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Home My WebLink About1997-08-26 CorrespondenceAugust 8, 1997 Iowa City Council Civic Center Iowa City, IA 52240 Iowa City Council Members: AUG 11 1997 Earlier this week I read in the Iowa City Press Citizen the account of your last meeting and discussions on revamping Iowa Avenue. One of the options discussed included decreasing the number of parking spaces available. The purpose of this letter is to let you know my feelings about this issue. Today I mailed in a check to the City for a parking fine I received Wednesday. The reason I received the ticket was because there was no available parking for two blocks; this on a weekday at 4:00 p.m. when many of the student population is still away for summer break (conditions are usually worse during the academic school year). I had to go to the bookstore and pick up two computer books chosen earlier by a co-worker; this was to be a quick errand, as my mother was a passenger in my car and I was on my way to take her home from the hospital. This was her first visit back to the doctor since major surgery one week earlier and it had been a rather uncomfortable visit for her as they pulled a catheter and removed staples from her abdomen. As I returned to my car, (within five minutes of parking it), a meter maid was issuing me a ticket. My mother, who was sitting in the front seat of the parked car, had tried to explain the situation, but the meter maid was totally unsympathetic. Is this just someone having a bad day, or are they trained to follow the rules, no exceptions? If this is how they are trained, has anyone given any thought as to how this attitude affects the public? I} for one, have always tried to avoid downtown if possible because of the difficulty parking, and af[er this incident with the meter maid, I will certainly continue to do so. My point here is not to complain about the fine, but share my frustration with you about the downtown parking situation, which will only get worse if you remove existing parking space downtown. I understand another option being considered is making some of the area involved pedestrian access only. What good could come of it that would override the loss of business to the downtown merchants and forcing consumers to walk long distances to get anywhere downtown? What about the elderly who will be unable to walk the distances required to access stores/businesses, or the customers that live too far away to walk or need their cars for other errands, who will not be willing to hunt for parking, particularly with the new mall coming to Coralville? Who wins if parking is decreased or eliminated? Students may have any easier time getting around campus, but this population is here today and gone tomorrow. If you pursue options that decrease or eliminate more downtown parking, I personally feel it will be the kiss of death to downtown businesses. I certainly encourage you, as our representatives, to consider the effects your decisions will have for us and choose what is best for the majority, not the minority. Thank you for taking the time to listen. Sincerely, JoAnn Murdock 2801 Highway 6 East #284 Iowa City, IA 52240 I Amana iowa City Jazz FestivalI August, 11, 1997 Dear Council Members, Thanks so much for all your support of the Amana Iowa City Jazz Festival. I know that some of you were there and I hope you enjoyed the event. We are already in the planning stages for next year and will once again be counting on the City's support of this fabulous Iowa City Festival. Any suggestions or ideas to help us improve on the festival are welcome! Sincerely, Steve Grismore/Executive Director/Amana Iowa City Jazz Festival I 'Steve Grism0re/Executive Director: · : 319,,-358-9346!gi,z m o jazz@aol.com The City ~ouncil Iowa City Civic Oenter Iowa 0ity, IA 52240 August 16, 1997 Dear Council Nerobets: Although I strongly oppose the slaughter of the beautiful and gentle deer that visit our community and warmly welcome them to eat anything they want in my yard, I fear you may decide to permit in-cZty deer kills. If you do, and I certsinly hope you won't, then please, please seek to use the most humane, as opposed to the cheapest, method. I am no expert on deer execution, but I feel sure that being shot with a gun is likely to provide a swifter and more merciful death than being sho!p with an arrow. Please do not impose an execution method that may leave these beautiful creatureS wandering in agony for hours or days before dying. Very truly yours, ?'OI- LLAND LAW OFFICE 300 Brewery Square 123 North Linn Street P.O. Box 2820 Iowa City, IA 52244 August 4, -1997 David C. Ricketts Director-Parking and Transportation Parking and Transportation CAMB University of Iowa Iowa City, IA 52242 C. JOSEPH HOLLAND LARS G. ANDERSON 319-354-0331 FAX 354-0559 Naomi Novick Mayor, City of Iowa City Civic Center 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear Mr. Rickerrs and Ms. Novick: I am writing as counsel for AUR Property Management to request an additional Cambus route in the near southeast side of Iowa City. This is a proposal which needs the involvement of both the University and the City. The University alone has the power to extend the Cambus route. The City has existing bus routes in the general area of the proposed Cambus route and may be concerned about the impact of such a route on the City bus system. Hardly a month goes by when there is not some news item in the local media about downtown parking, such as ramp building, impact on downtown businesses, or changes to the parking fee rate structure. It is also widely known that University students and staff are the biggest consumers of parking in downtown Iowa City. Some steps have been taken to address this, such as prohibiting parking before 10 a.m. on the lower levels of the Capital Street ramp. That effort is geared toward avoiding students filling all of those parking spaces early in the day and leaving cars parked there all day. Beginning around 1980, the near southeast side of Iowa City experienced explosive growth in housing and serving primarily University students. The University has not constructed new dormitories in decades and has not acquired student housing for Cambus Proposal August 4, 1997 Page 2 many years. The apartments on the east and near southeast of downtown have served as the functional equivalent of dormitories. Observations and experience have shown that many students who reside in this area will drive to downtown Iowa City, even though it is only a few blocks, and even though the weather is pleasant. It is a challenge for the City and the University to deal with the students who want to drive a few blocks and then park. It is a challenge for the landlords that so many students want to bring vehicles to Iowa City. A Cambus route in this area would serve the interests of everyone involved. The students would have all-weather mass 'transit available at no cost beyond the fees they are already paying. The City and University would be under less pressure to provide downtown parking. The community might rediscover the downtown as a retail shopping area if parking were freed up. The environment would benefit from fewer short vehicle trips. Landlords would benefit from less parking congestion at and near their properties. With this letter is a brochure outlining specifically what is proposed and answering what I anticipate would be the most likely questions about this proposal. I and my clients would welcome the opportunity to help pursue this project. I will look forward to hearing from you. Very truly yours, C. Joseph Holland CJH:kac cc: AUR Property Management WHAT IS PROPOSED? CAMBUS ROUTE STARTING at Bus loading in front of Old Capital Mall on Washington Street. East on Washington Street to Dodge. South on Dodge to Bowery. West on Bowery to Gilbert. North on Gilbert to Burlington. West on Burlington to Madison. North on Madison to Washington. ENDING at Bus loading in front of Old Capital Mall on Washington Street. SERVED BY THIS ROBE? U of I students, staff and others living near east and southeast of downtown Iowa City and the U of I campus. In the past twenty years many units of multifamily housing have been constructed in this area and are in many ways the equivalent of dormitory housing on the U of I campus. Dormitories currently served by Cambus while an area very densely populated by U of I students does not have Cambus available. Female students in sororities east and southeast of downtown. Currently 13 fraternities are served by Cambus, one is not. Currently 4 sororities are served by Cambus, seven are not. Fraternities on carabus route: Acacia 202 Ellis Ave. Alpha Chi Sigma - 114 E. Market Alpha Kappa Lambda - 220 River St. Beta Theta Pi - 816 N. Dubuque Delta Upsilon - 320 Ellis Ave. Phi Beta Pi - 109 River St. Pi Kappa Alpha - 1032 Dubuque Sigma Alpha Epsilon - 303 N. Riverside Dr. Sigma Nu - 630 N. Dubuque. Delta Chi - 300 block of Ellis Ave. Phi Kappa Psi - 363 N. Riverside Dr. Phi Gamma Delta - 300 block of Ellis Ave. Phi Rho Sigma-117 Ferson Ave.-4 blocks from cambus route. Fraternities not on cambus route: Sigma Alpha Mu - 900 block of E. College St. Sororities on can%bus route: Alpha Delta Pi - 111 E. Bloomington Alpha XI Delta - 114 E. Fairchild St. Delta Delta Delta - 522 N. Clinton St. Gamma Phi Beta - 328 N. Clinton St. Sororities not on cambus route: Alpha Chi Omega - 828 E. Washington Alpha Phi - 906 E. College Delta Zeta - 223 S. Dodge Kappa Alpha Theta - 823 E. Burlington Kappa Kappa Gamma - 728 E. Washington Pi Kappa Phi - 815 E. Washington Zeta Tau Alpha - 815 E. Burlington WHO WOULD PAY FOR THIS ROUTE? Cambus is funded in substantial part by U of I student fees paid by all the students. The persons who benefit from this route are already paying for Cambus. WON'T THE CITY BUS SYSTEM LOSE REVENUE? No. The population served by this route will drive cars