HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-08-13 Info PacketCITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
August 1, 1997
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Letter from Mayor to Dick Gibson: Skywalk
Letter from City Manager to Participants of Council/Student Senate
Transit/Parking Issues
Memorandum from City Manager: Pending Development Issues
Memorandum from City Clerk: First Week of September Meeting Schedule
Meeting:,.~ ~
Letter from Acting City Attorney to Member of Linn County Bar Association: PCRB
Letter from Acting City Attorney to Members of Johnson County Bar Association:o~'(~7
PCRB
Memorandum from Assistant City Attorney Mitchell: Yeggy's Mediation
Memorandum from Acting City Attorney: Vacations
Letter from Ross Hagen to Police Chief: Police Assistance
Release: Heat Alert - Shelters Available
Release: Willow Street Reconstruction Project
Agenda: July 31 Johnson County Board of Supervisors Formal Meeting
Article: Beliefs That Hinder Downtown Revitalization
July 31, 1997
Richard Gibson
416 North Hall
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52242
Dear Dick:
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
The City Council would like to express our concern with the Armajani skywalk design. It
was our impression that you and the architects understood our wish to see a lighter, more
transparent appearance when we looked at the original proposal and expressed our
concerns. The University folks appeared to be telling us, "Yes, this can be improved." We
all agreed then that this could be an inviting arched gateway to downtown Iowa City, as
well as to the University's downtown campus.
I assume that City Council members are not the only ones who feel apprehensive about
painted corrugated steel being appropriate for this location. Also, based on other Armajani
works that I viewed in slides, he is highly capable of designing a light and transparent
construction that will serve the needs of the biologists.
Since both Armajani and you have said that this design is a "proposal" and a "concept," I
trust that it will be modified. The DNA design on the floor is a wonderful idea, and the
Darwin quote is very appropriate also. Please try to put these elements into a lighter, more
transparent skywalk.
Thank you for listening to all the "critics." We are looking forward to a beautiful skyway
when it is finished.
Sincerely,
Naomi J. Novick
Mayor
cc: Mary Sue Coleman
City Council
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410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY, IOWA $2240-1826 · {319) 356-S000 ~, FAX (319) 3S6-5009
July 29, 1997
Mark Beltrame, President
UISG
48 IMU
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Mr. Beltrane:
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
During the joint Student Senate - City Council meeting there were several parking and transit items
discussed that were either in place at the time or have since been completed. I would like to take this
opportunity to detail some of them so you will can distribute the information to others.
Transit information, including maps and schedules, is available on Channel 4, the Government
Channel. In addition, by the end of September, schedules will be posted throughout the transit system
at Selected stops. It is our intent to have information available at all stops in the future.
In August of 1996 Iowa City Transit and The University of Iowa established a system to allow students
to purchase bus passes and charge them to their University bill. Iowa City established a special student
pass at a reduced cost. These passes can only be purchased at the U of I Parking Office located in the
IMU.
The Parking Division has made several major changes to the system since the meeting that address
some of the concerns that were raised. The interior lighting in both the Capitol and Dubuque Street
Ramps was increased. In Capitol Street, the lighting around the walkways at the mid point of the ramp
and the area around the elevator lobbies was increased. In Dubuque Street, the lighting was increased
around the elevator lobbies. In addition, the levels in both ramps were color coded and new directional
signs were installed.
The thirty-minute parking meters on Clinton, Dubuque, Washington, and Linn Streets were replaced
with one hour meters. The parking lot located at Linn and College Streets was converted from a permit
lot to an attendant-controlled short-term facility.
All the parking meters in Iowa City have been color coded to correspond to the meter time limit. This
was completed several years ago. You can contact Bill Dollman, Parking Manager 356-5094, for a
complete listing of colors and time limits.
As we continue to complete projects that address concerns raised at the meeting we will keep you
advised.
Sincerely,
City Manager
CC:
City Council '/
Jeff Davidson
Joe Fowler
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410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240-1826 · (319) 356-5000 · FAX (319) 3.q6-:~009
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: July 29, 1997
To: City Council
From: City Manager
Re: Pending Development Issues
An application submitted by Jim Anderson for preliminary plat approval of Westcott Heights,
a 109.6 acre, 47-1ot residential subdivision located on the west side of Prairie du Chien
Road, approximately 1/4 mile north of Newport Road.
An application submitted by Village Partners to rezone 3.63 acres located east of Somerset,
Lane and south of Wellington Drive from Low Density Single-Family Residential Zone'
(RS-5) to Planned Development Housing Overlay Zone (OPDH-5) and for preliminary plat
approval of Village Green Part Fifteen, a 34.48 acre, 2-lot residential subdivision.
An application submitted by John and Diana Phipps, on behalf of property owner Gamma
Omicron House Corporation of Sigma Alpha Mu, for variances to the density and off-street
parking requirements for a rooming house use for property located in the Neighborhood
Conservation Residential (RNC-20) zone at 932 E. College Street.
Development of an entranceway overlay zone.
An amendment to the Zoning Chapter to provide for temporary use permits to regulate
short-term activities, such as special events or seasonal outdoor storage and sales.
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City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
August 1, 1997
City Council Members
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk ~
First week of September Meeting Schedule
The Mayor has requested I contact you regarding the need for scheduling
additional special work sessions in September. She has proposed the
following dates, times, and topics. Please review the schedule and get back
to me as soon as possible with your input. We need to finalize this schedule
for distribution by August 8. After filing, City Council candidates will be
furnished copies of meeting schedules and supportive information.
PROPOSED SCHEDULE
Tuesday, Sept. 2
7:00 p.m. (or earlier)
Financial Issues (Includes Sales Tax)
Wednesday, Sept. 3
3:00 p.m.
Parks & Recreation Tour*
Thursday, Sept. 4
3:30
5:30 p.m.
Downtown Issues* *
Airport Commission joint meeting
Friday, Sept. 5
9:00 a.m.
Parks & Recreation Tour*
Wednesday back by 6:00 for City Council Candidate Workshop
scheduled for 6:30 OR move to Friday morning option
** Can be moved to 7:00 if unable to start at 3:30
CC:
City Manager
Acting City Attorney
July 30, 1997
MEMBERS OF LINN COUNTY BAR ASSOC
C/O KAREN VOLZ - PRESIDENT
PO BOX 50762
CEDAR RAPIDS IA 52407-5062
Re: Iowa City Police Citizens Review Board (PCRB)
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
Dear Member of the Linn County Bar Association:
The purpose of this letter is to obtain preliminary information from attorneys who are interested in
serving as legal counsel to the newly-formed Police Citizens Review Board ("PCRB"). The Iowa City
City Council gave final consideration to the ordinance establishing the PCRB on July 15, 1997 and
the ordinance became effective upon publication on July 23, 1997. Board members will be appointed
at the Council's meeting on August 26, 1997. If you would like a copy of the ordinance, please
contact my office and we will send you one.
