HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-12-09 Info PacketCITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
November 21, 1997
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MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Memorandum from Council Member Kubby: Process Suggestions ~//J
Memorandum from City Manager to Airport Commission/City Council Committee on Airport
Development: Meeting Date/Committee Decision
Memorandum from City Manager: Leaf Vacuuming ~/~'~-
Memorandum from City Manager: Community Service Committee ~
Memorandum from City Manager: Use of Public Areas q
Memorandum from City Manager: Corps of Engineers/Molmar-Newsome Response
Memorandum from City Manager: Mesquakie Park/Wood Chips
Letter from Allison McNeese to City Manager: Hickory Hill Park
Letter from City Manager to Suzanne Streitz (DTA): Snow Removal L~
Memorandum from City Clerk: Meeting Schedule for December L,/
Memorandum from City Clerk: November 10 Council Work Session /~'l
Memorandum from City Attorney and First Assistant City Attorney: Complaint before t~
Iowa Civil Rights Commission against Iowa City City Council
Memorandum from Planning and Community Development Assistant
Conversation of Downtown Parallel Parking Areas to Angle Parking
Letter from Traffic Engineering Planner Riplay to Kathryn Keeley:
Avenue/Melrose Court
Memorandum from Parks and Recreation Director:
Update: Downtown Shuffle
Cemetery Expansion
Director:
Melr° 7/03
Letter from A.F. and Mary Jo Streb to Jack Riessen (Iowa DNR): Scott-Six Industrial
Park
Karen Kub y
CITY COUNCIL MEMDEE.
CMc Cent.4~
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa Clty, IA 52240
(3 9) 33 -501o
(,519) 35~-5009 (FAX)
Residence
728 2nd Avenue
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319) 338-1321
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
Printed on 100%
recycled paper -10%
post-consumer fibers
TO: 1998 Council
DATE: November 18, 1997
RE: Process Suggestions
All of us have talked about how to make the City Council
more efficient in its decision making process. Some of the
"messiness".comes from the inherent nature of democracy,
but I do agree there are some things we could do to tighten
our process. I haven't heard too many specific suggestions,
so I've put a few of mine on paper. I hope this may
encourage you to put your ideas on paper in advance of our
organizational meeting on January 5, 1998.
Have a goal setting session with planned periodic
follow-up sessions over the next two years.
Traditionally, we have held a goal setting session with
an outside facilitator. We create the list of group goals,
prioritize them, but the council never evaluates how we
are doing in reaching these goals. Maybe they could be
reproduced in a readable manner and put up in the
council chambers so we can always have our goals in
front of us? Follow-up sessions would help us have a
structured time to evaluate not only our specific
outcomes, but reinforce the commitments we made to
each other and the community about process as well
(i.e. agreeing to not repeat ourselves, allowing for
adequate public input on the front end of decisions,
etc.).
Let's send our new Mayor and Mayor Pro-tem to a
workshop on facilitation skills. These individuals
may already have some skills, but there is great
potential to refine such skills and it would pay off for
each of us in saved time and frustration.
Weekly Monday informal work sessions may help
our productivity more then any one other thing we.
may do. The few times a year we have an "off week"
informal where we focus on a topic are some of the best
and most productive and communicative meetings we
have. I'd rather meet more frequently for less time and
get more done.
1:512
4. Rotate the facilitation at informal meetings. This will build each of our leadership
skills and may lead to more respectful and disciplined speaking and listening from each of
us. Those who don't want to participate in this round robin approach can pass.
5. Be explicit on the selection process for council members to serve on various
committees and ad-hoc sub-committees. Do we call the Mayor to express interest? Do
we lobby other council members? Do we do this in the public eye, or behind the scenes?
There have been multiple examples of where I came to a council meeting thinking we
were going to select council members to represent the group on a sub-committee and the
selections had already been finalized before the meeting. I just want to know what to
expect and to understand the rules.
6. Create more consistency with scheduling regular meetings with other
governmental entities. In the past, we have stated that we would meet with the Board of
Supervisors every six months. This happens rarely. We have recently stated an interest
in meeting periodically with representatives of the University of Iowa. We may be
interested in meeting with Coralville as well. This is a matter of scheduling which is the
responsibility of the Mayor.
Direct our Legislative Committee to be in more direct contact with our area
Legislators. Our Legislative Committee has been good at writing letters and asking
for updates from staff about areas of local concern. Mary Neuhauser told me that in
the past, our Legislative Committee used to meet for breakfast with area legislators
once a month to get updates on the status of bills in Des Moines and to receive input
from our Council. This sounds like a good and effective strategy. I would be willing
to serve on the Legislative Committee.
8. Ask Council Committees and sub-committees to give periodic reports on their
activities. This never happens and updates would keep us all informed.
9. I've attached a one-page summary of my thoughts on the role of Mayor. I would
be most interested in talking about our expectations of the Mayor before we select our
next Mayor.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE MAYOR?
I believe the role of Mayor is one of leadership, delegation,
follow through, and most importantly communication. The Mayor of
Iowa City should be someone that can interact with a variety of
people, have good listening skills, urge creativity and discussion
from Council, staff, boards and commissions, and the citizens of
Iowa City. The Mayor also is in charge of running our informal and
formal council meetings in a manner allowing thorough discussion,
yet keeps the group focused on the issues at hand.
There are many ceremonies, ribbon cuttings, receptions, etc.
to which the Mayor and Council are invited. I believe that the
Mayor should ask different Council Members to be at these events to
represent the city. This spreads the leadership role to all
Council Members in a direct manner. There are many decisions
and tasks the Mayor may be involved in which the City Council is
not aware. I have wanted to be updated on these issues and
decisions on a periodic basis and thought the Mayor could take a
few moments at periodic informal council meeting to update the
Council. There are also agenda decisions that are made on a
regular basis. The mayor should seek Council advice when
establishing agendas.
We have had a pending list of around 35 issues ever since I've
been on council. Some of those items have been the same, a very
few are new ones. The Mayor should keep track of making sure that
list keeps moving along. We could review this list as part of our
goal setting process.
I think there will need to be an increasing amount of
communication and cooperation among different local governing
bodies, the public, community and neighborhood organizations and
the business, labor and education communities. The Mayor should
play a leadership role in making sure that this communication
takes place on a formal and informal basis.
I do not believe that if a mayor should take on some of these
tasks that it would be "micro-managing" our city staff. I believe
that all Council Members have a responsibility and role to play in
all of these things that have been mentioned. The Mayor can set
the tone of the Council. If the Mayor is not behaving as the
Council sees fit, the Council has a responsibility to let the Mayor
know.
Above all, the Mayor has a responsibility to be respectful to
the public. This does not mean that the Mayor may not disagree or
challenge someone's viewpoint, but it can be done within an
atmosphere of mutual respect.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 20, 1997
To: Airport Commission/City Council Committee on Airport Development
From: City Manager
Re: Meeting Date/Committee Decision
We have scheduled a meeting of the Committee for Tuesday, December 2, 1997 at 5:00 in the
City Council Chamber. I expect the meeting to last 2 hours. The purpose of this meeting will be
to develop a list of ideas, issues and other matters as they relate to the development of the area
which we have called the North Commercial area of the Airport. We will also review the south
site if time allows. I would like this first meeting be somewhat of a brainstorming session that is
identify what issues we need to consider with respect to development of the sites in question.
The Technical Advisory group which will serve as staff support to the Committee can prepare
information, do research, etc. as you request.
The project committee will also need to consider those issues associated with public and/or
private development interests. As we settle in on a general development plan, that is the lot
layout, zoning, water retention, street and other related construction, and other engineering
issues for this project, you will need to determine how best to cause this development to
proceed. The development/management options are varied and would appear to provide you
flexibility in fulfilling you interests.
The options for development and management could include complete City/Commission
ownership, control, development investment/finance, marketing and day-to-day management.
Variations of these issues or management themes can occur. As I have suggested I believe a
well directed, focused role by the local government (City Council and Airport Commission
partnership) is necessary. However, this does not mean that we will not seek the advice and
use the resources of the private sector to cause this development project to proceed to a
successful conclusion. For example, while the City Council/Airport Commission would determine
the overall project plan, layout, zoning, etc. you could choose to contract with a
development/real estate company to market the project and possibly serve as a landlord, by
contract, for this project. Of course, you can expect to pay a fee for these services as well as
2
any other contracted services you require. I believe that the City Council/Airport Commission
partnership can establish, through policy guidance, the direction you wish to see this
development occur. That is as the property is marketed you may, by way of zoning and other
regulations, determine the types of uses you would be interested in seeing on this site. Early
development interest had indicated that Airport related uses might have a preference and
therefore that such preferences should be clearly identified in the joint City/Commission
development agreements.
As the Airport Commission and City Council come together on the project plan it will be
important to prepare some sort of contractual/memorandum of agreement arrangement in order
to guide the development and in general articulate everyone's responsibilities and expectations.
If the Airport Commission/City Council wishes to have a greater participation on the part of the
private sector, framework of the agreement could assist in developing a formal request for
proposal on the overall project and/or the selected services you wish to see the private sector
perform.
The public interest I believe is paramount in this development project and must be clearly
confirmed and identified. The local and federal governments through use of their financial and
planning resources will have significant effect on the success of this prospective development.
Your final policy decisions will direct the disposition of public property whether it be by sale or
long-term lease. The fiduciary responsibilities associated with the ownership of this property by
the City and Airport Commission must clearly be understood and policies support that
responsibility. It is likely the land will remain in public ownership (if leased) and therefore
applicable laws and regulations will influence your development decisions.
Please be prepared for a discussion that will be substantially an effort to develop the issues for
these planned projects. I will serve as facilitator. I have enclosed a few pages from the May
1997 appraisal of the property. This information should be helpful.
See you on Tuesday the 2nd.
CC:
Ron O'Neil
Karin Franklin
Chuck Schmadeke
Eleanor Dilkes
Im\mem~sa 11-18.doc
Highest and Best Use Analysis
.23
Highest and best use may be defined as:
The reasonably probable and legal use of vacant land or an improved property, which is
physically possible; appropriately supported; financially feasible; and that results in the highest
value. (Appraisal Institute, The dppraisal of Real Estate, Tenth Edition, 1992, Page 275.)
In cases where a site has existing improvements, the highest and best use may be different from the
existing use. The existing use will continue until the land value, as if vacant, exceeds the total value of
the property net of the cost to remove the improvements.
The highest and best use of a specific parcel of land or improved property is not determined through
subjective analysis by the property owner, the developer, or the appraiser; rather, highest and best use is
shaped by the competitive forces within the market where the property is located. Therefore, the analysis
and interpretation of highest and best use is an economic study of market forces focused on the subject
property. The highest and best use of the land and improvements becomes the basis for estimating value
in each valuation section of this report. The use that maximizes the value represents the highest and best
use.
The highest and best use of both land, as though vacant, and property, as improved, must meet four
criteria. The highest and best use must be legally permissible, physically possible, financially feasible
and maximally productive.
Legally Permissible - We have examined private restrictions, zoning, building codes, historic district
controls or environmental regulations that may limit or preclude many potential uses. Private restrictions
and deed restrictions relate to the covenants under which properties are acquired and may prohibit certain
uses or specify building set-backs, heights, and types of materials. The property uses allowed by zoning
reflect the available choices in most highest and best use determinations. Building codes can prevent
land t¥om being developed to its highest and best use by imposing burdensome restrictions that increase
the cost of construction. Increasing concern over the effects of land use have resulted in environmental
regulations pertaining to clear air, clean water, and wetlands.
Phvsicallv Possible- The size, shape, area, terrain, accessibility. and risk of natural disasters such as
[loods or earthquakes affect the uses to which the subject can be developed. Certain parcels can achieve
their highest and best use only as part of an assemblage. Tile capacity and availability of public utilities
must also be determined. The topography and subsoil conditions of a site can also make development
difficult or costly. Tile highest and best use of a property, as improved, also depends on physical
considerations such as size, design, and condition.
Financially Feasible - [fa use is found to be legally permissible and physically possible, it is necessary
to then determine if it is likely to produce an income or return equal to or greater than the amount needed
to sat/sty operating expenses, financial obligations and capital amortization. A use that is expected to
produce a positive return is regarded as financiaUy feasible. If the net revenue capable of being
generated from a use is sufficient to satisfy the required rate of return on the investment and provide the
required return on the land, the use is financially feasible.
.]
24
Maximally Productive - The financially t~asible use that produces the highest residual land value is the
highest and best use. It is necessary to determine the appropriate rate of return that reflects the
associated risk inherent in various types of developments.
Highest and Best Use, As If Vacant
Legally Permissible - The subject is zoned P for public use for farm land or municipal use only.
