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2003-11-10 Correspondence
City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM DATE:November 3, 2003 TO: City Council FROM: Steven Nasby, Community and Economic Development Coordinator ~V~ RE: Proposed Self-Supported Municipal ~mprovement District The City has received a petition by property owners within the downtown central business district (zoned CB-10) requesting the creation of a Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSM[D) according to Iowa Code Chapter 386. This petition is the first step to beginning the process of creating a SSMID. Iowa Code states that the SSHID petition must be signed by at least 25% of the property owners (within a specific area or district) and that they represent at least 25% of the assessed value of the proposed district. On its face, the SSH[D petition meets these two thresholds. The SSH~D petition submitted to the Cib/contained the signatures of 28.125% of the properb/ owners that represented 38.6% of the total assessed value of the property within the proposed SSMID. What is a SSMiD__..__? A SSMiD is essentially a self-imposed additional taxing district thai: will levy a tax on the properties located in a specified district. The proposed SSMID would cover all properties located in iowa Cb/'s CB-10 zone. Funds generated from the levy would be used for projects that benefit the SSM[D. Below is a listing of the purposes of the SSMiD as submitted in the petition. Tax Rate In the SSHi'D petition, the tax rate is set at a maximum of $2 per $1000 of assessed value on all properties located in the CB-10 zone. The 2003 assessed value of the CB-:[0 zone is $~04,:~95,370. At this level, the SSH[D would generate $208,39! in revenue at the maximum tax rate. There is an exemption in the [owa Code for residential properties, which would reduce this amount. Purposes The petition describes areas of focus for the use of SSM[D revenues. A wide range of activities is allowed by Iowa Code and may be defined as operational, capital projects and debt service. This petition is designed to establish a SSIq[D district. Expenditures, other than those allowed as operational expenses (administrative), will follow the process outlined in ~'owa Code section 386.6 (improvements) and section 386.:[3 (parking fee abatement). Essentially, a second petition process will be needed in the future. Staff is in the process of consulting with our bond counsel to determine what expenses would be qualify as administrative expenses upon creation of the district. Duration of the SSM[D The proposed SSM[D petition sets a 10-year life with an automatic renewal. The SSMiD could sunset earlier than the 10 years or not be renewed through an amendment to the SSMI'D ordinance. November 3, 2003 Page 2 Amendments to SSMID To amend a SSMID ordinance, property owners within the district must go through the same petition process used to create the SSMID. The amending ordinance is subject to Council approval. Next Steps According to Iowa Code, the City Council must notify the Planning and Zoning Commission of receipt of the SSMID petition. This action by Council will be done through a motion on the November 10 Consent Calendar. The Planning and Zoning Commission must "with due diligence'; prepare an evaluative report for the City Council on the "merits and feasibility" of the proposed SSMID. The review by Planning and Zoning is scheduled to take place in December. Upon receipt of the report by Planning and Zoning, the council may wish place an item on the agenda for a future work session to discuss the SSMID. SSMID Ordinance An ordinance implementing the SSMID would need to be created. This ordinance would contain the operational mechanics of how the CB-10 SSMID works. One of the most important aspects of the ordinance will include the process of how the properb/owners and/or tenants would be represented to advise the City Council on the projects to be undertaken with SSMID funds. A number of other Iowa cities have SSMIDs in place and utilize a SSMID board, comprised of properb/owners and others, to oversee the SSMID budget and administrative duties, determine what projects would be proposed and then make recommendations to the City Council concerning the business of the SSMID. Notification and Public Hearing Following the receipt of the Planning and Zoning Commission's report, the City Council must set a public hearing and the City Clerk will officially notify all property owners via certified mail at least 15 days prior to the public hearing. After the 15 days have elapsed, the City Council could hold a public hearing on an ordinance to create a SSMID. Council Action Since the creation of a SSMID is done through an ordinance, the City Council would have three readings of the proposed ordinance. Iowa Code states that a SSMID ordinance must be approved by 75% of the members of the Council. Councilors who abstain due to a conflict of interest are not included as "members of the council" in determining the 75%. The City Attorney's Office wil~ address any conflict issues. A unanimous Council vote is required if a petition opposing the SSMID is received, which contains the signatures of 25% of the property owners within the proposed district who represent at least 25% of the assessed value of the district. If an opposition petition contains the signatures of 40% of the property owners who represent at least 40% of the assessed value of the district is received at anytime the SSMID ordinance must be withdrawn and no further affirmative actions may be taken by the Council related to the SSMID ordinance. If the SSMID ordinance were passed, the City would publish the ordinance and notify the City Assessor's Office. Cc: Steve Atkins, City Manager Marian Karr, City Clerk Eleanor Dilkes, City Attorney Karin Franklin, Director of Planning and Community Development THE ~ OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT UNIVERSYIY IlOliessupHail OF IOWA Iow. ¢it'/, Iowa S2242-1316 319-33S-3549 Fax 319-335-0807 November 3, 2003 The Honorable Ernest W. Lehman Mayor, City of Iowa City 410 E. Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear Ernie, Thanks very much for your recent letter requesting consideration of University property for future sharpshooting. I appreciate the opportunity to have a UI representative participate in the upcoming meetings of the Deer Task Force for this purpose. I am taking the liberty of forwarding your letter to Vice President Doug True for appropriate follow up and response. You should be hearing from him in the near future. Best regards, David J. Skorton President cc: Vice President True ©-< ~: Marian Karr To: Lisa Mollenhauer Subject: RE: Smoking Ordinance of Iowa City, Iowa ..... Original Message ..... From: Lisa Mollenhauer Sent: Wednesday, November 05, 2003 3:04 PM To: 'glennduffy@mchsi.com' Cc: *City Council Subject: Smoking Ordinance of Iowa Cib/, ~'owa << File: 2003-05-20%20Ordinance.pdf >> Hi Ryan, Your note to the City Council will be distributed on their next Formal Agenda Consent Calendar as a permanent, public record. If you wish to communicate with Council members about your project, I suggest you contact them individually via the telephone. Contact information for the Council is available at: http://www.icgov.org/citycouncil.htm. Please be aware the "smoking ordinance" was repealed by the City Council during the summer of 2003. I have attached a copy of the repealing ordinance. Lisa ..... Original Message ..... From: Glenn Duf~ [mailto:glennduffy@mchsi.com] Sent: Tuesday, November 04, 2003 9:36 PM To: council~iowa-city.org Subject: Smoking Ordinance of Iowa City, Iowa hello, my name is Ryan Duffy and I am a student of Iowa City High School in Iowa City and I wish to speak to you about the smoking ordinance of Iowa City. I wish to speak to you about this because I currently am doing a project for my State and Local Government class, and this law in Iowa City intrigued me in doing more in depth research about how it came up, why it came up, and what were the people's opinions about it were. Marian Karr From: Eve Casserly [casserly@mchsi.com] Sent: Monday, November 03, 2003 7:07 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: State AARP Healthcare Forum TO: AARP Members and friends: The Iowa AARP office in Des Moines has notified us that they will be holding their long planned Health Fair Forum in