City staff is currently in the process of establishing staff support for the PCRB. Due to poter)tial
conflicts of interest the City Attorney's office will not represent the PCRB. Because we are chartering
new territory with the PCRB it is difficult to imagine all the legal issues that may arise. However, one
can anticipate that counsel will review the bylaws and complaint form and assist the PCRB with
issues concerning the Iowa Open Meetings and Open Records laws, personnel and confidentiality,
police policy and procedure and use of force.
if you are interested in being considered as counsel for the PCRB, please submit the following
information to me no later than August 26, 1997:
1. Resume and/or summary of your education, work experience and any other experience that
particularly qualifies you to represent the PCRB.
2. Current hourly rate. Rates are subject to negotiation.
3. Identify any potential conflicts of interest you may have in representing the PCRB.
Retention of counsel will be one of the first items on the PCRB's agenda when it meets following
appointment of members on August 26, 1997. The Board will choose its own attorney with assistance
from City staff. The budget for the PCRB will include attorney's fees. Although the fee structure has
not yet been determined, City staff anticipates a guaranteed monthly retainer amount with payment
at an hourly rate for any hours in excess of the retained number of hours.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me or Assistant City Attorney Dennis Mitchell..
Very truly yours,
Eleanor M. Dilkes
Acting City Attorney
CC:
City Council
Steve Atkins, City Manager
Marian Karr, City Clerk
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410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240-152& · (319) 356-~000 · FAX (319) 356-:~009
July 30, 1997
JOHN S ALLEN
398 BOYD LAW BLDG
IOWA CITY IA 52242
Re: Iowa City Police Citizens Review Board (PCRB)
Dear Member of the Johnson County Bar Association:
CITY OF IOWA CITY
The purpose of this letter is to obtain preliminary information from attorneys who are interested in
serving as legal counsel to the newly-formed Police Citizens Review Board ("PCRB"). The Iowa City
City Council gave final consideration to the ordinance establishing the PCRB on July 15, 1997 and
the ordinance became effective upon publication on July 23, 1997. Board members will be appointed
at the Council's meeting on August 26, 1997. If you would like a copy of the ordinance, please
contact my office and we will send you one.
City staff is currently in the process of establishing staff support for the PCRB. Due to potential
conflicts of interest the City Attorney's office will not represent the PCRB. Because we are charte. ring
new territory with the PCRB it is difficult to imagine all the legal issues that may arise. However, One
can anticipate that counsel will review the bylaws and complaint form and assist the PCRB with
issues concerning the Iowa Open Meetings and Open Records laws, personnel and confidentiality,
police policy and procedure and use of force.
If you are interested in being considered as counsel for the PCRB, please submit the following
information to me no later than August 26, 1997:
1. Resume and/or summary of your education, work experience and any other experience that
particularly qualifies you to represent the PCRB.
2. Current hourly rate. Rates are subject to negotiation.
3. Identify any potential conflicts of interest you may have in representing the PCRB.
Retention of counsel will be one of the first items on the PCRB's agenda when it meets following
appointment of members on August 26, 1997. The Board will choose its own attorney with assistance
from City staff. The budget for the PCRB will include attorney's fees. Although the fee structure has
not yet been determined, City staff anticipates a guaranteed monthly retainer amount with payment
at an hourly rate for any hours in excess of the retained number of hours.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me or Assistant City Attorney Dennis Mitchell.
Very truly yours,
Eleanor M. Dilkes
Acting City Attorney
CC;
City Council
Steve Atkins, City Manager
Marian Karr, City Clerk
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410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY. IOWA $2240-1826 · (319) 356-5000 · FAX (319) 356-5009
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
T0;
From:
The Honorable Mayor Naomi Novick and Members of the City Council
Dennis Mitchell, Assistant City Attorney ~
Date: August 1, 1997
Re:
Yeggys; Mediation
As you may recall, earlier this year the Yeggys inquired as to whether the City would
be interested in mediating the ongoing dispute over the storage of junk and salvage materials
located at 828 and 834 St. Anne's Drive. The City indicated that it would be willing to
participate in mediation, provided that the Yeggys paid the costs of mediation and the
neighbors were involved. Several months ago, one of the neighbors filed a private nuisance
suit against the Yeggys. I was recently sent a letter from Dean Spina indicating the Yeggys
do not want to mediate until after they have finished conducting discovery in the civil nuisance
action. I will keep you posted as to any future developments.
CC:
Eleanor Dilkes, Acting City Attorney
Stephen Atkins, City Manager
Maclan Karr, City Clerk
Dale Helling, Assistant City Manager
Oity of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: July 30, 1997
To:
From:
City Council; Department/Division Heads
Eleanor M. Dilkes, Acting City Attorney~
Re: Vacations
I will be on vacation from Monday, August 4 through Monday, August 11, and back in the office
on Tuesday, August 12. Sarah will be Acting (Acting) City Attorney in my absence. Dennis will
be on vacation from noon on August 6 through August 15. Therefore, Sarah will be the only
attorney in the office on the afternoon of August 6, August 7, August 8 and August 11. This is not
an ideal situation, but vacations were planned prior to Linda's resignation.
Our secretary, Annie Rowley will also be gone the week of August 11 so you should look to Mary
McChristy, Legal Assistant, for staff support. Mary will know how to reach me.
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July 23, 1997
R.J. Winkelhake
Chief
Iowa City Police Department
Civic Center
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Chief Winkelhake:
Last night, your department's Nancy Sereduck helped us
immeasurably in determining that our daughter, Frances, was safe
and sound. Frances and her husband were moving into a new
apartment in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he is joining the
University of Arkansas Medical Sciences faculty. We had arranged
to call them yesterday, but their line was busy for several
hours. Increasingly concerned (our family always does what it
says it will do), I checked with the phone company and they said
the line was open, but there was no voice traffic on it. I
called the apartment house and was greeted by an answering
service that was of no help.
Not knowing anyone else in Little Rock and determining that
there was no phone trouble reported in the area of the apartment
house, I contacted the Little Rock Police Department. They
advised me to contact the Iowa City Police Department and ask
them to request that they make a welfare check. When I called
your department, Ms. Sereduck could not have been more courteous
and responsive. Within a matter of minutes, perhaps a half-hour,
our daughter called us. She said a Little Rock police officer
had come to their apartment to check on them. They were unaware
that their phone service had been disrupted - the line was dead.
Here's the clincher. A short time later, our phone rang and it
was Ms. Sereduck, checking to see if we had reached our
daughter. You can imagine how much we appreciated that follow-up
call.
I apologize for taking your department's time and resources. At
the same time, I am proud of the way your office responded to
our plea for assistance - and especially the way Ms. Sereduck
reacted. She's a winner. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Sincerely,
Ross M. Hagen
40 Lakeview Drive NE
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
354-9327, RMHagen@aol.com
NEWS RELEASE
For more information:
Linda Kopping, Senior Center, 356-5220
Dave Sears, Salvation Army, 337-3725
HEAT ALERT
TWO SHELTERS OFFERED DURING HIGH TEMPS, HUMIDITY
July 25, 1997/Iowa City, IA: Two Iowa City agencies are opening
their doors to those suffering from the current wave of heat and
humidity, They are the Senior Center, located at 28 South Linn Street,
and the Salvation A~my, located at 510 Highland Avenue. These air-
conditioned buildings can provide relief during the day for those who
may not have air-conditioning at home and are at risk for heat-related
health problems, particularly those 65 and older.
