HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-01-20 Correspondence ] o£!
Marian Karr
From: Aaschoffl @aol.com
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2004 9:05 AM
To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org
Subject: Indoor Soccer Facility
To all the members of the Iowa City Council:
I am a parent of a 15 year old competitive soccer player, who is affiliated with the Iowa Soccer Club. As you have already
learned, compefitive soccer clubs provide year-round soccer training and competition for our kids. Indoor facilities have
been very challenging to find, and practice sessions have been limited as a result. The only game facility is in Cedar
Rapids, the Sportzone. I understand that Sportzone's price increases are not negotiable, as they have no competing
facility, and they are so crowded that some kids are playing at 11:00 PM. I recently spoke with a 16 year old girl who is
driving to Cedar Rap[ds on winter nights to participate in team games at that hour of the night, which I think is very
unfortunate. These kids, though, are determined to play. League soccer influences our kids in an extremely positive
manner - it promotes training and goal setting skills, good sportsmanship, and serious but courteous competition among
their peers. They are well supervised and become very fit athletes. They build so[id and long-term friendships with their
team mates. League soccer builds confidence at critical times in our kids' lives, and, I believe, plays a major role in
deterring substance abuse in adolescents.
I hope that you will give strong consideration to the addition of an indoor soccer facility in Iowa City. With the growing
popularity of soccer in the United States, I am quite certain that it will be a well-used facility. Thank you.
Ann Aschoff, 880 Maplewood Drive, Coralville, IA 52241.
1/12/04
Marian Karr
From: Clegg, Steven [steven-clegg@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2004 10:04 AM
To: 'cou ncil@iowa-city.org'
Cc: Arpey, Christopher; Cook Jon (E-mail)
Subject: ISC Indoor practice facilities
TO: Iowa City Council Members, City of Iowa City
It is with enthusiasm that I com~unicate with you in order to support
the
request of the Iowa Soccer Club (ISC) for a change in zoning for the
property located at 2804 Industrial Park Road in south east Iowa City.
As
you are aware the ISC has requested that this property be rezoned in
order
to facilitate the building's use as an indoor practice facility for the
ISC
members. My son is currently an ISC player and became involved with ISC
more than four years ago through its small children's program called the
ISC
Academy. Currently, he and his teammates, like virtually all ISC
members,
play competitive soccer throughout the year. During the winter months
the
ISC teams are involved in traveling to many parts of the region to
participate in indoor soccer tournaments. When they travel they are
essentially ambassadors of the Iowa City Community as well as the ISC.
Their success, both on and off the filed, is a function of primarily two
things. First, the dedication of coaches, staff and volunteer parents
to
facilitating their soccer skills, and second their ability to practice
soccer in an appropriate and safe environment. Currently, my son
included,
many of the ISC players have to practice at the Cosgrove Institute in
Cosgrove that possess a small hard-wood floor gym. Although better than
nothing this facility does not provide the optimum space for indoor
soccer
practices. In addition, the travel out to Cosgrove on an unlit road in
the
middle of winter can present several problems. It is a testament to the
parents' dedication that many make this journey one or more times each
week.
The other alternative for a practice site that meets the size
requirements
is the gym at Kate Wickham school. As you are probably aware, this gym
is
in heavy demand by numerous, deserving com~nunity groups and therefore,
can
only be used on a limited basis by ISC.
Therefore, I would like to strongly encourage you to favorably consider
the
request of the ISC for this rezoning. Listening to public discussion
about
this topic I have heard that one concern may be the question of safety
this area given the heavy traffic to the industrial park. If you have
not
already done so I encourage you to drive to the facility from Iowa City.
This involves travel along Highway 6 that is well-lit, regulated for
1
speed
and is, of course used by mostly non-commercial traffic. In order to
arrive
at the facility, there is a short drive (approximately) 200 yards before
turning into the parking facilities of the building that is located well
off
the road. Therefore, the only point at which ISC families might
encounter
any heavy-duty traffic is along a small stretch of road. However, the
ISC
practices are only held starting in late afternoon and through evening,
times at which there is very little traffic of any sort on this road.