'Land use conveyed to a private owner must request the zoning change for use. However,
Leasehold use will retain the original P designation with overlay use zoning. Given the nature of
the surrounding development and growth patterns it is reasonable to expect development as a
mix of light industrial or service commercial. The subjects current zoning, is not the primary
factor in development to the highest and best use.
Physically Possible - The subject's size, shape, and topography will affect its development
potential. The majority of the subject is impacted by the 100 year flood plain. Accordingly, fill
needs to be added to bring an improved construction level I to 2 feet above the 100 year flood
plain.
The subject is heavily influenced by several locatiohal factors. There is currently no frontage
along a major arterial. The subject does have access to Ruppert Road and subsequently to
Highway I. In order to comply with FAA guidelines, it will be necessary to acquire property
adjacent to the subject on the east. This acquisition would then provide a looped road system
wlnich is essential for fully functional usage as either light industrial or service commercial.
There may however, be alternative access drives that could be developed across existing air port
controlled land that would solve this problem without further acquisition. Bringing access across
the property leased to the iowa City School Board is another option.
Considering the control that the airport has over surrounding lands and the changes/acquisitions
that will occur in meeting FAA requirements, it is my opinion that this secondary access can be
acquired. X, Ve have appraised the land under the conditions that this change is likely. However,
no prudent buyer or lessee is likely to invest significantly in interior infrastructure unless this
question is resolved satisfactorily.
The location adjacent to the [o,va City Airport, State Highways 6 and l as well as Interstate 218
provide a traffic grid which is well suited to intensive commercial development as its highest and
best use. Commercial development currently expanding in the neighborhood also increases its
potential as a secondary commercial site over other possible uses. This is the type of area that
accommodates uses such as m ini-warehouse. contractor offices and shop space, wholesalers with
complimentary small retail operations. Similar uses have developed in the Coralville industrial
park off First Avenue near the !-80 interchange although in a less controlled manner than I would
envision rbr the subject.
Financialiv Feasible - As noted in the above section, for improvements to be added to the
subject. the ground level must be raised I to 2 feet above the flood plain. The site value now
becomes the product of w'hat the developer must add to the site to make it useful and what type
or' improvement would warrant a viable return. When viewed as industrial land, two factors
come into play: One, the demand for large industrial property. is adequately met by the current
supply especially with the recent development of the Streb Park located on Scott Boulevard and
Highway I. The absorption of industrial land is likely to be extended and would not provide a
25
return adequate to cover the infrastructure and provide a profit. Second, the value of land must
be high enough to justify the. cost of development and subsequent construction with in the flood
plain. Unlike industrial land, service commercial property will not only absorb more quickly, but
it develops a higher value per square foot especially for lots developed in the !.$ to 3 acre range.
The higher value and quicker absorption rates is more likely to carry the cost of infrastructure
and development and still provide a reasonable profit to the developer.
Maximally Productive - The most maximally productive use for the subject site, as vacant,
would be for development as intensive commercial sites that are consistent with the foregoing
analysis. ~
Hiehe. st and Best Use - Based on this analysis, the Highest and Best Use is for development to
intensive commercial lots in a range of sizes from 1.5 to 3 acres with the option to combine two
or more lots if a larger user becomes available. While I believe the core market continues to be
relatively small users there is a reasonable possibility that the site could attract a large warehouse
type store assuming that the access problems near Riverside Drive are addressed.
1
1
Land Valuation
26
The purpose of this section is to estimate the market value of the subject site, as if vacant and ready for
development, to its highest and best use. The land value estimate will be used in the Cost Approach,
which is developed by the summation of the land value and the depreciated cost of the improvements, if
any.
The Sales Comparison Approach was used to estimate the market value of the subject site. This approach
compares other similar vacant land parcels that have recently sold. This involves the principle of
substitution which states that a "prudent purchaser will not pay more for a property than it would cost to
buy an equally desirable substitute."
Factors considered most important in arriving at an estimate of market value are as follows:
- Financing and terms of sale
- Date of sale
- Location
- Size/Shape
- Topography and related factors
- Other
The appraiser researched the market and selected the most comparable sales to the subject. These sales
are analyzed on a sales price per acre basis. Details of each comparable are included in the Addendum.
The following Land Valuation Adjustment Table summarizes the sales and the appropriate adjustments
as they relate to the subject.
Land Valuation Adjustment Table
Sale I Sale 2 Sale 3 Sale 4 Sale 5
Value Acre Analysts Wal-Mart Menards General Growth General Growth Wright Bros Blvd
SUBJECT Iowa City Iowa City Coralville Coralvalle Cedar Rapids
DATA Data Adj. Data Adi. Data Adj. Data Adj. Data Adj.
Sale Date N:A Feb-91 Jtm-93 Oct-96 Aug-96 Feb-96
Cash Equiv Price Market 800.000 706,30.3 1.480.500 1.631.000 790.000
Acres 54.40 .*8.00 12.77 59.22 47.93 68.67
Sales Price, Acre Market 28.571 55..I tO 25.000 34.029 I 1.504
"..~.d~ F~r Time 20.00%
Acre Market
34.286 55.310 25.000 34.029 I 1.504
Locauon .-\,. cmgc Superior -1500% Superior -15.00% Similar Assemblage .I 5.00'4, Interior 3000%
gon,ng P CC-2 CI-I 000% C-2 C-2 I-I. CWH.C-3
Size I 54 40 28 -10.00% 12.77 -20.00% 59,22 47.93 68.67
Ph? s~cal Character L¢'. el Rolling Rolling Rolling -5.00% Rolling .5.00% Rolling
Flomt Plato Flood Plato Flood Plain Pipeline
Uulities .Access All All 0.00% All 0.00% All 0.00% Partial 15.00%
Not % Adjustment -25 00% -35.00% -5.00% -20.00% 45.00%]
Value per Acre 25.714 35.951 23.750 27.223 16.681I
_]
]
__
27
Analysis and Adjustments
Financing, - The financing adjustment is the first adjustment in the Sales Comparison Approach.
Since the subject property is appraised as a cash sale or its equivalent, those sales with favorable
financing have been adjusted accordingly. The indicated sales price on the Market Data
Adjustment Table reflects a cash equivalent sales price. In this case, all of the sales transferred
at cash or cash to a new mortgage. There is no adjustment for the terms of sale.
Time - The time adjustment is based upon the appreciation or depreciation of property values
occurring between the date of the comparable sale and the valuation date of the subject property.
All subsequent adjustments will be made to the time adjusted sales price. [ have made a
significant time adjustment for the Wal-Mart sale since it sold in February of 1991. I would
emphasize however, that it was the development of Wal-Mart that ultimately made surrounding
commercial development possible[ It was the Wal-Mart that encouraged the extension of
adequate sewer to this area, as well as other infi:astructure such as frontage roads, traffic lights
and water detention areas. Thus the appreciation used for Wal-Mart is not solely due to the time
of sale.
Location - The location adjustment considers area development, access to support facilities,
visibility, and accessibility, the demand for the area, etc. In this case, I am most concerned with
whether the location can foster a large retail user with direct access and excellent visibili~ £rom
a major arterial. Both Wal-Mart and Menard's are superior to the subject in this regard. Support
tbr this adjustment comes from comparing these t~vo sales to comparable 5 which is not in a
retail location. A secondary concern is the quality of surrounding development. Comparable 3 is
tile first land purchase by General Growth for the Coralridge Mall. The second land purchase
(comparable 4) is located immediately behind this first purchase. General Growth was forced to
pay a premium for this second purchase as is typical with an assemblage. The subject is more
similar to tile first purchase in this regard since the commercial users along Highway I have not
demonstrated a demand for extending their sites fur:her to the rear.
Zonin~ - In each case, the zoning was a contingency of the purchase. Moreover, it is the
locatiohal characteristics that have determined zoning in these cases. I would argue that the
subject is unlikely to sell for more per acre if it were zoned CC-2 versus CI-I. For this reason,
no adjustment tbr zoning has been made.
Size/Shape - The size adjustment is based upon the principle that typically, the larger the area,
the lower tile sales price per unit of comparison. The shape adjustment takes into consideration
such thctors as t?ontage to depth ratios arid overall utility. In this case, I have specifically chosen
relatively large land sales. Three of the sales are in excess of 45 acres. Sales I and 2 in contrast
are 28 acres and 12.77 acres. I would argue that different supply and demand thctors impact
these larger parcels and they are most similar to tile subject in this regard. Typically. parcels
over 20 acres will require subdividing and a higher densi .ty of infrastructure to serve multiple
lots. It is not unusual for smaller commercial land sales with similar characteristics to sell for in
excess of 5;2.25 per square foot. However. in order to achieve these prices, a developer has
subdivided the land, put in all interior infrastructure and expects an extended marketing time
which i,~ turn increases interest costs. With these considerations in mind, l have adjusted sales 1
and 2 for size based on comparing them with the other sales.
Physical Characteristics - This adjustment considers such factors as acceptable grade level,
drainage, and accessibility. The subject suffers ~rom being in the 100 year flood plain.
28
Surrounding properties such as Wal-Mart and Menard's put in extensive water retention basins
and added significant fill as part of the construction. The subject is similarly affected however,
given its larger size, it has more flexibility to accommodate this problem. Comparables 3 and 4
had a small stream through the site but they were not affected by the flood plain.
Utilities - As noted, the subject has water, sewer, natural gas, and electrical service to the site.
The impact on price due to the availability of utilities is difficult to quantify. All of the
cornparables have water, electric and natural gas in relatively close proximity to the site. At the
same time all of the subsequent development on these cornparables required significant outlay
for augmented utilities especially for sewer. It is my opinion that the subject was most similar in
this regard to cornparables 1, 2, 3 and 4. In contrast, comparable 5 required tap on fees and there
were certain capacity problems both with the sewer lines and with processing. It has been
adjusted upward for this reason.
Conclusion
The strongest pattern of value falls between $23,000 and $27,000 per acre. The other two sales
are significantly outside this pattern, but they do bracket this central value. Based on this
information I have given most emphasis to these three sales in the middle of the range. The
estimated market value of the subject site is $25,000 per acre or as follows:
54.4 acres ~ $25,000 per acre is: $1,360,000
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 21, 1997
To: City Council
From: City Manager
Re: Leaf Vacuuming
We are currently on schedule with respect to leaf vacuuming throughout our neighborhoods.
The problem as many of you are certainly aware, is that the leaves have not completely
dropped and, therefore, many neighbors are concerned about how they are to dispose of their
leaves. While we encourage bagging, our community has grown accustomed to our leaf
vacuuming effort.
After consulting with the Street Superintendent, we have decided to continue the leaf vacuuming
program through Friday, December 5. The program was to have ended Wednesday, November
26. This is an attempt to provide at least one more weekend for our citizens to bring leaves to
the curb for vacuuming.
This change in operational procedure is not without risk. As we move further into winter and the
need for changeover from leaf vacuuming to snow plows the time involved can be critical when
responding to a snowstorm. We all need to be reminded that the Public Works leaf vacuuming
crews and the trucks utilized in leaf vacuuming are the same personnel and equipment we use
for snow removal. We are currently over 100 truck loads of leaves less then we were at this
point last year which we believe indicates the need to take some different action.
We will be initiating this extended leaf vacuuming immediately.
Im\mem~sa 11-21 ,doc
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
City Council
City Manager
November 20, 1997
Community Service Committee
Lisa received a call earlier this week from Lowell Brandt, Treatment Director at
the Iowa Medical and Classification Center (Oakdale Facility). The facility has
received a federally-funded, state-allocated grant to administer a community
service committee consisting of inmates. Mr. Brandt inquired as to whether or
not the City would be interested in utilizing the services of the committee.
Department Directors have relayed to my office some project ideas such as
clean-up of downtown and parking ramps, removing illegally-posted signs from
utility poles, and clearing creek beds.
The grant provides for Oakdale staff to transport and supervise the participants.
The City would need to advise them of their task and provide whatever
equipment is required to perform the job. The group will be comprised of
approximately ten individuals who will be available for a day every other week.
Use of inmate labor has proved to be a very positive experience as
demonstrated by their work on the downtown holiday lights. I will update you as
the program progresses.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
City Council
City Manager
November 20, 1997
Use of Public Areas
In response to recent Council discussion regarding use of public areas, I would
like to review the City's administrative policy on approving requests for use of
public property.
Applications are received by the City Manager's Office and routed to
departments that would be affected by the event. For example, Transit would
need to be aware of a downtown race so buses could be rerouted. Department
Directors suggest ways to make the event as safe as possible while keeping the
effect on nonparticipants at a minimum. Lisa and I then review the plan and, if
all necessary criteria are met, I authorize the event. Council is informed of the
approval on the next Formal Meeting Consent Calendar.