early December. This will be held on Monday December 8th, 2003 Time: 6 to 8 P.M. Location: Holiday Inn, at Exit 242 in Coralville Open to the public. Arrangements are being handled by the state AARP office in Des Moines. Further details will be available as we get a little closer to the date. Eve Casserly Johnson County AARP chapter Sec't. 351-1135 Housing Trust Fund ofJohnsoEsCo 1700 South First Avenu bhlitei .5B Housing Trust Fund Iowa lohnso~r County Bo~d off~o~ November 5, 2003 ~y ~ P~nt Mmbem of Ci~ Council lova ~o~ 4~mt Ci~ of Iota Ci~ Dome~c Viola 410 E. W~n St. ~b ~o~, Via Iowa Ci~, Iota 52240 Pm~t Sta~ Sen~ I~ ~ D~ ~. A~ ~d CiW Co~cil Membem: L~ ~dson, Se~t~ U~ ~lova ~ be~ of ~e Hom~g Tm~ F~d of Jo~on Coun~ ~JC) ~d of Dir~om, I FSG-C~ P~ng app~d ~e Ci~'s sup~ of~e Nafio~ Housing T~ F~d A~ ~ou~ i~ resolution of 7-1543. ~s impo~ ~ m~u~mtes m clued offices ~g ~ W~hin~n S~y Sm~m~, Tm~ Jo~on Cou~ ~ D.C. a ne~ ~ incr~e effo~ at ~e feder~ level ~ res~nd ~ ~o~ng housing nee&. ................. I ~ pl~ to ~e ~s oppo~i~ to 1~ you ~ow more about ~ ~eiting new venture - ~e Housing Tm~ F~d of Jo~n Coun~ ~JC). ~le it is ~po~ to ~v~te Je~ ~y for ~lieies like ~e ~TF at ~e f~ level, ~ times it be~mes n~ to '~e ~e Uni~ ffIova reim" - so to sp~ - into yo~ o~ ~. ~e HTFJC is doing just ~t by craig U~ ~ ~dP~ng i~ov~ve ~d fle~ble so,ce of~n& to pr~uce new ~d prese~e em~mg ~o~ble Da~a B~m~e housing, prom~e hom~ers~p, ~d sup~ homeless ~d t~itio~ housing Cff~ Cen~ se~ices. It is a pfiva~ co~omfion whose ~n obj~ive is to leve~e pfivatWpublic Bob Bras resources ~d cr~ p~va~public p~emhips to achieve i~ g~s. B~ ~B~, L.C. ~ Jonson CounW - ~e mo~ hous~g co~-burd~ in ~e ~ - ~ere is ~ ~ need Cmsy C~e~ for ~or~ble r~ ~d homeomers~p oppo~ties. We join ~ incr~mg number of She~ House mt~ ~d m~unifies respon&ng ~ ~e ~o~ng housing crisis by craig a Housing M~ ~ms, ~-~ Tm~ F~d. ~ of mid-2001, ~e were ov~ 275 ci~, ~unW, ~, or re~o~ Housing Gma~ Ioma ~ Houdng Tm~ F~. ~JC grew out of a n~ idemffied by the Jo~on Cou~ L~ Fe~vs~p Homeless Coor~mfing Bo~d - a ~tion of over 30 org~fiom semng low-income Pat Gu~d househol& ~oughout &e courtW. Iova ~ ~a Ch~ ~ ~e Homing Tm~ F~d of Jo~on Co~ is opmfio~ ~d ~ i~ ~ y~ "~mp" Comm~ press. ~ press ~ ~clud~ ~mive 3-y~ ~ic p~g, ~clu~g crying s~ ~ng sold fis~ pr~s, ~v~em ~ei~, ~d-m~g ~i~, ~d sho~m ~d Iova G~ P~ng ~ long-rage pubhc ~licy ~v~y ~ ~e 1~ ~e ~d ~o~ levels. Co~muni~ D~m~t ~e ~JC ~ mu~ J~e Spem leve~e $200,0~ ~om ~e Iowa Finan~ Au~o~W. ~ ~r~ce ruth Iowa C~e Commu~ Mem~ scion 16.181, a S~ Hous~g Tm~ F~d is held wi~in ~e Io~ Finance AuthofiW. ~e Sto~n ~e ~o pro~ opem~ ~der ~e F~d ~e ~e ~c~ Housing Trust F~d Pro~ Communi~ Foun~n ~ ~d ~e Proje~-B~d Housing Pr~. ~e g~ of~e ~ Housing Tm~ F~d Jo~on Cou~ Proem is to provide ~ci~ ~si~ce ~ 1~ hous~g ~ ~&. ~e l~& tm~ ~d mu~ m~ ce~ ~A c~on requiremen~ before requesting ~n&, including a 25% retch ~om 1~ gove~en~ ~es ~d pfiva~ insitimfions. At this point, the HTFJC meets all state trust fund requirements save the 25% match. The HTFJC Fundraising Committee and Operations Committee has a fundraising plan, which inleudes approaching lending institutions, governmental bodies, and private corporations. The HTFJC Board of Directors respoetaeully requests that the City Council approve a $20,000 allocation out of the Iowa City Housing Authority's Tenant to Ownership Program to support our effort to leverage $200,000 in state funds. I met with Doug Boothroy and Steven Rackis on 10/31/03 about this partnership, and they support this figure subject to approval by the Council. We commit to earmarking this allocation to support affordable homeownership projects initiated by the Iowa City Housing Authority. We also wish to explore additiotu~l ways the City could financially invest in our efforts over the next 5 years, possibly through Gen~tl Ohligution Bonds or some other avenue. I appr~iate your atte~ion to this requ~t. Pleas~ feel fr~¢ to contact me with any additional questions. S er¢ y, t3 / Wy Board President Cc: Doug Boothroy Steven Rackis ~ · Nebraska State Office I~lll~, ~. Executive Tower Centre °oIIIIIIII o~~' 10909 Mill Valley Road %~~ D.~~°' Omaha. Nebraska 68154-3955 October 30, 2003 HonorableEmest Lehman ~ ~'1~/t / Mayor of Iowa City Civic Center 410 East Washington Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear Mayor Lehman: Subject: Consolidated End-of-Year Review, Program Year 2002 HUD's Office of Community Planning and Development has sought to establish partnerships with state and local governments. The focus of our partnership has been to work with communities to ensure that our joint efforts result in housing and community development programs and policies that benefit and serve low- and moderate-income (LMI) persons. These efforts occur within the framework of the statutes we administer and the regulations and emerging policies that are designed to improve program performance. The provisions of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, and the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, require the annual submission of performance reports by grant recipients receiving federal assistance through programs covered under these Acts. Additionally, these Acts require that a determination be made by the Secretary that the grant recipient is in compliance with the statutes and has the continuing capacity to implement and administer the programs for which assistance is received. In order to meet these requirements, the Department will be making a comprehensive performance review of your overall progress at least annually, as required by Section 91.525 of thc regulations. The review consists of analyzing your consolidated planning process; reviewing management of funds; determining the compliance of funded activities with statutory and regulaiory requirements; determining the accuracy of required performance reports; as well as evaluating your accomplishments in meeting key Departmental objectives. This assessment not only meets the mandates of thc statutes, but also provides a basis for working together in collaboration to help you achieve your housing and community development goals. One critical outcome of this collaboration should be the development of a more comprehensive, effective, and concise Consolidated Plan and improved performance in achieving specific goals that correspond to the activities outline in your forthcoming Action Plan. 2 We congratulate the City of Iowa City on their many accomplishments during fiscal year 2002 and on achieving housing and community development objectives. Some examples are as follows: During the 2002 program year, the city funded 7 capital housing projects that provide new and/or improved permanent housing opportunities for low and moderate-income (LMI) households in Iowa City. The projects completed in 2002 assisted a total of 156 households. The city's housing rehabilitation program for owner-occupied housing units programmed and/or completed a total of 24 units utilizing CDBG, HOME, and general obligations bond funds. This program also worked on issues relating to lead based paint regulations. The city provided assistance through Elder Services Inc. to 59 elderly persons for small repair to their homes. A total of 585 persons and 133 households who were homeless or of extremely low income were assisted through the efforts of Domestic Violence Intervention Program - Furniture Project and the Emergency Housing Project. CDBG Funding was provided to 4 public facilities and service projects that serve the community. These include facility rehabilitation for Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County and Wesley foundation, facility acquisition for United Action for Youth, and expansion of the food bank warehouse for the Crisis Center. The City's Downpayment Assistance Program assisted 7 homebuyers with $29,797.93 in HOME funds and through leveraging $463,240 in private mortgages. The City of Iowa City's 2002 fair housing and affirmative marketing efforts were reviewed and accepted by HUD's Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Office. The city certified that it would provide overall benefit to LMI persons for program year 2002 of at least 70 percent. The actual principal benefit for the year was 100 percent, which exceeds the regulatory standard. The City obligated and disbursed its 2002 CDBG funds in a timely manner. The City had a balance of.92 years of funds unexpended 60 days prior to the end of its 2002 program year. This met the regulatory standard for timeliness at 24 CFR 570.902. The standard for timeliness requires that no more than 1.5 years of funds remain unexpended 60 days prior to the end of the program year. In conclusion, as a result of our analysis, we have determined that your overall progress is satisfactory. This determination is based upon the information available to this office and does not reflect a comprehensive evaluation of specific activities. 