Pro Tern Council Member Iowa City, IA 52240 Phone: (319)356-5010 Steven Kanner Mike O'Donnell Ross Wilburn Fax: (319)356-5009 Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member CITY OF IOWA CITY www. icgov.org October 28, 2003 CITY COUNCIL ,. The Honorable Jim Leach ~ House of Representatives Ernest W. Lehman ~,186 Rayburn House Office Bldg. Mayor V~shington, D.C. 20515 Dee Vanderhoef Dear'Mr. Leach: Mayor Pro Tem Connie Champion We are Writing to voice our concerns about the ' USA PATRIOT Act. Many Steven Kanner citizens have come to us with these same concerns. Mike O'Donnell Irvin Pfab Iowa City is, in some respects, an intemational Local residents from neady Ross Wilburn every comer of th9 wodd reside here. faculty, staff, and students at The University of Iowa, Our business and professio ues, service workers and laborers in the community, par~ts of our school child~ and our friends and neighbors. Whether we are United ~txates citizens not, Iowa City residents enjoy the benefit of participating in a vadety of~ and interest groups, some of which cleady address global interests and times, these groups may raise issues that are questioning or even cdtical States policy. We are concemed that there are elements within the USA may compromise our rights to raise these questions or to be critical of certai~ and practices of our government. In that vein, many local residents have come I Jestioning the constitutionality of certain previsions of the Act and have asked that u ~unicate those concerns on their behalf. The purpose of this letter is I , carefully examine the various provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act and to ~ any of those provisions that may threaten the basic dghts of individuals openly and to legitimately express their convictions by wa: ermissible activities. We are aware of the government fl every day in attempting to protect us all from acts of t Certainly the USA act was enacted to make anti- terrorist efforts We support to guarantee the safety and protection great nation. However ) the extent that any such measures may fundamental rights upon which republic was built, we urge you to join in opposition. _ikewise, we oppose any attempt sunset provisions of the Act that would provide a ressional review of the law before making i Please ensure that does not abridge our rights by g careful consideration to its impact on lives and liberties of all who reside in AmE Sincerely, / Ernest W. lehman Dee Vanderhoef Connie Champion cotmcil~iowa-city.org Mayor Mayor Pro Tern Council Member 410 E. Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 Phone: (319) 356-5010 Steven Kanner Mike O'Donnell Irvin Pfab Ross Wilbum Fax: (3]9)356-5009 Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member CiTY OF IOWA www. icgov.org October 28, 2003 CITY COUNCIL The Honorable Tom Harkin U.S. Senate Ernest W. Lehman 731 Hart Senate Office BI Mayor Washington, D.C. 20510 Dee Yanderhoef Dear Senator Harkin: Mayor Pro Tern Connie Champion We are writing to voice our about the impact USA PATRIOT Act. Many Steven [Canner citizens have come to Mike O'Donnell Irvin ]'fab Iowa City is, in some respects, international Local residents from nearly Ross Wilburn every corner of the world reside They faculty, staff, and students at The University of Iowa, our business lues, service workers and laborers in the community, parents our fdends and neighbors. Whether we are United States citizel Iowa City residents enjoy the benefit of participating in a vadety of interest groups, some of which clearly address global interests and concerns, limes, these groups may raise issues that are questioning or even cdtical of United policy. We are concerned that there are elements within the USA PATRIOT may compromise our dghts to raise these questions or to be critical of certain and practices of our government. In that vein, many local residents have come to the constitutionality of certain provisions of the Act and s on their behalf. The purpose of this letter is to you to ~ ' examine the vadous provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act and remove , of those ' ' that may threaten the basic rights of individuals freely a openly and to legitimately express their convictions by way of free We are aware of the dif in attempting to protect us all from acts Certainly the USA act was enacted to make anti- terrorist efforts more We support measures to guarantee the safety and protection of ever great nation. H( to the extent that any such measures may threaten those/,u,,uu,,, rights upon w~ built, we urge you to join in opposition./Likewise, we oppose any att eliminate the sunset provisions of the USA PATRIO/T Act that would provide a n~ congressional review of the law before making it,permanent. Please ensure that 1 USA PATRIOT Act does not abridge our rights by giv, ing careful consideration to its on the lives and liberties of all who reside in