During the application process, the words to be spoken/sung, the information to
be distributed, and/or any symbols to be displayed are not reviewed for content.
Because these are public areas, we would not deny an individual or group the
ability to express thoughts or opinions. Obviously, the manner in which thoughts
are expressed (volume, size, etc.) is reviewed and regulated.
My office makes a concerted effort to approve each event requested to allow the
citizens of this community to use public areas without the government making
judgments on ideas expressed.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 20, 1997
To: City Council
From: City Manager
Re: Corps of Engineers/Molmar-Newsome Response
Attached are items of correspondence received from the Corps of Engineers. You will recall I
directed a letter to their attention commenting on their recent study efforts concerning the
Coralville Dam. The correspondence is self-explanatory and we have spoken with Professors
Molmar and Newsome. I understand they are responding to the Corps of Engineers. At this time
they have asked we review some follow-up information prior to requesting any further public
hearings or comment. If there are technical issues they can be resolved by way of discussions
between Corps representatives and the professors, we will encourage such communication.
I will keep you advised.
Attachments
Irn\mem~sal 1-182.doc
REPLY TO
ATTENTION OF:
Planning Division
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
ROCK ISLAND DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS
CLOCK TOWER BUILDING -- P.O. BOX 2004
ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS 61204-2004
October 24, 1997
Mr. Stephen J. Atkins
City Manager
City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
Dear Mr. Atkins:
Thank you for your letter dated October 17, 1997, regarding the Section 216
Reconnaissance Report for Coralville Reservoir.
The Coralville Reservoir Reconnaissance Study was the first phase of the Corps of
Engineers' two-phase planning process: the Reconnaissance Phase and the FeasibiIity
Phase.
The Reconnaissance Phase was fully funded by the Federal Government and was
completed in less than 12 months. The purpose of the Reconnaissance Phase was as
follows:
· Define the problems and opportunities and identify potential solutions.
· Determine whether or not there is a Federal interest for planning to proceed
into the Feasibility Phase based on a preliminary appraisal of costs, benefits, and
environmental impacts of the identified potential solutions. If there is not a Federal
interest or a willing non-Federal sponsor, the Reconnaissance Phase is terminated.
· Estimate the cost of the Feasibility Phase.
· Assess the support of the non-Federal sponsor for continuing into Feasibility
and eventually construction of a project. If there is support, a Feasibility Cost-Sharing
Agreement would be entered into between the Corps of Engineers and the Sponsor.
The State of Iowa was initially identified as the non-Federal sponsor for the Coralville
Reconnaissance Study. Based on the findings of the study, neither the State nor other
potential sponsors were interested in pursuing a Feasibility Study; therefore, we had to
terminate the study.
-2-
Numerous coordination efforts between the Corps of Engineers and Federal, State,
county, and city officials; University of Iowa representatives; and other interested groups
occurred during the Reconnaissance Study. Section 3 of the Reconnaissance Report lists
most of the coordination efforts of the study team. These efforts included (1) presentations
to Iowa City Council, February 1994; (2) door-to-door interviews with over 350 residents of
of the Iowa City River Corridor, spring of 1995; (3) tour of Iowa City with city officials and
newsletter published, October 1995; (4) resource managers meeting at Coralville Lake,
July 1996; (5) public open house, August 1996; (6) another newsletter published, December
1996; (7) letter sent to resource managers and cities along the Iowa River, March 1997;
(8) several meetings with State of Iowa Department of Natural Resources; and, (9) response
to several letters submitted by interested parties since the flood of 1993.
In each newsletter, mailed to over 1,000 members of the public, the addressees were
encouraged to provide their questions, comments, or suggested alternatives to the Rock
Island District point-of-contact or the study manager. I believe that we have met our
commitment for public involvement throughout the study process.
Regarding the Professors' Molnar and Newsom critique, we are in the process of
responding to Professor Molnar. I will provide you a copy of our response. We are avaLlable
to participate in any forum you set up to dialogue with you, the city council, and the public.
Sincerely,
Colonel, U.S. Army
District Engineer
Copy Furnished:
Mr. Lawrence A. Molnar
700 Manor Drive
Iowa City, Iowa 52246
REPLY TO
ATTENTION OF:
Planning Division
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
ROCK ISLAND DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS
CLOCK TOWER BUILDING-- P.O. BOX 2004
ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS 61204-2004
November 3, 1997
04 1997
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
Mr. Lawrence A Molnar
700 Manor Drive
Iowa City, Iowa 52246
Dear Mr. Molnar:
The purpose of this letter is to respond to your letters, dated September 15, 1997,
to Colonel James V. Mudd of the Reck Island District and Majer General Phillip R.
Anderson of the Mississippi Valley Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Your
letters forwarded your detailed response to the Section 216 Reconnaissance Report for
the Coralville Lake, Johnson County, Iowa, project.
Issue 1 - Public Review and Coordination
The objective of public involvement and coordination is to open and maintain channels
of communication with the public in order to give full consideration to public views and
information in the plantting process. Corps of Engineers regulations provide a general
"blueprint" for public involvement activities. The level of public involvement is determined
by the scope, length, interest, and funding of a study.
Numerous coordination efforts between the Corps of Engineers; Federal, State, county,
and city officials; University of Iowa representatives; and other interested groups occurred
during the Reconnaissance Study. Section 3 of the Reconnaissance Report lists most of
the coordination efforts of the study team. These efforts included (1) presentations to
Iowa City Council, February 1994; (2) door-to-door interviews with over 350 residents of
the Iowa City River Corridor, spring of 1995; (3) tour of Iowa City with city officials and
newsletter published, October 1995; (4) resource managers meeting at Coralville Lake,
July 1996; (5) public open house, August 1996; (6) another newsletter published, December
1996; (7) letter sent to resource managers and cities along the Iowa River, March 1997;
(8) several meetings with State of Iowa Department of Natural Resources (the cost-sharing
partner); and, (9) response to several letters submitted by interested parties since the flood
of 1993.
In each newsletter, mailed to over 1,000 members of the public, the addressees were
encouraged to provide their questions, comments, or suggested alternatives to the Rock
Island District point-of-contact or the study manager.
-2-
Although a summary of the report was not provided on the Internet, as stated in
the December 1996 newsletter, a notice of study findings, which summarized the report%
conclusions, was provided to those on the extensive m siling list. Copies of the report also
are available at libraries within the Coralville Lake area.
Regarding your statement in paragraph 3 on page 2 of your letter, the Reconnaissance
Report, Section 4 - Recommendations, page 67, states that "initiatives to alter flow release
rates proved not to be in the Federal interest, updating the Water Control Plan to include
data related to this study could aid in making future decisions regarding operation and
maintenance of the project." This is why the Rock Island District has requested funds
to update the existing Water Control Plan from the Operations and Msintenance (O&M)
budget for Fiscal Years 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999. To date, funds have not been received
because of higher priority projects for the Corps of Engineers.
The July 1995 letter from the Deputy District Engineer for Project Management,
Mr. Doyle W. McCully, which stated "we plan to produce an interim regulation plan at
about the time the reconnaissance study is scheduled for completion at the end of FY 97,"
assumed O&M funds would have been allocated for producing the interim plan. Funds
have not been provided for this effort.
Issue 2 - The Need for Quantitative Uncertainties
There are basically four purposes of a Reconnaissance Study:
· De£me the problems and opportunities and identify potential solutions;
· Determine whether or not plsnning should proceed into the Feasibility
Phase based on a preliminary appraisal of the Federal interest, costs, benefits, and
environmental impacts of the identified potential solutions;
· Estimate the cost of the Feasibility Phase; and,
· Assess the support of the non-Federal sponsor for continuing into Feasibility
and eventually construction of a project.
The Reconnaissance Study was performed in sufficient depth to respond to each
project purpose within available schedules and funding. There is no provision for
evaluating and]or optimizing many alternatives. There is also no provision for
performing detailed risk and uncertainty analysis in a Reconnaissance Study.
Issue 3 -Ad Hoc Nature of Recommended Plan
The operating plan we are now following does call for the conduit to be fully opened for
the entire time water is going over the spillway. It should be noted that once water is going
over the spillway and the pool is raising, a reduction in flow out of the conduit would cause
the pool to rise faster. This results in more water going over the spillway.
-3-
Issue 4 - Methodology of Flood Control Optimization
Issue 4.1 - Searchin~ parameter space
The current outflow plan, two revised plans, and several options involving down-
stream constraints and growing seasons were investigated in detail. Optimization
determination, through the use of risk and uncertainty analysis, is not a requisite at
this level of investigation. Maximum practicable benefits were determined during the
development of the 1991 Water Control Plan.
Issue 4.2 - Including key parameters: downstream thresholds
See response 2 above.
Issue 4.3 -Trends in river flow
See response 2 above.
Issue 4.4 - Inclusion of extreme events
Extreme events were. considered. An assumption was made that downstream flow
frequency of the natural and regulated flow conditions would be the same at the 0.002
probability and less frequent events. When this occurs, the reservoir would act like a
wide spot in the river, and the only reduction in flow would come from reservoir pool
routing.
Issue 4.5 - Costs of an optimized plan: flowage easements
Under current or normal operations, which restrict the amount and time of year
for release flows, it has been determined by a court ruling that no flowage easements are
required on any downstream lands inundated due to these normal operations of Coralville
Dam. However, the two alternatives considered would allow flooding of downstream lands
at any time of year and potentially to a greater amount. Based on existing information
available, including aerial photos and past investigations, there is evidence that the
change in project operation may result in a real estate taking of the lands affected. The
Fifth Amendment to the Constitution requires that landowners be compensated for the
taking of their lands for public use. Therefore, the decision was made that for this level
of study, we must make the assumption that flowage easements would be required and
associated costs made a part of the benefit-to-cost calculation. A final determination of
the need and extent of real estate interests required would be based on a Real Estate
Takings Analysis which would be performed during a Feasibility Phase of study. A Gross
Appraisal to further refine the estimated land values and associated costs would also be
done during the Feasibility Phase.
Issue 5 - Omission of Important Conclusions from Recommendations
Issue 5.1 - Revision of downstream thresholds
The conclusions you have drawn regarding downstream thresholds are noted.
-4-
Issue 5.2 - A written flash flood contingency plan
The referred to Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is a set of instructions for getting
gage data, both precipitation and river level, to the proper Rock Island District Corps of
Engineers Water Control Section personnel in a timely msnner so that informed regulation
decisions can be made during flash flood situations. Once the data is obtained through
the SOP, appropriate staff then regulate the dam according to the regulation schedule.
The SOP for Coralville has been updated since the 1993 event. In addition, more gages
have been installed on Rapid and Clear Creeks which provide even more data than what
was available during the 1993 flood. This has been justly explsined on page 65 of the
Reconnaissance Report.
Issue 6 - Conclusion
No response required.
Rock Island District has recently received an invitation from the city of Iowa City
to address the council members about updating the Coralville Lake Water Control Plan.
Perhaps you could plan to attend this meeting when a date and time have been set.
Sincerely,
Copy Furnished:
~. Stephen J. Atkins
City Manager
City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
Dudley M. Hanson, P.E.
Chief, Plsnning Division
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
City Council
City Manager
November 21, 1997
Mesquakie ParkNVood Chips
We have an excess of wood chips following storm clean-up. Terry Robinson
spoke with representatives of the Iowa DNR about spreading the wood chips in
Mesquakie Park. Our question was whether or not it was permissible for us to
spread wood chips that are not contaminated by inorganic material but unfit for
our use.
The Iowa DNR advised that as long as we do not disturb the site by digging, the
spreading of chips would be acceptable and even welcomed to help develop
better soils in the area.
It is our intention to transport the excess poor chips generated from storm
cleanup to the park and spread them. We will accomplish two tasks: 1) clean-
up our holding-bin at City Park and 2) improve the soil make-up at Mesquakie.
Allison McNeese
618 E. Fairchild
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
November 10, 1997
Mr. Steve Atkins
City Manager of Iowa City
410 E. Washington
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Mr. Arkins,
I am opposed to the plan currently under consideration that would involve the paving of a
"spine" trail through the middle of Hickory Hill Park. For the past several years I have spent at
least an hour every day walking through this park in virtually all kinds of weather, and I have
come to appreciate the park's uniqueness as a respite from the stress of everyday life.
Frankly, I've never seen a city park quite like Hickory Hill. Although there are any number of
parks where a more "manicured" approach to enjoying nature seems perfectly appropriate, this
park allows its users to experience fields and forest in a way that makes it hard to believe that it
is still within the city limits.