to downtown and pay to park rather than paying city bus fare, especially in bad weather. In good weather some ride bikes but many still drive. The impact on City bus ridership would likely be minimal. Q HOW WILL THE CITY BENEFIT? The parking load on downtown facilities will be lessened. Evidence is clear that students are major users of downtown parking. Once downtown, students often park for extended periods. Students won't be as likely to drive if they have no cost, all weather transportation. HOW WILL THE UNIVERSITY BENEFIT? Students also utilize U of I parking. The pressure on the University to provide additional parking will be lessened. Students will be safer if they have mass transit available. HOW WILL THE PUBLIC BENEFIT? Fewer short automobile trips from the near downtown will keep the air we all breathe cleaner. Parking resources will be freed up for visitors to the City's center. WHY WOULD A LANDLORD PROPOSE THIS? Parking is at a premium in the near east and southeast side. Students may be less inclined to bring cars to town if no cost bus transportation is available. Less cars means less disputes over parking, easier snow removal, and better quality of life for tenants and landlords. Many landlords are residents of Iowa City and are concerned about the pressures on the downtown area, particularly the availability of parking and its effect on the economic mix in the area. C, wp$1\¢j h\let gers\cambusro .pro Q :%. L.:l -- ~ ~ ,:*~-:.,9:~.??,-~iWASHINGTON: l A ~ ~ J jJ~ I I ] --' J J I .... , . , ~. ? ~ ........ , ..... $,;;- ~; .... - ...................... I.',~ '~ ~ :''~"""HAllSON .ST / Z I ~J - .,:.: ~, ;~ ,-.- ~t = ~ ~' ~ = ~ I ., ,, . .- J ~ ,... ..~~:AI _., ...., ........= / I: =. , :1 ~ >: ,... ~ ~.~ ~ = / ~ - . , ~TL~.:.:.:,AV~ ~ ~?~ 9 ~ ~ ~ / ~BOW~R~ ST ~ · , 'k ~.'~ u~ , o' - ' ~/, m ~IV~RS;D~ ,, ~~ S: ] ~ ~' X~~ , Date: Thu, 21 Aug 1997 13:08:15 -0500 From: Jennifer Baum <jennifer-baum@uiowa.edu> To: Council@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu Subject: Hickory Hill Park Dear City Council Members- I would like to register my strong objection to the proposed extension of 1st Ave North near Hickory Hill Park. Not only would I like to see this project stopped but it seems to me it would be a much higher priority to have the city extend the borders of Hickory Hill Park by purchasing the land effected from those who would like to develop it. Iowa City has the rare privilege of a largely undeveloped park within its city limits. Not only should the city protect its unique wildness for future Iowa Citizens but by expanding the borders now the park will be ready to accommodate the growth our town is currently enjoying. With these thoughts in mind I urge you to stop the project currently on the board and hold public hearings to determine how Iowa City really feels about its recreational areas. sincerely, Jennifer Baum 1003 E. Burlington #103 AUGUST 18, 1997 MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF IOWA CITY CIVIC CENTER IOWA CITY, IOWA MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL: In order to make an intellegent decision one must have all the facts in hand° It appears that only the last two years of history have appeared on the FIRST AVENUE EXTENSION question. Allow me to fill in some of the past history of First Avenue. Some twenty five years ago when Rochester Road was a thin blacktop and First Avenue was a dirt road from Court Street to Rochester Road, Iowa City made a decision that First Avenue would be extended to the North and connect to Dodge Street Over the following yearsf First Avenue was watered, sewered and paved by the property owners. Rochester Road was paved to First Avenue and the HyVee paved just past their store on Rochester to allow for entrance to their building° When the time came to extend First Avenue to the north of from Rochester Road, the land owner was told that First Avenue must extend directly north and that a four way intersection was mandatory. In order to comply with these regulations, the land owner had to destroy a three story residential building, abandon the deep well (now under First Avenue) destroy eight existing mobile home pads and destroy hundreds of good trees located in the required street right of way° The City of Iowa City cooperated by constructing a $200,000 bridge on First Avenue over the Ralston Creek tributary° Because the street was to be an arterial street, the City zoned the land on both sides of First Avenue extension for apartment use° No lots were sold for single family use. First Avenue paving exists today and has waited patiently for the promised extension to North Dodge Street. PAGE TWO: FIRST AVENUE EXTENSION... Iowa City City Council The property owners and planning and zoning tried over the past ten years to get several other streets approved that would run from Rochester Road to the North to Hickory Trail. The first street proposed was called Stuart Court and was