AmedOa. Sincerely, Ernest W. Lehman Connie Champion council~iowa-city.org Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Council Member 410 E. Washington Street \ Iowa City, IA 52240 ' Phone: (319) 356-5010 Steven Kanner Mike O'Donnell Irvin Pfab Ross Wilburn Fax: (319)356-5009 Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member CITY OF IOWA www. icgov.org October 28, 2003 CITY COUNCIL The Honorable Chades Grassley U.S. Senate Ernest W. Lehman 135 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Mayor Washington, D.C. 20510 Dee Vanderhoef Dear Senator Grassley: .' Mayor Pro Tern Connie Champion We are wdting to voice our the impact of the PATRIOT Act. Many Steven Kanner citizens have come t, these same concerns. Mike O'Donnell Irvin Pfab Iowa City is, in some an international commun Local residents from nearly Ross Wilburn every corner of the world here. They are staff, and students at The University of Iowa, our and professional service workers and laborers in the community, children, and and neighbors. Whether we are United States or not, City residents enjoy the benefit of participating in a variety of groups, some of which cleady address global interests and ~ groups may raise issues that are questioning or even cdtical of policy. We are cencemed that there are elements within the USA PATRIOT may compromise our dghts to raise these questions or to be cdtical of certain s and practices of our government, in that vein, many local residents have come to us ¢ the constitutionality of certain provisions of the Act and have aske~ those concerns on their behalf. The purpose of this letter is to ur , examine the various provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act and to work t ~ny of those provisions that may threaten the basic rights of individuals to freely openly and to legitimately express their convictions by wa) legall]s. We are aware of the difficul' day in attempting to protect us all from acts of terrorism, vv the USA act was enacted to make anti- terrorist efforts more effe~ve, We supp )rt st~ measures to guarantee the safety and protection of everyone in/this great nation. Hov to the extent that any such measures may threaten those fun~lamental rights upon wh our republic was built, we urge you to join in opposition. Lik .~.!se, we oppose any attE eliminate the sunset provisions of the USA PATRIOT/~t that would provide a nE congressional review of the law before making it perrpanent. Please ensure that ti USA PATRIOT Act does not abridge our rights by giving/~areful consideration to its im lives and liberties of all who reside in America. / Sincerely, Ernest W. Lehl ~an Dee Vanderhoef Connie Champion co~ncil~iowa-city.org Mayor Mayor Pro Tern Council Member 410 E. Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 Phone: (319)356-5010 Steven Kanner Mike O'Donnell Irvin Pfab Ross Wilbum Fax: (319) 356-5009 Council Member Council Member Council Mc Council Member Draft letter to legislators re: the USA PATRIOT Act October 22, 2003 Dear I am writing on behalf of the City Council of Iowa City and many citizens who have urged the City Council to voice our concerns about the impact of the USA PATRIOT Act. Iowa City is, in some respects, an international community. Local residents from nearly every corner of the world reside here. They are faculty, staff, and students at The University of Iowa, our business and professional colleagues, service workers and laborers in the community, parents of our school children, and our friends and neighbors. Whether we are United States citizens or not, Iowa City residents enjoy the benefit of participating in a variety of organizations and interest groups, some of which clearly address global interests and concerns. At times, these groups may raise issues that are questioning or even critical of United States policy. We are concerned that there are elements within the USA PATRIOT Act that may compromise our rights to raise these questions or to be critical of certain policies and practices of our government. In that vein, many local residents have come to us questioning the constitutionality of certain provisions of the Act and have asked that we communicate those concerns on their behalf. The purpose of this letter is to urge you to carefully examine the various provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act and to work to remove any of those provisions that may threaten the basic rights of individuals to speak freely and openly and to legitimately express their convictions by way of free speech and legally permissible activities. We are aware of the difficulty our government faces every day in attempting to protect us all from acts of international terrorism. Certainly the USA PATRIOT act was enacted to make anti- terrorist efforts more effective. We support strong measures to guarantee the safety and protection of everyone in this great nation. However, to the extent that any such measures may