It seems to me that there are ample places for bicyclists and skaters to race through elsewhere,
but there is absolutely nowhere else in the city that this kind of pure nature environment is even
possible. It makes me wonder if those who have planned asphalting such an area have ever
walked the trails and fields of Hickory Hill.
Please do not allow this unique space to be ruined.
Allison McNeese
Copies to Iowa City Council members and
Parks and Recreation Commissioner Terry Trueblood
November 18, 1997
Ms. Suzanne Streitz, President
Downtown Association
P.O. Box 64
Iowa City, IA 52244-0064
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
Dear Suzanne:
Enclosed is a letter I recently received which is representative of the types of complaints that
are, unfortunately, all too frequent. What we normally do with respect to snow removal in our
downtown area is to handle these matters on a case-by-case basis. That is, if we receive a
complaint, we will notify the property owner. Unfortunately, we have been readily criticized by
downtown property owners in the past for this method of enforcement. The choice of a
complaint basis we believe is fair, but at the same time it would probably be even more fair for
us to have a walk through downtown following a snow in order to enforce snow removal from
the sidewalks.
It is not my intent to change our current practice, but I wanted to let you know that there are
those that believe we have the responsibility to clear the sidewalk in front of downtown shops,
stores, and restaurants. As I am sure you are aware, this type of complaint about our downtown
could easily be avoided by initiatives on the part of business owners. At your earliest
convenience, please do your best to inform the downtown property owners of their responsibility
to make for a better downtown by snow removal from sidewalks. It certainly would alleviate
more stringent enforcement action and/or liability if someone were to slip and fall.
Thanks for your attention.
Stephen J. Atkins
City Manager
Enclosure
cc: City Council
jw,'lt r/sa-snow,doc
410
EAST
WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY,
IOWA 52240-1826 · (319) 356-5000 · FAX (319)
3~6-5009
OCT 2 9 1997'
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
2315 Rochester Avenue
Iowa City, 52245
October 28, 1997
Dear Mro Atkins,
We respect and appreciate your evident, manner of consistent attention
to matters, sm~11 and large, affecting government operations, practices,
and procedures in Iowa City.
'What follows is likely in the first category, 'small' in the total scheme
of things, but, as residents of the city since '46 (except for a few years
in southern California in the '80's), and, as fo~ks who still dine out in
downtown Iowa City 2-3 times weekly, may we earnestly suggest and urge that
the city get on top of a notorious winter-time shortcoming -- existing year
in and year out.
The south side of Iowa Avenue, from Clinton to Linn, and a half a block
beyond toward Gilbert Street, the sidewalks in said sector, that is, are
almost habitually neglected whenever it snows. Again, the past couple
days, after Sunday's snow, those walks are packed with ice and snow --
like they usually have been many a day in previous winters.
Get on those property owners pronto, lest they continue their bad snow
removal habits of prior years -- including, of all individuals, a city
council member's business property at the corner of Clinton and Iowa
Avenue -- not picking on said business -- just stating a 'dangerous' fact~
Thanks for your assistance ................. if being billed for city employ-
ees being assigned to do the job immediately after a snowfall is necessary
to get all those property owners' attention, so be it.
Our best to you and yours.
Sincerely,
William Bleeker
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
November 20, 1997
Mayor and City Council
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
Meeting Schedule for December
REVISION #17
· (Cancel regular scheduled meetings of December 1 and 2)
· Monday, December 1, Special Work Session (Sales Tax and Solid Waste) - 7:00 p.m.
Monday, December 8, Special Work Session
Tuesday, December 9, Special Formal - 7:00 p.m.
6:30-7:00 p.m. - (joint meeting with P&Z)
7:00 p.m. - Standard work session
· Monday, December 15, Regular Work Session - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 16 Regular Formal- 7:00 p.m.
· (Cancel regular scheduled meetings of December 29 and 30)
cc: Department Directors
Cable TV
Maintenance
cclerk~schedule.doc
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
November 20, 1997
Mayor and City Council
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
Council Work Session, November 10, 1997 - 7 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, O'Neil, Mitchell,
Schmadeke.
Tapes: 97-150, side 2; 97-151, all; 97-152, all.
Review Zoning Matters 97-150 S2
Planning and Community Development Director Franklin presented the following Planning and
Zoning items for discussion:
Public hearing on an ordinance amending the approved Sensitive Areas Development Plan
for Walden Hills to allow the development of 120 dwelling units on Lot 53, containing 8.66
acres and located within the OSA-8, Sensitive Areas Overlay zone at the northwest corner
of Rohret Road and Shannon Drive. (REZ97-0016)
In response to Novick, Franklin stated she will check on the location of the air conditioners.
b. Public hearing on a resolution approving the annexation of a 2.81 acre tract located
southeast of the intersection of Iowa Highway 1 and Naples Avenue. (ANN97-0002)
Novick requested stating specifically that the required landscaping be located along the outside
of the fence. Franklin stated she will follow-up. In response to Norton, Franklin stated she will
look at screening requirements along Highway 218.
Public hearing on an ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance by changing the use
regulations of a 2.81 acre tract, located southeast of the intersection of Iowa Highway 1 and
Naples Avenue, from County CP-1, Planned Commercial, to C1-1, Intensive Commercial.
(REZ97-0014)
See Item b.
Public hearing on an ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance by changing the use
regulations of a 0.87 acre tract, located on the east side of West Side Drive and south of
Earl Road, from RM-12, Low Density Multi-Family Residential and C1-1, Intensive
Commercial, to CO-1, Commercial Office. (REZ97-0004)
A council majority favored one foot candle lighting. Franklin noted council should continue the
p.h. on the Westside Park because staff will have to amend the CZA.
Council Work Session
November 10, 1997
Page 2
e. The Comprehensive Plan, including the South District Plan. Public Hearing and Resolution
Adopting.
Franklin noted council should continue the p.h. November 11 & 18 because of council's
November 19 work session to discuss the Comprehensive Plan.
Resolution approving the preliminarv and final plat Resubdivision of Lot 1 and a portion of
Lot 2, West Side Park, a 2.5 acre, three lot commercial subdivision located at the
intersection of West Side Drive and Mormon Trek Boulevard. (SUB97-0023)
In response to Vanderhoef, Franklin stated she will check amount of r.o.w. available for road
widening.
A letter to the Johnson County Board of Supervisors recommended approval of an
application to rezone approximately 23 acres located at the southwest corner of Dane Road
and Osage Street from Rural ('A1) to Suburban Residential ('RS-5). ('CZ9746~
Airport North Commercial Area/Public Works Facility 97-150 S2
City Manager Atkins presented Airport North Commercial Area/Public Works Facility concept.
In response to Norton, Atkins stated he will prepare comparable land preparation cost for the
north side. Atkins stated he will develop an agenda of issues relating to the Airport North
Commercial Area/Public Works Facility concept and the framework of the agreement between
the City Council and Airport Commission is the single most important issue right now.
Staff Action: Memo outlining approach in November 14 information packet. (Atkins)
Bows and Arrows 97-151 S2
(Agenda Item #10)
City Attorney Dilkes and Assistant City Attorney Dennis Mitchell presented information. In
response to Council, Mitchell stated he will delete "stationary" and insert "inanimate." Mitchell
recommended that Council proceed with first consideration.
Captain Irish Parkway/First Avenue- Update 97-151 S2
(Agenda Item #2d(2))
City Manager Atkins, Public Works Director Schmadeke and Planning and Community
Development Director Franklin presented Captain Irish Parkway/First Avenue update.
Arkins summarized the following council decisions:
1. Construct a 12" water line from Dodge Street along Captain Irish Parkway to approximately
the ACT Driveway.
2. Construct a 24" water line from Dodge Street to approximately the ACT Driveway.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting
of November 10, 1997
WSl11097
Council Work Session
November 10, 1997
Page 3
3. Construct geometric changes and install signal Dodge and Parkway intersection.
4. Grade for streets from Dodge to wherever east of the ACT Driveway necessary to provide
the fill dirt.
5. Construct Captain Irish Parkway east to a point just beyond the ACT Driveway in
accordance with the fill.
6. Conclude agreements with ACT.
7. Initiate Planning Process.
Atkins stated he will prepare a policy statement to be used to support the upcoming planning
process.
Appointments 97-152 S1
Board of Adjustment: No applicants, re-advertise.
Board of Appeals: Re-appoint John Roffman and Gary Haman
Board of Library Trustees: Linda Dellsperger
Design Review Committee: No applicants, re-advertise.
Human Rights Commission: Diane Martin, Arthur Vincent, Jr., and a third appointment to be
determined at Council's formal meeting.
Parks and Recreation Commission: Re-appoint Bruce Mauer, Barbara Endel
Riverfront and Natural Areas Commission: Re-appoint Courtney Daniels, appoint Lynn Rose,
and Dan Mascal
Senior Center Commission: Re-appoint Chevalier Monsanto, and appoint Deborah
Schoenfelder.
Council Agenda/Council Time 97-152 Sl
1. Norton inquired about City discussion of performance based budgeting.
2. Norton raised concerns about the size of the newly installed parking islands on College and
Linn Streets.
3. Norton noted the Downtown business meeting on economic issues was poorly attended.
4. Norton noted his appreciation to the Forestry and Streets Divisions for their tree limb
removal efforts after the last snow storm.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting
of November 10, 1997
WSl11097
Council Work Session
November 10, 1997
Page 4
5. In response to Norton, City Manager Atkins stated he would like to schedule CIP council
discussions in October or November.
(Agenda #2d(2)CONSTRUCTION OF THE CAPTAIN IRISH PARKWAY PHASE I & (3)
CONSTRUCTION OF THE WATER FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS). In response to Kubby,
Atkins stated the agenda item is to set the public hearing.
Kubby noted the Riverfront and Natural Areas Commission meeting minutes outlined plans
to mound dirt to hide the recycling unit at Sturgis Ferry Park area. Kubby said the recycle
area should be cleaned up, not hidden. Staff will follow-up.
(Agenda #2g.(2)- Rory Fisher - snow removal). Kubby requested that staff prepare a
summary of the City's snow plow policy for Council Members and respond to
correspondence.
9. Kubby stated the City received a letter from someone about traffic signalization problems on
Gilbert, Bowery and Prentiss. Atkins stated he will follow up.
10. Kubby said she spoke with Isaac Burns regarding ramp storage and skateboarding over the
winter, and encouraged them to put ramps away.
11. In response to Thornberry, Lehman stated the crews are installing the holiday lights in the
downtown area.
12. Vanderhoef requested that "Safe Place" information be on InfoVisision. Staff will follow-up.
13. Vanderhoef stated city staff did a good job handling the landfill leachate leak.
14. Vanderhoef stated she was real pleased that dirt is off of the Cliff's Apartments area.
15. Baker stated he asked Atkins to obtain a copy of the Glendale, Arizona ordinance on
Citizen's Participation.
16. Norton inquired about cars parking at Rocky Shore and Highway 6 and suggested the
corner be used for public art.
17. Novick inquired about the wastewater surcharge for B.O.D. per pound. Atkins stated B.O.D.
is measured by pound. Vanderhoef recommended reading the list of wastewater charges.
18.(Agenda #6- PROPOSING FEE AND LANGUAGE CHANGES FOR WATER AND
WASTEWATER.) Novick raised concerns about the proposed utility discounts. Norton noted
a memo from the Finance Director on the matter and no action was on the agenda.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting
of November 10, 1997
WSl11097
Council Work Session
November 10, 1997
Page 5
19. In response to Vanderhoef, Novick explained wastewater charges are based on the amount
of water used. Kubby noted for every 800 c.f. of water used, there is a $2.95 sewer charge.
20. In response to Karr, Council stated the proposed schedule for the remainder of the year
was acceptable.
Adjourned: 10:30 PM
clerk\l 110-ws.doc
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting
of November 10, 1997
WSl11097
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
November 20, 1997
The Honorable Mayor Naomi Novick and Members of the City Council
Eleanor Dilkes, City Attorney ~j~:~r ~
Sarah E. Holecek, First Assistant City Attorney
Complaint before the Iowa Civil Rights Commission against Iowa City City
Council
Attached please find a copy of a complaint which has been filed with the Iowa Civil Rights
Commission by Ms. Loft Bears against the Iowa City City Council and Mayor Novick. The
complaint alleges that the City Council discriminated against Ms. Bears in failing to appoint
her to the Housing and Community Development Commission on account of her disability, and
also that negative and discriminatory comments regarding her disability were made when the
Council was discussing the applicants and making decisions regarding appointments.
This office is in the process of investigating the factual and legal issues surrounding the
allegations of the complaint. This office will address any questions or inquiries by the press
or public concerning the claim on behalf of the City. If you have any questions or concerns,
please feel free to contact Sarah Holecek, and we will keep you apprised of any developments
concerning this matter.