3 Should you or your staff have any questions, please contact Mrs. Barbara Koehn, Community Planning and Development Representative, at 402-492-3123. Sincerely, Patricia M. McCauley Program Manager Community Planning and Development Division cc: Mr. Stephen J. Atkins Ms. Karin Franklin Marian Karr From: Lisa Mollenhauer Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2003 9:12 AM To: Marian Karr Subject: FW: Report for council SECOND LOOK.doc ..... Original Message ..... From: John Neff [mailto:john-neff@uiowa.edu] Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2003 8:16 AM To: Lisa Mollenhauer Subject: Report for council Hi Lisa; Attached is a follow up to a report on Public Intox arrests that I did for the jail task force. I sent a copy to the council which you included in their packet. I would like you to do the same with the follow up report. The follow up report was done because the arrest summaries now include the residential status of the subject and the time of day of arrests. This makes it possible to study how behavior depends on time of day and residential status. John Neff *** eSafe scanned this email for malicious content *** *** IMPORTANT: Do not open attachments from unrecognized senders *** A SECOND LOOK AT IOWA CITY PUBLIC INTOXICATION ARRESTS John Neff 10/27/03 INTRODUCTION Public intoxication in Iowa is regulated by section 123.46 of the Iowa Code but unfortunately the code does not include a legal definition of public intoxication. A copy of a legal definition of public intoxication taken from Black's Law Dictionary, West Publishing Co. 1983 is given below. Public intoxication Public intoxication is being on a highway or street or in a public place or public building while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, narcotics or other drug to the degree that one may endanger himself or other persons or property, or armoy persons in his vicinity. At the request of the Johnson County Board of Supervisors the Iowa City Police Department prepared a set of summaries of public intoxication arrests. The police and other city officials found the summaries to be informative and the practice of preparing weekly summaries was continued and eventually they were posted on the police department web page. Before the summaries were posted on the web page I had carded out an analysis of summaries involving about 1600 individual arrests. This was done to support the work of the Jail Task Force. Since then the format of the summaries has changed. Instead of giving a summary by incident that could involve one or more subjects there is a summary for each subject. The most important difference is that the summaries now give the residential status of each subject and the time of the arrest. This new information allows one to gain further insights into the nature of public intoxication arrests in Iowa City. I downloaded arrests summaries from the web page for a 75 day time span from 7/28 to 10/12 which gave the particulars for 347 public intoxication arrests a sufficient number for a new analysis. The results of this analysis are given below. SUMMARY 1. Of the 237 arrestees who agreed to take a PBT (preliminary breath test) all were at or above the legal limit of 0.08 percent blood alcohol content. The average was 0.18 and 75% of those tested had PBT readings that ranged from 1.75 to 5.0 times the legal limit. 2. There were four types of residential status; unknown (1.7%), transient (5.8%), non local residents (41.8%), and local residents (50.7%). The data sample included eleven weekends with home football games on four of them so non local residents may be overrepresented in the sample. 3. The distribution of arrestees by age was divided into three age ranges; under 21, 21 to 32, and 33 and older. The arrestees fell into five main groups; under age 21 non local residents (16.6%) and local residents (19.5%), age 21 to 32 non local residents (21.8%) and local residents (23.6%), and all types of residents over age 33 (16.3%). A reasonable working estimate is that about a third of all public intoxication arrests involved a University of Iowa student. 4. The average number of arrests per day on Mon to Wed was 2.0 per day with non local residents responsible for 0.4 per day. On non home football weekends the average arrest rate was 5.3 per day with non local residents responsible for 2.3 per day. On home football weekends the arrest rate averaged 11.7 per day and the non local contribution was 5.9 per day. 5. The majority of the arrests occurred between 6 PM and 5 AM and between Friday PM and Sunday AM. 6. The most common behaviors that attracted attention to subjects were fighting (22.1%), disruptive (18.7%), on the ground unable to stand or unconscious (9.8%), and abusive (6.9%). 7. Contact between the police and the subject was initiated; in response to a complaint for 45% of the incidents, by the officer for 48.7% of the incidents, and by the subject for 6.3% of the incidents. DISCUSSION How intoxicated were the subjects? The subject has the right to refuse a PBT (preliminary breath test) and about 110 did so the other 237 agreed to take the breath test and the range was 0.080 to 0.413 all equal to or greater than the legal limit of 0.08 percent blood alcohol content. The mean was 0.18 and 25% of the PBT measurements were between 0.08 and 0.14, 50% were between 0.14 and 0.22 and 25% were between 0.22 and 0.41. Almost 75% were from about twice to five times the legal limit. How was the residential status determined? The current residence of the subject was used to determine the residential status. The classes were transient (person with no known address), non local residents, and local residents, and a few cases where the residential status was not listed. If the subject was not an Iowa City resident the city and state of residence was listed in all but a few cases. The distribution of residential status was 6 unknown (1.7%), 20 transients (5.8%), 145 non local residents (41.8%), and 176 local residents (50.7%). The local residents were from Iowa City and adjacent cities and rural areas. Of the 176 local residents 163 were from Iowa City, 10 were from Coralville, and one each from North Liberty, University Heights, and rural Johnson County. Of the 145 non local residents no particulars were given for 9, 60 were from other states and one province (44 from Illinois). There 76 non local residents from Iowa 11 from Cedar Rapids, 4 from Marion, 6 from Bettendorf and Davenport, and 55 from 34 other Iowa communities. 2 Age distribution of subjects Age Distribution for Pub. Intox. Arrestees 50 " ~ Unknown ~ Transient ~ Non Local Resident ~ Local Resident 4O ,~, 30 z 20 10 0 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 Age Figure 1 shows the distribution of arrests by age of subject. The color of the bar denotes the residential status. Most of the arrests were in the 18 to 24 year age range. For this group there most likely was one arrest per individual. For the 33 and older group there was more than one arrest per individual. It appears that about 30 individuals in this group were responsible for 56 arrests. The transients (except one underage) are included in this group and most of the local and non local rcsideots in this age group are repeat offenders as far as public intoxication is concerned. This particular age group includes some of the chronic alcoholics that either live in or near Iowa City or travel from camp to camp spending part of the year in Iowa City. When did the arrest take place? Iowa City Public Intoxication Arrests ' II ~11111 IIIII II II IIII II II IIIIII II III II~ IIII1~11 III III II II Unknow Resident Transient Non Local Resident Local Resident 15 5 0 7/28/2003 8/6/2003 8/15/20038/24/2003 9/2/2003 9/11/20o39/2o/2oo39/29/2oo31o/8/20o3 Date Figure 2 shows the number off public intoxication arrests per day from 7/28/03 to 10/05/03. The color of thc bar denotes the residential status of the arrestee. The average rate for arrests on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday was 2.0 per day. There were 43 local residents (1.3 per day) and 14 non local residents (0.4 per day) arrested on a Monday, Taesday, or Wednesday. Most xveekend arrcsts took place between Friday PM and Sunday AM. There wcre eleven weekends in the sample and there were home football gamcs on the weekend of 8/30, 9/6, 9/20, and 10/4. The average weekcnd arrcst rate for weekend with no home game was 5.3 per day and the rate for weekend with a bomc game was 11.7 per day. On home football weekends local residents were responsible for 55 arrests (4.6 pcr day) and non local residents were responsible for 71 arrests (5.9 per day). On non home football weekends local residents were responsible for 59 arrests (2.8 per day) and non local residents were responsible for 48 arrests (2.3 per day). 