threaten those fundamental rights upon which our republic was built, we urge you to join Jn opposition. Please ensure that the USA PATRIOT Act does not abridge those rights by giving careful consideration to its impact on the lives and liberties of all who reside in America. Sincerely, Ernest W. Lehman Mayor Marian Karr From: j ulie-spears~uiowa.ed u Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2003 11:39 AM To: cou ncil~iowa-city.org Cc: eleanor-dilkes@iowa-city.org; steve-atkins@iowa-city.org Subject: Draft letter to Congress Re: PATRIOT Act Council Letter to Congress.doc.. Dear Council Members, First, on behalf of the Iowa City Bill of Rights Defense Committee, I want to thank you for reviewing this issue in the work session on October 13th and during Council time on October 14th. Please find attached and pasted below a proposed draft of a letter that you may use to compose the letter that you will send to our Congressional delegation, pending an affirmative vote to do so. This is clearly a reworking of the spirit of the proposed resolution. And, I offer it with a sincere hope that I may assist Council in this process. Please feel free to contact me for any additional information or assistance in this process. Much thanks, Julie Spears IC-Bill of Rights Defense Committee i019 Church St. Iowa City, IA 52245 319.354.6589 home 319.335.4932 work City of Iowa City 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52245 Dear Senator Harkin/Senator Grassley/Representative Leach, As you know, the City of Iowa City is a politically diverse and democratic community whose residents are committed to preserving the human rights and civil liberties enunciated in the U.S. Constitution. As the City Council of Iowa City, we take seriously our responsibility and oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution. We understand that in the wake of the tragic attacks on September 11, 2001, Congress took measures to heighten national security. However, we feel that many aspects of these measures, in their domestic implementation, represent an assault on the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th and 14th Amendments to the Constitution. Specifically, the USA PATRIOT Act, several Federal Exedutive Orders and governmental edicts, and the Homeland Security Act now directly compromise these Constitutional rights. Taken together, the above references Acts and Executive Orders contain provisions constitute a dramatic erosion of the civil liberties and human rights established for the people of the United States of America with few historic precedents. In order to act in the spirit and history of our community, we would like to reaffirm the Constitutional rights of all people within the city, including 1 United States citizens and many citizens of other nations in our community. For this reason, we are taking measures to monitor the local affects of the USA PATRIOT Act on the City of Iowa City. For example, we maintain that Iowa City officials and employees are to hold the United States Constitution as the ultimate legal authority whenever its provisions conflict with those of the above-referenced Acts and Executive Orders. We have directed the City Manager to regularly report to the City Council and make publicly available to the extent legally permissible the number of requests by federal agents under the USA PATRIOT Act to the Iowa City Police Department for information or collaboration regarding Iowa City residents from federal, state, and local government entities relevant to the above-referenced Acts and Executive Orders. Further, on its own accord, the Iowa City Public Library deletes of patrons records on a daily basis, has posted a warning to library users in prominent places within the library and on the library website regarding Section 215 of the federal USA PATRIOT Act, and the library director, or her designee, will send for review any warrants for library patrons records by the City Attorney. As the City Council of Iowa City, IA, we respectfully call upon the Iowa Congressional Delegation to take all legally appropriate action to repeal those unconstitutional provisions of the above-referenced Acts and Executive Orders. Likewise, we oppose any attempt to eliminate the sunset provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act that would provide a necessary congressional review of the law before making it permanent. This letter was read three times to the public and voted on by City Council on XYZ, 2003. It is also posted for general public view on the City website. Sincerely, Members of the Iowa City City Council CC: Ail affected City departments Johnson County District Attorney Iowa State Police Iowa Congressional delegation Iowa Statehouse delegation Iowa Attorney General Governor of the State of Iowa Local United States Attorney United States Attorney General President of the United States *** eSafe scanned this email for malicious