The Senior' Center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
and is open to the public. On Saturdays and Sundays the ground and first
floors of the building are open during Senior Dining from 10:30 a.m. to 3
p.m. Senior Dining is open to people age 60 and over, to residents of
Autumn Park and Ecumenical Towers, and to their spouses or
companions.
The Salvation Army is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m Monday through Fr'a:lay
and 3:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and is open to the public. Street
construction is taking place nearby but the building is accessible. The
Salvation Army is also collecting and distributing fans and window air
conditioners in good working order. The agency has distributed 45 fans
this summer and has more families on a waiting list.
July 29, 1997
PRESS RELEASE
CITY OF I0 WA
CITY
Contact Person:
Phone Number:
Daniel Scott
Project Engineer
356-5144
Re: Willow Street Reconstruction ProJect
Weather permitting, on Wednesday, July 30, 1997, Metro Pavers, Inc. of Iowa City,
Iowa will begin construction of Phase II of the Willow Street Reconstruction Project.
Willow Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from Brookside Drive to Eastwood Drive.
The street and driveways will be removed and replaced, along with new storm sewer
and water main systems. The work in Phase II is expected to last until the end of
August.
Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes during construction.
Future press releases will be issued to update progress and describe upcoming street
closures
410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY, IOWA $2240-1826 · (;)19) 356-$000 · FAX (319) 356-500g
. To:.IOW~ ~IT~ ~L~K From~ Jo ~ogarty 7-30-97 1~:43p~ p, 2 of 4
Johnson County
Sally Slutsman, Chairperson
Joe Bolkcom
Charles D. Duffy
Jonathan Jordahl
Stephen P. La¢ina
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
July 31, 1997
FORMAL MEETING
1. Call to order 9:00 a.m.
Agenda
2. Action re: claims
3. Action re: formal minutes of July 17th
4. Action re: payroll authorizations
5. Business from the Assistant Planning and Zoning Administrator
a) Discussion/action re: the following Platting application:
Application S9737 of Art Hoefer requesting preliminary plat
approval of Tranquil Court Subdivision, a subdivision described as
being located in the SW 1/4 of Section 10; Township 81 North;
Range 7 West of the 5th P.M. in Johnson County, Iowa. (This is a
13 lot (9 residential and 4 outlots), 19.75 acre, residential
subdivision, located on the east side of James Avenue NE,
approximately 5/8 of a mile south of 120th Street NE in Jefferson
Twp.)
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE ST.
P.O. BOX 1350
IOWA CITY, IOWA 52244-1350
TEL: (319) 356-6000
FAX:(319) 356-6086
F~om: Jo Hoqa~t¥
Agenda 7-31-97
b) Discussion/action re:
Page 2
the following Conditional Use Per~its:
Application CU9305 of Johnson County Agricultural Association,
Iowa City, signed Dale Shires, requesting a Conditional Use Permit
for Camper Rallies on certain described property described as
being in the N 1/2 of the SE 1/4 and the S 1/2 of the NE 1/4 of
Section 28; Township 79 North; Range 6 West of the 5th P.M. in
Johnson County, Iowa. (This property is located on the west side
of Oakcrest Hill Road SW, at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in
West Lucas Twp.)
c)
2. Application CU9705 of Scott A. Wood requesting a Conditional
Use Permit to expand Hi Point Golf Course described as being
located in the West 1/2 of the SE 1/4 of Section 6; Township 79
North; Range 5 West of the 5th P.M. in Johnson County, Iowa.
(This property is located at the north end of Taft Avenue SE, just
south of 1-80 in Scott Twp.)
Other
6. Business from Pat Jensen re: League of Women Voters update. report
7. Business from the Planning and Zoning Administrator
a) First and Second consideration of Shima to amend the legal description
for Lot 1, Jordan Creek Subdivision of application Z9669.
b) Other
8. Business from the County Auditor
a) Action re: permits
b) Action re: reports
1. Clerk's June monthly report
c) Action re: resolution accepting the July 1, 1997 cash counts.
d) Other
. . ?o~.IOYA CIT~ C~K From Jo 8oQarty 7-30-97 l~43pm p. 4 of 4
Agenda 7-31-97
9. Business from the County Attorney
a) Report re: other items
10. Business from the Board of Supervisors
Page 3
a) Action re: set bid letting date for Johnson County Projects L-Q-17-2
(RCB Culvert on Hazelwood Avenue in Section 17-78-7) and L-U-31-3
(RCB Culvert on Tri County Bridge Road in Section 31-77-5).
Authorize County Auditor to publish notice to bidders. (August 29,
1997 at 10:00 a.m.)
b) Motion approving and authorizing Chairperson to sign contract with JB
Holland Construction, Inc. in the amount of $243,962.03 and bids
received for Johnson County Project FM-52(43)--55-52. (140th StreeCx
grading)
c) Action re: Corridor Preservation Agreement for the extension of
Oakdale Blvd. between 1st Avenue in Coralville and County Road
W66; between the City of Coralville, the City of Iowa City and Johnson
County for preservation of the corridor.
d) Discussion/action re: Military Exemptions and Homestead Tax Credits
approval and denial of applications for Iowa City.
e) Motion authorizing Chairperson to send a proclamation congratulating
Youth Homes for their 25th Anniversary.
f) Motion approving five year network plan.
g) Discussion/action re: appointment of Interim Assistant S.E.A.T.S.
Director.
h) Other
11. Adjoum to informal meeting
a) Inquiries and reports from the public
b) Reports and inquiries from the members of the Board of Supervisors
c) Report from the County Attorney
d) Other
12. Adjournment
The Wapello 1te?ublican, Thurmday. February 20. 1997
GAL NOTICE
Iowa'District Louisa County
Court Board of
Supervisors
IN AND FOR L~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ F~ LOUISA ~U~
~ ~ P~ el . BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
,CE ~b u~ ~d, NO~E OF
(~) PUBUC H~NG
· ~u~ ~u~ ~ BU~~TE
~er ~ ~ ~ ~d. H~lY~r Ju~ 1,1~7-
~7~ June ~, 1~8
~u~ ~ ~V~ ~y~1~711~n~
~2~-~ O~AL~ L~l~ C~N~ ~RT~ on
~R~ 3.1 ~7. ~ a[ 10:~ A.M,
il ~a~e~eo~ol~eClerkof{~ T~ ~m~ ~ 9r~ ~
~ ~i~~ Infla~ f~ {~. s~te and I~al
.~ ~.~y.~o~ ~ ~ ~ i~ex us~
~u~ ~llr~~n& ~ Innlie I~ axil utilizing the
~. ' ~ to ~ ~ ~lco e~d the
J ~ Y~ ~ ~ ~t ~m
therenEer Ida. I written i~cial ~ ~ ~s, ~ ~ ~n ~xes
~ - ~ ~m * : . ' ~tl~. M~ ~.. ~vlel
.~. ~ ~
) ~ ~ WK~ ~CREA~.
