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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-12-16 Transcription#3 Page 1 ITEM 3. OUTSTANDING STUDENT CITIZENSHIP AWARDS - Lincoln Elementary Lehman: The next item on the agenda are the Outstanding Student Citizenship Awards, so if the folks from Lincoln Elementary would come forward please. This is my favorite part of the Council meeting, cause you guys are about the same age as my granddaughters, not that you're my granddaughters (laughter). Any~vay, this is the part that is very special for Council. I think it's very special for the community. I know it's special for parents, and it's particularly special for grandparents, so what I'd like each of you to do if you would read your name and why you've been nominated. Powell: My name's Jonathan. I am honored to receive this outstanding student citizen award. My contributions for earning this award are: as an alternate on student council, I go to meetings if someone is absent. We schedule dates with special activities for the 4th, 5~h and 6th grade students. I am a crossing guard in patrol and I make sure the kids cross the street safely. I also help kindergartners locate maps on the internet. I am a tech mentor, and as a tech mentor I assist any student who needs help with anything on the computer. I have served as an interviewer for the Lincoln newsletter, and I help serve lunch at recess. I especially thank my teachers and Mrs. (can't hear) for choosing me for this recognition for being an outstanding student citizen. (applause) Lehman: Council, he's an expert on computers. You know, you might have some customers right back here! (laughter) Okay. Goldsmith: Hi, I'm Katie Goldsmith. I want to thank you for this award. I am in 6th grade and I think it's cool to help because when you help someone they learn that they can help somebody else. Some of things I'm on are safety patrol, kindergartner helper, teacher helper, tech mentor, and peer assistant. I remember once when I was a tech mentor there was a 3~d grader and he was having some trouble so I asked if he needed some help and he said okay. That just made me feel good. Once my teacher asked another kid and me to carry something and I wanted to get home, but I said sure so she wouldn't have to carry it herself. Thank you very much for this award. (applause) Ohland: Hi, my name is Morgan Ohland and I think I was chosen by my teachers and principal because I help the primary and kindergarten students, and I am on safety patrol and tech mentors. I think that helping with little kids is a good thing because when they get older they will know how to use computers, and get around the school and neighborhood. Thank you for this award. I really appreciate it. (applause) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 16, 2003. #3 Page 2 Lehman: We have some certificates for you. 1'11 read one of them: for outstanding qualities of leadership within Lincoln 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. (applause) Lehman: Thank you very much. Now we have another kind of a special presentation that's not on the agenda. Irvin, if you and Steven Kanner would come forward please. Steven and Irvin are participating in the last regularly scheduled meeting of the year. Both ofthem...pardon? Kanner: ... sure on that (laughter). Lehman: Both of these gentlemen have served for four years on the Council, and for those of us who have been on the Council, there's a lot of work involved and we have something to present to each of you in remembrance of the time that you have spent with us. This is a framed print ora gazebo at College Green Park, along with a plaque at the bottom with your name and the time of the years that you served on the Council. Irvin. Thank you very much, and the best of luck to both of you. (applause) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 16, 2003. #4 Page 3 ITEM 4. CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED OR AMENDED. Champion: Move adoption minus e(1). O'Donnell: Second. Lehman: Move by Champion, second by O'Donnell to adopt, removing e(1). Discussion? Pfab: Was there an addition to correspondence? Kart: There is an addition before you this evening. There's two correspondence correspondence from Liz Goodman regarding downtown parking (staff response), and David Wergeland regarding Lewis Investments, as amended. It's included. Champion: But that's included? Lehman: That's included. Discussion? Kanner: Urn, yeah, a few things that I had. One is in regards to City Council's minutes, number 4 (a). The first one is in regard to a work session number 2, where the decision was made to accept the financing for the child, proposed child care center, at the parking ramp, the Court Street parking ramp, and the only thing I would ask is that in the future, Council asks for more time before we get that kind of information. It was a little last minute, and staff does good work, but I would say that if we have some more time, we could look for other possible solutions or take it out to the community and see if there's something else that might even be a better solution. And then, in regards to minutes also, number 4(a) 4, the November 25th formal, I would ask that we slightly amend the minutes. I had mentioned a restaurant with possible, with allegations of human right's violations, and I didn't mention the restaurant, which was mentioned there so i would ask that that be stricken from the minutes there in regards to that. Lehman: Okay. Vanderhoef: That's fine. Kanner: And then the final thing in the, in our packet, that I wanted to comment on. We have the minutes from the Airport, from November 13th, and perhaps it was appropriate that we had a proclamation today. They're still discussing a consultant's recommendations and one thing I would ask Council to look at in the future, take a hard look at those This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 16, 2003. #4 Page 4 recommendations, and be assertive. Especially in the issue of whether or not there should be an airport manager as a City employee, and reading the minutes, the airport commissioners are reluctant to challenge that, and I know it's hard to do that. The airport manager is a good person, working to the best of his ability, but the question is what is best for the city in the long mn, and I think the City as the person, as the entity ~vith the power of the purse, can move things in a certain direction, and I would ask that City Council seriously put that into the mix for discussion about the future of the airport because I think we got some good recommendations from that consultant. Thank you. Lehman: Okay. Any other discussions? Roll call on the calendar with e(1) removed. Champion: Move adoption of e(1). O'Donnell: Second. Wilbum: I will not be participating in putting on this item. It involves opening the action plan which involves funding with community development, block grants and home funds, and I have a conflict of interest with those items and cannot participate in such discussions. Lehman: Thank you. Move by Champion, second by O'Donnell that we approve item e(1). Discussion? Roll call. Dilkes: It's a motion. Lehman: Oh, all in favor? Opposed? Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 16, 2003. #5 Page 5 ITEM 5. COMMUNITY COMMENT Lehman: This is the time reserved on the agenda for citizens to address the Council on issues that do not otherwise appear on the agenda. If you wish to address the Council, please give your name, address, and limit your comments to five minutes or less. Honohan: My name is Jay Honohan. I'm a member of the Senior Center Commission. My address is 1510 Somerset Lane. May I be the first to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Lehman: Thank you. Honohan: On behalf of the Commission, I would like to thank the City Council for its support this past year and the administration for its strong support. The Commission appreciates that. The Senior Center participants appreciate that, and I will see you at budget time so that I can gather support for the following year. I would also like to invite you to the Voices of Experience concert on December 18th at 2:30pm at the Senior Center. This will be a little special because this is Glen Jablonski's retirement after twenty-one years as the Director of the Voices of Experience. I guess he finally got lazy after all these years (laughter). I think he's 86 or 87 years old. We're very proud of him. By way of some of the things that the Commission has been doing, we are presently at about 700 in our membership drive. This is about halfway of where we want to be, but considering that we really have never had a big drive, and we anticipate our drive coming this spring, I'm very pleased with the results so far. We will be also sending to the Council next year a new scholarship program for the Senior Center for classes that are conducted at the center. This has been under discussion and we've had meetings, and a policy has been approved, and you will be receiving it in due time. We are, as I have indicated earlier, been monitoring the dining program and we will have a report on that. We're checking the participation of the dining program and we're trying to get a good hang on the costs of the dining program. We do have an estimate right now that only 34% of the meals that are eaten in the dining program are eaten at the Senior Center. So most of what's happening is going away from the Senior Center. Although it's to Iowa City residents, we know that there are residents in the county and other cities, and we're trying to get a real good handle on what is going on there, and then we may be coming back with some real serious policy discussions on what we do with the dining program. I would also like to point out in closing, that we are working on the hundred year celebration of the Post Office Building, and there will be events both in the spring and the fall next year, and we're certainly going to invite all past, present, and future Council people to that celebration. If you have any questions, I'll be glad to answer, but that's....I'11 let you get back to your other work. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 16, 2003. #5 Page 6 Karmer: Pick an at-large member? Lehman: Thank you, Jay. Honohan: Oh I'm sorry, yes we did. We selected an at-large member. Sarah Meyers. She lives in rural Johnson County. And she is our 7th member and she will start January 1 ~t. Kanner: Great. Lehman: Very good. O'Donnell: Thanks, Jay. Honohan: Thank you. Ross: Hi, I'm Brandon Ross. I live at 1822 Rochester Avenue, and it's good to see you folks before the holidays. I hope you all have a great holiday and I do want to come out for the community. The Council was nice in presenting Steven and Irvin with an award for their four years of service, but I want to redouble that consideration and thank Steven Kanner and Irvin Pfab for standing up for the community these past four years. It is very difficult work. These are two people who have been very, very visible in the community. Anybody who spends time downtown or in community types of activities knows Irvin and knows Steven, who will be sorely missed. I think that these are people who did stand up for neighborhood. Who stood up for the arts. People who were for clarifying issues for the common person who may not know the ways of government, and they're just great people. When my father-in-law, for instance, one night disappeared on a driving situation, and he's in his eighties. He got lost, and we lost him. Steven Kanner came out and spent the hours of midnight till five looking for him, and when my father passed away a couple years ago, Irvin Pfab came over to our house and helped with the organization of our trip to get back to Boston which we had to do, you know, in a hurry, and I just want to stand up for these people and thank them for standing up for us. Steven is going off to the east coast to be with his companion who is getting a degree in the arts, and Irvin I know is going to be around the community doing other work. These are two great people. It's been very interesting listening to the communications and the Council. I think that both Steven and Irvin have brought up points of view that we may not have gotten to hear otherwise, and have challenged the Council, and I hope that the Council continues in their spirit to consideration these types of issues that are very community- oriented types of issues that do protect the common man and woman, and that will go on in a positive and effective manner for these next four years, and so too I would like to also congratulate those who are coming on for This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 16, 2003. #5 Page 7 the first time, but for Steven Kanner and for Irvin Pfab, thank you so much for four years of service. Thank you. (applause) Lehman: Thank you, Brandon. Knapp: I would like to also reinforce what that gentleman said because... Lehman: You need to give your name if you would first please. Knapp: Okay, sorry. I'm Jim Knapp. You probably will get to call me Ensign (can't hear) if you ever saw Mr. Roberts before. Excuse me, Steven, I only had time to get something ready for Irvin and I would like to give it to him at this time. I like to write poetry. I want you to know if it hadn't been for your emergency medical team, I wouldn't be here, right here. Better than a year ago I fell and broke my back and I don't think I would have survived without them. So, Iowa City's done a fine job in a lot of respects. Ode to Irvin Pfab An Honorable Man, He served his people well. My regret is not that you lost in the end, but that we have lost an honest man. You by action and deed are a true friend. In the days ahead more will understand. You were there for the people in need. Working endless hours in endless dedication, you proved yourself by your creed. Even at time that you felt exasperation. You voted with your heart and mind. In your record there is no room for regret. Looking forward you wilI surely find, the friends you made are with you yet. There are more battles awaiting you. People that know your good deeds respect does not to a title accrue, but from kindness you spread as seeds. When you look back on difficult times, recall might does not always make right. Achievement is also the way one climbs, for part of life is being able to sleep at night. For rest from duties awesome responsibilities, often gives one time to recall and reflect. A time to develop a needed skill and ability, a time to approach the battle with greater effect. So in separating the wheat from the chaff, think not my friend about losing or winning. Take some time to sit back and laugh, after you rest there will be another inning. Lehman: Thank you, Jim. Knapp: I have other copies if anybody would like them. I can get more made. One other...oh, there it is. I'm sorry. (can't hear) I would like to take my last five minutes. If you have a meeting next week, you won't see me. I get three bones out of(can't hear) and then I'i1 be working again. Steven, I'll get you before you leave. (laughter) Only Time Will Tell. In the eleventh hour before the end of time, with a saddened heart and confused mind, the Clock Tower tolled his last chime. Then moving slowly he left the ramp behind. After shaking the concrete from his feet, he turned to This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 16, 2003. #5 Page 8 face the shameful bane of his life. Then remorsefully peering across Linn Street, for one last look at Ms. Vogel, his wayward wife. Thinking of the way she had been defiled, her very value given away in an attempt to ineptly legitimize her bastard child, with a deed and deal beyond contempt. Then on to send her illegitimate child to hell, he looked back to bid his friend Irving farewell. Taking one last look at his spouse in default, his hands dropped in awe as she turned into salt. Teary eyed he left on his southerly course, striding on with the power of righteousness. His mission was clear with a heart of remorse. He was determined boldly to avenge his duress. Then it became clear to him as he drew near. The Towers need to stand for one and all to see. Their redemptive purpose is a giant mirror, a looking glass reflecting the faces of apathy. Thank you. Lehman: Thank you. Knapp: Thank you Irvin, and Steven. Thank the rest of you. On the most part, you've done a wonderful job for Iowa City. Lehman: Anyone else like to speak in public discussion? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 16, 2003. #6 Page 9 ITEM 6. PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS. d. REZONING APPROXIMATELY 1/3 OF AN ACRE FROM PLANNED HIGH DENSITY MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (PRM) TO SENSITIVE AREAS OVERLAY PLANNED HIGH DENSITY MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (OSA-PRM) FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 512 S. DUBUQUE STREET (REZ03-00022) (1) Public Hearing Lehman: Public hearing is open. Public hearing is closed. Do we have a motion? (2) Consider an Ordinance (First Consideration) O'Donnell: Move first consideration. Champion: Second. Lehman: Move by O'Donnell, second by Champion. Discussion? Kanner: I had a question last night and um, is Ron... ? Atkins: There you go. Here he comes. Kanner: Alright. Knoche: Hi. Kanner: I had a question in regards to the ground water, listed in there. Page 4 of the Engineering report, page 116 of our packet. Let me just get to that. The level of ground water, level of fluctuation should be considered when developing design and construction plans for this project, which is a retaining wall they're talking about, and because it's going into protected slope it has to have engineering, licensed engineering approval. What are the ramifications of that statement that they're talking about? Knoche: What they're talking about is the amount of water that could possibly be behind the retaining wall at any time, but what they've done as far as design, is they have weep holes in the wall to take care of any water that would get behind the wall. So there's drainage holes in the retaining wall itself that lets water come through the wall if it would get up behind it. Kanner: Okay, so that's a pretty standard procedure that they've done there? Knoche: Yes. Kanner: Thank you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 16, 2003. #6 Page 10 Lehman: Thank you. Other discussion? Kanner: Aside from that, I do have some concern with the retaining wall. It's going to be quite tall in parts, sixteen feet tall, and even though this is, this hill was made by humans with fill material and other things, I think now it's part of the aesthetics and we have a Iot of parking lots going in there. We have I think the new building that went in a year or two with the big parking lot in the back, and we have this one with a big parking lot. As staff mentioned yesterday, there are other design possibilities that could have happened, and I would suggest that we ask for a new design. We have a neighborhood down there that works pretty well actually. It's exciting and vibrant, walkable, and has a good mix of business and residential, and if we overwhelm it with parking lots it really is detrimental. I mean, when I walk down Governor, not Governor, down Johnson and Van Buren and just see parking lots between the alley ways, I'm leery of that, and with retaining walls here, I just think it leaves a detriment to that area, and is not good for the community, and so I think we ought to be voting this down and ask for a new design on this. Lehman: Other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries six to one, Kanner voting the negative. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 16, 2003. #7 Page 11 ITEM 7. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 3 ENTITLED "CITY FINANCES, TAXATION AND FEES," CHAPTER 4, "SCHEDULE OF FEES, RATES, CHARGES, BONDS, FINES, AND PENALTIES"; AMENDING TITLE 14 ENTITLED "UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE," CHAPTER 3, "CITY UTILITIES," ARTICLE A, "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 RUNOFF," TO CREATE A STORMWATER UTIITY AND ESTABLISH A STORMWATER UTILITY FEE. (FIRST CONSIDERATION) Karr: Mr. Mayor, for the record, is this as amended or is this...you deferred one. Do you want to move it as amended? Lehman: Do I need a motion for this? Karr: Same title. Champion: Move first consideration as amended. Lehman: Motion by Champion. Vanderhoef: Second. Lehman: .Seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion? Neades: Hello, my name is Rebecca Neades. I'm with the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce, and I come tonight to, with the intent of opening discussion about this storm water utility fee. We would like to open discussion on, with, actually let me back up a minute. I've given you all a letter. You should have it in your packets, and then I gave you an amended one tonight. I won't read the entire letter to you cause I know you can go through that yourself, but what we're looking for is not to oppose a fee and we're not proposing a flat rate fee, like Coralville and North Liberty did. What we'd like to do is look at an equitable and fair way to base your formula for storm water utility that would take into consideration some of the things I've outlined. A few of them being a comprehensive calculation of runoff to not just impervious area but there are some cost associated and some fee, or there are some cost associated that are a flat fee or a set amount, and that would have to do with volume of the runoff from a site and some fixed costs, such as administrative, public education, etc. We would like some clarification on which portion of the proposed fee will be applied to new programs, and which are This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 16, 2003. #7 Page 12 coming from line items already in the general fund. We understand that you are not proposing a flat fee, but we think the formula should address the potential for a parcel to introduce pollutants to the receiving waters, and um, for example, all impermeable surfaces runoff does not pose the same environmental risk. If you collect water on a roof and it's taken to retention site or maybe taken to some, well it's discharged into a retention pond. It doesn't carry the same pollutants as water that would run offa roof and go across a large parking lot, maybe an oily surface, or maybe through a yard with pollutants from fertilizer, etc. So, our intent tonight is not to change your minds, it's to open discussion, and ask you to please postpone your ruling, or starting, by your initial passing, your first reading of the initial passing of the ordinance. Did that make sense for my first night up here? O'Donnell: Perfectly clear. Lehman: Well, except I guess I have a question. We had a public hearing over a month ago. Where have you been for the last month? Neades: I just started (laughter). Lehman: Where have the folks that you represent been? Neades: I understand. You know, I think it probably didn't pop up on the radar screen, and I apologize for that. I did start on the run on the 24th, and this is something I know is mandated, it's federally mandated. I guess...go ahead. Guard: Pat Guard, President of the Chamber of Commerce. I apologize and we understand that you had a public hearing and we were not present at that public hearing. We're acting in response to some of our members who have brought this up to us since the public heating, okay? We were not aware of that particular public heating, nor did we feel that that was a subject at that particular time. Since that time we have had a number of members come to us concerned about the subject in general. And again, they're not trying to say it's not a fair thing to have a fee for those type of things. We're not asking that at all. We know there has to