submitted to the City for approval. The City ..using their condemnation power...took that land for a water tank. The second street proposed was called Bluffwood Lane. The City decided that the road was too steep to be used... but they retained a 50 ft. right of way ..just in case° The third road proposed was thru a subdivision to the East. The road was called St. Thomas and P&Z required the road to connect with Hickory Trail to the North. This street became St. Thomas Court .... no extension was required. The fourth road proposed was thru the Rochester Hills subdivisiOJ P&Z and City Planning Staff required a road be built to the North to connect with Hickory Trail. Again, the street extension was not built. The fifth road extension was set by City Council to go to the East of Rochester Hills sub division. That extension wag cancelled when some academic with a butterfly net convinced the council that butterflies would be harmed by a street extension. So...for one mile ...First Avenue to Scott Blvd...there is no way to go to the North. That is Iowa City Planning history. Now we have the planned extension in sight. A 24 inch water main will be installed alongside the existing First Avenue and along the CAPTN IRISH PARKWAY. Engineering firms have been hired to obtain the necessary rights of way. All engineering work and right of way acquisition will be wasted if this project is put on hold. Ask the City Manager for that cost figure! PAGE THREE: FIRST AVENUE EXTENSION,,,,Iowa City City Council Recently the city aquired a $2,000,000 park and water well site alongside the Elks Golf Course and acquired a mile of river frontage. At a cost of $3,500,000 the city acquired 230 acres of land by the KXIC TOWERS on Dubuque St. This gives the city an additional three miles of river frontage and two lakes for park use. There is no shortage of park land in Iowa City. The question is "Where will the money come from for development and .... maintenance°?" The existing park areas are not being maintained now! AND..let's remember that Hickory Hill Park is a combination of park lands and storm water detention land. This road extension does not come close to any park lando SOo..the decision is this! Are plans formulated years ago and followed to the letter of the law by the land owners to be abandoned? Will future land uses set out by the city be eyed by land owners as another whim of the council and city staff? Can a person rely on any statements made by the City of Iowa City about anything? 834 NO. JOHNSON ST.~J IOWA CITY, IOWA 522~45 City Council Civic Center 410 E. Washington St Iowa City, IA 52245 AUG 1 9 1997 C TY UANAGER'S OFFICE 902 N. Dodge St ~A-11 Iowa City, IA 52245 August 17, 1997 Dear Council Members, I am writing in regards to the propped 1st Avenue extension through Hickery Hill. I was very distraught to learn that this may happen since there is very little green left in Iowa City. I live on N. Dodge and frequently walk to Hickery Hill to commune with nature and the wildlife living there. This is one of the few "sane" places where wildlife can live peacefully and Iowa Citians can find some peace of mind away from the traffic and noise of the city. It is very difficult to sit back and say nothing when our environment is slowly being destroyed by decisions that cater more to developers and humans too° Why not also consider the fact that when destroying the environment, we displace thousands of animals and even kill them with the bulldozers, the displacement, and stress? I urge to please, please listen to your constituents who care about the environment and the animals for once, and leave this derelopement plan to disappear, we don't need it! We need trees, plants, wildlife, and fresh air! Thank you for your attention. Citizens for A~imal Rights and the Environment 503 Stuart Court Mayor Naomi Novick Iowa City Civic Center 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Mayor Novick: Please think very, very carefully before allowing the First Avenue extension to go through. If this occurs at this time, the present and future impact on Iowa City will be tremendous. Most of the concern and opposition that I have read seems to be centered on the preservation of Hickory Hill Park and the safety impact of the increased traffic on the children attending the adjacent schools. I totally agree with these concerns. My major concern, however, is that the design of the street, both the slope and the curves, is not conducive to being a main through street. Winter weather conditions are very treacherous. Before we go to work on winter mornings, we watch from our kitchen window to see if cars are able to get up the hill. It's not unusual to see a significant percentage of the north bound vehicles coming down the hill sideways. The mailboxes at the bottom of the hill are constantly being replaced. I find it rather interesting that there was no news report about the city truck that overturned and spilled it's entire load of sand in a front yard, not missing the home by very far. This was two or three winters ago. It was actually quite a spectacular near disaster. Please, please search you conscience when you decide whether or not to go through with the First Avenue extension. Thank you very much. Sincerely. ~ Thomas G. Rosenberger AUG 1_. 