4 Distribution of Arrests by Day of Week 100 ~ Res. Unknown Tansient Non Local Res. Local Res. 8O ,-- 60 O E Z 4O 2O 0 Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Figure 3 shows the number of arrests on each day of the week. The color of the bar denotes the rcsidential status of the arrestee. Figure 3 illustrates the dependence on day of week for this particular data sample which includes four home football weekends. It should be kept in mind that data samples taken at some other time of year probably will not include as many non local residents. Figures 4 and 5 shoxv the time of arrcst versus age with the residential status and PBT dcnoted by symbol color and size respectively. The arrestees are divided into three age groups undcr 21, 21-32, and 33 and oldcr. Of those under 21 for 3.1% the residential status was unknown thc others were 0.8% transients, 44.6% non local residents, and 51.5% local residents. 80.6% of the local residents were arrested after midnight and 89.5% of the non local residents were arrested after midnight. Of those between 21 and 32 for 0.6% the residential status was unknown the others were 0.6% translcnts, 47.5% non local residents, and 51.3% local residents. For the age 33 and oldcr group the pcrccntages were 1.8% unknown, 31.6% transients, 19.3% non local residents, and 47.4% local residents. Iowa City Public Intoxication Arrests 7/28/03 to 10/05/03 12:00:00 AM ~ ~ ~ · 8:00:00 PM F 4:00:00 PM ~lt 12:00:00 PM 8:00:00 AM 4:00:00 AM 12:00:00 AM 20 30 40 50 60 Age Figure 4 shows the time of arrest by residential status (color of symbol), BPT (size of symbol), and age of arrcstee. The dashed vertical lines divide the age range into under 21, 21 to 32, and 33 years and older. The smallest dots denote subjects who refused the BPT tcst the size of the larger dots denote BPT readings between 0.08 and 0.40. 6 Iowa City Public Intoxication Arrests 7/28/03 to 10/05/03 12:00:00AM .~1 ~ ~ ~ · ~ ® · 8:00:00PM ~ & ~ I · · 4:00:00 PM 12:00:00 PM 8:00:00 AM 4:00:00 AM ~ ~ · 12:00:00 AM 15 20 25 30 Age Figure 5 shows the portion off figure 3 including the age range 15 to 35. Table 1: Number of Arrests by Age Group and Residential Status Residential Status Age Range < 21 21 to 32 32 + Unknown 4 1 1 Transient 1 1 18 Non Local Resident 57 75 11 Local Rcsidcnt 67 8 l 27 The figures in table 1 indicate that public intoxication arrcsts for thc most part fall into five groups. These are; under 21 non local residents (16.6%) and local residents (19.5%), 21 to 32 non local residents (21.8%) and local residents (23.6%), and over 32 age group (16.3%). The local residents in the 18 to 32 year age group are made up of U. of Iowa students and local residents who are not U. of Iowa students. There were 147 arrests in the 18 to 32 year age group of local residents. In an earlier study I found using 2000 census data that about two thirds of the Johnson County residents in this age range were University of Iowa students. We can use this percentage to estimate that about 100 of the 147 arrest of local residents involved U of Iowa students or about 29% of all public intoxication arrests. Data collected by the University of Iowa from 1999 to 2001 was used to estimate that 35% of all public intoxication arrests involved U of Iowa students. In my view the two estimates are in fairly good agreement. A reasonable working estimate is that about a third of all public intoxication arrests involve U of Iowa students. What type of behavior attracted attention to the subject? The arrest summaries were reviewed and a list of the various types of behavior was prepared. A numerical code was assigned to each type of behavior and a frequency distribution was computed to determine the most common types of behavior. The eight most common types of behavior were identified and all of the other types were placed under the general category of other. Table 2 gives the types of behavior together with a sample of the description of the behavior taken from the arrest summaries. Table 2. Most Frequent Types of Reported Behavior Type of Illustration Behavior Fighting Officers observed subject involved in a fight. Also charged with disorderly conduct. Disruptive Officers responded to Kum and Go reference subjects harassing customers. On Ground Officer found subject in alley unable to stand. Abusive While officers were making an arrest they were approached by the subject who was acting verbally and physically aggressive. Also charged with interference with official acts and obstruction. Staggering Officer observed subject staggering in traffic. Public Urination Officer observed subject urinating on sidewalk. PAULA Officer observed subject with beer while doing a bar check. Also charged with PAULA. Self Threatening Subject walked into traffic to stop cars. Other A wide range of behaviors from open container to attempting to enter a strangers residence under the delusion it is their own. Disruptive includes a wide range of annoying behavior that if handled properly is unlikely to result in violence. On the other hand abusive behavior is provocative and in some cases is one step away from becoming violent. Staggering includes stumbling, falling, and the inability to walk without assistance. Self threatening means that the subject is a threat to their own safety which includes walking into traffic, walking, standing or lying down in the middle of the street. It is uncommon for a delusional 8 subject to attempt to enter a strangers residence, however when it does occur it is a potentially dangerous situation. Reported Behavior 80 l~l Res. Unknown / Transient ~ Non Local Res. / Loca Res. 60 ~ 4o E Z 2O 0 Other Disruptive Abusive Pub. Urination Theat to Self Fighting On Ground V1 Staggering PAULA Figure 6 shows the distribution of types of behavior. The color of the bar denotcs the residential status of the arrestee. Non local residents appear to be more likely to be; involved in fights, exhibit abusive behavior, be charged with PAULA, and be a threat to their own safety than local residents. How was contact between the subject and police officer initiated? There are three main ways contact is initiated between the subject and the police officer. Complaint The behavior of the subject attracts the attention of a citizen and they either call 911 or ask someone else to do so. In some cases if an officer is in the vicinity they will complain directly to thc officcr. The behaviors most likely to result in a complaint are fighting, disruptive, and a person on the ground. Officer initiated contact The officer observes a problem and investigates. Almost all of the incidents involving staggering, public urination, and PAULA involve officer initiated contact. 