be some type of fee. We know the environmental things that are coming down from the federal government that you have to enact and take care of. We're just asking for a little bit more time, and I guess more involvement, okay, from the business sector to be involved in that type of decision-making. Lehman: What sort of discussions are you proposing, and with whom? Guard: I would say mainly your staff and engineers to just come down and see if it is equitable. It may be extremely equitable, okay. I think we need to This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 16, 2003. #7 Page 13 alleviate that from some of the people who are out there, the companies that are out there, that feel this is not equitable, and they're not sure what it's based on. And again, we know you had your public hearing and they were not present either, and yes that's their fault. But I think that's the whole thing. A little bit more communication. We're not asking for it to be put off indefinitely, we're talking about a little bit more time to just look at that a little bit. Lehman: You are aware that the ICCAD Executive Committee has looked this over and has not, apparently, found a problem with it. Guard: Yes. Lehman: I mean, they have contacted a couple Council people. Guard: I am aware of that, but again, we're acting on our membership. O'DonnelI: That doesn't mean there can't be disagreement on this. Lehman: Well there will be forever. Guard: Oh yeah, there always is, right? O'Donnell: I do have concerns also and my concern is that on one side of a boundary you have a set fee, and on the other side it's substantially higher. I don't know how that, how that is going to mix with our business community, and I do think there is room for more discussion here. Guard: On the surface, one of the major things I think is in question by some of our members, okay, and we've met with a number of them. Both in engineering and from companies, is not the fact of how you're basing it on the square footage of a house. That's really not the problem. The problem is that the runoff from different buildings and different, whether it be industrial or commercial properties, is a lot different. Some has a lot more roof space versus parking space, so on and so forth, and those things have different contaminants that may go into the wastewater, into the water streams, okay? And I think they're trying to find an equitable way of looking at that so ~vhen you put the fees on the commercial and industrial people that it's based on some, rather than just the square footage because square footage, they feel, is not a fair thing, ~vhen it comes to that kind of property. Lehman: Okay. Thank you. Guard: Thank you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 16, 2003. #7 Page 14 Neades: Thank you. Bywater: Mr. Mayor, members of the Council, David Bywater in front of you. I also brought members of my "A" team (laughter), Emily and Megan. I figured it was a good idea to have a civics lesson early on in life, and I know that you will tell that all members of our community are welcome. I just thought I would step to the podium to represent a member of the Chamber, not speaking for the Chamber or its membership, but to say that there is a lot of concern about this issue out there in the community, and a lot of misinformation, and I think what we're trying to say before you today is that we can help with the implementation of this and avoid some of the confusion if we get some clarity. There's misinformation, or confusion, regarding the formula, regarding the impact, and regarding the overall goals that are trying to be achieved here with this, and the Chamber, as well as other vehicles in the community, can be used to help move this process forward and get this done, but we'd like a chance to have a little more input, and to have a little more discussion, and to learn more about what is trying to be achieved. And to understand all the issues at hand. I understand there was a public hearing on the l0th. AS the Chamber folks reiterated, it was missed by a number of different people under the radar screen but we do have active participation from the Chamber membership, in particular saying "hey wait a minute, this is something that we need to look at a little further". As far as the ICCAD issue that you bring up, Mr. Mayor, with all respect to you, I'll remind you that is a regional organization and they tend to look at city by city issues in those are city issues that need to be done, dealt with by a particular local institution, and I don't know and haven't read the specifics on what ICCAD had to say, but I do know that you have some members, or business entities here in the city that are very concerned about this and want to discuss it further. That being said, I'll adjourn and Emily, Megan and I will go home and read some stories, unless there's any questions. Lehman: Thank you, David. Champion: Thanks, David. Bywater: You bet. Thank you. Lehman: Further discussion? Champion: Well I know that staff really wants to get this moving, but even though we've talked about it for years, it really did move pretty quickly once it came, once it came to us and ! don't have any problems with the Chamber getting involved, and we're going to have to charge something. There's just no doubt about it and the Economic Committee did reduce the fees about 40%, was it? O'Donnell: 50%. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 16, 2003. #7 Page 15 Champion: 50%, on our amended charges, or we could vote on it tonight and see if they come up with some other questions and answers that could be done because it does take three readings. Lehman: Right. I tend, I have no difficulty whatsoever in discussing this with the Chamber folks and our Engineering folks. I do think it's something we need to proceed on, and it does require three readings. If we discover, if we have the first reading tonight and there are difficulties that come up and we need to amend it, we start over. But I do think that a first reading is not inappropriate. We can always defer the second or third reading, which is not something that is unheard of, but I also think it perhaps puts a little more impetus on getting this done quickly if we have the first reading already passed, so I would support going, um, discussions absolutely, but I also would support doing the first reading. Vanderhoef: When you say quickly you're meaning pushing the conversations and getting more information to the folks. Lehman: Yeah, I think if we have the first reading... Vanderhoef: Just clarifying... Lehman: That if we have the first reading that there ~vill be a far more, there's more urgency to the conversations between the Chamber folks and our staff if we've already started the process, and so I don't have a problem with starting that. O'Donnell: I would like to avoid that urgency, Ernie. I really would. I'd like to open this up and sit down and talk to people. 