content *** *** IMPORTANT: Do not open attachments from unrecognized senders *** City of Iowa City 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52245 Dear Senator Harkin/Senator Grassley/Representative Leach, As you know, the City of Iowa City is a politically diverse and democratic community whose residents are committed to preserving the human rights and civil liberties enunciated in the U.S. Constitution. As the City Council of Iowa City, we take seriously our responsibility and oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution. We understand that in the wake of the tragic attacks on September 11, 2001, Congress took measures to heighten national security. However, we feel that many aspects of these measures, in their domestic implementation, represent an assault on the 1 st, 4th, 5th, 6th, 8fl~ and 14th Amendments to the Constitution. Specifically, the USA PATRIOT Act, several Federal Executive Orders and governmental edicts, and the Homeland Security Act now directly compromise these Constitutional rights. Taken together, the above references Acts and Executive Orders contain provisions constitute a dramatic erosion of the civil liberties and human rights established for the people of the United States of America ~vith few historic precedents. In order to act in the spirit and history of our community, we would like to reaffirm the Constitutional rights of all people within the city, including United States citizens and many citizens of other nations in our community. For this reason, we are taking measures to monitor the local affects of the USA PATRIOT Act on the City of Iowa City. For example, we maintain that Iowa City officials and employees are to hold the United States Constitution as the ultimate legal authority whenever its provisions conflict ~vith those of the above- referenced Acts and Executive Orders. We have directed the City Manager to regularly report to the City Council and make publicly available to the extent legally permissible the number of requests by federal agents under the USA PATRIOT Act to the Iowa City Police Department for information or collaboration regarding Iowa City residents from federal, state, and local government entities relevant to the above-referenced Acts and Executive Orders. Further, on its own accord, the Iowa City Public Library deletes of patrons records on a daily basis, has posted a warning to library users in prominent places within the library and on the library website regarding Section 215 of the federal USA PATRIOT Act, and the library director, or her designee, will send for review any ~varrants for library patrons records by the City Attorney. As the City Council of Iowa City, IA, we respectfully call upon the Iowa Congressional Delegation to take all legally appropriate action to repeal those unconstitutional provisions of the above-referenced Acts and Executive Orders. Likewise, we oppose any attempt to eliminate the sunset provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act that would provide a necessary congressional review of the law before making it permanent. This letter was read three times to the public and voted on by City Council on XYZ, 2003. It is also posted for general public view on the City website. Sincerely, Members of the Iowa City City Council cc: All affected City departments Johnson County District Attorney Iowa State Police Iowa Congressional delegation Iowa Statehouse delegation Iowa Attorney General Governor of the State of Iowa Local United States Attorney United States Attorney General President of the United States Marian Karr From: Rachel Antonuccio [rcantonuccio@yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, October 16, 2003 4:22 PM To: Mayor Ernie Lehman Subject: Re: The Patriot Act Rachel Antonuccio 223 McLean Street Iowa City, IA 52246 October 16, 2003 Mayor Ernie Lehman City Council 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 Mayor Lehman: As your constituent, I urge you to support the resolution reaffirming Iowa City's commitment to protecting civil liberties. Iowa City should join the dozens of communities around the country that have spoken out against the flawed USA PATRIOT Act and further restrictions of our civil liberties. Mr. Lehman - I'm writing in regard to the Patriot Act resolution that was discussed at the City Council meeting on the 13th. I understand your position that passing a resolution only symbolic in nature, could seem like a wholly ineffectual move. While I realize that this resolution won't formally enforce anything, I feel that the s~nnbolism in a resolution like this one has the potential to ultimately create efficacious action. In addition to the admittedly smaller implications this resolution could have at the federal level, I believe it could have enormous impact at the state and city level. The power behind one of Iowa's biggest cities' council is something that should not be underestimated, and I can