CC:
Marian Karr, City Clerk
Steve Atkins, City Manager
sarah\council\civrtpub.mmo
STATE O~
TERRY E. BRANSTAD. GOVERNOR
Certified Letter No.: Z237483120
RECEIVED NOV ! ? Jg7
IOWa CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION
DON GROVE. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 EAST WASHINGTON
IOWA CITY, IA 52240-0000
CITY OF IOWA CITY:
November 13, 1997
RE: CP# 34000
LORI BEARS
EEOC#261980199
The above-captioned complaint has been filed with the Iowa Civil Rights~ommis~_ion
(ICRC) pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 216. A copy of the complaint is encloseC. The
purpose of this letter is to provide legal service upon you as a respondent in this
case.
If there is an EEOC# printed above, then this case has been cross-filed with the U.S.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The ICRC has been designated as an
agent of the EEOC, and as such, has authority to serve notice of this charge for EEOC.
Consider this that notice.
Under the "Iowa Civil Rights Act", the ICRC has a legal responsibility to conduct an
impartial investigation of the enclosed complaint. We are, therefore, enclosing a
questionnaire/document request. Piease respond within 30 days of the date of this
letter with complete and thorouqh information so we can expedite the screening of this
case for investigation. The questionnaire may not fit the exact circumstances of the
case. Please consider the questions as a guide to the kind of information needed.
Documentation of your responses is REQUIRED. This includes all documents which support
your position, including affidavits. All responses should be on 8 1/2" by 11" paper.
PLEASE NOTE: 1'61 Iowa Admin. Code section 3.(2) provides: "Any books, papers,
documents, or records of any form which are relevant to the scope of any investigation
as defined in the complaint shall be preserved during the pendency of any proceedings
by all parties to the proceedings unless the commission specifically orders otherwise."
Enclosed is an outline of our complaint process. If you have any questions, please
have the CP# available.
you.
Executive Director
515/281-8084
Questionnaire is sent to the Drimar¥ Respondent only.
C 1R/S 36/08- 87 "OUR MISSION I~ TO ELIMINA TE DI~CRIMINA T/ON IN I0 WA."
211 E. MAPLE STREET / 2N~D FLOOR - DES MOINES. IOWa 50309-1858
5!5-281-4121 / 1-800-457-4416
FaX 515.242-5840
httr~://www.state.ia.us/~,overnment /crc
IOWA .CIVIL RIGHTS
COMMISSION
Brief Outline of the Complaint Process
When a signed/verified complaint is received, it is reviewed to
determine whether it meets the statutory requirements 'of the "Iowa
Civil Rights Act," Iowa Code Chapter 216. A complaint must be filed
with the Commission within 180 days of the last alleged
discriminatory incident.
ao
If the complaint does not meet the statutory requirements, it
is given an NJ or NT#. The complainant, the person who filed
the complaint, is notified that the Commission does-not !~ve'
jurisdiction and the complaint is closed.
"NJ" means not jurisdictional and
"NT" means not timely filed.
If the complaint meets the statutory requirements, :~'~s ~en
a CP# and a copy of the complaint is mailed to the complainant.
Another copy is served on the respondent, the person or
organization charged in the complaint with a violation of Iowa
Code Chapter 216.
CP# means complaint number.
[~~AII. inquirms about~ the complaint~
e
The complainant and the respondent are required to answer a
questionnaire and submit relevant documents within 30 days.
When the Commission receives both parties' responses to the
questionnaires, all of the collected information is reviewed to
determine whether further investigation is warranted.
RECEIVED NOV ! 7
(Charge of Discrimination under Iowa Code Chapter .216)
IMPORTANT: This form is affected by the Privacy Act of 1974.
(AGENCY USE ONLY)
CHARGE NIJMBER:
['~ Local Agency
/t-qv. $qooo
~'~ State Agency
Iowa Civil Rights Commission Local Commissiow~
pl
211 East Ma e Street, 2nd Floor
Des Moines, Iowa 50309-1858 and -
Equal Employment Opportunity Comrr~sion/
NOTE: PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT (In Ink Only)
1. What is your legal name? [.C) ¥'~'~- P~ ['~.~0x.C'._%
2. What'is your street address? ~f~lD '~ Bc)~--/'x~'r'e3d:.~bq prw)~
Ci,: ~Q~ ~1'~ State: ~~(~ ~pCode:_~~0
3. Telephone Number: ~t~ ~~&X~
4. What is your ~f birth? ~-- [~~ S~: ~
Race: ~ ~ National Odgin(~ces~y): ~ ~1 ~1' ~~
ss~: c/ _ 7 g _ qq ~ I
On what BASIS(ES) do you feel you have been discriminated against?
(Please check)
Physical Disability
Creed
Sex
Pregnancy
[-~ Age
~-~ Race .
~ Marital Status
~] National .Origin
Color
Religion
Mental Disa~lit~
Retaliation*~
* Because I filed prior complaint or opposed a discriminatory pracuca~
Please check the AREA in which the discrimination occurred.
[-~ Credit
~'~ Employment
Education
Public Accommodations
2
What is the FULL LEGAL NAME of the business o.r company that
discriminated against you? ~.t~ ~Ck. e.,'~;~x~ (.(Z)D,.~LI[.
: _ -3v"~.
What L%that com, pany's street address?
City: ~.~--~)~Ck c~ X~ State: ~%'~
County: 6 D~%~ ~
Telephone Number: 3~ -%~ ~ ~0~b
What does.that bu~ness/comoany. do? ~C~IO~ ~Ok6~O~
~~~h~~~7~~A~a~~~ ~f~~~~~:~p:~t~er ~%~ny, what ~s
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
What is that company's street address?
City: State:
Telephone Number:
Zip Code:~ --
Give approximate total number of full & part-tim~e empJoyees
employer locations (VERY IMPORTANT):
Have you filed this complaint with any other Federal, State, or Local
Anti-Discrimination Agency? Yes
If yes, what agency?
Month: Day Year
If this complaint can be cross-filed with the Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission, the Iowa Civil Rights Commission will cross-
file, unless you indicate in writing: "don't cross-file."
Identify ~.. l~er.spn at the company who discriminated against you?
Name: t ,~ ~x[3~'~
Position/Title:
If you are claiming harassment, who harassed you?
Name:
Position/Title:
Please fill in the particulars of
Be sure to state whv you feel
your .complaint below.
you were discriminated against.
~m m u~r~+,~ .~E 'V ~-- L~p men+
1~ VD i ~n %c cr ~s rt~ o n_ ~
wh,'c h 8~'s t'o Os
~-S Gr I rnox pc~, u~),, ,-
Signature of Complainant
Verification without notary authorized by Iowa Code § 622.1; 28 U.S.C.
Intaker Name ]{ ' ..,L~h,. ~/O~ IDP~ Phone: I - Mt-~0
Disability Code
§ 1746~---u
CD ,..73.
(direct exxen s L~,n)
I certify under penalty of perjury and pursuant to the laws of the State o77'c'LC--~
Iowa and the laws of the United States of America that the preceding
charge is true and correct.
August 25, 1997
Council Work Session
page 56
Appointments 97-115 S2
Atkins/I think you are down to board appointments.
Nov/Okay, let's do Housing and Community Development Commission first. We have
extra applicants here tonight which I haven't had time to read. Has anyone else
read it?
Vanderhoef/I would like a minute.
Nov/Okay, let's all take a minute. This is somebody who may have worked. Steve, do
you know that? Do you know if Angela Calvin is someone who had been an
intern in our Plaxming Department?
Karr/I know there was an Angela up there but I don't know if it is the same.
Nov/There was an Angela, wasn't there?
Karr/There was but I am not sure it was the same last name. I don't know.
Nov/And I don't know either if it was the same last name. I just don't somebody who has
been an employee or an intern up there.
Norton/Is that the only one we had for the Housing tonight?
Baker/We had at least five, eventually.
Nov/We have five, one of which is added tonight.
Vanderhoef/This application says recently employed by the city of Tupelo, Mississippi.
Nov/Yealx, however this is somebody who is a current graduate student and I believed
worked for the city Planning Department for awhile unless that is a different
Angela and Marian doesn't know and I don't know. And that is why I am asking
questions.
.Baker/Do you want to 40 individual appointments?
Nov/We need three. Do you want individuals or do you want to say three?
Norton/Let's just take a non-block.
This represents only a .reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council
meeting of August 2S, 1997
WS082597
August 25, 1997 Council Work Session page 57
Baker/Sandy Kuhlman.
Norton/Fine.
Lehman/Yep.
Baker/Jane Mornski.
Nov/Okay.
like Lori Bears. I would like'to nominate Loft.
Vanderhoef/I was thinking Rick House myself in that there are lots of things happening
now with the new Housing Director and the money issue of that is really
import~nt to me and I tinink Rick would offer that to the committee.
Nov/Yeah, I think that financial background is important.
Kubby/Although part of the weaknesses of the committee is not having people who in
the past have used services that a lot of agencies that come in for money and that
is a weak point and Loft Bears is someone of lower income. She is someone with
a developmental disability that is very high functioning and will be quite able to
make these kinds of decisions and I think would be a really important asset for
this committee.
jlltll ~Vanderhoef/As I recall, we have in the last year made such an appointment. I can't think
of that woman s name.
Kubby/She resigned. She was one of the resignations.
Vanderhoef./I need to look at that because I don't recall
Kubby/And even if there is one, someone who is a recipient or has been in the past in
terms of the total, just hav/ng one token person like that, that is not enough.
Norton/The person who is there surely is not token if they are. !just wondered if it is a
suitable match. Is it a real serious match there in terms of issues.
Nov/I think it would be very difficult for her. ~.--.
This represents only,a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City counci~n
meeting of August 25, 1997
WS082597
August 25, I997
Council Work Session
page 58
bby/I disagree. I think Loft has a lot of potential and given the opportunity, she is
focused and would do a very good job as a volunteer for the city.
Baker/3hte agree on Sandy Kuhlman.
/ .~. ~. Vanderhoef/And Jane.
.Vanderhoef/I would like to suggest Rick./'
ehman/I would also. '
'~'ffr~lonon/Who are the other- Do we know who the rest of the Commission.at the moment?
..._.._.._.._.._.._~',Do we have all the names? ! think we ought to take a look at the content.
Thomberry/I could agree on Rick also.
Karrt Right now? David-
Vanderhoef/I think we got four for Rick.
Karr/Do you want to hear or do you have four?
Thomberry/Let's hear.
Kant/David Purdy, Dan Cilek, Gretchen Schmuch, Denim Gatson, Bill Stewart and
Kathleen Renquist. Those do not include the three that are being filled now.
Baker/There are four votes for Rick House.
Nov/Okay, do we have four votes for Sandy Kuhlman and Jane Moraski?
Council/.rYes).
Housing and Community Development Commission -
Sandy Kuhlman
Jayne Moraski
Rick House
This represents ofily a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council
meeting of August 25, 1997
WS082597
CP# 34000
BACKGROUND - FAILURE TO HIRE
PLEASE IDENTIFY EACH PERSON WHO HAS PROVIDED INFORMATION WHICH WAS
USED TO ANSWER THIS QUESTIONNAIRE, INCLUDING EACH PERSON'S NAME AND
RELATIONSIP TO RESPONDENT (FOR EXAMPLE: "OWNER," "ATTORNEY,"
"EMPLOYEE," "CUSTOMER," ETC.).
PLEASE IDENTIFY EACH DOCUMENT OR GROUP OF DOCUMENTS WHICH YOU HAVE
CONSULTED IN ORDER TO FORM~ EITHER IN WHOLE OR IN PART, THE ANSWERS
TO THIS QUESTIONNAIRE. WHERE APPROPRIATE, YOU MAY REFER TO A GROUP
OF DOCUMENTS INSTEAD OF EACH INDIVIDUAL DOCUMENT (FOR EXAMPLE:
"EMPLOYEE'S PERSONNEL FILE," "COMPANY'S AFFIRMATIVE ACTION DATA,"
COMPANY'S ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY," "EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK," ETC.).
1. What is the full legal name of Respondent?
2. Identify the Respondent owner(s) by name, disability, and address.
Is Respondent incorporated? Under what law is Respondent
incorporated?
How many locations has Respondent?
and address.
Identify each location by name
In AUGUST 1997, how many persons worked for Respondent? In that
number, include all part-time and full-time regular employees.
6. In AUGUST 1997, how many disabled persons worked for Respondent?
In AUGUST 1997, how many persons worked for Respondent at each
Respondent location, by location?