L~ ~ C~ ~af F~: 42.5 t ? ~s ~ F~
Iewa~a~State Universit?' Extension
o , Beliefs that hinder
of Education doMrntoMrn 'rev t ,lzatio
~nden~d M~es ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ of ~g ~ ~ ~ ~p c~b~convenience,
Regu~r ~thly ~etlng Assistant ~cf~nr and o~ who ~ ~ c~im to may s~~~ ~ ~ ~ ~
February 13, 1997
T~e W~>elto Beard c~ Educalion me[ at
7~p~. m ~ ~ i~ ~
~ym~d~.~d ~s
Linda Gipple. Lar~ ~ssett and
Iowa State University
Vital h~sgitable and ~
doctors pro.de ~m-
m~a~ ~ a ~ d ~
~ a ~n ~ ~
~g and d~ ~
turn away dmL, u~,~a vfall
local customers. Anyhow,
to shop locally doesn't work. It
mi~t ~ a ~,~'people, but
many others are put off by the
More ~importanfl~, conten-
else~e. These.plaL-~: may
continue to be m0n&nized as
towns by mapmake~ b~ eey
ate not the same kind o~
community we commonly
whole oommttr~ is ~ by
the nature of the downtown. It is.
for these reasons that downtown
mv/talization should concm-n the
whole community and not just
the IocaI .busines~ owners.
In a recent ar//de in SmaJl
Town 0ttly -August 1996), Be~t
ow'ne~ and commurd~ leaders
that belief in a sre of common
myths jeopardizes consb'uctive
steps to rev/talize main stxeet
in ~wms o~ servims and product
selection. ~ ~ ~t ff
b~in~s o~ don't
~stome~, they ~ not ~
suc~s~l in ~ning the
~ of ~ ~e ~t ~
~U~ ~o, Z ~k of ~r~ng is
~r~m~st~
's=~ s~' ~d shopping
s~ccess and the demise o~
downtown b~i~ess~. Stitt
~ ~t ~g
ntfF6~en or that the products and
services offen~ ate undesirable.
Customers are atto'acted to stores,
in Stiffs opinion, that provide
des/mdpmductsand servicesina
but not a su~qciem factor a~one
Betie~ No. 3. We neet more
the downtown.
The ~dsity of this clabn is
apl:~tent b7 considerinS all of the
towns that have more jobs
available than re.lares looking
~or work, ye~ they still have
deterioratin~ downtowns.
Adding more jobs won't
no~essarfiy add more population
to the community, nor customers
to the downtown. Where we
work, live and shop are
modem era of highways and
A recent study at Iowa State
Urdver~ty revved that in tho
avera~. small town 47 [percent of
~nployed people work in at~othe~
town, SOpercent shop someplace
el~e for daily needs, 73 perrant go
business disttkt~ Stitt .was the
downtown development
coordinator for the state of
Wisconsin and is now a i:ntva~e
are a cond~aRon of hts Mea~.
Belief No. 1. Peapie ahould
shop locally. '.. . '.
S~itt maintains that for most
merchants this is a hypocritical
and a ma~e of hospitality are.
tm L
~n~L, all the parking in tho
world will no~ by lise~ attract
cu.~orae~. !n fact, i fthemis plenty
a/teal/ore Improvements such as toaz~Yd'M~-'townforente~,,taimrmnt,
theprovisionofadequateli~tin& ~~tof~ofth~
~ ~ ~ s~, shop ~wh~ ~r big tic~
of d~ ~ ~ ~r Ma~
or i~ a ~ ad~fni~
m~l~n a~. ~ t~
~p ~B ~ d~i~ ~ a
shopping atmosphe~
made up o/ind~ende~t business
T~s tatemit is r~ tota~
indiv/dualism a~ide to work
characte~ vital ~matl town ·
of store ~ont restorations.
seduce offerriSs; dealdins on
consistent hours of business;
sharing information on tech-
nofoSy, suppliers,custome~;
poolin& re~x~ces to be able to
e~nploye~ training and bene~L~
programs; and on and on.
The list of areas that coukt
reset in mutual bene~ thnsu~h
must learn to work ef~ectivdy as
a Sreup for their own and rho
community's welfare. TEey
should undel~tand how to
to orsaz~ze and sustaia
iFoop Kttvi6es, and how to deal
with difficult people and
contentious ~
Iowa ~ Unl~ ~
extension edt _='ml-q db--~-, I~n
addifio~ the county direds~ hm
access to in f~mtion about mm.~y
aspects of small tow~ bmtm~
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
August 8, t997
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Memorandum from Human Rights Coordinator to City Manager:
Planning Meeting
USA Strategic
Memorandum from Parking & Transit Director to City. Manager:
Promotion
Transit
Memorandum from Parking & Transit Director and Transit Manager:
Service Changes
Transit
Memorandum from Fire Chief to City Manager: Engine 5
Memorandum from City Clerk: July 28, 1997, Council Work Session
Memorandum from City Clerk: Meeting Schedule for August and September
Memorandum from City Clerk to DePartment Heads:
Council Candidates
Information Given to
Letter from Jill Foens (IA'Department of Human Services) to Police Chief: Police ~'~-
Letter from Elizabeth Foster (State Historical Society) to Mayor: East College
Street Historic District and College Green Historic District
Letter to Richard Gibson (U of I Facilities Services) from Stan Miller: Skywalk
Article: Affordable Housing is a Problem of the Age [Atkins]
Agendas: August 5 Johnson County Board of Supervisors Informal
Formal Meetings
A Concerned Iowa City Resident regarding over population of deer.
Letter from Richard Gibson, University of Iowa, regarding the design of
the skywalk over Dubuque St.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
August 5, 1997
To:
From:
Re:
Steve Atkins
Heather L. Shank
USA Strategic Planning Meeting
As you know I attended the above-referenced meeting in Washington D.C. from July 25
to the 27: On July 25, I addressed approximately 100 conference attendees regarding
Iowa City's efforts in the human rights area. My speech was well received as was
Dorothy Paul's. Everyone seemed surprised that Iowa City could be so progressive given
the conservative nature of the State.
The conference was informatix~e and provided innovative ideas. The intent of the
meeting was to persuade people to look at issues regarding food, education, living wage,
housing, health care, etc., using a human rights framework. Other countries look at
human rights from this framework while the United States is "trapped" within the
definition under the law. The media will cover protests in other countries regarding the
lack of food or housing as human rights protests. In the United States the media will
cover a similar event and call it simply, a protest.