personally speak to the feelings of faith and solidarity it would give me with this city, should it be passed. The Iowa City resolution is necessary to respond to ill-considered provisions of the PATRIOT Act and to urge our representatives in Congress to oppose all violations of our civil liberties. I believe that the PATRIOT Act goes beyond fighting terrorism and turns all Americans into suspects. For example, the USA PATRIOT Act gives law enforcement broad access to many types of records without probable cause of a crime. It also prohibits the holders of this information, like librarians, from disclosing that they have produced such records, under the threat of imprisonment. It is the City Council's duty to inform Iowa City residents of possible violations of their civil liberties, especially when it might involve a City agency. This resolution calls for public dialogue between residents and city officials, and I hope that it will still be considered seriously. Currently, more than 181 communities -- and three states -- have passed resolutions in support of civil liberties. These communities understood that the USA PATRIOT Act and other federal measures affect every local resident. They realized that city employees might be asked to comply with federal directives and, in many situations, violate civil liberties. The Iowa City resolution reaffirms the City's dedication to liberty and it gi¥~s the City Council an opportunity to discuss these issues with City employees and receive reports from the City Manager. The city Council's duty is to stay informed about every possible violation of the rights guaranteed by the US and Iowa constitutions. Iowa City residents deserve to know that the City Council is no less concerned about their constituents' civil liberties than are local leaders elsewhere~ Once again, I urge you to support this resolution opposing the flawed USA PATRIOT Act and further restrictions on our civil liberties. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this matter. Sincerely, Rachel C. Antonuccio Marian Karr From: Brendan F~gibbons [Brendan-Fitzgibbons@uiowa.edu] Sent: Sunday, October 19, 2003 9:01 PM To: Mayor Emie Lehman Subject: Patriot Act Brendan Fitzgibbons 336 S Clinton St IOwa City , IOWA 52240 October 19, 2003 Mayor Ernie Lehman City Council 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 Mayor Lehman: As your constituent, I urge you to support the resolution reaffirming Iowa City's commitment to protecting civil liberties. Iowa City should join the dozens of comxaunities around the country that have spoken out against the flawed USA PATRIOT Act and further restrictions of our civil liberties. As you probably know, the USA PATRIOT Act was passed by Congress just 45 days after the September 11 terrorist attacks with virtually no debate. I believe legislation of this breadth and severity deserved greater consideration and review. The Iowa City resolution is necessary to respond to ill-considered provisions of the PATRIOT Act and to urge our representatives in Congress to oppose all violations of our civil liberties. I believe that the PATRIOT Act goes beyond fighting terrorism and turns all Americans into suspects. For example, the USA PATRIOT Act gives law enforcement broad access to many types of records without probable cause of a crime. It also prohibits the holders of this information, like librarians, from disclosing that they have produced such records, under the threat of imprisonment. It is the City Council's duty to inform Iowa City residents of possible violations of their civil liberties, especially when it might involve a City agency. This resolution calls for public dialogue between residents and city officials. Currently, more than 181 communities -- and ~hree states -- have passed resolutions in support of civil liberties. These communities understood that the USA PATRIOT Act and other federal measures affect every local resident~ They realized that city employees might be asked to comply with federal directives and, in many situations, violate civil liberties. The Iowa City resolution reaffirms the City's dedication to liberty and it gives the City Council an opportunity to discuss these issues with City employees and receive reports from the City Manager. The City Council's duty is to stay informed about every possible violation of the rights guaranteed by the US and Iowa constitutions. Iowa City residents deserve to know that the City Council is no less concerned about their constituents' civil liberties than are local leaders elsewhere. Once again, I urge you to support this resolution opposing the flawed USA PATRIOT Act and further restrictions on our civil liberties. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this matter. Sincerely, Brendan Fitzgibbons Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: RGivens@cornellcollege.ed u Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2003 4:09 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Members of the Iowa City Council, Please distribute the attached message at your forthcoming meeting. Robert D. Givens Co-President, Hawkeye Chapter, Iowa Civil Liberties Union *** eSafe scanned this email for raalicious content *** *** IMPORTANT: De not open attachments from unrecognized senders *** 10/22/03 October 22, 2003 To Members of the City Council of Iowa City: The Hawkeye Area Chapter of the Iowa Civil Liberties Union recently learned that the Iowa City Council is preparing to send a letter to the members of the Iowa congressional delegation in protest of provisions of the recent USA PATRIOT Act. At its bimonthly meeting on Sunday, October 19, the board of directors of the chapter strongly supported the council's decision to take this action. The USA PATRIOT Act is a very complex piece of legislation; a number of its provisions are not well understood. Many Americans believe this measure to be a justifiable response to a threat of unprecedented proportions. Of course, many authoritarian states have used this same justification to violate the civil liberties of their citizens. One of our concerns is that the USA PATRIOT Act makes legitimate expression of political views a criminal act. The act has defined a new crime, domestic terrorism. This offense includes "acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of criminal laws... [appearing]...to be intended to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion." This imprecise wording can easily be applied to acts of civil disobedience, or other legitimate efforts to influence government policy, and can stifle the traditional rights of free speech. Immigrants are particularly threatened by the USA PATRIOT Act. By expanding the types of association categorized as "terrorist activity," this legislation makes it dangerous for non-citizens to affiliate with many legitimate organizations. Activities such as soliciting funds or members may now be defined as a form of terrorism, even if an individual is unaware of any deleterious implications. As the site of a major university, Iowa City has traditionally been receptive to ideas and scholarship from other countries. We are greatly troubled by the potential effect of the USA PATRIOT Act on both the exchange of ideas within the United States and the exchange of ideas with other peoples. Section 411 of the act makes entry into the US dependent upon a political litmus test. Moreover, the effort to ferret out so-called subversive activity has been extended to investigations of American citizens. A further concern of the Hawkeye Chapter is the USA PATRIOT Act's provisions for search and seizure. This legislation significantly lowers the threshold for surveillance of telephone and e- mail communication. The latter is particularly open to intrusion, since older limitations on investigators are virtually impossible to apply. We were pleased to learn of the council's initiative in addressing citizen concerns about the USA PATRIOT Act. In bringing these matters to the attention of the Iowa congressional delegation you will be performing a service of great benefit to the entire community. Sincerely yours, Robert D. Givens, Co-President Hawkeye Area Chapter of the Iowa Civil Liberties Union Before you affix your signatures to your letter about the Patriot Act, [,.~ Page 1 of 3 Marian Karr From: Herd, Jim [james-herd@uiowa.edu] Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2003 9:15 AM To: 'cou ncil@iowa-city.org' Subject: Before you affix your signatures to your fetter about the Patriot Act, Would you please take a few minutes to read this article? Thank you, Jim Herd 1202 Friendly Ave. Iowa City, IA 52240-5731 The Patriot Act's Surprising Defenders From the November 3, 2003 issue: Joe Biden and Diarme Feinstein step up to the plate. by David Tell, for the Editors 11/03/2003, Volume 009, Issue 08 THE WEEKLY STANDARD IT WAS A TOUGH AND TRICKY CROWD. When Joe Lieberman took the stage, on October 17, and politely reaffirmed his commitment to the security of a Jewish state in Israel, he was booed and heckled for it. Yet the next day, when it was his turn to address the Dearborn, Michigan, candidates' forum sponsored by James Zogby's Arab American Institute, Howard Dean went over like gangbusters. Not because his message on the Middle East was so much better received, mind you. Dean's condemnation of deliberate, violent assaults on civilian irmocents--"the vast majority of Arab Americans and Arabs in general do not think that terrorism is appropriate, and we need to be clear about that"--fell noticeably flat, in fact, winning only "scattered applause," as the session's official transcript recounts. Dean's lusty attacks on the Bush administration, however, were a great deal more successful. Particularly when he went after the Justice Department for its implementation of domestic counterterrorism measures authorized by the