The
parking facilities for parents are excellent at this site and present no
problem for access to and egress from the building.
If you were to support this rezoning application you would essentially
be
supporting more than 100 families in the Iowa City community all of
which,
to the best of my knowledge, are in favor of this opportunity and
excited
about not having to leave Iowa City for practices. This is not to
mention
the gratification for several hundred children who are ISC members. In
addition, since most practices for each team last over 60 min. the
opportunity to visit the retail stores and eat at the local restaurants
after practice are very appealing to many. The building will require
some
modification for soccer practice and all expenditures will be borne by
ISC
members at no cost to the council.
In summary, therefore, I would like to strongly encourage you to
favorably
consider the rezoning application. In addition, I would be appreciative
of
hearing your feelings from each of you on this issue. I thank you in
advance for your consideration and thank you for your sterling efforts
in
the governance of this community.
Steve Clegg
1570 Phoenix Drive, Iowa City and proud parent of an ISC Warrior.
Department of Microbiology
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52242
Te1:319-335-7778
Fax: 319-335-9006
Marian Karr
From: Dale Helling
Sent: Friday, January 09, 2004 4:11 PM
To: 'Jackie Everett'
Cc: *City Council; Kathryn Johansen
Subject: RE: Indoor Soccer Facility
Ms. Everett,
Thank you for your email correspondence to the City Council regarding an
indoor soccer facility. While Council members do not receive their
email directly, your message will be forwarded to each of them.
Dale Helling, Assistant City Manager
cc. Kathi Johansen, Administrative Assistant
..... Original Message .....
From: Jackie Everett [mailto:jackie.everett@mchsi.com]
Sent: Friday, January 09, 2004 2:03 PM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Subject: Indoor Soccer Facility
To whom it may concern,
I am writing in response to a recent proposal being presented to the
City Council for an indoor soccer facility in Iowa City. It would be a
welcomed addition to Iowa City as our community has a strong commitment
to soccer both on a recreational and competitive level. Currently
during the "indoor soccer season", clubs our scattered between Wickham
Elementary School, Scanlon Gym, and a gym in Cosgrove, Iowa. Why have
any money leave the city? I hardly believe that allowing this facility
to become an indoor soccer arena would have a negative impact on the
amount of "industrial property" that's available here in Iowa City.
Please vote to change the zoning for this particular property so that
we might bring something to this community that would actually be used.
Sincerely,
Jacqueline D. Everett
Iowa City
(319) 466-0785
Page 1 of 1
Marian Karr
From: Neal Kohatsu [n.kohatsu@mchsi.com]
Sent: Saturday, January 10, 2004 1:37 PM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Subject: Indoor Soccer Facility
Dear Council Members:
I live in Iowa City and am writing to express strong support for the development of an indoor soccer complex in a
warehouse.
This facility could be used by several soccer clubs resulting in a safe place for hundreds of kids (and adults) to engage in
healthy, winter exercise.
Soccer is a popular activity for many individuals and families. With the state and national obesity epidemic threatening the
health of the public, it is important for communities to support avenues to enable physical activity.
Sincerely,
Neal D. Kohatsu, MD, MPH
Associate Professor
College of Public Health
University of Iowa
1/12/04
Page I of 1
Marian Karr
From: MJMcGowan2004@aol.com
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2004 11:13 AM
To: cou ncil@iowa-city.orfl
Subject: ISC Indoor Practice Facility
Council,
The purpose of this email is to state my support for youth soccer in Iowa City. The programs that our children are taking
part in are fantastic! They help build confidence and help develop a competitive spirit for our children. I know that my son
Paul loves being a part of ISC and that the club has helped him a great deal in the first six months.
I urge you all to support the soccer interests in Iowa City any way that you can.