Dorothy Paul and I are going to provide the Iowa City Human Rights Commission with a
description of the human rights framework at the next meeting. We are also involved in
planning the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. I shall keep you
posted.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
July 29, 1997
To: Steve Arkins, City Manager
From: Joe Fowler, Director Parking & Transit
Reference: Transit Promotion
During the month of August Transit will distribute informational flyers to apartment
complexes adjacent to existing bus routes. These flyers will have the time of stops in the
area and the cost for service. Each flyer will have route maps attached. There will be a
coupon on each flyer for one week of free transit service starting August 25, the first week
of classes at the University.
The purpose of this promotion is to attract new residents to the service,
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: August 7, 1997
To: City Council
From: Joe Fowler, Director Parking & Transit
Ron Logsden, Transit Manager ~L
Reference: Transit Service Changes
Beginning August 25, 1997 the University of Iowa CAMBUS will begin serving the
Hawkeye Court and Hawkeye Drive area. As the University offers free bus service it
would serve no purpose to continue to serve this area with Iowa City Transit buses. It is
our recommendation that Iowa City service to this area end August 23, 1997 at the end of
our service day.
This reduction will also effect the Seventh Avenue and Westport routes as they are tied
into the current Hawkeye service. We recommend combining these two routes during the
peak hour service (6:45 AM - 9:15 AM and 2:45 PM - 6:15 PM). This combination
would continue the current Westport service through out the day but there would be no
Seventh Avenue service between these times.. Seventh Avenue would get three trips each
morning and late afternoon.
In addition to the loss of service to Seventh Avenue there would be no West High tripper
bus. This was an extension of the Hawkeye Express service area. West High students
would have to walk to Westwinds and take a Westwinds or a Plaen View bus downtown.
During the past fiscal year the Seventh Avenue route averaged 35 riders per day on the
five trips between 10:15 and 2:15 for an average of 7 riders per trip. The high usage
month was February when the daily average was 47 riders per day between these hours.
This would result in a reduction of 3,598 operating hours per year. This represents an
operational savings of $108,712 per year. Based on last years ridership it is anticipated
there would be a direct revenue loss of $91,057 per year and additional loss of state
transit assistance (STA) of $11,710 and a loss in federal operating assistance of $6,002.
The loss of state assistance would not actually take affect until FY2000. There would be
an annual operational loss of $57.00. Attached you will find a memo from Kevin
Doyle of JCCOG explaining how the STA and federal operating assistance figures were
estimated.
The inajor savings in operating cost, $69,837, would come from a reduction in drivers.
One full time and two 3/4 time positions would be eliminated.
JCCOG
memo
Date:
August 7, 1997
To:
From:
Re:
Joe Fowler, Director, Parking & Transit
Kevin L. Doyle, Assistant Transportation Planner
Iowa DOT'STA Changes
Following is the information you requested regarding the impad the service reduction to Hawkeye
Apts. would have on Iowa City Transit's $TA formula allocation.
I modeled the $TA spreadsheet using the information you gave me on the expected changes in
ridership, operating expense, revenue miles, and locally determined income. I used the
spreadsheet for the FY97 STA allocations because I do not have the data to update the
spreadsheet for the FY98 STA. I then used the change in the FY97 STA amount to modify your FY98
allocation. The changes you made now will actually impact your FY2000 budget because Iowa DOT
uses the previous years data to determine the STA allocations, e.g., the FY98 STA is based on FY96
operating statistics.
I also modeled the change in FY97 FTA funding going to iowa City Transit as a result of the
elimination of service to the Hawkeye Apartments.
The results for both of these evaluations is attached. Give me a call if you have any questions.
CC:
Ron Logsden, Manager, Iowa City Transit
Jeff Davidson, Exec. Dir., JCCOG
\1transit\id\joesta97.doc
Johnson County Council of Governments ~ 410 E. Washington Street ~ Iowa City ~ Iowa ~ 52240
I STA Shift After Hawkeye Route Dropped
Iowa City Transit
Fiscal STA Amount STA Amount
Year Before After
FY97~ '- $ 259,333 $ 247,320
FY98 $ 252,906 $ 241,196
Change
-0.04632
-0.0463
CAMBUS
Fiscal STA Amount STA Amount
Year Before After
FY97 $ 344,793 $ 350,612
FY98 $ 338,758 $ 344,476
Change
0.016877
0.01688
Coralville Transit
Fiscal STA Amount STA Amount
Year . Before After
FY97 $ 124,240 $ 123,876
FY98 $ 121,116 $ 120,765
Change
-0.00293
-0.0029
Estimated Change in FY97 FTA Apportionment
Due to Hawkeye Service Reduction
FTA FTA
System Before After Change
Coralville $ 67,681 $ 79,410 0.17
Iowa City $ 254,841 $ 248,839 -0.02
CAMBUS $ 87,842 $ 101,001 0.15
Total $ 410,364 $ 429,250 0.05
Iowa City Fire Department
Serving With Pride & Professionalism
410 East Washington St.
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
(319) 356-5260
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
August 5, 1997
Stephen J. Atkins, City Manager
Andy Rocca, Fire Chief~..~
Engine 5
Recently, the Iowa City Fire Department had Engine 5 repainted. The work was performed
by Mick Kahler of Transit, with excellent results!
Engine 5 is now red with black and white reflective markings, and displays a new logo.
The 1977 American La France pumper looks fantastic and reflects the pride and
professionalism of this department.
I invite you and members of the City Council to stop by and have a look at Engine 5.
AJR/bdm
cc: Battalion Chiefs
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
Abgust 7, 1997
Mayor and City Council
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
Council Work Session, July 28, 1997 - 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers
Mayor Naomi J. Novick presiding. Council present: Baker, Kubby, Lehman, Norton, Thornberry,
Vanderhoef. Staff present: Atkins, Helling, Karr, Dilkes, Franklin, Davidson, Fosse, Fowler,
Logsden, Trueblood, Schmadeke, Winstead. Tapes: 97-108, all; 97-109, all.
(A complete transcription is available in the City Clerks' Office.)
REVIEW ZONING MATTERS
Reel 97-108, Side 1
PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 14, CHAPTER 6, ENTITLED
"ZONING," ARTICLE E, ENTITLED "COMMERCIAL AND BUSINESS ZONES," SECTION
_2, ENTITLED "NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL ZONE (CN-1)," TO PERMIT ANY RETAIL
OR PERSONAL SERVICE USE IN THE CN-1 ZONE WITH A SIZE LIMITATION TO HELP
ENSURE NEIGHBORHOOD COMPATIBILITY.
Council majority directed staff to proceed with the amendment, to look at the. size of all
other uses and look at eliminating non-public space from the square footage calculations.
PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 14, CHAPTER 6, ENTITLED
"ZONING," ARTICLE N, ENTITLED "OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING," TO
INCREASE THE PARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL USES IN THE CB-5,
CENTRAL BUSINESS SUPPORT ZONE.
C. PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 14, "UNIFIED
DEVELOPMENT CODE" OF THE CITY CODE BY AMENDING CHAPTER 9, ARTICLE A,
ENTITLED "PARKING FACILITY IMPACT FEE" TO REVISE THE FORMULA FOR
PAYMENT IN THE CB-5 ZONE.
D. ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 14, CHAPTER 6, ENTITLED "ZONING," ARTICLE O,
ENTITLED "SIGN REGULATIONS," 'TO PERMIT PROJECTING SIGNS AS A
PROVISIONAL SIGN IN THE CB-5 AND CB-10 ZONES. (SECOND CONSIDERATION)
ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 14, CHAPTER 6, ENTITLED "ZONING," ARTICLE O,
ENTITLED "SIGN REGULATIONS," TO PERMIT PORTABLE SIGNS AS A PROVISIONAL
SIGN IN THE CB-2, CB-5, AND CB-10 ZONES. (PASS AND ADOPT~
ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 14, CHAPTER 6, ENTITLED "ZONING," ARTICLE P,
ENTITLED "FENCES AND HEDGES," TO CHANGE THE VISION TRIANGLE
REQUIREMENT AT INTERSECTIONS. (PASS AND ADOPT)
Work Session Minutes
July 28, 1997
Page 2
G. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAT OF IRWIN
SUBDIVISION, A REPLAT OF A PORTION OF LOT 24 OF MT. SCHRADER
SUBDIVISION, A 3.07 ACRE, FOUR-LOT RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION LOCATED ON
WASHINGTON STREET, EAST OF FIRST AVENUE.
H. CONSIDER FORWARDING A LETTER TO THE JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR
A GOLF COURSE ON A 50 ACRE PROPERTY LOCATED NEAR THE INTERSECTION
OF TAFT AVENUE AND HERBERT HOOVER HIGHWAY.
CONSIDER FORWARDING A LETTER TO THE JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF A REZONING OF 46.86 ACI[::IES
LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF PRAIRIE DU CHIEN ROAD NE, APPROXIMATELY
1/4 MILE NORTH OF ITS INTERSECTION WITH NEWPORT ROAD, FROM SUBURBAN
RESIDENTIAL (RS3) TO SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL ~RS).
SCOTT-SIX INDUSTRIAL PARK Reel 97-108, Side 1
(Agenda items 6, 7 & 8)
PCD Director Franklin, Asst~ PCD Director Davidson, and Robert Downer, Attorney
representing AI and Mary Jo Streb, presented Scott-Six Industrial Park plans.
Franklin recommended that council vote of the Urban Renewal Plan and the TIF Ordinance
(items 6 & 7) at their formal meeting on Tuesday.
Council majority agreed the Freedom Court and Heinz Road intersection should be aligned
directly across from each other or off-set a sufficient distance.
Attorney Downer stated he will look at the option of relocating Heinz Road.
PUBLIC ART
PCD Director'Franklin and City Manager Atkins presented information.
Franklin stated she will prepare a public art proposal for council
August 25, 1997 meeting.
Reel 97-108, Side 2
consideration at their
Staff Action: Scheduled for August 25 work session. (Franklin)
HAWKEYE TRANSIT SERVICE
Reel 97-109, Side 1
Parking and Transit Director Fowler and Asst. PCD Director Davidson presented information
regarding the Hawkeye Transit Service.
Novick requested a written report, including figures for personnel, hours, revenues, etc. Kubby
requested information on the loss of state funding and the 7th Avenue mid-day transit route.
Staff Action: Memo to be prepared and in August 8 packet. (Logsden)
DUBUQUE STREET/KIMBALL ROAD SIDEWALK Reel 97-109, Side 1
Work Session Minutes
July 28, 1997
Page 3
Public Works Director Schmadeke, Parks and Recreation Director Trueblood, Asst. PCD
Director Davidson and area residents John Shaw and Ellen Widiss presented information
regarding the proposed Dubuque Street/Kimball Road Sidewalk Project.
Council majority directed staff to proceed with:
· six foot setback
· four foot sidewalk
· replace.existing plantings
Staff Action: Work to be completed this fall. (Schmadeke)
WILLOW CREEK TRAIL PROJECT
(Agenda item #13)
Reel 97-109, Side 2
Sr. Civil Engineer Winstead, Parks and Recreation Director Trueblood, Asst. PCD Director
Davidson, and Laura Hawks, Landmark Survey and Engineering of Iowa City, presented
information.
COUNCIL AGENDA/COUNCIL TIME
Reel 97-109, Side 2
(Agenda #25- FY97 PARATRANSIT SERVICE) Council Members Vanderhoef and
Thornberry and Asst. PCD Director Davidson presented information about City/County
SEATS negotiations. A council majority directed Vanderhoef and Thornberry to proceed
negotiating a one year contract.
Baker noted he received a letter from Kathleen Janz, a Goosetown resident, raising
concerns about traffic problems in her neighborhood. Baker said he will have copies of the
letter made for council members and discuss it during council's formal meeting on Tuesday.
3. Novick stated she received correspondence from the Irwins (Jess and Elizabeth) and
JoyceAnne Munson Welsh.
Norton inquired about the Ped Mall water fountain being turned off. City Manager Atkins,
Public Works Director Schmadeke and Acting City Attorney Dilkes explained the potential
for contamination is being investigated. Norton suggested turning the water on during the
Friday Night Concert Series.
Kubby asked who can be contacted regarding the proposed Dubuque Street Skywalk
Project. Council Members suggested contacting University of Iowa President Mary Sue
Coleman and Campus Planning Director Richard Gibson.
6. In response to Novick, council agreed to schedule a joint meeting with the Airport
Commission in September.
7. Novick said if anyone has comments on the Disselhorse idea, get them to her and she will
try to answer it and if she don't hear anything, she is not going to worry about it.
8. Novick noted a meeting on liquor control law changes is scheduled August 5, 1997, 11:00
AM or 6:30 PM, in the Pappajohn Building.
Work Session Minutes
July 28, 1997
Page 4
o
City Clerk Karr asked how many council members were planning to attend the Iowa Avenue
Streetscape Plan meeting on August 4. Novick noted there are six council members out of
town that day.
Meeting adjourned at 10:25 p.m.
clerk/min/O7-28ws.doc
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
August 8, 1997
Mayor and City Council
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
Meeting Schedule for August and September
REVISION #13
Wednesday, August 13 - Special Formal - 8:00 a.m.
Monday, August 25 - Regular Work Session - 7:00 p.m.*
Tuesday, August 26 - Regular Formal - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 2 - Downtown Update - 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Financial Issues (includes Sales Tax) - 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 4 - Parks and Recreation Tour - 3:00-5:30 p.m.
Airport Commission joint meeting - 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Monday, September 8 - Regular Work Session - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 9 - Regular Formal - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 11, TBA (City Attorney interviews)
Friday, September 12, TBA (City Attorney interviews)
Wednesday, September 17 - 4:00 p.m. at the Highlander
(Joint meeting with Johnson County Board of Supervisors
and Iowa City School Board)
Monday, September 22 - Regular Work Session - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 23 - Regular Formal - 7:00 p.m.
*Earlier start time possible
cc: City Manager
City Attorney
Department Directors
Council Candidates
Cable TV
Maintenance
cclerk/schedule,doc
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: August 6, 1997
To:
From
Re:
Department Heads
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
Information given to Council Candidates
The filing period for City Council candidates will be August 12-28. After filing all
candidates will begin receiving Council agenda material and information.