11 Subject initiated contact The subject approaches the officer or attempts to attract the attention of the officer. Most of these incidents involve disruptive and abusive behavior. Reported Behavior by Type of Contact I I Complaint by Citizen 80 ~ Officer Initiated Contact I Arrestee Initiated Contact 60 40 E Z 2O 0 Other Disruptive Abusive Pub. Urination Theat to Self Fighting On Ground Staggering PAULA Figure 7 shows thc distribution of behavior by type of contact denoted by the shading of the bar. 12 Marian Karr From: Lisa Mollenhauer Sent: Friday, October 31, 2003 2:42 PM To: Marian Karr Subject: FW: FYI ..... Original Message ..... From: John Neff [mailto:john-neff@uiowa.edu] Sent: Friday, October 31, 2003 2:40 PM To: Lisa Mollenhauer Subject: FYI Hi Lisa; It occurred to me that a comparison of arrest rates by behavior type and age group might also be revealing. Please distribute this to the Council. Thanks John Neff *** eSafe scanned this email for malicious content *** IMPORTANT: Do not open attachments from unrecognized senders *** PUBLIC INTOXICATION ARREST RATES BY AGE GROUP John Neff 10/31/03 I thought that it further insights could be obtained by computing thc arrest rate by age group and behavior typc for public intoxication arrests. The youngest age group arrested for public intoxication ranged in age from 15 to 20, the middle group ranged in age from 21 to 32, and thc oldest group ranged in age from 33 to 60. Using the 2000 census data for Johnson County I determined that there were 15,565 residents in the 15 to 20 year age range, and 29,553, and 36,738 for age ranges of the middlc and oldest groups respectively. I used these numbers to compute the number o£arrcsts per thousand pcrsons. Arrest Rates by Behavior and Age Group i i Youngest group under 21 ~ Middle group 21 to 32 2.0 ~ Oldest group 33 to 60 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 Other Disruptive Abusive Pub. Urination Theat to Self Fighting On Ground Staggering PAULA Figure 1 shows arrest rate by behavior type for each age group indicated by the shading of the bar. The arrest rates for each group are shown for each of the behavior types in figure 1. The two youngest groups include significant fractions of non local residents. The oldest group is a mixture of local residents, transients, and a few non local residents. The youngest group has the high arrest rates for other, being found on the ground, staggering, threat to self, and of course PAULA. The youngest and middle groups have similar arrest rates for fighting, disruptive behavior, and public urination. The middle group has the highest rate for abusive behavior. There were a few middle group arrests included under PAULA because the police were doing a bar check when contact was made with the subject Marian Karr From: Lisa Mollenhauer Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2003 8:49 To: 'Kevin Liu' Cc: *City Council; Jann Ream Subject: RE: backed up requests Kevin, This note is to acknowledge receipt of your email to the City Council. It will be included in their next Formal Agenda Consent Calendar as a permanent, public record, These types of requests do not go through the City Council. Your landlord should contact our Housing & Inspection Services office at 356-5120 to begin the permit process. It is my understanding there is no backlog in that office, Lisa Lisa Mo[lenhatJer Administrative Assistant to the City Managei City of Iowa City 410 E Washington Street Iowa City, iA 52240 (319) 356-5010 ..... Original Message ..... From: Kevin Liu [mailto:kevin-liu~uiowa.edu] Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2003 10:14 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: backed up requests Hi; As part of my lease, my landlord promised to make a parking spot available in September on the side of the house my apartment is in. However he has not fulfilled this request and says the city council is backed up on requests so it could be a long time before he can make parking available. I am writing to confirm if this is true or not and if it is whats taking so long? Thank you for your time. -Kevin 10/3 0/03 October 2_~ ~ _~ Mayor Ernie Lehman -~O ~ } 410 E. Washington .~- ~ Iowa City IA 52240 rn ~ ~ Mayor Lehman, )> ~ I have given a lot of thought as to whether this letter would be written. I've decided I really will get no ben- efit from the writing, and, keeping it short, will make the subject matter apparent, but with emphasis on a pos- sible improvement to city proceedure on the late after- noon of Friday, Oct. 3rd. And save you time, too. I was heading south on Dodge St. after leaving work at NCS Pearson. It was after work traffic, Friday traffic, and the eve of Homecoming traffic. Bumper-to-bumper. A lot of impatience and tension in many of the drivers. Coming up on Iowa Ave, without any prior road closed signs posted, I was prevented from turning west by two wooden cross barriers and a police officer standing in the middle. Looking forward to turning west on Washington, I, and many, were greeted with the same scenario. Again, no warning signs of a closed street. My story became my responsibility legally at college street. The second car ahead of me was also looking for downtown access prior Burlington street, slammed on his brakes, the driver in front of me had to slam on her brakes. Distracted by the barricade and officer on College, my attention was momentarily diverted and, of course, I rear-ended the car in front. Ail this is said for one purpose. I understand the Council moved up the parade time, which moved up the street clearings right into the worst time of rush hour. Should't large warning street closed signs have been posted in advance of the inter- sections? That's all I need to say. So, maybe next year we all get some warning of traffic pattern changes? I trust this was appropriate to write to you, Mayor, since you head the council from which the time change for the parade was issued, or would know who was responsible. Thank you for your valued time. Sin~, Sidne~ ~ller sidney48icShotmail.com Marian Karr From: Steve ^tkins Sent: Friday, November 14, 2003 4:55 PM To: 'sidney48ic@hotmail.com' Cc: *City Council Subject: response to letter Mr. Miller, This note is in response to your correspondence to the City Council dated October 28 regarding the University of Iowa Homecoming Parade. In your letter, you mention that the Council moved up the start time. The University, not the City, requested the earlier start time to accommodate additional activities that evening. There was a pep rally and band that played at the conclusion of the parade. Local newspapers run a map of the parade route so residents are made aware of street closures. There are also announcements of the parade over local radio stations. Events such as homecoming parades do require extensive rerouting of traffic. The City uses standard temporary street closure procedures - officers and barricades. Your accident was unfortunate. As with any temporary rerouting, it is imperative that drivers pay attention to rerouting instructions and remain patient. Steve Atkins City Manager 1801 South Riverside Drive Iowa City, Iowa 52246 Office Phone (319) 356-5045 October 27, 2003 The Honorable Mayor Mr. Ernest Lehman --4 410 East Washington Iowa City, Iowa 52240 ._~? co F"" Re: Strategy plan update Dear Mayor: The Airport Commission believes it is important to keep you and the Council aware of the progress of the Commission in the development of the strategic plan. On September 22, 2003 the draft plan frem Airport Business Solutions was presented to the Council and the Commission. There were many actionable items presented in the report. There were also some recommendations that wore not considered to be in the best interest of the Airport. The Commission will discuss its concerns with ABS anda final report will be completed. A copy of the final report will be shared with the Council. The Commission spent a considerable amount of time at our September and October meetings working toward the development of a plan that will define a path of progress for the Airport. We have divided the workload into several segments and plan to bdng those segments together at the November Commission meeting. Our goal is to be able to share this plan with you in December. A group of Univereity of Iowa MBA students has agreed to assist the Commission in developing the strategic plan. They have met with the Airport Manager and also attended the October Commission meeting. Their precise role has yet to be defined, but the Commission would like to use their energy and enthusiasm to assist us in our planning. A draft budget for FY 2005 was completed at the October Commission meeting and forwarded to the Finance Department. The budget as submitted is less than the FY 2004 budget. It is my underetanding that the Commission will have an opportunity to discuss the budget with the Council sometime in January. The Commission has been notified that the FAA has programmed funding in FY 2004 for the Runway 07 project. Funding would include reimbureement for the Environmental Assessment, relocation of Dane Road and the design and construction for the relocation of Willow Creek. Because Congress has not passed the transportation funding bill, the Federal Aviation Administration can not yet officially offer the Commission a grent. I know you are also waiting for funding from Congress for the transportation center on South Dubuque Street. Hopefully Congress will pass their FY 2004 budget bills before they recess for Thanksgiving. The schedule for the Airport is to do the design work this winter and be ready to begin construction next summer. This will be a two to three year project. The Commission has selected the engineering firm of Earth Tech for the Runway 07 project. A contract is being negotiated and they will begin design work as soon as a grant is accepted by the Airport Commission. If you have questions or would like to discuss any of this information in more detail, please contact me at 358-7460 or the Airport Manager at 356-5045. 