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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-11-25 Transcription#1 Page 1 ITEM 1. CALL TO ORDER. ROLL CALL Lehman: Irvin is ill this evening or he would be with us. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 25, 2003. #2 Page 2 ITEM 2. SPECIAL PRESENTATION a. Bicyclists of Iowa City (BIC) Lehman: Officer Humrickhouse had met with members of the Bicyclists of Iowa City, earlier in 2003 to discuss the bike patrol of the Iowa City Police Department. As a result of that meeting, a decision was made to make a contribution to the program. At tonight's Council meeting, Mr. Steve Rudin, representing the Bicyclists of Iowa City, will present checks to Officer Greg Humrickhouse to assist the Iowa City Police Department to provide additional patrol time along the trail system of Iowa City. Bicyclists of Iowa City matched the funds collected for the program. Karr: Here for the presentation is Officer Greg Humrickhouse and Mr. Steve Rudin, representing Bicyclists of Iowa City. (applause) Rudin: On behalf of BIC and BIC membership, I present this check to your department for maintaining additional staffing, patrol of the bicycle trails, and the banners on the wail depict the reason why I'm here. I use them on a regular basis. I travel, commute, from North Liberty. I probably use the trails six out of seven days of the week, seven months out of the year, so I really do appreciate it, and thank you for your efforts. Humrickhouse: Thank you. We're very grateful. (applause) Kanner: Steve, how many hours of patrol time do you have on bike? Atkins: I do know we have a regular schedule. I can find that out for you, 'cause a lot of it's weather related too. Kanner: Okay. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 25, 2003. #3 Page 3 ITEM 3. OUTSTANDING STUDENT CITIZENSHIP AWARDS - Shimek Elementary Lehman: Okay, now we have a very special time on the agenda. This is the student citizenship awards, so if the young folks from, which school do we have tonight? Shimek, would come forward please. You know, this....you're scared. Don't be scared. We do, no, no, we do this every week, and so far we haven't lost a single student. (laughter) And we haven't lost a mayor either. (laughter) But this is a real special time, not only for you guys, but it's a special time for the Council. Um, this is a time when we recognize student citizenship, and I think, you know, we ought to probably recognize citizenship at all levels, but especially student citizenship. So what I would like you to do is give me your name and then read why you were nominated. Doershuk: Lily Doershuk. Hi, my name is Lily Doershuk, I am a sixth grader from Shimek Elementary, in Mr. Zeckler's homeroom. I am a safety patrol member, and I work hard to keep kids safe. I am a green team member. We keep the school clean and fill the school bird feeders, plant flowers around the school, and collect box tops to help fund (can't hear). I am a student ambassador. At home, I read to my little brother. I am a Girl Scout. My troop helps out at the Crisis Center on holidays, and we make gift baskets for people in the hospital. I went to several Iowa City legislative forums last year, and I spoke out on issues important to our community. I like to help volunteer. Last year (can't hear) with my fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Meggit. I am proud to accept this award. Thank you. (applause) Achrazoglou: My name is Christina Achrazoglou. Hello, my name is Christina Achrazoglou and I am a sixth grader at Shimek Elementary School. I am very honored to be here tonight for this award. Some things I participate in school and after school, include safety patrol, band, text-perts, grammar green team, piano, Girl Scouts, and soccer. I enjoy helping other people, and have volunteered at Girl Scout day camps, the Crisis Center food bank, the Solon Nursing Home, and Greek church festivals. I help at home by watching my younger brother. I would like to thank Mayor Lehman and the Iowa City Council for making this award possible. I also want to thank the teachers and staff at Shimek, as well as my family and friends. Thanks and have a great Thanksgiving. (applause) Kamal: My name is Shalinee Kamal. Hello, my name is Shalinee Kamal. I'm a sixth grader from Shimek Elementary School. This is why I have been selected for this good citizen award. Once a year, for the past seven years, This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 25, 2003. Page 4 I have donated clothes, toys, and other goods to the Salvation Army. I have also participated in all school fundraisers, such as the Senegal Africa Fund Drive. We have collected lots of different things from home for the Senegalese village. At school I have many responsibilities. This year I was one of the sixth graders to be a lieutenant. My patrol responsibility is helping out one of the kindergarten room classes get ready to go home. In this class there is a girl who is unable to see, and I sometimes assist her. I help...I was chosen to be a school ambassador for my classroom. This means I will help organize fundraisers and attend meetings. My teacher organizes green team, which I am a part of. The green team members weed and