USA Patriot Act of 200 I, a law which is "shameful" and "morally wrong" and "unconstitutionaI." For this, Howard Dean got a standing ovation. It never fails. Democrats running for office think attacking the Patriot Act is a winner. Wesley Clark, Dean's leading rival for the presidential nomination in every national poll, says the Patriot Act has "essentially suspended habeas corpus," and nobody seems to mind that Clark's charge is "essentially" baseless. Senator John Edwards says he's "horrified" by what the Patriot Act has wrought and wants a fair chunk of it canceled--this, barely two years after Edwards, along with every other Democratic senator but one, voted to enact the thing to begin with. Edwards, too, routinely denounces the Patriot Act for producing law enforcement "excesses" that, truth be told, long predate that law, lie far outside its purview, or are entirely imaginary. And Edwards, too, routinely gets standing ovations in the process. So who'll defend the Patriot Act? Unfortunately, there's hardly a single Republican who can do the job effectively. A fair number of Republicans don't want to defend the Patriot Act, of course. Patrick Leahy of Vermont--yet another Democratic senator who was only recently proud to vote yes on the question--now boasts that opposition to the law exists "across the political spectrum, from the far right to the far left." And he is right about that, though his inadvertently suggestive "far" speaks more to a certain irritable, anti-government reflex than to any coherent ideological impulse, conservative or liberal. 10/28/03 Before you affix your signatures to your letter about the Patriot Act, Page 2 of 3 Former Republican congressman Bob Barr has lately joined forces with the ACLU to campaign against a Patriot Act ("Mr. Barr? Mr. Barr votes 'aye.'") that represents "an official step into the Brave New World of 1984." Longtime Republican activists Grover Norquist and David Keene are pleased to appear, with the likes of Alec Baldwin and People for the American Way's Ralph Neas, at anti-Patriot Act teach-ins. Pretty much the entire, all-Republican Idaho congressional delegation is now leading a forceful legislative charge to repeal certain key sections of the Patriot Act, and they are winning bipartisan support even from senators and representatives xvhose home states don't--yet--have a black helicopter problem. Indeed, so low has the Patriot Act's reputation fallen that Marc Racicot, the chairman of President Bush's reelection campaign, is afraid to endorse it in public. "I'm not aware of any act, or any piece of legislation ever that has been undertaken by human beings, who are certainly subject to imperfections, that has ultimately ended up in a situation where it did not have to be refined," Racicot stuttered in response to an audience member's question during his own presentation to the Arab American Institute on October 17. His "expectation," Racicot offered, "although I certainly have not talked with the president about this issue," is that "refinements to that act.., so that it does not end up invading the civil rights of any American [is] a cause that will be undertaken." This will be news to Attorney General John Ashcroft, who for his part continues to stump the country hither and yon, giving speeches about the 150-plus terrorism convictions made possible only by the Patriot Act--about how federal agents, using investigative tools freshly granted to them by that law, have since disrupted terrorist cells in Buffalo, Seattle, Portland, and Detroit. And so on. But here, alas, Ashcroft is engaged in what's probably a hopeless effort. For all practical political purposes, the poor man is no longer one of those imperfect human beings Marc Racicot talks about. Ashcroft, instead, has become a cartoon, as sometimes happens in our public life (think Dan Quayle). And the cartoon Ashcroft is "authoritarian"--and too "divisive" to persuade any but the already persuaded that "authoritarian" isn't quite the right word to apply to his Justice Department or to the Patriot Act the department is administering. It's gotten to the point where Ashcroft is automatically blamed for things he can't possibly have done. At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the Patriot Act last week, the attorney general came under a shower of abuse for ducking an appearance even though, as committee chairman Orrin Hatch eventually pointed out, Ashcroft hadn't actually been invited. Now, Orrin Hatch is a fine fellow, don't get us wrong. And he is not exactly alone; Ashcroft and the Patriot Act still enjoy broad Republican support on Capitol Hill. But party loyalists like Hatch are less than ideally situated to reassure America that the Bush administration's war on terrorism is other than a fascist plot. In an atmosphere of such intense suspicion, the arguments of party loyalists can only be sold at the deepest of discounts--insofar as they can be