'Baton Thr~.~r, ChaiFperson Iowa City Airport Commission Cc: City Council Airport Commission Steve Atkins, City Manager Kevin O'Malley, Director of Finance Sue Dulek, Assistant City Attorney Ron O'Neil, Airport Manager N Marian Karr From: Frank Williams [jm800155@yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2003 2:34 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: rate increases I don't see why i need to pay many more for city services right now. my taxes have gone up to pay for schools that i don't see anyone building, if the feds want water services improved then they should pay. like most people i have a budget and my income is not increasing but it seems that local, state and fed. governments don't mind continuing to increase what i have to pay. what happend when i run out of funds?????? will you pay my bills???? i doubt it. could you at least investigate if there is another way for funding instead of putting it on our residents?????Frank Williams 1123 Pine St. Iowa City Do you Yahoo!? Exclusive Video Premiere - Britney Spears http://launch.yahoo.com/promos/britneyspears/ Marian Karr From: charlottewalker@webtv, net Sent: Thursday, October 23, 2003 9:36 PM To: casserly@mchsi.com; councir@iowa-city.org; Steve-Atkins@iowa-city.org Cc: welshbob@aol.com; pnephgrave@mchsi.com; BIK106@earthlink.net; bourdinmcgov@msn.com; emckray@aol.com; jdancel05@aol.com; bravejune@aoLcom; davdowe@aohcom; ibowers@hotmail.com; SeniorsOnGuard@aol.com; Iori-benz@uiowa.edu Subject: Tour: rec center and senior center today 10/23/03 tour of the senior center and rec center: nearly empty this afternoon. I took a little tour this afternoon of the Iowa City Recreation Center and the Iowa City Senior Center to see and compare the level of afternoon use at the two centers. Here is what I found: Beginning at about l:50pm at the Rec Center: In a meeting room: 7 very senior people who were getting ready to play euchre. They said they play there every Thursday afternoon and they were very friendly. 0 people in the very nice big gym 0 people in a large assembly room. 2 middle aged people in the nice big swimming pool -- just standing at the edge in the water, chatting. 2 younger men in the weight equipment room 8 younger men in the pool table room and one behind a counter, probably an attendant. I saw a maintenance man in what looked like a maintenance room and two young women on the stairs (could have been staff persons) 0 people in a large craft room. at the Senior Center, begining shortly after 2pm: ***Ground floor Dance/exercise room - 0 AARP office -- 0 1 Maintenance man on ground level floor 2 seniors in the ground floor hall way, talking Weight/exercise equipment room-- 0 and darkened with closed door. (may be locked, I didn't check) Small Pool table room: 5 senior men all other ground level rooms -- dark and empty. *** on the Mezzanine level In a very small area that is reserved for cards: 12 seniors playing cards library -- empty ! staff room -- empty secondary computer area -- empty ****Second Floor: TV activity room: 3 seniors RSVP room: 1 staff person all other second floor rooms dark and empty. ****First Floor: 'Large Lobby: 1 senior staff person at the front counter, 1 senior on the phone in the small corner coffee area. Large Assembly room: empty The professional staff were out of sight. I was told that they were all. in a meeting. Charlotte Walker Marian Karr From: Lee McGovern [bouldinmcgov@msn.com] Sent: Friday, October 24, 2003 8:34 AM To: Walker; Eve; council@iowa-city.org; Steve-Atkins@iowa-city.org Cc: BobW; Pat; BettyK; BettyM; Julie; JuneB; davdowe@aol.com; ibowers@hotmail.com; SeniorsOnGuard@aol.com; Iori-benz@uiowaedu Subject: Re: rec center and senior center today Thank you for taking the time to do that. Hope someone will design programs that will invite more seniors to city facilities. ..... Original Message ..... From: charrottewalker@webtv.net Sent: Thursday, October 23, 2003 9:42 PM To: casserly@mchsi.com; council@iowa-city.org; Steve-Atkins@iowa-city.org Cc: welshbob@aol.com; pnephgrave@mchsi.com; BIK106@earthlink.net; bouldinmcgov@msn.com; emckray@aol.com; jdancel05@aol.com; bravejune@aol.com; davdowe@aol.com; ibowers@hotmail.com; SeniorsOnGuard@aol.com; rori-benz@uiowa.edu Subject: Tour: rec center and senior center today 10/23/03 tour of the senior center and rec center: nearly empty this afternoon. I took a little tour this afternoon of the iowa City Recreation Center and the Iowa City Senior Center to see and compare the level of afternoon use at the two centers. Here is what ! found: Beginning at about 1:50pm at the Rec Center: !n a meeting room: 7 very senior people who were getting ready to play euchre. They said they play there every Thursday afternoon and they were very friendly. 0 people in the very nice big gym 0 people in a large assembly room. 2 middle aged people in the nice big swimming pool -- just standing at the edge in the water, chatting. 2 younger men in the weight equipment room 8 younger men in the pool table room and one behind a counter, probably an attendant. ! saw a maintenance man in what looked like a maintenance room and two young women on the stairs (could have been staff persons) 0 people in a large craft room. .................................. at the Senior Center, begining shortly after 2pm: ***Ground floor Dance/exercise room - 0 10/24/03 Page 2 of 2 AARP office -- 0 1 Maintenance man on ground level floor 2 seniors in the ground floor hall way, talking Weight/exercise equipment room-- 0 and darkened with closed door. (may be locked, I didn't check) Small Pool table room: 5 senior men all other ground level rooms -- dark and empty. *** on the Mezzanine level In a very small area that is reserved for cards: 12 seniors playing cards library -- empty staff room -- empty secondary computer area -- empty ****Second Floor: TV activity room: 3 seniors RSVP room: I staff person all other second floor rooms dark and empty. ****First Floor: Large Lobby: I senior staff person at the front counter, I senior on the phone in the small corner coffee area. Large Assembly room: empty The professional staff were out of sight. ! was told that they were all in a meeting. Charlotte Walker Get more from the Web. FREE MSN Explorer download: http://exp!orer, msn.com 10/24/03 Marian Karr ~ From: Joe Cherner [Joe@smokefree.org] Sent: Monday, October 27, 2003 6:37 PM To: Joe Cherner announce list Subject: [JoeCherner-announce]Cigarette-Caused Fire Kills Family of Seven To send a letter urging New York to issue fire-safe cigarette standards, go to http://www.smokefree.net/fire Cigarette-Caused Fire Kills Family of Seven Parts excerpted from WGAL, 10/24/03 A smoldering cigarette killed a family of seven in Huntington County according to investigators. Officials said the smoldering cigarette ignited a pile of newspapers, creating a great deal of smoke in the family's home. Five children and two adults died from smoke inhalation. According to the National Fire Protection Association, cigarette-caused fires are the nation's # I cause of fire death, killing more than 1,000 civilians, causing more than 3,000 critical injuries, and costing more than $400 million in direct property damage each year. Cigarette companies have fire-safe cigarette technology which makes cigarettes go out automatically if left unsmoked, but they rarely use it. Fire-safe cigarettes reduce cigarette sales as smokers re-light cigarettes instead of having to buy new ones. Only one brand, Merit, uses fire-safe cigarette