Matt McGowan
2675 Glen Hollow Ct.
Coralville, IA 52241
1/12/04
Marian Karr
From: Mark Meyer [mcmeyer@mchsi.com]
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2004 10:53 AM
To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org
Subject: Indoor Sports Facility in Area Zoned Industrial
I have lived in Iowa City since I enrolled in a joint program in law and
urban and regional planning at the University of Iowa in 1972. I chose
to practice law after I graduated from law school in 1975, but I do
recall from my urban and regional planning classes studying the concept
of zoning. I know that zoning land use is largely, although not
universally, thought to be a good thing, and I also know that in some
instances it makes sense to allow a variance to authorize a
non-conforming uses. I believe that allowing an indoor sports facility,
as Chris Arpey and Jon Cook proposed to the Council, is such an
instance.
I have two daughters, one who is a senior at City High and the other who
is in the eighth grade at Southeast Junior High. One girl is a member of
the Iowa Soccer Club and one is a member of the Alliance Soccer Club.
Parenthetically, I am proud to say that both of the girls have appeared
before the Council to receive good citizen awards. We think that Iowa
City is a wonderful place to raise a family, and so do a lot of people
who don't live in Iowa City, I might add. For example, my youngest
daughter was in Fairfield yesterday along with two busloads of students
from Iowa City's junior high schools to audition for SEIBA, an honors
band for students from across Eastern Iowa. My daughter was asked by a
student from another town where she was from, and she said Iowa City.
The other student's response was, "You are so lucky." I think so too.
One area in which the young people of Iowa City are not so fortunate is
the availability of indoor sports facilities. Both of my daughters have
participated in various sports in school and club teams. I know, as a
parent and coach of youth sports teams, how difficult it is to find a
place to practice soccer, basketball, and volleyball during the winter.
Because of this, my youngest daughter has had to drive, as do the other
300 other families in the Iowa Soccer Club, along the IWV road, at
night, to Cosgrove, to find a place to practice indoor soccer. As you
know, the IWV is a narrow, dark, hilly two-lane road that is not at all
safe to be on at night in the winter. My oldest daughter has to drive
to North Liberty for her practices. In other words, due to the
competing demands for very limited space by Iowa City's two soccer clubs
( I'm not counting Kickers because it doesn't operate in the winter),
three volleyball clubs, and myriad of youth basketball teams, not to
mention the wrestling, swimming and gymnastics clubs and the school
teams, our children are being put at risk by having to travel
substantial distances in the inclement weather that characterizes Iowa
winters. It is my belief that allowing the indoor sports facility as
proposed to the Council will alleviate that demand somewhat and would,
on balance, be substantially less risky to our children. I am sensitive
to the fact that its usually wise to try to avoid mixing semitrailer
traffic with vans and sedans, but in this instance most of the traffic
to the sports facility will be in the late afternoon and evenings when
the commercial traffic has lessened substantially.
1
We all want to keep our children busy and engaged in positive
activities, and youth sports certainly falls into that category. I hope
that you will see fit to approve the request to allow a first-rate
indoor sports facility to be developed, at no cost to the city, as was
proposed to the Council.
- Mark Meyer
FILED
~¢]~JAN I1~ I~HII'. 58
1423 ^burd¢¢~ Court
CffY CLERK Iowa City, Iowa 52246
~O~A C~i'( ~OWA J~u~ 12, 2004
Council Members
City Council
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear council members,
I'm writing about the proposal to permit the community's soccer clubs to bring an indoor soccer
practice facility to a warehouse space in Iowa City. I'm writing as a "soccer mom"-I have a
daughter who bas played six years of competitive club soccer.
There are several things you should know about competitive club soccer. First, it's a business. It
employs terrific young people as coaches; it generates trade for sporting goods stores and
secondhand stores. It keeps a large number of community kids busy, active, and engaged in a
wholesome extracurricular sport. You know those couch-potato kids we keep hearing about,
who don't get enough physical activity, who sit around in front of the computer all day eating
snacks? You won't see any of them at club soccer. So the programs offer a wonderful
opportunity to challenge and motivate our kids.
You may not know that club soccer operates year-round. In the spring, summer and fall, the kids
practice and play out of doors. But during the late fall and winter months, space must be found
for the teams to practice and play indoors. For at least the six years we've been involved, Iowa
City players have had to drive to Hiawatha (north of Cedar Rapids) for indoor games in the
wintertime. In town, the soccer clubs must hustle to find practice spaces, many of which are out
of town-this year all of my daughter's indoor practices have been either in Coralville or in
Cosgrove. It would be very convenient and safer for Iowa City families to have a facility right
here in town that could be used for indoor games and practices. But that's a small part of what
you should know in considering this proposal.