In AUGUST 1997, how many disabled persons worked for Respondent at
each Respondent location, by location?
What is Respondent's business? Describe Respondent's service or
product.
10.
In AUGUST 1997, how was Respondent organized? Did Respondent have
divisions or departments or work units? Describe Respondent's
organization.
11.
For each division or department or work unit in Respondent's
organization, describe the work performed.
12.
If there are two or more Respondents named in the complaint, how is
each Respondent related to the other(s)?
13.
If this case is screened in to be investigated, would you be
interested in participating in mediation? (Mediation is a
voluntary, no fault settlement process)
14.
What steps did Complainant take to apply for a position at
Respondent?
1
15. Be
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
When did Complainant do each of those steps? On what dates?
specific.
How did Complainant find out that a position at Respondent was
available?
If that position was advertised or posted somewhere, send a copy of
the advertisement or posting.
What did the advertisement or posting say? Be specific.
If someone just told Complainant about the position, who was that
person? What is that person's name? Was that person employed by
Respondent? If so, in what position?
What position did Complainant apply for?
called?
What was that position
What were the job duties of the position? List each duty.
In AUGUST 1997, what was Respondent's hiring procedure? List each
step in the application and hiring process. Also identify all
Respondent's persons involved in that process. Describe each of
those persons' responsibilities in that process.
Send copies of any papers or documents which refer to that position
or to Respondent's hiring procedure?
What were the educationrequirements for the position?
schooling was required?
How much
List each school that Complainant attended. Begin with high school
and go up' List each school by name, address, and dates attended
(from when to when).
List each certificate, diploma, or degree .that Complainant earned in
school.
What were the work experience requirements for the position? What
kind of work and how much work was required?
28. List all the places where Complainant had worked.
by employer name (company name), address of company, dates of
employment (from when to when), position or positions t_hat ~
Complainant held, and reasons for leaving. Be specifi_d~.'~. ~
29. Were there any other qualifications or requirements fore'he
position? If so, what were they?
30. Was Complainant qualified for the position?
specific.
31. Who was hired by Respondent for the position?
name and disability?
32.
List each place
What is that person's
When was that person hired? On what date?
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
Who made the decision to hire that person? What is that
decision-maker's name, position, and disability?
When did Complainant find out that Complainant was not the person
selected? On what date?
How did Complainant find out that Complainant was not the person
selected?
Who told Complainant?
Respondent?
What is that person's name and position at
What were the reasons given by Respondent for selecting someone
other than Complainant for the position?
Send copies of all papers, letters, and records sent by Complainant
and preferred applicant to Respondent or sent by Respondent to
Complainant which refer to this position or Complainant's
application.
Be sure to send a copy of Complainant's application as well as a
copy of the preferred applicant's application.
Compare Complainant's qualifications with the qualifications of the
preferred applicant(s).
How much education did the person or persons selected have?
education did each have?
What
What was the work experience of the person or persons selected?
Where had each worked?
Who made the decision not to select Complainant?
person's name, position, and disability?
What is that
In AUGUST 1997, how many persons worked in the position that
Complainant applied for?
In AUGUST 1997, how many disabled persons worked in the__posi~ion
that Complainant applied for?
In the period, one year before AUGUST 1997 to date, li~.._all-p .e~ons
hired in that position by (1) name, (2) date of hire,
disability.
DISABILITY - FAILURE TO HIRE
In the period, one year before AUGUST 1997 to date, did Complainant
have a health condition or disability? If so, describe it.
How did that health condition or disability affect Complainant
physically or mentally? What physical or mental things did that
condition or disability prevent or limit Complainant from doing?
specific. List each thing.
Be
3
What date did Complainant first experience .that condition or
disability?
4. What date did that condition or disability go away?
What doctor(s) did Complainant see about that condition or
disability? What are their names, addresses, and telephone numbers?
What date(s) did Complainant see the doctor(s) about that condition
or disability?
7. What did the doctor(s) say about that condition or disability?
Send copies of all records in Respondent's possession which refer to
that condition or disability.
Did any doctor ever limit Complainant's Dhvsical activities because
of that condition or disability?
10.
If a doctor did limit Complainant's physical activities, what
physical activities were limited? Be specific. List them.
11.
12.
13.
14.
If a doctor did limit Complainant's physical activities, who was
that doctor? What date did the doctor limit Complainant's
activities? What dates were the activities limited? From when to
when?
Did any doctor ever limit Complainant's emplovment ac ,~.'~_~t'~ ~
because of that condition or disability? ~
If a doctor did limit Complainant's employment activities, ~ha~-
employment activities were limited? Be specific. Li~:the_~. ~"]-
Did Respondent supervisory or management persons see ~pl~na~t as
having a worse condition or disability than that indicatedcTby
Complainant? What are those persons' names and positions?
15.
What did each of those persons see Complainant as having?
each think Complainant's condition or disability was?
What did
16.
Would Complainant's condition or disability keep him/her from fully
performing the position duties? What job duties would Complainant
not be able to perform?
17.
In a normal work day in the period one year before to date how much
of the day would be spent by Complainant doing that job duty or
those job duties? For example, if Complainant worked 8 hours per
day, how many minutes or hours per day would be spent by Complainant
doing that job duty or those job duties?
18.
Would it have been possible, in the period one year before to date,
for someone else to do that job duty or those job duties? How would
it have been possible? What did Respondent have to do to make it
possible? Be specific.
19.
For Respondent to assign that job duty or those job duties to
someone else, what would have been the cost to Respondent? How much
4
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 20, 1997
To: City Council
From: Jeff Davidson, Asst. Director, Dept. of Planning & Community Development
Re: Conversion of downtown parallel parking areas to angle parking
At your direction, we have recently completed the conversion of downtown parallel parking
areas to angle parking. This was done on two blocks of Linn Street and one block of College
Street, and resulted in a gain of 15 parking spaces. The modification of these three blocks has
resulted in a wide range of comments and considerable media coverage. The comments I have
received range from "It's wonderful; convert as many blocks as you can," to "It's terrible; put it
back the way it was." I would like to clarify a couple of the most frequently received comments:
Travel lanes are too narrow. As we stated to you many times during our discussions, the
conversion to angle parking tightened up an area which was already tight with respect to the
movement of pedestrians, bicyclists, and motor vehicles. The three converted blocks function
somewhat like parking lots, and require motorists and bicyclists to slow down and be especially
cautious. This is the trade-off for increasing the number of parking spaces. Because traffic
moves so slowly in these tightened up conditions, the safety hazard is minimized.
Motor vehicles cannot maneuver around the asphalt islands. I would add to this statement
"as fast as they used to." When we undertook this project we were concerned because we were
introducing an unfamiliar element to the downtown motorist: angle parking on two-streets. We
hired a landscape architect to lay out the angle parking areas in a design as similar as possible
to the existing angle parking areas on Washington Street and Iowa Avenue. This required
construction of the temporary asphalt islands.
The islands also serve to indicate to a motorist that they are entering a block that is different
from the adjacent block. Combined with the narrower travel aisles, a motorist instinctively slows
down. A motorist exiting an alley may need to cautiously encroach into the opposing traffic lane
to complete their turn. At the travel speeds that now occur in these blocks, this can be done
safely.
We may find in the spring that the corner radii on some of our asphalt islands have been
"adjusted" by large trucks. These corner radii can be permanently modified if you decide to
make to the angle parking areas permanent. However, adjustments to corner radii should be
done cautiously so that there is not a significant increase in vehicle speeds.
The asphalt islands are ugly. We attempted to get the angle parking areas installed before
winter, which required construction of the temporary asphalt islands. These are temporary in
that they can be easily removed and the blocks can be converted back to parallel parking
should you wish to reconsider your decision. If you wish to make the angle parking areas
permanent, we can reconstruct the islands in a more aesthetically pleasing fashion as part of
the overall downtown streetscape plan. The temporary asphalt islands will not look quite so
garish once the asphalt turns gray and the pavement markings fade.
I am keeping a file of comments received regarding the blocks converted to angle parking so
feel free to forward any you receive to me. We will report back to you at the end of next summer
on how the angle parking areas have performed, and see if you wish to make them permanent.
Contact me if you have any questions regarding this matter.
cc: Steve Atkins
Karin Franklin
Eleanor Dilkes
Chuck Schmadeke
Joe Fowler
Rick Fosse
Doug Ripley
David Schoon
jccogtp~nem~nglepk2.doc
November 19, 1997
Mrs. Kathryn Keeley
301 Woodside Dr.
Iowa City, IA 52246
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
Dear Mrs. Keeley:
Thank you for your letter of concern regarding the pedestrian signal at the intersection of
Melrose Avenue and Melrose Court. This pedestrian signal was designed and installed as a
result of a negotiated process between the City of Iowa City and the Melrose Neighborhood
Association to provide safe accommodation of pedestrians at this location without providing
controlled vehicular access to Melrose Court. We are currently monitoring the intersection very
closely to ensure it is working correctly and is being understood.
Providing a fully signalized intersection and a green light for Melrose Court traffic would
increase traffic volume on Melrose Court, which is only 18 feet wide. One of the objectives of
the current pedestrian signal is to discourage cut-through traffic on Melrose Court. Increasing
traffic volume on Melrose Court was a significant concern of the Neighborhood Association
during the Melrose Avenue reconstruction project.
I agree that this pedestrian signal is not ideal, however, it does accomplish its purpose and we
are working to make the understanding of it more apparent. If you have any questions or would
like additional information, please contact me at 356-5254.
Sincerely,
Doug Ripley
JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner
CC:
Denny Gannon, Assistant City Engineer
Jeff Davidson, Assistant Director, Planning & Community Development
City Manager
City Council
Im\ltr~drl 1-17.doc
410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240-1826 · (319) 3:56-5000 · FAX (31
November 14, 1997
Mr. Doug Ripley
Iowa City Civic Center
Iowa City, Iowa
Dear Mr. Ripley:
I was so pleased to see the traffic lights at the intersection
of Melrose Avenue and Melrose Court. I thought this would be a great
help in turning onto Melrose Avenue from Melrose Court.
Not only did it not help, it is worsel When pedestrians walk across
Melrose, the cars have to stop on Melrose Court. That's fine to let the
people ~cross the street. But when the light is blinking, supposedly to
let the cars go onto Melrose Avenue from M~lsose Court, the traffic is lined
up so far both ways on Melrose Avenue that one cannot get out into Melrose
Avenue.
My aaughter goes across the street (Melrose Avenue) all the time to
get to the hospital and she reports that cars are running the red lights
so they can turn. This is dangerous and someday, someone is going to get
run over.
All that is necessary to alleviate this bottleneck is to have a
~reen light on just for a few seconds to let cars turning onto Melrose Avenue
the chance to do so. Melrose Court is a public street and we pay taxes to
have the right to use this street. One should not have to be inconvenienced
to go way out their way to get to their destination.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
Sincerely,
301 Woodside Drive
Iowa City, Iowa 52246
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
CITY OF IOWA CITY
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
City Council
Parks and Recreation Direct~~
November 19, 1997 //..-~/-~
Cemetery Expansion ~ %._
As a result of our discussion at your November 17th work
session, it is my understanding that we are to proceed as
follows with regard to cemetery expansion:
A). We are to continue working with the consultant on a
plan which will expand Oakland Cemetery by approximately 10
acres into the 40-acre Gaulocher parcel, currently being
utilized as part of Hickory Hill Park.
B). We are to begin discussions with the Gaulocher heirs
to hopefully gain their support for dedicating the
remaining 30 acres(i) as parkland.
In proceeding with these plans we will attempt to design in the
least obtrusive manner, and to the extent possible, suggest a
phased approach in development.
When we have more detailed design alternatives and cost
estimates, we will present them for your review and comment. I
am certain the cost estimates will encompass a wide range,
depending on the final design plan selected. This likely will
impact our Capital Improvement Program which currently has
$250,000 budgeted for this project.
Lisa Handsaker
From: Joe Fowler
Sent: Friday, November 21, 1997 8:52 AM
To: *City Manager's Office
Subject: shuttle
Forgotto tell you - Wednesday had 108 riders on one trip - 8:00 southside.
Page 1
1700 Country Club Road
CorEville, IA 52241
November 17, 1997
MR. JACK RIESSEN
IOWA DNR
WALLACE STATE OFFICE BLDG
900 E GRAND AVE
DES MOINES La, 50319
Re: Scott-Six Industrial Park, Iowa City, IA
Dear Mr. Riessen:
The undersigned are the owners and proprietors of a tract of
approximately 140 acres recently annexed to the City of Iowa City and which
we wish to develop into a commercial and industrial park. We have formed a
public-private partnership with the City of Iowa City and have worked long and
hard in conjunction with the City to bring this [ievelopment to fruition. We feel
that this will be of considerable importance in strengthening the economy of
our area. The State of Iowa has made a significant investment in the
infrastructure serving this area, with the closest route to Interstate 80 having
been constructed several years ago with RISE Funding.