technology. New York State passed fire-safe cigarette legislation two years ago. Under the terms of that legislation, the Department of State was supposed to publish fire-safe cigarette standards no later than July 1, 2003, and tobacco manufacturers were supposed to comply with those standards soon thereafter. Now, more than two years after the law was passed, New York Secretary of State Randy Daniels says that his office has not yet issued final standards, partly because it's the first attempt by a State to investigate, research and test such new standards. The state, Daniels claims, is still reviewing all of the tobacco industry's comments. His spokesman said no date has been set for a final ruling on the standards. Once the final standards are issued, tobacco manufacturers will have another 180 days to comply. It is widely believed that tobacco manufacturers are pressuring New York officials to delay fire-safe standards. To send a letter urging New York to issue fire-safe cigarette standards, go to http://www.smoketYee,net/fire 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 Sent to 43186 JoeCherner-announce Subscribers hitp://smokefree,net/JoeChemer-announce/subscribers To search the JoeChemer-announce archives, go to: http://smoke free.net/J oeChemer-announce/messages To unsubscribe council~iowa-city.org, send any email to uns-102-178750-~smokefree, net Sent to council~iowa-city.org 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. City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: October 27, 2003 To: City Clerk ,.,~¢ From: Anissa Williams, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner Re: Item for November 10, 2003 City Council meeting: Relocating bus stop signs on Ferson Avenue to Magowan Avenue at the intersections with McLean Street and River Street, and from the intersection of Magowan Avenue/River Street to Hutchinson/River Street. Installation of a bus stop sign on Rochester Avenue on the south side of the street across from Larch Lane. As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of the following action. Action: Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A(19), three bus stop signs will be relocated on Ferson Avenue to Magowan Avenue at the intersections with McLean Street and River Street, and from the intersection of Magowan Avenue and River Street to Hutchinson and River Street. One bus stop sign will be installed on Rochester Avenue on the south side across from Larch Lane. Comment: These actions are being taken at the request of Iowa City Transit. Vehicles parking on Ferson Avenue near the band field make it difficult for buses to get through. Changing the route to Magowan Avenue alleviates this issue. Iowa City Transit has also noted frequent riders from residences on Larch Lane. Adding a bus stop on Rochester Avenue near Larch Lane will give those riders closer access to a bus stop. Alcohol and Bar Committee (ABC): City Council Report Mission Statement: The Alcohol and Bar Committee is committed to providing a community forum for the exchange of ideas, strategies, and information in an effort to reduce underage and irresponsible consumption of alcohol. ABC Strategy: ABC has committed to a strategy of proposing and working for small policy changes that, when combined, will positively influence alcohol and bar policies, and ultimately our community. Members: 1. Ross Wilburn--Iowa City City Council 2. Nate Gree~ Student Body President, The University of Iowa 3. Don Stalkflee~Owner of The Sports Column 4. TroyKelsay--Iowa City Police Department 5. Lynn Walding State of Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division 6. MarkGinsburg Owner of Ginsburg's Jewelers 7. Carrie Z. Norton--Community Representative 8. Carolyn Cavit~The Stepping Up Project 9. Jack Piper--Owner of Atlas World Grill Analysis of STOP Recommendations: The policy proposals analyzed in this brief are taken from the recommendations made by the Student Twenty-One Policy (STOP) Task Force in the spring of 2003. While it is evident that much work remains in the implementation of the proposed recommendations, a great deal of progress has been made on a number of issues. Consider the following analysis an ABC "progress report" on the status if the STOP proposals. Many people/groups deserve credit for progress on a number of the STOP proposals, but overall community cooperation on alcohol issues has had the most profound impact in producing positive changes. Bar Policy: · 19 Bar Ordinance: Begirming August 1, 2003, the City Council implemented this proposal. ·Wristbands: While no fom'~al Council Ordinance or bar owner agreement has been set forth, since this was proposed, the vast majority (ICPD, bar owner estimates) of downtown bars have adopted a wristband system. ·21 Signs: While bar entrance signs reminding patrons of Iowa's 21 age consumption law have not been established, the city did require all bars to post 19-entrance age after 10 p.m. signage. Monitoring: The ICPD and bar owners have noted that many bars have devoted one or more employees to monitoring underage drinking violations. ·Free Soda or Water: No consensus has been reached on this issue. The decision to offer free water and soda has been left to the discretion of individual business owners. · Mandatory Training: TIPS training was offered by the Alcoholic Beverages Division, in collaboration with the ICPD, to over 700 bar employees, staff; owners, and community members free-of-charge in late August. Participation was voluntary. Additional training for newly hired employees is planned in the future. Advertising: ·No Drink Special Ads: No action has been taken on DI ads because of bar owner competitive concerns and the DI's reluctance to limit speech. · Disclaimer: A preliminary proposal by the Alcohol and Bar Committee requesting that bars include wording to the effect of"l 9 to enter, 21 to consume alcohol" has been adopted by The Sports Column and Atlas, and beginning second semester, participation by additional bars is anticipated. Alternatives: · The 10,000 Hours Show: This student-initiated program was launched in the fall to reward students with a free major concert for those who complete a minimum 10 hours of community service, with the goal of generating over 10,000 hours of service in the Iowa City community. To date, nearly $70,000 has been raised for the project. The 10,000 Hours Show will increase student involyement in the community, work to increase civic engagement, and promote positive cultural progress. · Old Capital Movie Theater Renovation and Bowling Alley: Being discussed with new mall ownership. · Old Planet X Spot: The 24-7 Christian Youth Group has taken over the old Planet X spot and now offers a popular downtown alternative every Thursday night fi'om 9-11 p.m., as ~vell as other weekly programming. The Thursday night alternative has seen dramatic success, regularly attracting over 700 students per night. · FitZone Late-Night Alternative: Efforts are ongoing to keep FitZone workout facilities open later. · Downtown Alcohol-Free Nights: No progress has been made on this issue. Zoning: Downtowu Zoning Changes: There ha*e been no proposals put fbrth or Council action to change zoning. Monitoring: · Alcohol and Bar Committee: The proposed committee with "broad community representation to monitor the effectiveness of these proposals" and report to the Council and public has been successfully established Student Twenty-One Policy (STOP) Task Force 21 Recommendations The policy recommendations in this brief were created by a 12-person panel of students from a diverse range of student groups, organizations, backgrounds, and major fields of study. The proposal was agreed upon unanimously by the task force and represents our ideas on what can be done to improve the downtown atmosphere and curb underage drinking. Bar Policy 1. 19 Ordinance: Adopt a 19 bar ordinance, with the exception of allowing students who are 18 into establishments with a college student ID. 2. Wristbands: Require that all bars use wristbands; one to identify those over 21 and a different color for those underage. 3. 21 Signs: Signs should be placed in the main entrance of every bar, visibly reminding patrons that you must be 21 to consume alcohol. 4. Monitoring: Bars should devote at least one employee to monitor patrons to ensure that underage people do not consume alcohol in their establishment. 