Competitive club soccer is a HUGE enterprise. These facilities have the potential to be
constantly busy with games, practices, tournaments, parties and events. Most of these events
include players from outside the area, who will drive here and spend time here just because
there's an indoor practice facility. While they're here, they'll spend money-they'll buy gas for
their cars, they'll eat in our restaurants, they'll patronize our convenience stores and
supermarkets as well as our sporting goods and clothing shops.
We travel all over the Midwest with soccer and have been very surprised to see the amotmt of
trade and money that pour into communities that have the facilities to support significant soccer
tournaments. The potential of these facilities is not just that they benefit the families involved,
though they surely do (and there are many of us), but that they have the potential to benefit the
larger community as well.
Thanks for considering this matter.
Yours very truly,
cc: Jori Cook, Iowa Soccer Club
Page 1 of 1
Marian Karr
From: BReck83339@aol.com
Sent: Sunday, January 11,2004 7:45 PM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Subject: Rezoning of Mid-Iowa Ventures Warehouse for Iowa Soccer Club Use
January 11, 2004
To Members of the Iowa City Council:
My name is Barbara Reck and I live at 30 Hunters Glen on the southwest side of Iowa City. I am the Secretary of the
Iowa Soccer Club, where my 13-year-old son plays soccer year-round
The purpose of this note is to encourage you to approve the temporary (or permanent, as may be required by law)
variance in zoning from Industrial to Commercial/Recreational for the warehouse at 2804 Industrial Park Rd. owned by
Mid-Iowa Ventures, Inc. We have an opportunity for this to become an indoor practice facility for our club, which would be
a dream come true.
Over the last few years we've been looking to buy, build or rent such a facility and either the cost has been prohibitive or
there's nothing suitable available. Every year it's a scramble to find indoor practice time and space since we compete with
so many other groups for the same time and space. Scanlon Gymnasium at Mercer is only available to us for one month,
Wickham Elementary gives us very limited hours, and the Cosgrove Institute is 9 miles out of town on rural roads that are
not maintained or lit as well as city roads. There is a safety factor there that especially impacts high school-age drivers.
Our practices are not held during regular business hours. They are from 4 ~ 9:30 p.m. weekdays and at various times
Saturdays and Sundays, so cars would not be sharing the road with semi-trucks very often. We finally have a chance at
having all indoor practices in the same building under ideal conditions with regularly-scheduled times. The only obstacle
is the rezoning.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter. Many parents and children in the Iowa City/Coralville area are
hoping you see fit to allow this dream to become a reality.
Sincerely,
Barbara J. Reck
1/12/04
Marian Karr
From: Julie Ricci [jricci@inav.net]
Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2004 6:03 PM
To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org
Subject: Indoor Soccer Facility
To the Iowa City City Council,
I would like to encourage this council to consider the indoor soccer
facility. I have felt disenfranchised from Iowa City for several years
now.
The concerns for Iowa City have all been focused en downtown and away
from
the East side. Every vote has seemed to benefit a certain few in this
cei~unity, but net the young families that are trying to live here. The
numbers ef ypoung people that this facility would benefit are too large
for
you te ignore. Have you been to the Kickers fields ena Saturday? Have
you
looked at hew many children are involved in ISC and Alliance Soccer
Teams?
We drive our children to soccer in Cedar Rapids. They get our shopping
dollars and money spent on food. They are benefiting because they are
supporting many families. One of the issues that bothered you was that
the
area was zoned for industrial use. Look at where the Sport Zone is
located!