9 1997 4-97 To: Iowa City City Councilors From: Sue Forde 616 First Avenue North, Iowa City Dear Council members: I am writing to add my voice to those who have spoken for a deferral on the proposed extension of First Avenue. My home is located on First Avenue north of Rochester and when I first heard of the plan to extend the street so that it could be used as a major north-south route, I had to go out to the street and try to imagine what having that volume of traffic- including trucks (?!)-on that street would be like. Frankly, it would be a nightmare. The length of First Avenue is narrow and extremely residential. The northern segment currently allows parking on the west side but I cannot imagine that would be allowed if the extension is approved. Where would any visitors to our homes be able to park? Our driveways are short, we have no alleys, and there are few side street breaks. Where would visitors to Hickory Hill Park park? The concerns I have about trying to back out of my driveway have been addressed by others-it would be very dangerous as people come speeding down that hill from the south to try and enter traffic. It can be tricky now. The hill on the northern segment of First Avenue would be a hazard for large volumes of traffic to negotiate safely and I shudder to think of trucks careening down the hill and around the curve or groaning to climb it, especially in the winter. As is, people have been unable to maintain control coming down that hill and making the curve-good bye mailboxes of the lucky people who live on the curve! i was not a resident when the "promise" that Scott Boulevard would be the road extended was made so I can't attest to that personally, I am relying on what I have been told. That seems a much saner proposal: Scott Boulevard is straighter and less residential. It's more easterly position also brings the north-south arterial that all agree Iowa City needs in an even better position to serve the city as we expand our borders. Please consider well the arguments you hear on this subject. I urge those of you who do not live in this area to take a drive along the route and imagine trying to navigate with that increased volume of traffic. Sincerely, 8-7-'97 Attention ~997 Iowa City Council Members :- Since we will be unable to attend the August 12 council~.<~ meeting we hope you will accept this personal request. We are Lowell and Pauline Edmondsoh~, we live at 228 Fi~r'st Ave.S° and we have to back out of our driveway. During the 32 year~ we have lived here the traffic has increased considerably and there are certain times of the day when it's virtually impossible to back into the street. ( This is not a Frivolous statement.) The cars at this time are backed up bumR.er to bu~r~per past our house. We will be getting even mo~e traffic soon as the HY VEE shoppers will have to pass this way to get to the new store. When there are sports events at Bates Field the situation is even worse ~ut we don't object to that because this is not a daily occurance as it would be if First Ave is extended and there are 4000 more cars goih$ by. At the July 29th meeting there was a statement made that the residents on Scott Blvd were objecting to more traffic. The main purpose of Scott Blvd was to create a north-south route for heavy traffic. It was supposed to eliminate heavy trucks and semis from ~ residential areas. However there were 6 semis that went past our house in 45 rains on one morning alone, and they really create havoc with our ceilings and pictures etc. Currently the traffic does keep moving throuEh the four-way stop at First Ave and Court St, and the crossing guard can contro~ it when the gradeschoolers go back and forth to school. How will he manage that if they put a stoplight there? I'm afraid it will be too late if a child gets hu~t. We beg you to reconsider and not ex~end F~rst Ave, but concentrate on Scott Blvd which wa~ supposed to be a thor- oughfare in the first place. Respectfully;- Dear Council Person; I am writing to voice my concern over the proposed 1st Avenue extension project slated for eomtmction next spring, I have o~fiy receat become aware or'the fact that the propa~ed extemion will pass within 1,500 ft. of the eastern boarder of Hickory Hill Park. I feel that this will have a detrimenlal impact upon the park's pristine character. The current draft of the Iowa City Ccanprehensive plan states that a major goal is to "protect the historical and natural enviromnent within the city, and "coopera~ in devising ways h~ which eitizem~ of Iowa City can be informed about local issues and be active participaats in