plant, plus look after many of the outdoor flowerbeds and fill the bird feeders once a week. I also like helping out with the class pets. During the summer break, I was one of the people who came in and watered the butterfly garden. At home I am responsible for chores, such as taking care ofmypets and taking out the garbage. Thank you for listening to.me. I am pleased to get this award. (applause) Lehman: You know, I'm sure that lots of parents and people like me couldn't read something quite like that because it wouldn't be true. We have certificates for you from the Council, and we're very proud of you but it...are there any grandparents here? Holy cow! That's terrible! I'll tell you what. I'I1 be your surrogate grandpa tonight because I'm really, really proud of ya, and I'm sure your parents are very proud of you too. But, the awards say "for outstanding qualities of leadership within Shimek Elementary, as well as the community, and for sense of responsibility and helpfulness to others, we recognize these outstanding student citizens. Your community is proud of you. Presented by the Iowa City City Council." Thank you very much. (applause) Lehman: You know, every time I do that, I just kind of imagine how nice it would be ifI could give those to my granddaughters (laughter). This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 25, 2003. #4 Page 5 ITEM 4. CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED OR AMENDED. O'Donnell: So moved. Champion: Second. Lehman: Move by O'Donnell, second by Champion. Discussion? Kanner: We have a correspondence from an individual who thought their daughter was discriminated against at a local restaurant because they were African American, and I haven't had a chance to contact that person, but I was wondering if um we could ask Heather to contact them? Helling: She already has. Kanner: And is there anything further? Has she elaborated on that? Helling: Well she just contacted them to advise them of our ordinance and how they might, you know, proceed if they want to, and that's... Kanner: Okay, thank you. Lehman: Other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 25, 2003. #6 Page 6 ITEM 6. PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS. b. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE, TITLE 14, CHAPTER 6, ENTITLED "ZONING," ARTICLE B, ENTITLED "ZONING DEFINITIONS," SECTION 2, ENTITLED "DEFINITIONS." (SECOND CONSIDERATION) Vanderhoef: I move that the rule requiring the ordinances must be considered and voted on for passage at two Council meetings prior to the meeting at which it is to be finally passed, be suspended; that the second consideration and vote be waived and the ordinance be voted on for final passage at this time. O'Donnell: Second. Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef, second by O'Donnell, for extra-added consideration. Discussion? Roll call. Motion fails. Do we have a motion to...? Wilbum: Move for second consideration. Champion: Second. Lehman: We have a motion by Wilbum, second by Champion, for second consideration. Discussion? Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 25, 2003. #6 Page 7 ITEM 6. PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS. c. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF APPROXIMATELY 13,500 SQUARE FEET FROM CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (CB-2), TO PLANNED HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (PRM), LOCATED AT 512 S. DUBUQUE STREET SOUTH OF COURT STREET. (REZ03-00021) (SECOND CONSIDERATION) O'Donnell: Move second consideration. Champion: Second. Lehman: Motion by O'Donnell, second by Champion. Discussion? Kanner: Well once again I feel we have a pretty good model of the way it is currently and I think we ought to keep it that way with the retail on the first floor, and we need to insert that more in neighborhoods, retail on first floors, in certain spots. So, I'll vote against this. Lehman: Roll call. While we're here, item B and C, both had been requested expedited consideration. I would like to indicate that on December 2nd there is a meeting at the Council for an orientation, and at the beginning of that meeting there will be a special meeting to consider those two items. Okay. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 25, 2003. #7 Page 8 ITEM 7. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 3 ENTITLED "CITY FINANCES, TAXATION & FEES," CHAPTER 4, "SCHEDULE OF FEES, RATES, CHARGES, BONDS, FINES, AND PENALTIES"; AMENDING TITLE 14 ENTITLED "UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE," CHAPTER 3~ "CITY UTILITIES~' ARTICLE Ay "GENERAL PROVISIONS~' SECTION 14-3A-2, "DEFINITIONS," AND SECTION 14-3A-4, "RATES AND CHARGES FOR CITY UTILITIES" AND; AMENDING TITLE 14 ENTITLED "UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE," CHAPTER 3, "CITY UTILITIES~' ARTICLE G~ "STORM WATER COLLECTION~ DISCHARGE AND RUNOFFs' TO CREATE A STORMWATER UTILILTY AND ESTABLISH A STORMWATER UTILITY FEE. (SECOND CONSIDERATION) Lehman: We've been asked to defer to December 16th? Do we have a motion to that effect? O'Donnell: So moved. Karr: We already moved it last night so you can just skip this item. Lehman: Oh, okay. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 25, 2003. #9 Page 9 ITEM 9. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 2 OF THE CITY CODE, ENTITLED "HUMAN RIGHTS," TO SIMPLIFY THE PROBABLE CAUSE DETERMINATION PROCESS, TO PROVIDE FOR MEDIATION, TO STREAMLINE THE CONSILIATION PROCESS, TO DEFINE LITIGATION WORTHY, TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURES FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS, TO MODIFY THE POWERS OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, TO CLARIFY CERTAIN DEFINITIONS, AND TO MAKE ADDITIONAL NONSUBSTANTIVE CHANGES. (FIRST CONSIDERATION) Vanderhoef: Move first consideration. O'Donnell: Second. Lehman: Move by Vanderhoef, second by O'Donnell. Discussion? Wilburn: I had heard some of the concerns from some of the Commission members. They had a lot to say about this particular item. I think one piece of additional information that I was reminded of last night was that if there is no probable cause found in a case, that the individual still has recourse. They're still issued a right to sue, documentation, is that correct? Dilkes: A right to sue can be given after the case has been filed with us for sixty days. Once there is a no probable cause finding, there is not a right to a right to sue letter from us. The state will issue it because they have not investigated. That would not apply to issues of sexual orientation and gender identity, which are not covered by the state. Wilburn: So there still would be a chance for... Dilkes: Yeah, the filing of the complaint with the agency is a prerequisite to any court action. Wilbum: Did I interrupt you, Connie...? Champion: No, we just both started to talk at the same time. Lehmm~: Any other discussion? Champion: The only thing that I wanted to say too was I did have some questions from a few of the Commission members, but after our discussion last night, I'm very comfortable with passing this ordinance to changes. Lehman: I would agree. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 25, 2003. #9 Page 10 O'Donnell: And our Human Rights Director does support this, as well as the Humans Right Commission, so... Shank: Yes. I brought the chairperson in if you would like to speak with her as well. Lehman: Well I think you did a good job. I don't have questions. You did a good job last night. Champion: You answered them all. Shank: Okay. I'm sorry. O'Donnell: You answered every question last night. Shank: Well thank you very much. I'll go back to my other meeting. Lehman: Well wait till roll call. Roll call. I'm sorry. Shank: Oh yeah. Kanner: I have some concerns with it. I'm speaking to the Council Members, I'm sorry, but feel free to comment. Shank: No, no! Kanner: No, I think that we want our citizen commission to be involved as much as possible. We heard comments that this is legal issues and it's for legal minds, but I think there's a lot of issues we heard. Grand juries, and juries, in general, where there are legal arguments made and then we have our citizens make these decisions. Certainly we make decisions with advice from legal counsel, and I think we want to get the Commission as involved as possible in these decisions on probable cause. If someone does not agree with the decision, in the proposed rules, of the City Attorney and the Human Rights Coordinator, they can refer....I forgot, what was the term used yesterday? Not appeal...after reconsideration, but it's the same people, and I think if we are going to have them being the one to determining it, I think we need to have either the whole Commission or a committee of the Commission, look at reconsideration. I want our citizen commission in there every step of the game for the most part, as much as possible, to hear from the beginning what's going on, and make those decisions. Also, the Commission is taken out of conciliation, which I don't think is a good thing, and even, I think there's a lot of options available for people besides our Commission, but the point of the Commission is for rights too I would assume, is that perhaps it makes it a little easier for them if they the support of the Commission, if the ruling is This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 25, 2003. #9 Page ll in their favor. So, certainly they still have that right too, but I think, want citizens involved, want the Commission to be part of that decision making, and because of those things I'm going to vote against it, and it wasn't a unanimous decision on some of these points from the Commission. It was a 4 to 2 vote on some of the issues. Lehman: You're right, Steven, and I hear what you're saying, but when it comes to determining whether or not there is probable cause, I honestly believe that is a legal decision to be made by people with legal training, and I am uncomfortable having lay people make those sorts of decisions, and so I will support this change. Vanderhoef: And we heard last night that Commission members have the opportunity to read through case files after they have been closed so they can keep abreast of the information and kinds of cases that are coming, and how they are being ruled. So, it might give them some direction in their education of the public, and might even point towards things that they would chose to push to be changed at the state level. Shank: That's correct. Generally, what we'll do is give them the investigative summary in each of the closed cases so they can make educational plans after they read them, so... Lehman: Other discussions? Roi1 call. Motion carries 5 to 1, Kanner voting the negative. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 25, 2003. #11 Page 12 ITEM 11. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST THE NECESSARY AGREEMENTS AND EASEMENTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LODGE, LOT 1, RUPPERT HILLS SUBDIVISION, IOWA CITY, IOWA. Vanderhoef: Move the resolution. O'Dormell: Second. Lehman: Move by Vanderhoef, second by O'Donnell. Discussion? Kanner: Karin? I'm sorry, I didn't get to ask you yesterday (laughter). I'm not clear on what some of the agreements are for these, for number 11 for the lodge. Franklin: Uh, these were done through Public Works in the Attorney's office so I'm afraid I can't help you. Dilkes: Essentially they're the types of agreements you would find with legal papers and a platting. This is a site plan review that is done, so we need to do it this way. There's a number of agreements involved. Kanner: Why is this different than how we normally do it? I don't understand that. Dilkes: Because it's not a final plat. It's a site plan review. Kanner: I'm still not following why. Is it a site plan review as opposed to... Franklin: Maybe I can help. I think the reason that there are a number of easements and documents with this site plan, which you normally don't have, is the size of this particular project. This is the Calloway Lodge on the north side of Highway 1, that very large apartment building, and when we did the subdivision, the subdivision was for three lots. It was a fairly simple subdivision, but the complexity of this project is on this one lot where there had to be, evidently, a number of easements for the utilities and for the driveway. That would be the reason that you would do it with a site plan rather than the subdivision. Karmer: Or why not the plat? Franklin: Because at the time of the platting, you are not looking at the level of detail that you would need to know exactly where the sewer was going to go for that particular building, and where the water lines were going to go for that building. That's the only explanation I can offer, and there's nobody from Public Works here. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 25, 2003. #11 Page 13 Kanner: Okay. Dilkes: If you read the comment, it reflects the agreements that are being executed which are essentially similar to that that is done at the platting stage, and as Karin has explained, we weren't at a stage where we could identify the specifics of those agreements when we did the platting for this property, therefore, they're being done now. There's really no difference. Lehman: Okay. Other discussions? Kanner: Thank you, Karin. Lehman: Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 25, 2003. #12 Page 14 ITEM 12. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY AND THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, AND A SIDE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY AND THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE SIDEWALK EXTENSION FROM HAWKINS DRIVE TO ELLIOT DRIVE ALONG HIGHWAY 6 PROJECT [STP-E-3715(624) ~V- 521. Wilburn: Move adoption of the resolution. Vanderhoef: Second. Lehman: Move by Wilburn, second by Vanderhoef. Discussion? Kanner: Well 1 hate to see this happening. I brought this up a couple years ago, and after seeing, and myself and a number of people, walking along a dirt path, and it's taken a couple years and, but it's happening. Good to see it will help a lot of people that make that journey. Lehman: Actually that's been going on for, as long as I've been on Council, they've been requesting this, and the City is the facilitator of this. This is actually being funded by the Department of Transportation and the University of Iowa is providing the matching money, but for whatever reasons the City needs to be the facilitator, but this is a project that has needed doing for a long time. Champion: Does this finish that sidewalk? Lehman: Pardon? Champion: Does this finish that sidewalk now? O'Donnell: To the arena. Lehman: Right. Where you can walk from Hawkins Drive to, well the arena, without having to walk in the street or along a dirt path. O'Donnell: And we addressed this at JCCOG too and this is long overdue, and it's been needed, and it'll certainly be welcome. Lehman: Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 25, 2003. #14 Page 15 ITEM 14. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AN ADMINISTRATIVE FEE FOR PROVIDING SIDEWALK REPAIR BY CONTRACT. Vanderhoef: Move the resolution. Wilburn: Second. Lehman: Move by Vanderhoef, second by Wilburn. Discussion? Wilbum: Just a reminder for the public, some folks had asked me about this. This is to recover some administrative cost for folks who have been given notice but haven't complied with getting sidewalks repaired and it's important to have those repaired for public safety, and accessibility. Lehman: And it just covers, if it does even that, covers the administrative costs to the City for having the work done. Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 25, 2003. #17 Page 16 ITEM 17. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF $5,570,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND LEVYING A TAX TO PAY SAID BONDS. O'Donnell: So moved. Vanderhoef: Second. Lehman: Move by O'Dormell, second by Vanderhoef. Discussion? Kanner: I had a question. Do we normally do this at a ten-year repayment schedule? Atkins: Yes. Karmer: Do we normally do it that short? I thought most of these are longer. Atkins: What we try to do is we analyze each of the bonds at the time we're packaging them together. The desire to have a ten-year lowers the interest rate and also improves our credit position because of rapid payback. It's, each particular bond issue is going to have a different life on it. For example, on like a water or sewer project, we might run it out twenty-five to thirty years, just given the life of the asset. In this case it's, the intent is, improve the credit rating, easy payback, and we get a lower interest rate. Next time, Steve, we may, if the bond market is in some different position, we may recommend something else. Kanner: Do you expect that most of these things that we're going to be paying for won't have a life span past ten years? Atkins: No, I believe that they will have. We simply, the bond market was so good, we decided that we could swing the short-term payback and it only makes good sense to take advantage of it. These assets are longer term fixed assets. Lehman: Okay? Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 25, 2003. #20 Page 17 ITEM 20. ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES. Lehman: (reads vacancies) Tremendous opportunity for folks to get involved in City government. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 25, 2003. #21 Page 18 ITEM 21. CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION. Lehman: Connie? Champion: I want to wish everybody a Happy Thanksgiving. Lehman: Mike? O'Donnell: I'd like to welcome Tom Davis back to town as a Coach. I don't want him to win but I welcome him back (laughter), and everybody have a nice Thanksgiving, a safe one. Vanderhoef: Okay, I'll just second what you both said. I'm glad they're back in town, and I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving with my family. Wilburn: Just want to thank the outgoing Executive Director of the United Way, Beverly Weber. She has accepted a position out in Washington State, and just thank her for a good tenure as Director, Coordinating Services, for all of our agencies here in Johnson County, and secondly, on Saturday, December 6th, I believe there's a holiday festival and one-year celebration of new ownership at Sycamore Mall, and if you come between 1 and 2pm in the afternoon, you can hear a clarinet choir called Yuletide Jazz featuring me. (laughter) Lehman: Is that an advertisement? (laughter) Wilburn: That's an advertisement! Champion: Do we have to go? (laughter) Wilburn: You do not have to go! Kanner: Are you going to wear one of those pointy, long pointy... Wilburn: I'll probably have a Mickey Mouse Santa tie on, but that's about... Lehman: All right. Vanderhoefi Would you like a hat? I have one you can borrow. Wilburn: No, you can wear it. Lehman: Steven? Kanner: A few things here. One, we had a discussion with Latham and Associates last week, and one of the comments that came up was a concern with if we This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 25, 2003. #21 Page 19 went through with the municipal, what would happen with the former employees of Mid-American if we hired them? Would they keep the union? There were some comments that yes, they could transfer the whole union, and there was from the audience a question on a card saying no that's not true. I talked to Dale a little bit, and talked to someone from PERB, Public Employees Relation Board, to see what is the case, and didn't really get a clear answer on this one. It's something that I think bears looking into. One can understand the concern of the employees of Mid-American not knowing what would happen perhaps with their jobs if a municipal electric utility went through. On the other hand, I don't think we want to set up a situation where it's municipal electric on the one hand, versus employees of Mid-American. So, I was wondering if we could ask Dale, as a Council, to look into this a little more, and our City Attorney perhaps, to see what would be the situation. Whether or not employees could form a new union; what is the status of our current contract. I think Dale has some of the answers but I think it might need a little more investigation and support of the City Attorney. I bring that to the City Council to see what your thoughts are on that. Champion: I think it's a valid thing to know, on the other hand, Latham also said we probably would not have a fully staffed public utility in the beginning. That we would outsource a lot of that so we wouldn't be taking, probably wouldn't be taking a whole group of employees in the beginning anyway. Lehman: You know, I would hope that this Council will schedule a public meeting where a lot of these things can be discussed. We met with Mr. Latham and I ~vould hope that after the first of the year we can get...there's so many issues here that