In the industrial area! I hope that you will think long and hard about
the
many families you will disappoint if you do net do SOHETHING for the
youth
ef this community. This is one healthy way to involve may children. If
you
cannot support this option, I strongly request that you offer something
in a
location that you approve, other than Ceralville. I am tired of losing
dear
friends to other communities because of the lack of support for young
families, so many have moved away. Julie C. Ricci
Marian Karr
From: Tracey Schmidt [traceyschmidt@hotma[[.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2004 2:34 PM
To: cou ncil@iowa-city,org
Subject: Iowa Soccer Club/Warehouse Use/Rezoning for a Practice Facility
To: Iowa City City Council
From: Tracey Schmidt, 242 Hackney Court, Iowa City
Re: Iowa Soccer Club/Warehouse Use/Rezoning for a Practice Facility
Please consider the rezoning request of the south side warehouse for an
indoor soccer practice facility. I am a mother of two children involved
in
soccer, the chair of the ISC Scholarship Committee and an Iowa City
resident.
I live on the south east side of Iowa City and my children are
practicing in
Cosgrove, Iowa. Every night when I take my children to practice, I
drive by
the turn off to the proposed practice facility. But every night I have
to
keep driving and drive out of town for my children to practice. I will
tell
you the first thing I thought about was the semi traffic when I heard
about
the situation. So I check out the traffic every time I am coming and
going
and quite honestly I notice very little traffic in this area during out
practice times. I have been watching for about two months now.
Speaking for the parents, when we drop our kids off at practice, we run
errands, we go get a cup of coffee, we shop...this facility will bring us
to
Sycamore, the Java House and other south east side business that need
the
revenue. Keep us in Iowa City, keep our kids and our money in Iowa
City.
I am also the chair of the Scholarship Committee for the Iowa Soccer
Club.
We are trying to make club soccer affordable for all kids who want to
play
soccer at a more involved level. When we force families to practice
outside
of Iowa City, these families are quite often without the resources to
participate.
Thank you for considering the rezoning option and supporting the youth
of
Iowa City. Studies have shown the children that are involved are more
productive, help us produce tomorrow's leaders.
Scope out the new MSN Plus Internet Software -- optimizes dial-up to the
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Page 1 of 1
Marian Kart
From: Duncansoccer4@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2004 4:02 PM
To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org
Subject: iowa soccer club
As I sit here thinking about soccer practice tonight I am not to excited. My 14 year old has to practice at a location that
takes me thirty minutes one way to drive to. It is in a location that is not very "soccer friendly". A very cold place and not
very parent friendly. He gets done at 9:30 p.m. which means we will not get home till 10:00 p.m. That makes for a long
night. I really feel the location here in town that has been put in front of the council would be a lot better. I would like a
fifteen minute drive and the opportunity to go shop at the sycamore mall a lot better then sitting in a cold gym on hard
bleachers for two hours.
I really feel it is time for iowa Soccer Club to have its club have a place to call "home".
Thank you,
Dee Sedlacek
1/14/04
Marian Karr
From: Nancy Weber [Weber. Nancy@iccsd.kl 2.ia. us]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2004 4:28 PM
To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org
Subject: Indoor soccer practice facility - Rezoning issue
Dear Council members,
As a parent of an 18-year-old member of the Iowa Soccer Club who has
played with them for about 10 years now, I would like to support the
effort
to re-zone the facility near Proctor and Gamble for indoor practices.
Before our son could drive, we drove him all over Johnson county
for
indoor practices, to various elementary schools, Northwest Junior High,
and
the Cosgrove Institute. It would be terrific for soccer players and
their
parents if this local facility were made available for practices. The
reasons are numerous:
1. It would free up space now used for indoor practices in the
schools
and other facilities.
2. Driving out to Cosgrove (or sending your son or daughter out
there)
at night, is not a short, easy trip. The roads during the winter months
can
be hazardous, and the trip takes a good 20-25 minutes each way. An
indoor
facility close to town means less travel time and a safer trip. And its
proximity to Sycamore Mall affords a chance to do a little shopping
while
your soccer player is at practice!
3. Concern was expressed about the truck traffic being bothered by
the
potential car traffic. Since most practices are held in the evening or
on
weekends, I would imagine the truck traffic to be lighter at those
times.
It seems more dangerous to be driving out in the country at night that
near
slow-moving trucks.
4. Having an indoor facility in which to practice can only help to
encourage the winter sport of indoor soccer, and our kids need
opportunities
to stay active during those months. The organization of indoor soccer
is
already in place, with hundreds of the area's young kids involved.