setting the connnunitys agenda." Both of these creeds have been violated. I am calling for the council to honor the Comprehensive Plan by allowing public 'input on the First Avenue Extension proposal. Concerned Citizen Dave Kreiter 1322 Dover St. Iowa City, Iowa August 11, 1997 Penny L Cabill 2020 Friendship Street Iowa City, IA 52245 Mayor Naomi Novick 306 Mullin Avenue Iowa City, IA 52246 Dear Mayor Noviclc I am strongly opposed to plans for a First Avenue extension running along the east side of Hickory Hill Park. My family and I love this park, and have enjoyed many wonderful times -- including our wedding celebration -- in this beautiful unspoiled haven. There is no doubt in my mind that the proposed extension will have an irreversible detrimental impact on the integrity of this Iowa City treasure. I strongly urge you to reconsider your position of support for this deafly ill- conceived and ecologically unwise proposal. Sincerdy, Penny L Cahill 1997 J~,~J~,$ Andrew Russo ~ ~ 762 Winston Dr. ~owa City, IA 52242 (319) 337-7077 August5,1997 Naomi Novick Iowa City Council Iowa City, IA Dear Ms. Novick I am writing you with respect to the planned extension of First Ave. I have three questions that I would greatly appreciate it if you could answer, or at least consider in the upcoming council meetings. 1. With the looming budget problem, how can the city justify spending millions of dollars on the new East-West arterial and First Ave. extension? As I understand it, the city will likely be facing a multimillion dollar deficit in about five years. In light of the difficult budget cuts that will have to be made, it is hard to understand how or why these expensive roads are needed, especially since there has not been that much East-side growth that requires new arterials. 2. How and why did First Ave get bumped to the fast-track ahead of Scott Blvd.? A couple of years ago, the city placed the Scott Blvd. extension as a high priority before First Ave. This order was switched without any justification or discussion. Scott Blvd. extension makes a lot more economical sense because this road would facilitate truck access to the expanding Southeast Industrial Park. 3. Has the council considered coupling the extension of the cemetery into the park with preservation of land to the east? There is an imminent shortage of space in the city cemetery that may involve "recapturing" land from Hickory Hill Park. While my preference is to establish a new cemetery, a reasonable compromise would be to at least leave the land to the north and east of the park (where the new road and development will go) as an agricultural buffer for Hickory Hill Park. This land could then be purchased for a park (or cemetery) in the future as the city continues to grow. The park is a treasure that the city should protect from encroachment. If the road is built, then the council will limiting future options. Thank you for your attention to these issues. I look forward to hearing from you. Andrew Russo Date: Thu, 21 Aug 1997 15:35:09 -0500 From: Suzanne Micheau <Suzanne-Micheau@uiowa.edu> To: Council@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu Subject: Hickory Hill Park Dear City Council Members- I would like to register my strong objection to the proposed extension of 1st Ave North near Hickory Hill Park. Not only would I like to see this project stopped but it seems to me it would be a much higher priority to have the city extend the borders of Hickory Hill Park by purchasing the land effected from those who would like to develop it. Iowa City has the rare privilege of a largely undeveloped park within its city limits. Not only should the city protect its unique wildness for future Iowa Citizens but by expanding the borders now the park will be ready to accommodate the growth our town is currently enjoying. With these thoughts in mind I urge you to stop the project currently on the board and hold public hearings to determine how Iowa City really feels about its recreational areas. Sincerely, Suzanne Micheau 304 South Summit St Date: Thu, 21 Aug 1997 18:40:25 +0000 From: Eric Weston <erweston@televar.com> To: council@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu Subject: don't pave Hickory Hill Dear Iowa City Council, I'm no longer a voter in Iowa City, though I still get homesick for Iowa City. I'm now a felony prosecutor in Washington State. I hear that you are considering running First Avenue through part of Hickory Hill Park. That would be foolish. Hickory Hill is a treasure to the city and its citizens. It is a legacy handed down for our enjoyment. To sell it off, in order to save a few people a few minutes of travel time, is squandering the most precious resource the city has, open land. I urge you to conserve, or expand, the park. Don't pave the park. Sincerely, Eric Weston 1545 NE 130th Place Seattle, WA 98125 AUG ~ 0'1997 Betty M. Sedtacek City of Iowa City EMORA\ Date: To: From: Re: August 8, 1997 