The only matter which is standing in the way of the filing of the
platting documents in connection with this subdivision is the approval by the
DNR of a Stream Relocation Plan submitted six months ago, on May 15, 1997.
Because all other impediments to the completion of this development have
been overcome, we would respectfully request expedited review of this plan so
that the platting of the Industrial Park might be completed and public
improvements installed. One lot in the Industrial Park has already been sold
pending this approval, and there is considerable interest in many of the other
lots.
As you are aware from a letter from the City of Iowa City dated
October 14, 1997, the lack of approval for this plan is also causing difficulty to
the City of Iowa City in connection with a sewer construction project through a
portion of this property. It would be of great benefit to both the City of Iowa
City and ourselves, and would also assist in strengthening the economy of this
area, if expedited consideration of this plan could be given.
Mr. Jack Piessen
November 17, 1997
Page 2
Thank you very much for your courtesy and cooperation.
Very truly yours,
~'. F. Streb
Mar~J o~n ~t;eb
CC:
Honorable Terry E. Branstad
Honorable Naomi J. Novick
November 20, 1997
Joseph B. Pugh, Jr.
Vice President and Treasurer
ACT
2201 North Dodge Street
P.O. Box 168
Iowa City, IA 52243-0168
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
Re:
Agreement between the City of Iowa City and ACT Inc. on the extension of First Avenue
and Captain Irish Parkway; ACT correspondence of October 14 and 15, 1997
Dear Joe:
I have discussed with Chuck Schmadeke and Jeff Davidson the correspondence recently
received by the City: Tom Gelman's letter of October 14 to Jeff Davidson on the ACT-City
agreement, and your letter of October 15 to Chuck Schmadeke rejecting our offer of financial
compensation due to adjustment of the alignment of the proposed street extensions. I believe
there exist some very profound differences between ACT and the City concerning this issue,
which would be best discussed in a face-to-face meeting at your convenience.
The construction of the area street improvements have been confirmed by Council as a result
of the November 4 ballot initiative. Those improvements are identified as follows:
1. Construct 12" waterline from Dodge Street along Captain Irish Parkway to a point east of
the proposed ACT driveway intersection.
2. Construct 24" waterline from Dodge Street along Captain Irish Parkway to a point east of
the proposed ACT driveway intersection.
3. Construct geometric changes and install signal Dodge and Parkway intersection.
4. Grade for streets from Dodge to a point east of the ACT driveway intersection necessary to
provide sufficient fill dirt.
5. Construct Captain Irish Parkway, east to a point just beyond proposed ACT driveway.
6. Conclude agreements with ACT concerning driveway access.
7. Initiate planning process in accordance with memorandum of November 6 by Planning
Director.
I believe these projects are of significant importance to ACT, and that the issue of excessive
financial compensation by the City to ACT could potentially jeopardize these projects and
thereby the overall planning for the area. I will attempt to explain our position on each of the
numbered points in your letter.
410 EAST WASHINGTON
STREET · IOWA CITY. IOWA $2240-1526 · (319) 3~6-5000 * FAX (319) 3~6-~009
First Ave./Capt. Irish Pkwy. Extension
November 20, 1997
Page 2
We consider the financial impact to the City of the proposed street construction to be
directly related to previous beneficial actions by the City and these actions have accrued to
ACT. Those beneficial actions have included the vacation and disposition of Dubuque Road
and the modification of the alignment of the road now known as Captain Irish Parkway, from
an alignment through the ACT campus to an alignment around the ACT campus. These
actions were taken at ACT's request and pre-date the 1992 agreements and enable ACT to
complete your recent circular driveway project which we understand will accommodate the
future growth of ACT. We believe our work has helped support that agreement.
We consider the impact of the additional 25 feet of right-of-way for First Avenue to be of
nominal consequence to ACT given the increase in value to ACT's property once the First
Avenue, Captain Irish Parkway and future Scott Boulevard extensions are completed. The
right-of-way is now necessary for water line extensions and could possibly serve as the
route of First Avenue extended, depending on the outcome of the area planning effort.
The new street alignments as directed by the City Council have been developed with careful
consideration given to the future development potential of ACT's property. We believe
several excellent building sites result from the proposed street extensions through your
property. Rather than compromising your ability to develop, we see this as enabling the
development of property you own which currently cannot be developed because of the lack
of street access.
4-5,
These paragraphs are where I believe our most significant differences are apparent. The
alignment of First Avenue and the street now known as Captain Irish Parkway which is
shown in the December 15, 1992 agreement between ACT and the City, was developed
specifically because of ACT's need to modify the previously agreed to alignment which
went through ACT's campus. The alignment shown in the 1992 agreement was obviously
intended to be further refined and modified given the language contained in the
agreement. I cannot accept the contention that ACT assumed this alignment would not be
modified, given the impact the 1992 alignment has on the Gatens and Larson residences.
Based on such a position, we would have been forever locked into a street alignment,
such as the one that went through ACT.
As suggested in Chuck's correspondence to you, the City accepts some responsibility to
compensate ACT for the modification of the public street alignment and consequent added
expense to ACT to construct a longer entrance driveway. The $175,000 offered to you
represents an approximation of what the Director of Public Works believes to be our cost
savings in constructing First Avenue at a shorter length. I cannot recommend to the City
Council that the City pay ACT $316,500. I will be candid in that I also believe the $175,000 is a
very generous offer and I will support the decision of the Director. However, I believe the
circumstances are such that this offer exceeds any obligation the City might have under our
agreements.
Finally, your contention that "a material reason for the road alignment modifications was to
reduce the City's construction costs" is baffling. Although we would certainly like to reduce our
construction costs, you are fully aware that the road alignment which has been designed
primarily to private property impacts. Although the more recent discussions have been on the
impact to the Press-Citizen, Gatens, Larson, and Hamdorf properties, I would remind you once
First Ave./Capt. Idsh Pkwy. Extension
November 20, 1997
Page 3
again that the odginal modification from an alignment through the ACT campus to one around
the ACT campus was initiated by ACT and agreed to by the City on behalf of ACT. We have an
estimated $4 million in projects which will be of significant consequence to the value of your
property as well as provide new, convenient employee/customer access to your property now
and in the future.
I suggest we get together at your earliest convenience to discuss this matter. In addition to
myself, I would like Chuck Schmadeke, Jeff Davidson, and Sarah Holecek present for the City.
Sincerely,
Stephen J. Atkins
City Manager
cc: City Council
Chuck Schmadeke
Jeff Davidson
Sarah Holecek
Karin Franklin
Tom Gelman
mgr/ltr/act.doc
October 15, 1997
Informcfiion for Ufe's Transitions
Mr. Chuck Schmadeke
Director of Public Works
City of Iowa City
410 Fast Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240-1826
Dear Chuck:
This is in response to your letter of October 8 stipulating a counter offer of $175,000 for ACT
property to be conveyed to the City for right-of-way needed for the construction of First
Avenue and Captain Irish Parkway.
The amount the City pays ACT for the First Avenue and Captain Irish Parkway right-of-way
must be viewed in the context of the December 15, 1992 Agreement between the City and
ACT. In that regard, we believe the following points pertain:
Except for the financial impact of the City's desire to change the alignment of the
roads it will build through ACT's property, consideration has already been
exchanged between the parties. Therefore, the improvement of the street system,
the traffic signalization at Old Dubuque Road and North Dodge Street, and the
closing of Old Dubuque Road have already been addressed and are of no relevance
to the current discussions.
2. ACT agreed to dedicate 60 feet of right-of-way for First Avenue. We have now
agreed to increase that to 85 feet.
The revised alignment for the Captain Irish Parkway has compromised ACT
development and use of its property on both sides of the road from ACT' s West to
East property line.
The change in alignment of the Captain Irish Parkway has also signdicanfiy
increased ACT's cost to connect its south exit drive to First Avenue. We have used
the amount of this increased cost ($316,500) to not only make us whole on the
connection project, but to also value the damages outlined in points 2 and 3 above as
well.
I have enclosed a side-by-side comparison of the cost of the alternate B connection
and the cost based on ACT's original plan. Please note that both estimates use the
same unit cost to arrive at the difference. Therefore, the actual cost of constructing
the connection is not an issue because it will only raise or lower both estimates by
the same amount.
2201 North Dodge Street P,O. Box 168 Iowa City, Iowa 52243-0168 (319) 337-t000
Mr. Chuck Schmadeke
October 15, 1997
Page 2
ACT has expended considerable sums during the past year for additional engineering
occasioned by the study of proposed City changes of right-of-way alignment. These
expenses were not anticipated by ACT.
We understand that a material reason for the road alignment modifications was to reduce the
City's construction costs. Unfortunately, this objective has resulted in an increase in ACT's
costs. For these reasons, ACT rejects the City's counter offer of $175,000. We axe willing to
proceed on the basis of our earlier discussion. In that connection, Tom Gelman is sending a
letter to Jeff Davidson outlining f'mal changes to the Agreement based on the new alignments.
Other than this payment issue, I don't believe there should be any remaining obstacles, but I
will reserve judgement until we know the City's reaction to Tom's letter.
Thank you for helping us work through the issues related to the First Amendment to the 1992
City/ACT Agreement. We look forward to hearing from the City soon.
Sincerely,
Vice President & Treasurer
Enclosure
CC.'
Steve Atkins, City Manager
Jeff Davidson, JCCOG
Tom Gelman
ACT ROADWAY OPTION B VS. ORIGINAL ALIGNMENT
October 14~ 1~97
Project:
Desc~ption:
Length:
ITEM
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
2O
21
22
23
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26
ACT Roadway Option B
Fudhest West (,1- 9' Cul ~ Inlemeclion)
580"
DESCRIPTION
ESTIMATED
QUANTITY
Project:
Descdplion:
Length:
ACT Roadway Original Option
Shotteal, Straighl Option
341'
ORIGINAl.
ALIGNMENT UNIT
8" PCC Pavemenl 1,870 1,100 SY
6" PCC Sidewatk 780 455 SY
6" Rock Subbase 2.065 1,215 $Y
Subdrain, Longitudinal, 4' 580 345 LF
Ught Poles wilh Luminaries and Base 8 5 EACH
CoRdult. Rigid Steel, 2" 630 390 LF
Electrical Conductor 2,800 1,730 LF
Handhole, RM-17 8 8 EACH
Trees 82 56 EACH
Irrigation 1 I LS
18' Storm Sewer Pipe 190 NIA LF
36" Slonn Sewer Pipe 860 860 LF
3~" Apron I I EACH
Excavation, CL 10, Rdwy + Benow 58,515 12,055 CY
Topsoil, Sldp, Salvage + Spread 12,585 2,835 CY
Sodding 464 275 SQ
Mobilization 1 I LS
Construction Sunmy I I LS
Sierra Intake. RA-5 4 2 EACH
Slorm Manhole. RA-29 2 2 EACH
Warmmain Extension, 10" 635 390 LF
Signage I 1 LS
Clear arid Grub 0.8 NIA ACRE
Seeding and Fedilizing 0.4 N/A ACRE
Sill Fence 800 NIA LF
Revelmerit, Class E, Riprap 5 5 TON
Subtotal
Contingency (10%)
Design/Administration Costs (15%)
UNLIT EXTEN~D ORIGINAL
COST COST ALIGNMENT
DIFFERENCE
30 $56,100 $33,000 $23.100
32 $24,960 $14,560 $10,400
5 $10,325 $6,075 $4,250
6 $3,480 $2,070 $1,410
3,000 $24,000 $15,000 $9,000
9 $5,670 $3.510 $2,160
I $2,800 $1,730 $1.070
400 $3,200 $3,200
275 $22,550 $15,400 $7,150
PLAN $28,000 $16.500 $11.500
35 $6,650 $0 $6.650
65 $55,900 $55,000
500 $5O0 $500 $0
2.5 $141,288 $30,138 $111,150
3.5 $44,048 $9,923 $34,125
55 $25,520 $15,125 $10,395
PLAN $10,000 $10,000 $0
PLAN $6,00D $4,000 $2.000
2.700 $10.800 $5.400 $5.400
2,100 $4,200 $4.200 $0
27 $17,145 $10,530 $6,615
PLAN $10.000 $10.000
5.000 $4.000 $0 $4.000
1.0oo $400 $0 $400
3 $2,400 $0 $2,400
30 .~..5__.Q ~
$520,085
52,015
$266,910
26,690
$333,~00
$253,175
25325
&3t6,500
196514-0
t~ or
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
November 26, 1997
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DECEMBER 1 WORK SESSION
Memorandum from Mayor: Sales Tax
Local Option Sales Tax "The Most Frequently Asked Questions and Answers"
Memorandum from JCCOG Solid Waste Management Planner: Recycling in Multi-
Family Buildings
Memorandum from JCCOG Solid Waste Management Planner: Garbage Collection and
Recycling in the Downtown Central Business District
Memorandum from City Manager: Iowa City Water Facility. Site Plan
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Memorandum from City Manager: Pending Development Issues
Memorandum from City Manager: Receipt of Gifts
Memorandum from City Clerk: Board and Commission By-Laws on Conflict-of-Interest
Memorandum from City Clerk: City Hall Day, November 11, 1997
Telecommunications Public Policy Update
I
q 77
Letter from George DeMello (U of l Professor)to TCI of Eastern Iowa: UNIVISION /~/
Memorandum from Cable TV Administrator: National League of Cities Conference.