Let's
help it, and them, grow.
Sincerely,
Nancy Weber
Page 1 of l
Marian Karr
From: jmyoder@ rockwellcollins.com
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2004 6:57 AM
To: co u ncil@iowa-city.org
Cc: jmyoder@rockwellcollins.com
Subject: ISC Rezoning Request
Dear Sirs/Madams -
RE: request to rezone an eastside Iowa City warehouse for use as an indoor soccer facility.
I would like to understand you position on this matter.
My position is as such:
I fully support of the Iowa Soccer Club's (ISC's) request for rezoning
of an eastside Iowa City empty warehouse to support development of an indoor soccer facility.
I have 2 children involved in club soccer at this time. The alternative being supported by the
ISC is safer for families, more convenient, and could improve the traffic to the Sycamore Mall
(parents don't normallly sit and watch l -1/2 hour practices).
It is a much needed facility, and would be a great benefit to the city and its constituents.
Recreational facilities all over Iowa City are very heavily used. They provide for strengthening
both the minds, bodies, and relationships of the children, families, and communities who share
in their use. With Iowa City's resources, we should not be required to utilize other communities'
resources on a continuous basis.
Again, regarding safety, therezoning request would be safer for many familities than our current situation.
I currently make 4 - 8 trips per week to various out of town fad[ities. Half of these are on a dark
county road in the winter months with no streetlights, ice on the bends in the roads, and a
heavy deer population roaming the countryside. Traveling to eastside Iowa City would
be much safer. Additionally, the hours of utilization of the soccer facility (normally after 4 pm weekdays
and on weekends) will not be a time of heavy industrial traffic.
Please consider approval of the ISC rezoning request as soon as possible.
Thank you.
Jami M. Yoder
51 Laredo Court
Iowa City, IA 52246
1 / 12/04
Page 1 of 1
x-3(t)
Marian Karr
From: Daack-Hirsch [daackhirsch@mchsi.com]
Sent: Monday, January 19, 2004 11:23 PM
To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org
Cc: Jon Cook
Subject: Indoor Practice Facility
Dear City Council Members;
I am writing to invoke your support for the temporary variance requested by Iowa Soccer Club (ISC) and Mid-Iowa
Ventures. We have been members of ISC for the past three and one half years. My son plays on a boy's youth 13 team.
This team has enjoyed much success in the past two years. This year they played in a premier league and are currently
ranked first in the state of Iowa at this age group. While this team certainly benefits from the fine athletic ability of the
individual boys, much of their success is owed to Jon Cook, director of ISC and the many marvelous and dedicated
coaches. This club provides a healthy environment for children from age 5 to 18 to learn the game of soccer.
Soccer is great fun, good exercise, a game that has worldwide appeal and provides kids with a fitness program for life. In
addition to leaning a sport children learn to compete yet respect opponents, referees, parents and teammates. They learn
the value of being part of a team and to set personal goals and goals that can only be reached by working together. They
gain self-confidence, learn to work hard for something, learn how to negotiate, gain leadership skills and learn how to
follow, they learn to win and lose. While these things can be taught in many different activities it is especially effective for
children to learn these lessons while doing something they like and that they are good at. These lessons surely transfer
into many aspects of our children's lives. My son has grown in each of these areas because of his involvement with the
club.
The success of the soccer program for children who are interested in training for this sport year round is dependent on
adequate training facilities. As outlined by Dr. Arpey the current indoor facilities are not great. The venues are spread out
in the Iowa City/Coralville area, not in our control so practices are often canceled at the last minute even after we've paid
our club and are not safe. The children practice in-doors in gymnasiums that are not designed for indoor soccer. The
floors are hard which in turn is hard on heads, knees, ankles and elbows. There are many hazards such as bleachers,
walls or stairways leading to lower level locker rooms. I do not believe the location we are asking to occupy exposes our
children to dangers that are beyond the hazards of every day life. While the area is located in an industrial zone, semi
truck traffic is much more hazardous on Interstate 80 than in this area during the times we would be there.