City Clerk Doug Ripley, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner Elimination of Designated Crosswalk on Southlawn Drive in Front of Robert Lucas School As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of the following action. Unless directed otherwise by the City Council, this action will occur on or shortly after August 27, 1997. Action Pursuant to Section 9-1-3(A)3 of the City Code, signage and pavement markings will be removed indicating the pedestrian crosswalk on Southlawn Drive in front of Robert Lucas School. This action only affects the southernmost of the two pedestrian crosswalks on Southlawn. Comment This action is being taken at the request of the Lucas PTO and administration. Lucas School has established safe routes for students to follow which lead to guarded crosswalks on Southlawn Drive and Muscatine Avenue. This crosswalk is not part of the established safe route, nor is it controlled by a student or adult crossing guard. An existing guarded crosswalk is available just north of this crosswalk as part of the established routes. jw/mem/dr-lucas.doc City of owa City Date: To: From: Re: August 13, 1997 City Clerk Doug Ripley, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner Installation of Stop Signs on Iowa River Corridor Trail As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of the following action. Unless directed otherwise by the City Council, this action will occur on or shortly after August 27, 1997. Action Pursuant to Section 9-1-3(A)5 of the City Code, signage will be installed indicating traffic on the Iowa River Corridor Trail must stop at the intersection of Park Road. Also westbound trail traffic must stop at the intersection of Manor Drive. Comment This action is being taken as part of the comprehensive signing process of the completed portions of the Iowa River Corridor Trail. This action will assign right-of-way at intersections of the trail with the street system. These signs are the result of a cooperative effort between the City of Iowa City, University of Iowa, and the JCCOG Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee to ensure the Iowa River Corridor Trail is safe, and the route identifiable. jw/mem/dr-irct.doc City of Iowa City Date: To: From: Re: August 13, 1997 City Clerk Doug Ripley, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner ~ Establishment of Crosswalk on Park Road for the Iowa River Corridor Trail As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of the following action. Unless directed otherwise by the City Council, this action will occur on or shortly after August 28, 1997. Action Pursuant to Section 9-1-3(A)3 of the City Code, signage and pavement markings will be installed indicating a crosswalk on Park Road at the intersection of the Iowa River Corridor Trail. Comment This action is being taken as part of the comprehensive signing process of the completed portions of the Iowa River Corridor Trail. This action will give advance warning to vehicles on Park Road of the intersections of the trail with the street system. These signs and pavement markings are the result of a cooperative effort between the City of Iowa City, the University of Iowa, and the JCCOG Regional Trails Bicycling Committee to ensure the Iowa River Corridor Trail is safe, and the route identifiable for auto, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Bicycles and pedestrians will be required to stop prior to crossing Park Road. C;ity Iowa C;ity ,Vi E ORA Date: To: From: Re: August 15, 1997 City Clerk Doug Ripley, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner ~ Removal of Reserved Parking for Persons With Disabilities on the 300 Block of College Street As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of the following action. Unless directed otherwise by the City Council, this action will occur on or shortly after September 1, 1997. Action Pursuant to Section 9-1-3(A)14 of the City Code, signage will be removed indicating reserved parking for persons with disabilities at two spaces within the current loading zone on the north side of the 300 block of College Street. These spaces were effective only on Wednesdays from 6-10 p.m. and on Sundays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Comment These two spaces for reserved parking were established early this summer to accommodate patrons of Trinity Episcopal Church on College Street during regular services. Since then, two accessible spaces have been installed on the west end of the 300 block of College Street. Since the new spaces were constructed to meet A.D.A. accessibility guidelines, it is more appropriate that patrons of the area utilize these spaces. The loading zone in front of Trinity Episcopal Church will remain, allowing drop-offs and pick-ups. The church has been contacted and is aware of these changes. jw/mem/dr-ada.doc August 8,1997 CITY OF I0 WA CITY TO: RE: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council