need to be addressed. This is one of many, many issues, Steven, that I think will have to be addressed, and I'm sure they will be when we have our public...I would hope we have a meeting with the public, cause I think it needs to go on the list of issues to be addressed, I agree. Kanner: Maybe at a work session we need to talk about the next public session, or discussion, in regards to the prospects of municipal electric. If you're interested in setting that up... Lehman: My personal feeling is that we probably will want to set that up with the new Council, and that we will have, I would imagine, extensive discussions relative to municipal utility. Vanderhoef: I think at our December meeting when we're sort of setting calendar kinds of things, this will be one of the things that we will be looking at. Where do we put it in along with budget meetings, and some of those other things that come in the first three months of the year. I look forward to having more public input and discussion on this, and I think we will end up This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 25, 2003. #21 Page 20 having a number of questions that will need to be researched and how they may overlap with other questions, I'd just as soon clump them together until, so we can bring them back in a fashion where we can put them back out to the public in answer to their questions that come up. Kanner: I think it's a good idea next week to put that on the agenda to talk about how that fits in with the schedule. Lehman: And I think it's important Council bring their schedules with them or your calendars, cause next Tuesday we probably will be setting some dates. O'Donnell: That is at 4pm? Lehman: 4pm Tuesday. Kanner: Okay. I talked with Irvin. He's sorry he couldn't be here. He is recovering from a nasty weeklong illness, that he wouldn't have missed the meeting otherwise. And, some points I made with regards to the budget. We got a budget analysis now from Kevin and the Finance Department, which I find very helpful. I had a memo in last week's info packet. Lehman: Nice job on that too, Steven. Lot of work. Kanner: Thank you, and well it was helped greatly with Kevin and what they're doing with the quarterly report of how we're matching up with our budget, and that's going to help us a lot as a Council, and I think it will help the public to see if this is where they want the Council to continue to emphasize things. Um, but a couple of the things I think merit special notice, and I just ~vanted to mention some of those and see again if perhaps this is something that the Council would want to take up in the near term. The first one would be that we found that we had large amounts over budget for magistrate court fines. They're up 132% of budget, and um, we might want to consider. My suggestion would be to put some of that back into, to lessen the effect of binge drinking, which could be supporting the new health program that they have at the City school district. We used to support them through the DARE program. There's a number of other things, and then we have transit fees are up, and they're up 127%, and urn, the Finance Department says this is due in part because of the increase from UI's purchases, and Connie, I don't know if it was you or perhaps Dee had mentioned that you wanted to look at cafeteria plans, for benefits, at the next budget, and one thing I think we ought to look at, include in that mix, is the subsidy we give for private parking. We do give some benefits to bus passes, but perhaps we could give more to that, and we can look at whether or not we want to subsidize This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 25, 2003. #21 Page 21 the car parking for employees to the extent. So, I would ask that this be put on the budget session also, and... Vanderhoefi You're saying to charge more for... Lehman: We can't discuss this. We can put... Vanderhoef: I'm clarifying the question, is all. Lehman: Okay. Kanner: Well, I think... Dilkes: Can I just...this is what happens. This is what happens. Somebody needs to clarify the question, then there is a discussion, and then we're talking about something like we started to last night that's not on the agenda, so I think what we need to do is frame the issue. The issue is, as I see it, the points that Steven has raised about the budget in his recent memo. Then there needs to be a discussion, and there shouldn't be anything more than this, but a discussion about whether you want to talk about that at a future point. Put it on the agenda and give the Council, or the public, notice about that. But I'm becoming increasingly concerned about the use of Council time. Lehman: Well, let me just... Steven, I think we will keep your memo and it will be part of our budget discussion. Kanner: The question is, how does one get, if there's got to be three people and it's a political process, to get three people, it seems there should be allowed some discussion about some of these issues if we want to get it on to a discussion and get those three people to formally put it on, um, so clarifying questions or presentation... Lehman: Well, are there three folks who would like to discuss Steven's memo as part of our budget discussion? I have no problem with it. Champion: I have no problems with it either. Vanderhoef: That's fine. Lehman: You got it. Kanner: All right, thanks. Um, and then, just to note, make note, of Economic Development Committee, it was noted in the minutes that Southgate wants a zoning change for development proposal on North Dodge near Hy-Vee. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 25, 2003. / #21 Page 22 Do we know what zoning they're asking for there? And I think I'd like to have some information on that. Lehman: I have no idea. Vanderhoef: I didn't know about it. Dilkes: What are you referring to, in the minutes, Steven? Kanner: In the meetings from Economic Development. Dilkes: Oh. Kanner: Strategy discussion that took place...this is from October 7th, near Hy- Vee. Lehman: I think that the discussion relevant to that is a very general discussion. I don't think anyone has asked for a rezoning. It was an issue that... Kanner: Well, it was brought up that Southgate, I think Karin was part of this discussion, and it was brought up that Southgate would probably want a zoning change, and although at this time it is a general thing, once things get put into our guiding principals, that's what staff relies on, so it's important, and this is something that you're talking about putting into Economic Development strategies, so, I think it's important that we clarify and let people know that that is out there, and the other thing that was discussed is the possibilities of developing Sand Road all the way down to Hills, in the long term. And to me that's something that has huge repercussions and urn, just want to bring it to light that this is being talked about out there. Champion: Probably not in our lifetime, it's a long way isn't it? Kanner: Well, that's what we heard about a number of other issues and then it was moved up into a lot of our life times, and so once things get out there they have a way of taking off. O'Donnell: But they still have to go through the system, and we will have the final say here, and you know, that system is planning and zoning, and much discussion. I don't think I'm as concerned it's going to happen tomorrow. Kanner: And then, um, it was, just want to mention that um, in philosophical and evolution models, there is thesis, antithesis, synthesis that's often used, and it's a way of getting to so-called higher level, and there was talk yesterday about limiting public discussion. Just want to bring to the attention that three years ago we voted to not have public comment, This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 25, 2003. #21 Page 23 instead of public discussion, and that public discussion is a good thing. It helps us ail vigorous debate and comments and questions, and I think we need to have more of that. Certainly within the context of the open meetings and public meetings law, but we should push that as far as we can. Public discussion is a good thing. We meet very rarely with meetings every three or four weeks, public meetings, average throughout the year, and so when people come here we shouldn't discourage them so I would urge us to think about that on Tuesday when we meet, and the public brings that up. And then the last two things, one, walking here and appreciated Christian Science Church,. I walked by on College, and they had an open sign in their reading, their library, and it's open to anyone and those are the kinds of things that make neighborhoods exciting, and I hope that our development code includes that. And then finally, Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, and a good end to the Ramadan fast. Lehman: Thank you. A couple things, next Thursday is Economic Development Committee where we'll be discussing the storm water. It's Thursday, isn't it? Wilbum: I think so, at 9. Lehman: Yeah, Thursday at 9:00, and we'll be discussing an issue that we deferred from tonight. Also have been asked by Heather to announce (tape ends) there is a youth town meeting to do with violence and bullying, Wednesday, December l0th, 7 to 9pm, at the Senior Center Assembly Room. And this again is sponsored by the Human Rights Commission. And, like the rest of the Council, Thanksgiving is probably one of the neatest holidays that we celebrate, only I fear that many of us just kind of skip over it because it's so close to the holiday season, but it is a wonderful opportunity to count our blessings, and we all are truly blessed. We just don't take the time to think about it, so have a Happy Thanksgiving everybody. Champion: The best thing about it is mashed potatoes and gravy. Lehman: Well a lot of people think it's the turkey (laughter). O'Donnell: I assure you I've never skipped over it. (laughter) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 25, 2003. #22 Page 24 ITEM 22. REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF. Atkins: Nothing, sir. Lehman: Eleanor? Karr: I do have your packets ready so you don't have to come in tomorrow. Lehman: Right. Packets for Tuesday's meeting are here. We need to sign for those because there will be a special meeting prior to the orientation. Do we have a motion to adjourn? Vanderhoef: So moved. Wilbum: Second. Lehman: All in favor? We are adjourned. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 25, 2003.