As in past years, any information requested by one candidate should be given to all
candidates. A current Council candidate list will be brought to the Wednesday staff
meetings, you may contact our office to verify candidates at other times. Depart-
ments will be responsible for providing enough copies for all candidates to our office
by noon each Friday to include-in the packet.
My office will be maintaining a file of all information sent to candidates, You may ei-
ther supply us with a copy of what the candidates receive or indicate in writing what
was sent,
cc: City Council
gAI
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN
SERVICES
Iowa City Area Office
Johnson County
August 6,1997
Chief R.J. Winkelhake
Iowa City Police Department
410 E. Washington
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Chief Winkelhake:
TERRY E. BRANSTAD, GOVERNOR
CHARLES M. PALMER, DIRECTOR
Cheryl Whitney.
Area Administrator
I am a social worker with the Johnson County of Human Services. Once again I dealt with your officers yesterday
regarding a run away juvenile. As always, I was impressed with the way the situation was handled. This was the
second time in the last few months I have dealt with Officer Batchelor, and be it a sullen, oppositional 15 year old or
a scared (but trying to be brave) six year old, I have been impressed with his ability to deal with people.
I have been with the local DHS office since 1989 and have had many dealings with the police department, due to
unruly, threatening clients and emergency removal situations. To a person, the officers I have dealt with have acted
in a professional, level-headed manner, that aided in calming the situation down, rather than stirring it up. The
situations I normally have to deal.with, where an officer is needed, tend to be emotionally charged. All officers have
been able to help defuse the situations and show compassion to all involved; from the small child being removed, to
the adult who is distraught at the fact that the child is being removed from their custody.
I just wanted to write to let you know how much respect I have for the men and women in the police department. In
most jobs, we do not get thanked very much when we do good work. I wanted to change that and extend my thanks
and appreciation for all the hard work everyone at the Iowa City Police Department does.
Sincerely,
~ill A. Foens
SW II
911 North Governor - Iowa City, Iowa 52245-5941 - (319) 356-6050
(319) 339-6169 24 Hour Voice Mail - (319) 339-6166 Daytime Child Abuse Reporting
State Historical Sodety of Iowa
The Historical Division of the Department of Cultural Affairs
July 30, 1997
The Honorable Naomi Novick
Mayor
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240-1826
East College Street Historic District
College Green Historic District
Dear Mayor Novick:
We are pleased to inform you that the above named property, which is located within
your community, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places effective July
9, 1997.
Listing in the National Register provides the following benefits:
Consideration in the planning for Federal, federally licensed, and
federally assisted projects. Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act of 1966 requires Federal agencies allow the Advisory
Council on Historic Preservation an opportunity to comment on projects
affecting historic properties listed in the National Register. For further
information please refer to 36 CFR 800.
Eligibility for Federal tax benefits. If a property is listed in the National
Register, certain Federal tax provisions may apply. The Tax Reform Act
of 1986 revises the historic preservation tax incentives authorized by
Congress in the Tax Reform Act of 1976, the Revenue Act of 1978, the
Tax Treatment Extension Act of 1980, the Economic Recovery Tax Act of
1981, and Tax Reform Act of 1984, and as of January 1, 1987, provides
for a 20 percent investment tax credit with a full adjustment to basis for
rehabilitating .historic commercial, industrial, and rental residential
buildings. The former 15 percent and 20 percent investment Tax Credits
(ITCs) for rehabilitations of older commercial buildings are combined into
a single 10 percent ITC for commercial or industrial buildings built
before 1936. The Tax Treatment Extension Act of 1980 provides Federal
tax deductions for charitable contributions for conservation purposes of
partial interests in historically important land areas or structures. For
further information please refer to 36 CFR 67 and Treasury Regulation
Sections !.48-12 (ITCs) and 1.170A- 14 (charitable contributions).
[] 402 Iowa Avenue
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1806
(319) 335-3916
[] 600 E. Locust
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0290
(515) 281-6412
[] Montauk
Box 372
Clermont, Iowa 52135-0372
(319) 423-7173
The Honorable Naomi Novick
duly 30, 1997
Page 2
Consideration of historic values in the decision to issue a surface coal
mining permit where coal is located, in accord with the Surface Mining
and Control Act of 1977. For further information, please refer to 30 CFR
700 et seq.
Qualification for Federal and State grants for historic preservation when
funds are available.
Should you have any questions about the National Register of Historic Places, or
about this nomination in particular, please feel free to contact me at the Historical
Building, 600 E. Locust, Des Moines, Iowa, 50319, or by calling (515) 281-4137.
Sincerely,
NEla :aonea~h~dinator
Richard Gibson
U of I Facilities Services Group
416 NH
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52242
Stan Miller
2 Cottage Grove Dr NE
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
319 354 1500
stan_miller@rsmi.com
August 1, 1997
Dear Mr. Gibson:
I must tell you how upset I am when I think that the University may construct the skywalk over
Dubuque Street as it has been designed by Mr. Armajani. As a downtown business person, my route
to work takes me over Dubuque Street and I realize that, if you build this skywalk, I will have to look
at it for years to come.
While I am not an art "expert", I do have an appreciation for art and I am a supporter of the arts. I
am a board member of the Iowa City Arts Festival, a frequent Hahchef patron (and contributor) and a
member and visitor of the Art Institute in Chicago. So I was pleased to hear the U of I had selected an
outstanding artist with expertise in the design of skywalks for this project. What a perfect solution for
both the University of Iowa and the City of Iowa City!
However, the skywalk is just not appropriate for Iowa City. It's look does accomplish what the artist
intended, and it is reminiscent of Iowa's covered bridges. But Iowa City is not a city of covered
bridges, farms, or cornfields. I like to think we live in an urban, modem city known for education,
literature, culture and the arts. Mr. Armajani's vision for the skywalk sets us back and helps further
the stereotype of Iowa. I find it to be offensive and patronizing.
Its my hope that the University will kill this design before you get engaged in an "arts war" with the
rest of the city. Don't underestimate how much people dislike this design. In my circles, I have heard
nothing positive about it. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Stan R. Miller
CC: City Council members, City of Iowa City
TTE 'E'I iTO RIALS
Affordable housing is
a problem of the age
AFFORDABLE HOUSING in Iowa City is nearly
an oxymoron. The reason is the most fundamen*
tal in economics: supply and demand.
There are obvious reasons why that situation is not
desirable: Foremost is the inability of people of very
limited means to secure safe, clean housing. Subsidies
are available in some instances; but even with
financial assistance, there are too few available houses
to fill the demand. Taken to a more mercenary level,
availability of affordable housing frequently is the key
to attracting young workers to a community. That's
especially critical now, with Iowa's unemployment so
low and the demand for workers increasing/
A recent assessment of the city's housing picture
offered significant insights into the realities of the real
estate market in Iowa City. It begins with the fact that
more than haft the people who rent houses or
apartments spend about a third of their m0nthly
income for housing and related expenses.