The soccer club is a tremendous value to the community. Children and families develop friendships that extend beyond
their neighborhood, school, or church. This builds strong community ties. The success of the club also translates into
community pride as teams are successful others take notice of who we are and where we are from. Our community has
enjoyed much success and pride in our high school men's and women's soccer teams. Success at the high school level
is tied directly to the success of the club teams. Soccer and other youth programs give children creative programs that
keep them off the street. Soccer provides the community with entertainment that is family oriented.
I realize that our interests are not the only ones you must consider in making this decision. I also believe it may be easier
to just say no to our request. Change is often uncomfortable and takes more effort. However, Mid-Iowa Ventures is
demonstrating a great willingness to work with the community and invest in the children and families.of ISC. If there is
way to work this out I encourage you to make the effort. I would like to thank all of you for the time and effort you extend
on behalf of Iowa City.
Sincerely,
Sandra Daack-Hirsch
1/20/04
I~larian Kart ~'~-~ (~) Pa~¢ I of l
From: Gene Chrischilles [tgenec@mchsi.com]
Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2004 9:35 PM
To: co u ncil@iowa-city.org
Subject: Indoor soccer facility
Please consider a zoning change to allow the creation of an indoor soccer facility for the Iowa Soccer Club. (a local soccer
club) This is an excellent opportunity to help the youth of Iowa City engage in a healthy and fun activity. The building
which is available is an excellent fit for indoor soccer and the landlord is willing to upgrade it. The club has been searching
for such an opportunity for years. Please help the hundreds of kids involved with your serious consideration. Thank you.
Gene and Betsy Chrischilles
1020 Deerfield Drive
1/16/04
Marian Karr
From: james-spratt@uiowa.edu
Sent: Saturday, January 10, 2004 9:12 AM
To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org
Cc: joe-fowler@iowa-city.org
Ladies and gentlemen:
The January 9, 2004 Press-Citizen reported that Mr. Fowler "does not
recommend
it because because he does not sense a need". The quote referred to the
potential for the ramp parking spaces most convenient to the Public
Library.
Make the spaces available and they will come! In particular, the "seed
-the children who will be our future leaders- will have access with busy
parents who can't readily handle two self-propelled bundles of energy
plus
another in a stroller.
We all should support our future clerics, teachers, physicians,
police, firemen, etc. being early avid readers. Much of this occurs with
fast
"pick-up" of books for home use.
Admittedly, those of us who now use the 15 minute loading spaces
elsewhere
downtown to dash in and out of the library could benefit, but it is our
future
embodied in the kind of citizens that will determine the nature of Iowa
City
and the world that most concerns me.
Please continue to support library access and use because it represents
one of
the most important features that Iowa City can truly be proud of.
Truly yours,
Jim Spratt
Marian Karr ~
From: Part Stephenson [pattstep@dodgenet.com]
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2004 7:31 AM
To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org
Subject: STREET SIGNS
To the Iowa City Council,
I recently had reason to visit your city. I had a series of unfortunate
events. When I was to meet someone I was unable to get them via phone.
I
had lost my address book while at the hospital and was unsure of the
exact
location of my grandaughters apt.
I had a good idea of where it was located, but as I drove up and down
the
street that I thought her street abutted. I could not see such a sign
for
the off street. I decided I must have been wrong.
A wonderful policeman helped me out by calling her on his cell phone. I
had
been on the right street, but as I drove down it again I drove extreemly
slow and still almost missed it.
If sometime in the future your city has the money to do so, I suggest
that
you consider, new much more visible signs.
Here in Fort Dodge many of our signs have been replaced by some very
visable
ones and that makes it a lot less stressful when looking for a certain
street.
Sincerely, Patt Stephenson, Fort Dodge, IA
i'-~ .~,i
Marian Karr
From: Dale Helling
Sent: Friday, January 16, 2004 10:03 AM
To: 'Part Stephenson'
Cc: *City Council
SubJect: RE: STREET SIGNS
Ms. Stephenson,
Thank you for your email to the City Council regarding street signs.
Your suggestion is a good one and your input is genuinely appreciated..