1 don't think there's anything that's pressing this to be accomplished right now. This has been ongoing. In my mind it's a matter of fairness, and you know, I know we have had a public hearing. This is a federal mandate. Something is going to happen. But I disagree with the way we've structured the fee on it. Vanderhoefi The thing that I see is I think we're all well aware that we receive our budgets on the 24th, and the dollars that we're talking about from this are part of that budget and certainly we can amend the budget, but I agree that we do need to keep moving forward on it. I am very willing to visit with the Chamber, but more importantly I think for the questions that Engineering can answer better for some of those businesses. The formula, I think, is fair. I support the formula as it is. I think we are on good grounds of making it pass what it is for the residential and the unit rate, and I'm okay with that. lfthere are some other measurements that might need to be addressed on runoff from buildings that is contained versus coming offofimpervious surfaces like parking lots, I would look at that. I don't know that there's any way that we can move forward on that, but there might be some measurements that could help, but it might not change the total scheme of the fee any~vay. O'Donnell: Dee, I point out to you this was reduced 50%. Our Economic Development Committee sat down for a short period of time and reduced it 50%. I wouldn't mind sending it back and having more discussion on it. Because I think these fees, some of these fees are going to be, in my mind, extremely high, and if we This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 16, 2003. #7 Page 16 are, if we are willing to reduce the initial amount 50%, perhaps there's more room for work here. Lehman: Is that a motion to defer? O'Donnell: I would like to move to defer this. Pfab: Second. Lehman: Have a motion and a second to defer. Champion: Before we vote on that, would we ask the Economic Development Committee to meet with the Chamber to iron out some of these problems or to discuss, do they meet with staff?. Who would the Chamber meet with? Lehman: Connie, I think the Chamber needs to meet. The questions they have, some of these are of a fairly technical nature, and I think they really have to meet with Engineering and Public Works. I don't, I think from a political consideration, Economic Development Committee has done about what we can do. I don't feel qualified to address it any further than we have. Vanderhoef: Emie, I would be very happy to sit in on that but I want all of us around the table for that conversation. I think it's important for us to know those things. If there are going to be changes I want to hear the same conversation (tape ends) as anyone else heard, so if they want to meet with Economic Development, and Engineering, and representatives from the Chamber, I would be willing to do that. Wilbum: There was a certain, there was a logic to the 50% reduction, and correct me if I'm wrong, the Economic Development Committee did look at stuff that we know from our own experience, that commercial properties have perhaps an unfair burden related to this --- their taxable value and what the residents get a break through the residential roll-back. This is something while we had a conversation at one meeting, staff, engineering and others had put together and thought through the logic of what, in coming up with this formula. But there was a logic to that component of it. So I don't feel it was a figure that really was kind of pulled out of the air. O'Donnell: 1 want to make sure. l wasn't suggesting that. I was just saying that we did... Wilbum: Okay, I'm just making sure the public and our guests knew that. The second thing, you know, it is, as Dee pointed out, we do have a budget to be prepared and this would be implemented July I, is that correct? Atkins: You really have a great deal of flexibility. I targeted July 1 assuming that there would be a program of education. We would probably like to sit down with each and every one of the larger industries to explain that. If you're suggesting we have some of those conversations prior to your adoption or consideration of this, you know, that's fine too. But I think if we're going to have these meetings, we This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 16, 2003. #7 Page 17 ought to have a number in mind so they can go back and look at what the consequences are of this expense in their operation. Wilbum: And I think you had alluded to that time period at the Economic Development Committee between no;v and July 1, the proposed date, to take a look at some suggestions about whether it's feasible to measure the quality of the runoff, that type of thing, so I'm looking at moving forward with this, and it was said at the tail end of the Committee meeting that if there's any other of those type of recommendations related to technical aspects of possibly if someone were to come up with some newer method to monitor or implement this, that that would be something that could be looked at and discussed, and perhaps modified in the meantime so I'm looking towards moving forward with this, and not deferring. Kanner: I think that, urn, what Irvin's been saying and actually some of what Mike has been saying, and some of what the Chamber has been saying does make sense in that I think we can do a better job in putting this together. We can look at regional concerns. We're going to have the League of Women Voters coming to the Council, another council, to look at more regional cooperation. This is one area perhaps we can work together. We can do better at re;yards and punishments. Sort oflike what the Chamber is saying in terms of businesses and residents, and Irvin has been saying this too, that do a better job and we should find a way to reward them and we should do it right in the beginning. We should bring the environmentalists into the discussion. I don't just want to have a discussion where we have just the business interest represented. I think we need to have environmental group representation, and we have a number of those groups in town that could be part of the discussion, environmental advocates and Sierra Club. I am leery though of deferring this. I think already we've cut the fees for the industrial and business in half, and I can only see it going down further, Irvin. And I think that what we need to do is pass it as it is now, and then convene a group of people together to discuss this, and then look at it in a year's time and see if we can come up with something better. Put all those interest groups at the table and let's see if we can get a better system. I think we can. I would agree with you. l say let's go with what we have now at these fees, imperfect as it is, before we get it down to zero, or we're paying them actually to put in parking lots. Lehman: I doubt that that would happen, Steven, but... Pfab: I'd like to make a comment ifl might. Lehman: Alright. Pfab: I have not seen the neighborhoods get involved, neighborhood associations. I haven't seen homeowners get involved, and I don't see the public being aware, and I don't know if we're doing a good enough job. Did we have any public forums or anything like this? Any education? I think that the time to do this is at the beginning, rather than...we should encourage people to become, to buy into it. A million bucks is a million dollars. Somebody's going to pay for it. And that might be just the start. So, when you open up your bill and it's there, and you haven't realized that it's coming, it may be a shock to some people. And to This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 16, 2003. #7 Page 18 some people the size of the bill is not going to be important, it's manageable. Some people it isn't. I don't know. Is this something that as a utility, for people of low income, are they going to get a discount like they do, like is available for water and sewer? I mean, I think there's a whole group of unanswered questions, and that's why I'm saying, I'm all for postponing it, and get the people involved. Wilbum: I believe the latter question was answered. Lehman: It was. They would qualify. Wilburn: That that would be, yes, someone who would qualify for some of the existing fee reductions. And I think, excuse me Emie just to finish, in a broader sense, the public and environmentals have had input into this because that's how we ended up with the Clean Air and Water Act. I mean, the issue here is it's been passed on unfunded to communities and now you have to figure out how to do it. Lehman: Let's vote on....l'm sorry. O'Donnell: Well, it appears like this is going to pass tonight. There are three readings. I cannot support this because I'm not, I do not agree with the fee structure the way we set it up, but like I said we will have two more readings. Pfab: I won't be able to support it because I don't think there's been enough public input. Lehman: Alright, how many, all those