Civil Service Entrance Examination COORDINATOR SECTION 8 We, the undersigned members of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, do hereby certify the following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Section 8 Coordinator. Heidi Wolf Hired: 8/12/97 IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE co~is~soN . i~/~el~W. Ke~ne~~dyChair ATTEST: , City Clerk 410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY. IOWA 52240-1826 · (319) 356-5000 e FAX (319) 356-5009 August 12, 1997 CITY OF I0 WA CITY TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination - Police Officer We, the undersigned members of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, do hereby certify the following named person(s) in the order of their standing as eligible for the position of Police Officer,, Scott Gass Phil Hartung Brent Hilzendager Arnulfo Trevino Andrew Martin Neal Denison Jeremy Clifton Derek Frank Joel Peshek Brandon Hope John Olney Chad Crigger ATTEST: Mar~an Karr, City Clerk W. Dickerson 410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET $ IOWA CITY, IOWA '52240-1826 $ (319) 356-5000 · FAX (319) 356-5009 90'7 July 1, 1997 CITY OF IOWA CITY TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination - Firefighter We, the undersigned members of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, do hereby certify the following named person(s) in the order of their standing as eligible for the position of Firefighter. Glenn Pauley Bruce Workman Todd Henderson Tom Clearman Chris Buckman Jason Brandt Lance Carolan Aaron Laux Rick Halleran Tim Staub David Brown Brian Mohr Jayce Patterson Matt Hilliard Gabe Cook Joe Corbin Brian Abbott Chris Draus Scott Donohue Andrew Olesen IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION ATTEST: Ma i~r ,~ity~C~le~rk Michael W. Kennedy, Chair 410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240-1826 · (319) 356-5000 · FAX (319) 356-5009 Robyn Parks 917 Dearborn St. Iowa City, Iowa 52240 319.338.0628 August 19, 1997 Naomi Novick 306 Mullin Ave. Iowa City, IA 52246 I am writing to request that you in no way give any further support to the development of the First Avenue extension project. I ask that you honor the past decisions of previous city councils regarding this development. I want our council and community to preserve and protect Hickory Hill Park and the safety of our children and neighbors who live in the proposed affected areas of the extension. While I readily admit to not closely following the agendas and council work, the approval of the extension project through recent media coverage was news to me. I encourage you to listen to your community and not move ahead with this First Avenue plan just because it has been in the works. I will attend the council meeting on August 26 to show my support in favor of developing an alternative plan that will preserve Hickory Hill Park and avoid residential neighborhoods for major traffic artery. Please work with the transportation planner to develop a link with Scott Boulevard. Sincerely, Robyn Parks Naomi Novick Iowa City Council Dear Mrs Novick: It is imperative that the planned extension of First Avenue be stopped right now. At previous meetings I have emphasized the need to abandon this plan. There are better alternatives. Very truly yours, f. ~ 2150 Dubuque Road FIRST AVENUE EXTENSION As citizens of Iowa City we believe that the City Council is making a 'boo hasty decision in extending First Avenue to North Dodge Street. 1. The fact that this decision is moving through council in August is unfortunate because many local school groups and citizens are out of towa. 2.The fact that this decision is counter to the long term use of Scott Blvd. is also problematic. 3. Adding an extra 4_~000 cars and trucks per day to an area with four schools is a risk to our children° Name Address Date ./q, FIR ST AVENUE EXTENS ION As citizens of Iowa City we believe that the City Council is making a too hasty decision ia extending First Avenue to North Dodge Street° 1. The fact that this decision is moviag through council in August is unfortunate because many local school groups and citizens are out of town. 2.The fact that this decision is counter to the long term use of Scott Blvd. is also problematic. Adding an extra 4~000 cars and trucks per day to an area with four schools is a risk to our children. Address t ste n,. Date 7 FIRST AVENUE EXTENSION As citizens of Iowa City we believe that the City Council is making a too hasty decisioa in extending First Aveaue to North Dodge Street. 1. The fact that this decision is moving through council in August is unfortunate because many local school groups and citizens are out of town. 2.The fact that this decision is counter to the long term use of Scott Blvd. is also problematic. 3. Adding an extra 4,000 cars and trucks per day to an area with four schools is a risk to our children. Name Address Date I~ ?r e~uos / ~p/O