The City has an ongoing program of replacing older street signs along
major streets, as condition warrants, with larger, easier to read signs.
Thus, over a period of time, we hope to accomplish just what you have
suggested. Further, I am glad to know that one of our police officers
was of assistance to you. I hope you enjoy your future visits to Iowa
City.
Dale Helling
Assistant City Manager
..... Original Message .....
From: Patt Stephenson [mailto:pattstep@dodgenet.com]
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2004 7:31 AM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Subject: STREET SIGNS
To the Iowa City Council,
I recently had reason to visit your city. I had a series of unfortunate
events. When I was to meet someone I was unable to get them via phone.
I
had lost my address book while at the hospital and was unsure of the
exact
location of my grandaughters apt.
I had a good idea of where it was located, but as I drove up and down
the
street that I thought her street abutted. I could not see such a sign
for
the off street. I decided I must have been wrong.
A wonderful policeman helped me out by calling her on his cell phone. I
had
been on the right street, but as I drove down it again I drove extreemly
slow and still almost missed it.
If sometime in the future your city has the money to do so, I suggest
that
you consider, new much more visible signs.
Here in Fort Dodge many of our signs have been replaced by some very
visable
ones and that makes it a lot less stressful when looking for a certain
street.
Sincerely, Part Stephenson, Fort Dodge, IA
Marian Karr
From: kevin-zihlman@uiowa.edu
Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2004 1:19 PM
To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org
Subject: Snow Removal on Adjacent City Property
To Connie Champion:
I am a resident of District B, specifically Hannah Jo Court. My
property
backs up to adjacent city property on Scott Blvd. I am a new home owner
and
was unaware that I, as the property owner, am responsible for snow
removal and
lawn care of the city's property. I assume this is a city ordinance.
After
receiving a letter from the city stating I could be fined $50 for not
removing
the snow off of the sidewalk behind my property line, I gave some
thought to
this situation. I would like to offer an idea that would not require a
punitive consequence for property owners (taxpayers) who just so happen
to
back up to city adjacent property.
Instead of forcing property owners to maintain property that is not
their own,
I would advance the idea that the City of Iowa City, in conjunction with
the
judicial and probationary systems in this town, let those individuals
that
have been sentenced with community service for committing a misdemeanor
crime
maintain those areas of city property. This way one of the many U of I
students who receive PAULAs could serve their community by shoveling
sidewalks. I assume the point of having property owners do this
maintenance
is to better serve the community by having clear sidewalks. Therefore,
let
those who owe the cormmunity complete this work, instead of threatening
fines
to property owners.
I would suggest that some of those property owners, who are made to be
responsible for maintaining city property, may have physical challenges
or
other barriers to shovel 7 inches of packed snow on a rather large
sidewalk.
Please consider this idea in regard to the possibly revamping or
amending the
city ordinance that requires property owners to bear the responsibility
of
city maintenance. Thank you for your time and continue your work to
make this
community one of the more progressive city's to be a part of.
Kevin Zihlman
1936 Hannah Jo Court
Iowa City, IA 52240
Marian Karr ~
From: Chuck Jennissen & Laurie Stange [jennissen@mchsi.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2004 1:20 PM
To: co u ncil@iowa-city.org
Subject: Foster Road extension from Dubuque Street to Prairie Du Chien Road
Dear Coucil Members:
I am writing the council to encourage you to put the construction of the Foster Road extension from Dubuque Street to
Prairie du Chien Road on the construction schedule for the coming year. Presently, the reconstruction of the Dubuque
Street-Foster Road intersection is to be commenced during the upcoming construction season. As you know, the grading
and required structures for the Foster Road extension from Dubuque to Prairie du Chien were completed when the new
water main was constructed through there 2 years ago. This arterial street extension is the first item listed on the short-
range future arterial street improvements/extensions adopted by the JCCOG Urbanized Area Policy board. It makes
sense to me to complete this project with the reconstruction of the Foster Road-Dubuque Street intersection. I hope you
will address this suggestion.
Sincerely,
Charles Jennissen
130 Grove St.
Iowa City, IA 52246
1/14/04