in favor of deferring would indicate by raising their right hand. I count one, two. Those opposed, same sign. Vote is 5 to 2, with O'Donnell and Pfab voting in the affirmative. Now, discussion on, is there any further discussion. Let me just say personally I really feel this needs to have first consideration. I'll be the first one in line to defer second consideration if there are significant problems that are uncovered ~vith the discussions between the staff and the Chamber. Champion: Well because it's the holidays and our next meeting is pretty early in January, I think we'll have to defer the second reading. Lehman: Well I think...let's you guys work out the meeting with our folks, and I'm sure there will be communications back and forth, but I don't think there's anybody up here that's going to be upset at all about deferring second consideration, but 1 think the first consideration for me is important because we need to tell folks this is going to happen, it is going to move forward. We can change it and we can do it over, but we are going to do it. Atkins: Ernie, can I have Rick come to the microphone, or Brian, for a moment, just so I make sure for the purpose of the record ~vhat is our permitting process application obligations to the feds, as far as timing? Fosse: Our permit has been submitted to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, which administers it on behalf of the feds, and we're waiting for a response from them so... This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 16, 2003. #7 Page 19 Atkins: Okay, thanks. Lehman: Okay. Kanner: Yeah, I'd like to say that no one is overly thrilled about higher taxes, but it has been found in surveys that people do, are willing to pay for environmental quality issues, and Iowa City often has had tougher regulations than surrounding communities, and in part that's one of the things that makes it more attractive. Our building permits are still going strong, and hopefully we can work out something with our surrounding community, but I think we often times set the trail blazing in these regards, and then eventually the other cities surrounding us follow us, and I like that role for Iowa City. We're known for that and that's a good thing to be known for. Lehman: Okay. Roll call. Pfab: I believe there was somebody wanted to make a... Guard: I just wanted to make one other comment, thank you. We appreciate your consideration tonight and we understand your time on this and so on. We will be more than happy to be in contact first thing in the morning with the City, and work out a get together. Lehman: Work with Rick. He'll coordinate whatever needs to occur and if you need time, you have time. I think that goes without saying. Guard: We appreciate your consideration. Thank you. Lehman: Roll call. Motion carries 5 to 2, Kanner...pardon me...O'Donnell and Pfab voting in the negative. Karr: Excuse me, Mr. Mayor. Could we go back to Item 7 and accept correspondence please? Vanderhoefi So move. Wilburn: Second. Lehman: We have a motion and a second for correspondence. All in favor? Opposed? Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 16, 2003. #12 Page 20 ITEM 12. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AMENDING IOWA CITY'S 2001- 2006 CONSOLIDATED PLAN (A.K.A. CITY STEPS); AS AMENDED BY CHANGING THE PRIORITY FOR NEIGHBORHOOD FACILITIES FROM "MEDIUM" TO "HIGH". Wilburn: Mr. Mayor, I will be abstaining due to a conflict of interest and not participating in discussion or the vote on this item. I work for an organization that receives CDBG funding, and thus the conflict of interest. Champion: Move the resolution. Vanderhoefi Second. Lehman: Move by Champion, second by Vanderhoef. Discussion? Kart: I'm sorry. Who moved and seconded? Lehman: Champion moved, Vanderhoef second. Kanner: Um, yeah this makes sense, um, people I've met in our HCDC, Housing Community Development Commission, met to move this up in priority. I was looking at the application, I think it was, for CDBG Home Funds that people can apply for, for the upcoming fiscal year '05, and one thing that struck me, I brought this up before, is that people are eligible to a very high dollar amount of income. The medium income in Iowa City for a family of four is $62,000 and a lot of things people are eligible to 80% of that so you're talking families up to $50,000 and perhaps they should get some support but in other ways I think this money should go to more of the lower income people and I think we should ask HCDC to look at that issue if we want to emphasize funds going to support the 30% and lower range, or perhaps up to 50%, and we do have some of that criteria in some things, but I believe that Council could set that as a criteria and... Lehman: How does that relate to this issue we're talking about? Kanner: Well, in general it's in regards to the City Steps program, of what we're moving into high and low priority, and so it's a bit of a tangent but I think it's important to note that when discussing these items we should look at who are the people being helped. Where are the priorities? So the application, the CDBG and Home Funds is directly related to our City Steps program. We have to have that in order to get CDBG funds, so this is part of that City Steps program, and I'm saying there are other things in relation to that, that perhaps can be brought out. Lehman: Other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries. Is Mr. Wilbum...there we go. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 16, 2003. #13 Page 21 ITEM 13. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING A GRANT FOR EXTEND THE DREAM FOUNDATION FROM IOWA CITY'S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND AND AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CITY MANAGER TO ACT AS CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER AND SUBMIT ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT. Wilbum: Mr. Mayor, once again... Lehman: Oh, sorry. Wilburn: That's all right. I have a conflict of interest with this item. Why do I have a conflict with this one? Oh yeah, community block grant funds and as prior stated. Lehman: Thank you. Champion: Move the resolution. Vanderhoef: Second. Lehman: Move by Champion, second by Vanderhoef. Discussion? Kanner: Um, again, this is CDBG funds that come through the Economic Development Committee first recommendation and a couple issues. I'm going to support it. I've talked with Tom Walz - I know Tom Walz as many of us do. A community member and done a lot of good work in the community, and I am a participant in using the facilities that this is to benefit, and I appreciate them being out there, and I had discussions with him and Steve Nasby about what's the definition of micro-enterprise, and especially in relationship to when it's working with people with disabilities. How do you judge that? And Steve Nasby said that definition of the federal regulation's kind of broad, doesn't really pen that down. How do you measure that? And, so I had a little problem trying to figure out how do you define the success of a micro-enterprise, and I talked to people in the community and I think it is a community success. It is a community place, and it's a neighborhood center which we just moved to a high priority, so I think in that sense it's good. The second thing is though that I think what we need HCDC to look at some of these issues. Perhaps along with Economic Development Committee. Perhaps having a member on the Committee to look at these issues, especially if we're going to have one of the three members is going to have to abstain because of conflict of interest, but even if that weren't the case, I think it's good to have it go through HCDC to help bring out some of the points that perhaps This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 16, 2003. #13 Page 22 I'm bringing up and that others might have in the community. So, I'll vote for it but just ask the Council consider some of