sold at all. No, what the Patriot Act really needs are some Democratic defenders. And, we're pleased to report, it now has two. They deserve a loud round of applause, and a great deal more publicity. At last week's Senate hearing, Joe Biden of Delaware didn't have to say that "the tide of criticism" being directed against the Patriot Act "is both misinformed and overblown," that "I stand by my support" of that law, and that the Ashcroft Justice Department has "done a pretty good j ob in terms of implementing" the law's provisions. But Biden did say all these things, anyway. And California's Dianne Feinstein went further still, in a stern and lengthy lecture about the concrete reality of U.S. anti-terrorism law--as opposed to the paranoiac fantasy version now being circulated throughout the land by the likes of Bob Barr and Howard Dean. How's about we concentrate on some facts, Feinstein suggested. "I've tried to see what has happened in the complaints that have come in," she said, "and I've received to date 21,434 complaints about the Patriot Act." Except these turned out to be unrelated civil liberties gripes, or 10/28/03 Before you affix your signatures to your letter about the Patriot Act, Page 3 of 3 complaints about a "Patriot Act II" that doesn't yet exist. "I have never had a single [verified] abuse of the Patriot Act reported to me. My staff emailed the ACLU and asked them for instances of actual abuses. They emailed back and said they had none." The widespread hullabaloo over the Patriot Act, Senator Feinstein concluded, proceeds from "substantial uncertainty.., about what this bill actually does do." And "perhaps some ignorance," she added. We'd challenge that "perhaps" part. Otherwise, we're with Dianne Feinstein a hundred percent. Wonders never cease. --David Tell, for the Editors (c) Copyright 2003, News Corporation, Weekly Standard, All Rights Reserved. 10/28/03 Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Caroline Dieterle [caroline-dieterle@uiowa.edu] Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2003 12:28 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Support Civil Liberties in America There are a lot of people in this nation who believe civil rights ARE a "local issue" and have taken action because of the USA PATRIOT ACT. - Caroline Dieterle ............... Text of forwarded message ............... Support Civil Liberties in America Date: Sat, 25 Oct 2003 00:44:14-0500 Status: Three states and 197 cities, towns, and counties have passed resolutions or ordinances protecting the civil liberties of their 25,502,303 residents. Hundreds more are in progress. CONGRATULATIONS to the NEW SAFE ZONES of Bisbee, AZ; Robbinsdale, MN; Urbana and Danby, NY; Bayard, Los Alamos County and Grant County, NM; Sarasota, FL; Durham and Chapel Hill, NC; San Ramon, CA; and Huntington, WV (ordinance!). 10/28/03 IOWA CITY BILL OF RIGHTS DEFENSE COMMITTEE October 28, 2003 Suggested Additions to the PATRIOT Act Letter to Congress 1. Not only a First Ameudment issue. (After Paragraph 3 ADD): In addition to our concerns regarding freedom of speech and assembly provided by the First Amendment, we are also troubled by the aspects USA PATRIOT that compromise any and all Constitutional rights to due process, a speedy and public trial, and equal protection as well as freedom from unreasonable search and seizure and cruel and unusual punishment (i.e., 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th and 14th Amendments to the Constitution). 2. Let Congress know we will monitor the local affects: (After Paragraph 3 ADD): For this reason, we am taking measures to monitor the local affects of the USA PATRIOT Act on the City of Iowa City. Specifically, under consideration is a directive to the City Manager to report regularly and make publicly available to the extent legally permissible the number of requests by federal agents under the USA PATRIOT Act to the lowa City Police Department for information or collaboration regarding Iowa City residents from federal, state, and local government entities relevant to the USA PATRIOT Act. POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD A Board of the City of Iowa City 410 East Washington Street Iowa City IA 52240-1826 (319)356-5041 October 15, 2003 Mayor Ernest W. Lehman 410 E. Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear Mayor and Council Members: At the October 14, 2003 meeting, the PCRB voted in open session to request a 45 day extension in addition to its regular 45-day reporting deadline for the Public Report according to the City Code for PCRB Complaint #03-05, #03-06, and #03-07 for the following reasons: · Due to timelines and scheduling. · Public Reports presently due November 13, 2003 45-day Extension request - Reports would be due on December 29, 2003 The Board appreciates your prompt consideration of this matter. Sincerely, Loren Horton, Chair Police Citizens Review Board cc: City Attorney