That doesn't leave much to accommodate lffe's other
necessities, not to mention the wherewithal to partici-
pate in some of the many activities that make Iowa
City such a vibrant community.
In a city such as Iowa City, the "affordability" factor
is a bit deceiving because of a relatively comfortable
income level. Information from the 1990 federal census
shows the median annual income for a person living
alone in Iowa City is $35,500; for two-member house-
.: holds, $40,600; and for four-member households,
~, $50,700. A reality check comes from remembering that
;: we're speaking of "median" incomes, meaning half the
... households have more money, half have less.
. Those with significantly less in any category have
difficult competing in the rental market with someone
" whose resources are considerably larger. Moreover,
with the average sale price of a home during the first
:i half of 1997 running at $122,749, many in lower income
" categories have difficulty amassing enough money for
· ' a down payment.
!!" ~;~;~.T~..ere ar~.ways to address the situation. to be sure,
· _ ....... and long-term strategy
· ./no pgODtOm iowa t;Ity . for assuring affordable
..... .',I'.~,..ms~.lng Is a.....-: housing needs will be
' 'i" legli]"~'m~t~.~on®, but not met. Some of the early
suggestions may meet
unique' to that with opposition. Perhaps
community. they should.
Requiring developers
lO include a set percentage of "affordable" houses or
apartments in a project may look good on papor. But
developers need to make a profit on their work. Or
should they construct affordable housing at cost and
jack up the profit margin on more expensive units?
And what kind of price spread should there be? How
attractive would a $300,000 home be ff the developer
has to construct $75,000 houses next door, or in the
next block?
That's not snobbery. That's reality.
The problem Iowa City is addressing is a legitimate
one, but not unique to that community. It is more
pressing, perhaps, because of the stability of the city's
economy, the ongoing demand for housing by a
transient student population, and the community's
immense and enduring inteUectual appeal.
Perhaps the first question to answer as Iowa
communities struggle with this issue is a simple
"What do we do first?" As observed earlier, "afford-
1: able" as it applies to housing is not a precise term.
~' . ff the most urgent demand is to accommodate the
~: low-income and f'Lxed income and disabled, the city
· iwould do well to begin scaling that mountain first. ff
" housing for newly arriving workers is a higher
priority, that takes top billing.
i Whatever the answer, it's likely a lot of Iowa
communities will be following deliberations and devel-
, opments in Iowa City with keen interest.
Johnson
Sally Stutsman, Chairporson
Joo Bolk¢om
Charlos D. Duffy
Jonathan Jordahl
Stophon P. La¢ina
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
August 5, 1997
INFORMAL MEETING
Agenda
1. Call to order 9:00 a.m.
2. Review of the formal minutes of July 31 st
3. Business from Joanne Hora re: Senior Center update. discussion
4. Business from the County Engineer
a) Discussion re: stop sign resolution for intersection of 140th Street and
Marak Road.
b) Other
5. Business from Karin Franklin, Director of Planning for the City of Iowa
City re: proposed annexation of Ryerson's Wood. discussion
6. Business from the Board of Supervisors
a) Review of proposed salary survey. discussion (Sally)
b) Discussion of letter re: Airport Zoning Regulations for the Eastern Iowa
Airport (formerly Cedar Rapids Municipal Airport). (Sally)
c) Reports
d) Other
7. Discussion from the public
8. Recess
FORMAL MEETING TO FOLLOW
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE ST.
P.O. BOX1350 IOWA CITY, IOWA 52244-1350
TEL: (319) 356-6000
FAX: (319) 356-6086
Johnson Count~
Sally Slutsman, Chairperson
Joe Bolk¢om
Charlos D. Duffy
Jonalhan Jordahl
Stephen P. La¢ina
BOARD SUPERVISORS
August 5, 1997
FORMAL MEETING
Agenda
1. Call to order following the informal meeting.
2. Action re: claims
3. Action re: formal minutes of July 31st
4. Action re: payroll authorizations
5. Business from the Planning and Zoning Administrator
a) Final consideration of Frank Shima to amend the legal description for
Lot 1, Jordan Creek Subdivision of application Z9669.
b) Other
6. Business from the County Auditor
a) Action re: permits
b) Action re: reports
c) Other
7. Business from the County Attorney
a) Report re: other items
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE ST. P.O. BOX 1350 IOWA CITY, IOWA 52244-1350 TEL: (319) 356-6000 FAX: (319) 356-6086
Agenda 8-5-97
Page 2
8. Business from the Board of Supervisors
a)
b)
c)
d)
Discussion/action re: stop sign resolution for intersection of 140th
Street and Marak Road.
Discussion/action re: 1997 Homestead Credit and Military Exemption
Claim as recommended by County Assessor, Jerry Musser.
Motion to hold a formal meeting on August 14th at 9:00 a.m.
Action re: resolution appointing members to the Eastern Iowa Airport
Zoning Commission. (Sally)
e) Other
Adjourn to informal meeting
a)
b)
c)
d)
Inquiries and reports from the public
Reports and inquiries from the members of the Board of SuperVisors
Report from the County Attorney
Other
10. Adjournment
AUGUST 8, 1997
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
RE: THE ARTICLE IN THE PRESS CITIZEN CONCERNING OVER POPULATION OF
DEER IN THE AREA.
IF IT HAS NOT ALREADY BEEN CONSIDERED, WHY DOESN'T SOMEONE CONTACT
THE NATIONAL RIFLEMEN'S ASSOCIATION? WORK WITH THEM, LET THEM
SELECT A SPECIFIED NUMBER OF THEIR TOP SHOOTERS, ALLOW THEM TO KEEP,
OR GIVE, AS THEY SEE FIT, THE MEAT. FROM'THE DEER? THIS WOULD GIVE
A PURPOSE TO THE SHOOTINGS AN'D POSSIBLY GIVE SOME GOOD MEAT TO PEOPLE
WHO OTHERWISE MIGHT NEVER EXPERIENCE THE WONDERFUL FLAVOR OF VENISON.
THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO SHARE MY FEELINGS IN THIS SITUATION.
A CONCERNED CITIZEN
IOWA CITY RESIDENT
THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
August8,1997
~UG 1 ~ 1997
CITYM ,
ANAG£R S OFFICE
Naomi Novick, Mayor
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240-1826
Dear Naomi:
Thank you for your recent letter concerning the skywalk. We appreciate you taking
the time to share your thoughts. Your letter and other similar correspondence is
being forwarded to Mr. Armajani for his consideration as he works on refinement of
the design. You may or may not know that the current design is only a preliminary
proposal and that Mr. Armajani welcomes comments as he continues the design
process.
Regards,
Richard E. Gibson
Associate Vice President
and Director
REG/jh
I:\p\p\sky-resp.ltr
Facilities Services Group - Administration 416 North Hall
Phone 319/335-1248 WWW Home Page: http://www.uiowa.edu/~fusfsg
Iowa City IA 52242-1223
FAX 319/335-1210