those issues. Champion: Well I think some of those issues are valid, Steven, and I like, of course how do you, what makes this project successful? And I hope that that is being looked at as we keep putting money into it. Vanderhoef: One ofthethings... Lehman: I just feel...I'm sorry, go ahead. Vanderhoef: One of the things that is important to me when I look at these is sustainability. And this one is certainly on that borderline. They're making headway towards sustainability but they aren't there yet, and this is a request for assistance over three years and they're business projection is showing that in three years they should reach that sustainability. In this particular one I also looked at the fact that we are working with owners of businesses here who haven't much experience at this point and have difficult time having employable positions within the community. So they've created something different here, certainly I would rather they were sustainable after their first three years. They would too I'm sure. However, I'm willing to support them for another three years on a limited basis, and take another look at it in three years. I think they am serving an important part of our community of residents, and it has a feel to it also that the achievement that is achieved when they become successful and sometimes it takes a little longer to become successful. Pfab: I'd ask you a question, Dee. Do you think the citizens of Iowa City are getting their money's worth when they put the money to this project? Vanderhoefi Do I think the citizens? Pfab: Right, the taxpayers. Vanderhoefi You need to define that a little bit better. These are monies that are sent to us by the federal government for very specific parameters are put onto it, and we're following all the guidelines of economic development parameters for this business. Pfab: I guess the question I'm asking you is are you for it or against it? In other words, it's, are you condemning this maybe with faint praise? Vanderhoef: No. Pfab: Oh, okay, because they've reduced their dependency by half. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 16, 2003. #13 Page 23 Lehman: This to me is one of the best examples of a real success of using CDBG money. Pfab: You said it better than I could have. Lehman: I am so proud of this project that I will support this enthusiastically, and if you have half the success in the next three years you had in the last three years, come back and I'll be glad to do it again. I think this is a tremendous benefit to the community, all the way around. I enthusiastically support it. Karmer: In terms of measurement for our CDBG Home Funds that go through HCDC, as most of us probably know, there's a committee member, commission member, that takes it on and makes a visit and evaluates and reports back, and I think if I'm correct, there is a little confusion about if anyone from the HCDC is going to take this on. Before it was passed, when it was HCDC, and one thing, and Steve will clarify, but maybe we need to ask HCDC to have someone take this on as an evaluation if it's not clearly stated that they're already doing it. Champion: Well I think they're obviously, subsidy is decreasing. I didn't mean it as a negative question against this project when I asked the question. It was just my curiosity about how we follow up on these things. Kanner: No, but I'm saying but maybe this might be the way to help us see how it's going. Lehman: But it clearly qualifies. Vanderhoef: It clearly qualifies, and because it has come through Economic Development Committee and the dollar investment, Steve Nasby has a responsibility to over, for oversight on all of that kind of program, and if you want the Economic Development Committee to do more oversight above and beyond, I can't imagine what it would be, but I would be willing to do it. Champion: Well the other thing about this project is I think one of the hardest things for society is to keep people working and busy, and some people have a harder time finding jobs than others. So, in response to your question, Irvin, I think it does benefit the community, because people who are employed and active and paying taxes and all those things that people do, when they're working, and very healthy... Pfab: The question, I asked the question to bring that point out. Lehman: Okay. Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 16, 2003. #14 Page 24 ITEM 14. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST AN ADDENDUM TO THE AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND HOWARD R. GREEN COMPANY TO PROVIDE ENGINEERING CONSULTANT SERVICES FOR THE DESIGN OF THE NORTH DODGE STREET PROJECT, STP-1-5(69)~2C-52. Vanderhoef: Move the resolution. Pfab: Second. Lehman: Move by Vanderhoef, second by Pfab. Discussion? Kanner: Could we hear an explanation of the project? Knoche: This addendum will do some more design services for the intemhange south of Interstate 80 with the North Dodge Street corridor and Highway 1. The DOT is experiencing at certain times of the year some backups from that off-ramp out into the through lane of eastbound Interstate 80. So, what we're looking at is proposing to signalize that intersection, add an additional lane to the off-ramp, and just kind of make it more of an urban intersection rather than a rural intersection, interchange, the way it is today. Lehman: Safety issue primarily? Knoche: Safety issue. Lehman: Okay. Karmer: Um, do you know how much is being spent on 1-80 federal, state and local, from the revamping from Coralville to here? Knoche: I don't know exactly what that dollar amount is. I do know that the DOT doesn't expect to see any dollars going into this corridor within the next ten years, and that's the reason why we're trying to get this design done as part of the North Dodge Street project. Kanner: You're saying the Dodge Street corridor or the 1-807 Knoche: 1-80 corridor. Kanner: Aren't they widening it? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 16, 2003. #14 Page 25 Knoche: They are widening it, but the dollars aren't there right now for that, for the addition of those two lanes to make it a six lane. Kanner: No, what my...thank you. I was going to make another point. My point is we're spending millions of dollars that I think would be better spent, on a federal and a state and local level, into trying to reach alternative means of transportation. A lot of people use 1-80 for local access, and I think if we would spend some of that money for local access we wouldn't have the people backing up into 1-80. It seems to be pretty safe. I haven't heard of tremendous amounts of accidents. I haven't seen the accident report rate, but we need to switch our transportation policy. One that just doesn't keep adding more lanes because eventually, as the engineers know, the old maxim is if you build it then they will fill it. That's been known for the last twenty years, and I think we need to change it, and we could start right here at the local level. Lehman: Other discussion? Roll cai1. Motion carries 6 to 1, Kanner voting the negative. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 16, 2003. #17 Page 26 ITEM 17. CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION. Lehman: Irvin? Pfab: First of all I want to say thank you to the citizens of Iowa City. It's been a pleasure and I'm very, very happy to have experienced. Also, to the new Council, I hope that all your wishes are fulfilled. Lehman: Thank you, Irvin. Champion: I'm going to hope everybody has good holidays and Happy New Year, and Irvin and Steve, I wish you the best of luck, and Steven good luck in your move, and you'll like the east coast I think, and Irvin, it's been a pleasure knowing you. Pfab: Thank you. Lehman: Mike? O'Donnell: Just a couple things. Ernie and Dee, Ross and I went to the ground breaking. Champion: So did Connie. O'Donnell: What did I say? Lehman: Dee was out of town. O'Donnell: Dee was out of town. Anyway, four of us went. It was a great moment for Iowa City. This will really, really fit in downtown this tremendous project. Everybody have a great year. Steven and Irvin, good luck. Kanner: Thank you. Pfab: Thank you. Lehman: Dee? Vanderhoefi I went to the U. S. Geological Survey celebration for 100 years of the apparatus to measure the flood control in our area, and found out that we have had collaboration with the Corp of Engineers, the University of Iowa, and the City of Iowa City, have owned that thing from the beginning. So, it's a cooperative affair. It's still working. I got a tour of the hydraulics lab, and saw the flume downstairs with the ship building in it. It was quite a deal, and that's some very interesting engineers, and heard the history of this whole project. I've also been in Nashville representing Council at the National League of Cities. It's an exciting and vibrant organization. I felt that I learned quite a bit. That I brought back a number of things to staff and the rest of it will start coming out in our discussions as the appropriate times appear. I want to wish everybody a very Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, happy holidays if you don't happen to celebrate Christmas, and we'll see you all next year. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 16, 2003. #17 Page 27 Wilbum: I just want to point out that Project Holiday will be going on Wednesday and Thursday this week. It's a collaboration between the Salvation Army, Elder Services, Visiting Nurse Association, and the Crisis Center to provide different types of assistance to folks in need during the holidays, and want to thank the community's response to assisting fund that project. Happy holidays to everyone involved. I want to thank the young people at the Senior High Alternative program for helping me get sworn in for my new term. Look forward to working with the new Council members, and look forward to the Hawks pulling in a win on January 1 st. Lehman: Hey, go Hawks! Steven? Kanner: Um, 1 said I would mention this, there's a reception at Emerson Point with the firm and that's at 2:30 tomorrow, and I guess there's going to be some other big- wigs there, congress and other folks, are going to be there. I would like to wish a happy 43rd birthday to my press secretary and friend, Meg White. Meg has had a long and distinguished career with um, press secretary to President Nixon and Bella Abzug. Seriously, Meg is a true asset to Iowa City and she works hard for peace and justice, and fun in Iowa City, so I say "mosseltoW' to her. I would like to thank City Council and Marcia Wegman who is the artist of that print. That's a very nice print. She's a great local artist here in town. Her and her husband, her ex-husband I guess, and two other things. One, the thing that I consider that I, that was my best, the thing that I brought to City Council was to bring the issue of municipal power for Iowa City. History has shown that almost always municipally owned electric system is better for it's city's citizens than a private investor o~vned one. Lower prices, better service, and local control are the result. Tom Johnson, the great populist mayor of Cleveland at the turn of the 20th century, knew it when he said "l believe in municipal ownership of these monopolies because if you do not own them, they will in time own you." In 1934, Iowa City Council member John Vanderzee knew that public power was best when he led the fight for muni-electric. Mid-American's predecessor, Iowa City Light and Power, along with the Council majority, helped overturn the wishes of the citizens of Iowa City who voted to establish a muni that year, 1934. We have U.S. Senator George Norris, a Republican U.S. Senator from our neighboring state of Nebraska, knew that muni was best as he fought tirelessly for decades to bring the electric power industry under direct public ownership. In Iowa today, 137 cities know that public power is best as they pay up to 30% less than customers of Mid-American and Alliant. Today energy expert and author Harvey Wasderman says the 20th century has been laden with failures of the public will. The American consumer has been beaten, gouged, manipulated, and poisoned by the big utilities since Rush and Edison threw those first switches. I would exhort the City Council to do the right thing by putting the issue of a municipal electric system for I0wa City on the ballot as soon as possible so that thc debate can begin on its merits. We cannot afford to stand idly by with thc potential $2 million per year sav/ngs on the table. We should not be bullied by Mid-American's propaganda and their money, which their doing both of in considerable amounts. And finally, I would like to end with a poem by Wendell Berry, it's called "Plant Sequoias": So friend every day there's something that won't compute. Love the world. Work for nothing. Take all that you have and be poor. Love someone who does not deserve it. Denounce the government and This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 16, 2003. #17 Page 28 embrace the flag. Hope to live in that free republic for which it stands. Give your approval to all you cannot understand. Praise ignorance for what man has not encountered he has not destroyed. Ask the questions that have no answers. Invest in the millennium. Plant sequoias. Say that your main profit is the force that you did not plant. That you will not live to harvest. Say that the leaves are harvested when they have rotted into the mold. Call that profit, profit such returns. Put your faith in the two inches of pumice that will build under the trees every thousand years. Listen to carrion. Put your ear close and hear the faint shattering of the songs that are to come. Expect the end of the world. Laugh. Laughter is the measure of the measurable. Be joyful that you have considered all the facts. Go with your love to the field. Lie easy in the shade. Rest your head in your lover's lap. Swear allegiance to what is the highest in your thoughts. As soon as the generals and politicals can predict the emotions of your mind, lose it. Leave it as a sign to mark a false trail the way you didn't go. Be like the fox who makes more tracks than necessary. Some in the wrong direction. Practice resurrection." I would like to thank Iowa Citians for letting me work with you to help this city live up to its potential. I'd like to thank Carly. And I'd like to wish everyone L'chiam, Life. Lehman: Thankyou, Steven. I've got something that's really mundane to do but there's a lot of street lights out on Washington and Clinton Street. Yes. Atkins: Street lights? Lehman: Street lights. It's such a festive time of the year, it would be nice to have the lights. I don't know, but there are several lights out as I noticed as 1... Atkins: Where? Lehman: On Washington Street there's like four or five out, and there are some out on Clinton Street. Atkins: Yeah, but 1... Lehman: I don't know if we have a malfunction with a wire or what but... Atkins: There could be something because we didn't receive any calls on... sure, Washington and Clinton. Lehman: And then today we had a very sorry event in Iowa City. A1 Grady passed away today, and A1 has been a legend in this community literally for generations, and I'm sure he's going to be missed by everyone. I too would like to wish Irvin and Steven the best, and certainly folks in Iowa City, a very, very Merry Christmas, and a wonderful holiday season. Certainly look forward to a very happy and prosperous new year, and spend the holidays with your families, especially your grandkids. I mean, that's really cool. Steve, do you have anything? Atkins: Nothing, sir. Lehman: Eleanor? Marian? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 16, 2003. #17 Page 29 O'Donnell: Motion to adjourn. Lehman: We have a motion to adjourn. Wilburn: Second. Lehman: All in favor? Opposed? We are adjourned. Thank you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of December 16, 2003.