5. Free Soda and Water: If an establishment serves alcohol, they need to offer free soda and water so patrons are encouraged to consume beverages other than alcohol. 6. Mandatory Training: All bar employees should be required to go through training (i.e. TIPS) that is certified by the Iowa City Police Department. Advertising 1. No Drink Special Ads: Since the DI is a newspaper geared toward students, there should be agreement on the part of all of the bar owners to eliminate usage of drink specials in their advertising. 2. Disclaimer: All ads should have a disclaimer that says underage patrons are not allowed to consume alcohol in their establishment. Alternatives 1. New Activity Ideas: Alcohol alternatives are currently being pursued by UISG and the STOP task force: a. 10,000 Hours concert to reward students for community service. b. Old Capital movie theater renovation and revitalization. c. Install a bowling alley in the old JC Penney space in Old Capital Mall. d. Change Planet X area to a 24-hour hang-out and study area, with a coffee shop and pool tables. e. Use the downtown FitZone and keep it open until 3am as an alternative to the bars. 2. Alcohol-Free Nights: Consider making certain nights (i.e. 1 night a month, etc.) alcohol-flee in the downtown area to provide alternatives to students. Zoning Consider creating a more "other than bar" (i.e. retail) friendly zoning po]icy so that businesses other than bars can be successful in the downtown area. Monitoring Create a task force with broad community representatiou to monitor the effectiveness of these changes and report their findings regularly and directly to the City Council. November 10, 2003 Dear Iowa City Councilors, I recently made an emotional appeal because I felt it was the 11:00 hour to stop what I feel is destined to be terdble a mistake. I feel that the whole situation concerning the remaining parcel of Urban Renewal property does need to be developed. If I had the financial backing I would have put together a proposal that would work. We have seen two pieces of property built under the Urban Renewal Plan adopted in the 1970s fail. I speak of the original Holiday Inn and more recently the Old Capitol Mall. Another would fail if the University of Iowa did not lease two entire floors; I refer to Plaza Centre One. The only parts of the Urban Renewal Program that seems to have survived are the relocated bars and coffee houses. You all are aware of the problems that the bars have caused and we probably have enough coffee houses. This is true particularly if the coffee beans are picked by enslaved of children in the Third Wodd Countries. Unfortunately that problem goes beyond food and coffee to jewelry, clothing, crafts and other labor intensified products bought and enjoyed by the affluent Amedcan public. That is another problem and not for this time. What is a problem for this time is that in the light of the Sheraton Hotel neady failing because of a less than profitable occupancy rate. Which is far below what the industry feels is necessary to be profitable. Also because the Iowa City Public Schools has had to dip into its' reserves due to the State of Iowa's financial difficulty to me is evidence that the economy is not dght for this type of a venture. We, the taxpayers of Iowa City pay a higher rate on property taxes than any other municipality in Iowa and much of the nation. Part of this is due to the services provided to self-satisfying people that have learned how to manipulate the system and avoid the taxes. Long term TIF incentives are not to be granted capriciously and arbitrarily because someone that ddves a fancy car, wears silk suits, has a sharp lawyer and the convincing manner which is a learned skill of con artists since the coveting became a sin asks for them. Who of you or your staff presented the demographics to say that this would be of ultimate beneffi to the City of Iowa City? If there is one may I see the report? I will share it with the other taxpayers. We will be glad to pass it on to the appropriate knowledgeable individuals to study and comment on the validity of such a report. When you knew that Mr. Moen had not come forward in a timely manner to address his difficulty were any of you suspicious? Why at that time was the question not raised? Does not your obligation and that of the city staff require you to be candid with the general public? Do you really believe that anyone would invest more than one million dollars in a chance to be selected out of four proposed developers without some pdvate agreement that would ensure his success? When Mr. Kevin Monson indicated that his architectural firm had about $25,000 invested in the development to this time did that not make you wonder if you were being lied to by Mr. Moen. Has anyone asked for a cost breakdown on the $1,000,000.00 supposedly invested in time? Will he or a CPA firm review those records? Do you not think that you have a responsibility to the taxpayers and the disadvantaged of this community to wisely act in their behalf? Does selling a piece of property appraised at $1,700,000 for $250,000 make any good business sense? What is wrong with accepting the most when the money is required to be paid to CDBG funding? How could you laughingly discuss giving it away to Mr. Moen? When Mr. Moen's original proposal was presented he was open to negotiation for the price offered for the land and the council also indicated the intention to do so. Why has that not happened? If Mr. Wilburn can excuse himself from certain issues because of a conflict of interest, which is proper for him to do so, should not any councilor also do so when an issue involves the downtown business district if that councilor also has a business that could benefit from the transaction? I think so. In a community that pddes itself on one of the highest levels of education in the country don't you think that to maintain that rating we need to keep children in school and help make their home atmosphere as conducive to leaming as possible. If Mr. Moen receives his financing package, which I doubt will happen, how does he intend to pay for the interim construction? Is the city going to provide that from bonds? Are the citizens of Iowa City aware of that? Do you think they want to be obligated to something as risky as this venture? How much does Iowa City have in reserve that it can maneuver from one fund to another to avoid the necessity to go public with the financing? How shorthanded are the depariments of public safety in personnel to handle emergencies. Are there enough policemen, firemen and first responders to meet the needs that may arise? Are the shortages in these areas due to slight of hand bookkeeping to make available Mr. Moen's construction? I truly feel you have not been totally candid with the community regarding these issues. I will have more questions in a later communication I may even have some suggestions that could potentially provide solutions to help the community. I am alluding to the fact that the City of iowa City is in the rental property business. Do any of you know how many pieces of property improved for living the city owns? Why do you insist on being a landlord when these homes should be on the tax rolls and providing payment for the services they receive or have available to them. Before you finalize any suggestion or affirm any requests for subsidized housing assistance from developers I would like the opportunity to work with the city staff and see if there is not a better way that will cost less, give more, and put property back onto the tax rolls. Is that too much to ask for?. I think we are all really here to do what is best for the entire community and not just the well to do developers that use the system to their own advantage while minimizing the benefit to the lower income groups. I feel it is your obligation to request financial data, profit and loss information and feasibility studies before you make concessions to any specific developer, architect, venture capitalist or group that under the guise of "not for profit." Two adages come to mind. First "Beware if Greeks bearing gifts" and secondly '~/Vatch out for wolves in sheep's clothing." Thank you for your kind attention and please use your sharp minds and good hearts when dealing with issues that may or may not help the constituents S(i~erely, James C. Knapp 528 Rundell St. Iowa City, IA 52240 2