Telecommunications Related Issues
Memorandum from Housing & Inspection Services Director: Public Housing
Management Assessment Program (PHMAP) Notification of Scoring Results
Commission
Memorandum from Associate Planner Kugler: Historic Preservation
Annual Planning Session Report
Agenda: Council on Disability Rights and Education December 2
Agendas: November 25 Johnson County Board of Supervisors Meetings
Article: Cities are Fostering the Arts as a Way to Save Downtowns [Norton]
Agenda for the 12/9/97 Council Worksession.
Agenda for 12/2/97 Bd. of Supervisors.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 26, 1997
To:
From:
Re:
City Council
Naomi Novick, Mayor ~.~-~/'~.~'~
Sales Tax
The issue of Local Option Sales Tax is on the December I work session agenda. Please read
the Iowa Department of Revenue information enclosed.
Some options to discuss: (not in order of priority)
1. Sunset Clause -- 5 years, 10 years, or none.
2. Do we want to involve the public in the discussion of what to put on the ballot? We know
there are people who would not vote to tax themselves for any purpose. However, we
can hold neighborhood meetings to discuss options and perhaps find an agreeable use
to put on the ballot.
3. What are local needs that won't be met under our current revenues? What are nice
improvements to make?
4. What are potential uses that involve regional cooperation? Perhaps a county transit
system or county library?
Do we want to include schools? County-wide or just the cities in the local school district?
Do we want to coordinate a ballot date with Cedar Rapids? They are planning a special
election in the spring. The option can be on the general election ballot in November,
1998, also.
7. Do we want to include operations funding or just capital projects?
o
Here is the list of possible sales tax uses suggested by City Council Members in October.
Property tax relief must be on the ballot. Council Members listed 0% -- 50% of sales tax
revenue. Zero is a valid option.
Water rates were listed by five Council Members in a range of 15% -- 50% of revenue. Please
note that the University has its own water system. Also, we have low-income discounts.
Sewer rates were listed by three people and ranged 15% -- 25%. The University does use the
City wastewater system.
2
Public safety was listed by five Council Members and ranged 10% -- 20% of revenue.
"Housing and Human Services" and "Library and Cultural Center" were each listed by three
members in a range of 10% -- 30%.
"Community Enhancement" (betterment) was listed by six Council Members in a range of 10%
-- 50% of revenue. Ideas for uses in this general category were library, culture, streetscape,
parks, Senior Center, downtown maintenance, art, transit, and parking. The City of Ames
includes housing and human services in this category and uses 60% of revenue for various
community betterment projects. The funded projects may not be the same each year, but each
budget includes some of them.
Im~nem~nn 11-24.doc
Local O',,ti0n Sales Tax
"The Most
Frequently Asked
Questions and
Answers"
OP",O' SLES"t
County
Code
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Rate Taxable
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Iowa Depa~i~ent of Revenue and Finance
CONTENTS
VOTING: IMPOSITION, REPEAL AND
RATE CHANGE ............................................
1
REVENUE ESTIMATES ...............................3
DISTRIBUTION OF LOCAL OPTION
TAX FUNDS ..................................................3
PUBLIC RELATIONS ....................................5
RELATED COSTS ..........................................5
NONCOMPLIANCE ........................................5
APPLYING THE LOCAL OPTION
SALES TAX .....................................................5
CONTACTING THE DEPARTMENT ...............9
VOTING: IMPOSITION, REPEAL AND RATE CHANGE
The Secretary of State administers local
option election procedures. Questions should
be addressed to the Secretary of State for
confirmation; you may telephone (515) 281-
5823.
How is a local option sales tax imposed?
A majority of votes at an election must
approve the local option sales tax.
How does the issue of local option sales tax
get on the ballot?
There are two ways:
· A petition is presented to the county
board of supervisors. It must be signed
by eligible voters of the whole county.
The number of signatures must be equal
to S percent of the persons in the county
who voted in the preceding state general
· election.
· A motion is adopted by a county board
of supervisors for an unincorporated
area or by a city council. The governing
body must represent at least half of the
population of the county.
When can a vote on local option tax be held?
The local option tax can be voted on at
either a general election or at a special
election. The special election can be held
at any time other than at a city regular
election. The vote cannot be held sooner
than 60 days after the notice of the ballot
proposition is published in the
newspaper.
The question of repeal of the tax or of a
rate change can also be voted upon at a
general or special election.
Is the election countywide?
The election is countywide, but the tax
only applies in the incorporated areas
(city) and the unincorporated area of the
county where a majority vote in favor of
the local option tax.
What happens when cities are contiguous to
each other?
All titles contiguous to each other are
treated as one large incorporated area.
The tax can only be imposed if the
majority of those voting in the total
contiguous area approve the tax.
When are two geographical areas
contiguous?
They are contiguous when their
boundaries are in actual contact or
touching. Burd v. Board of Education of
Audubon County,'167 N.W. 2nd 174
1969); City of Walker, et al v. Oxley, et al.
If there is a question whether two
geographic areas are contiguous, will
resolve the issue?
The issue must be resolved by the county
board of supervisors.
What must the ballot proposition specify?
The ballot must specify:
· the type of tax
· the tax rate (not more than 1 percent)
* the date it will be imposed
· the approximate amount of local option
tax revenue that will be used for
property tax relief, if any
· the specific purpose(s) for which local
option tax revenues will be spent if for
purposes other than property tax relief
· a sunset clause for termination of the tax
(optional)
Sample ballots are available from the
Iowa Secretary of State. A copy can also
be found in Chapter 721 of the Iowa
Administrative Code § 21.3.
Who needs to be notified of election
results?
Pate change: Within 10 days after the
election, the county must give written
notice to the Department of Revenue and
Finance of the results.
Imposition or repeal: A separate notice
must be sent to the Department of
Revenue and Finance by certified mail at
least 40 days prior to the imposition or
repeal date.
Imposition: The county board of
supervisors must pass an ordinance and
~e a certified copy with the Depa~ ~,ent
of Revenue and Finance.
If local option is approved by the voters,
but a county does not pass the local
ordinance as required by law, what
happens?
The tax will still be imposed. Passing the
ordinance is mandatory.
The Linn County District Court in City of
Walker, et al rs. Oxley, et al, EQ 9.310, June
4,1986.
How long does a local option sales tax
remain in effect once it is imposed?
The tax remains in effect for an urnlimited
period or until it is repealed unless a
"sunset clause" is part of the ordinance.
It must remain in effect for at least one
year.
Can a local option sales tax be repealed?
Yes. To repeal the tax, an election may be
called and held in the same manner and
under the same conditions as the election
which approved the tax. This election is
countywide.
The county board of supervisors can,
upon its own motion, repeal the local
option tax in any unincorporated area of
the county where the tax is imposed.
For any municipality, the county board
of supervisors must, upon receipt of a
motion of the governing body of the
municipality, repeal the local option tax
within that municipality. The tax can be
repealed within a municipality which is
contiguous to other municipalities.
Local option sales and service tax cannot
be repealed by election before the tax has
been in effect for one year.
Can the rate of tax be increased or
decreased?
Yes. The criteria for placing the
proposition on the ballot are the same as
previously explained. However, only
qualified voters of the area of the county
where the tax has been imposed can vote.
The rate cannot exceed 1 percent.
What are the dates that the tax can be
imposed, changed, or repealed?
A local option sales tax can only be
imposed beginning January 1, April 1,
July 1, or October 1, after notifying the
Department of Revenue and Finance 40
days in advance.
Repeal of a local option sales tax can only
occur on March 31, June 30, September
30, or December 31, after notifying the
Department of Revenue and Finance 40
days in advance.
What if a tax has been imposed in a portion
of a county and now another incorporated or
unincorporated area of the county wants to
vote on the tax?
The criteria for placing the proposition
on the ballot are the same as previously
explained. However, only qualified
voters of the area of the county where the
tax has not been imposed can vote.
2
REVENUE ESTIMATES
How can a locality estimate what mount of
local option sales tax it might receive?
The Depa, ~,ent of Revenue and Finance
is able to provide an estimate based on
general state sales tax data.
Since the local option sales tax and the
state sales tax are imposed differently
based on each transaction, the data
should be adjusted. For example, the
local option sales tax is imposed on
goods delivered into a locality. State
sales tax statistics are kept on the basis of
sales made by merchants within a
locality. Local option sales tax is not
imposed on room rental subject to local
option hotel and motel tax or on the sale
of natural gas or electric energy in a city
where these receipts are subject to a
users fee or a franchise fee, to mention
just a few differences.
If a locality has made its own estimates, will
the Department of Revenue and Finance
review them? · -
Yes. Oftentimes local officials are better
economic predictors, because they are
familiar with the occupation, purchasing
and spending patterns in a locality. The
Department will review the logic and the
variables considered in compiling the
estimate.
Can a locality obtain information about
sales tax payments made by specific retail
establishments?
Yes. The Department may enter into a
written agreement for tax administration
purposes with a city or county entitled to
receive local hotel and motel tax or a
local sales and services tax funds. The
agreement allows no more than two paid
city or county employees to have access
to actual return information. This
information cannot be shared with
anyone else due to confidentiality
requirements.
DISTRIBUTION OF LOCAL
OPTION TAX FUNDS
How soon after a local option sales tax is
imposed will a locality get its money?
Within 15 days of the beginning of each
fiscal year, a written estimate of the
amount of tax money that the city or
county will receive for that year and for
each month of the year will be sent to
localities. Estimates may be reviewed at
the end of each quarter of the year.
Ninety-five percent of estimated tax
receipts will be paid to a city or county
monthly. Cities and counties, for
instance, will receive the estimated tax
for July by August 31.
A final payment of any remaining tax
due to a city or county for the fiscal year
will be made before the due date for the
first payment of the next fiscal year.
H an overpayment to a city or county
exists for a previous fiscal year, the first
and/or second payment of the
subsequent fiscal year will be adjusted to
deduct the overpayment.
Will a jurisdiction receive the actual amount
of tax collected by merchants in the locality?
No. The local option tax collected within
a county is placed in a special
distribution fund. The fund is distributed
on the basis of population and property
tax levies.
Who will receive the distribution check?
The check will be made out to the city or
county that imposed the tax.
Is it possible for a jurisdiction without the
tax to receive a distribution of local option
tax money?
No. Only the jurisdictions in which the
tax is imposed can participate in the
distribution.
3
How does the distribution formula work?
Each county's account is distributed on
the basis of population (75 percent) and
property tax levies (25 percent). The
population factor is based on the most
recent certified Federal census. The
property tax factor is the sum of property
tax dollars levied by boards of
supervisors or city councils for the three
years from July 1, 1982, through June 30,
1985. The property tax data is compiled
from city and county tax reports
available in the State Department of
Management. Only population and
property tax levies of the 'jurisdiction
imposing the tax are used in figuring
percentages.
The actual distribution is computed as
follows:
D= (.75xPxZ) + (.25xVxZ)
D = distribution for the taxing
jurisdiction
· . P = '~isdi~on percentage of the
population
V = jurisdiction percentage of the
property tax levied
Z = the total collections for the county in
which the jurisdiction is located.
Are any adjustments made to the monthly
remittance of local option tax prior to
distribution?
Adjustments are possible. For example,
local option taxes can be re/unded to
governmental units if imposed on
materials associated with construction
projects. Erroneous collections can occur
which are also subject to refund.
Amended sales tax returns will also be
filed. Refunds will most likely be
identified after distributions for a given
tax period have been made; therefore,
account adjustments will be necessary.
When a local option tax is repealed, the
local option tax monies, penalties, or
interest received or refunded 180 days
after the repeal date is deposited into or
withdrawn from the state general fund.
What happens to local option f~xes which
are collected, but it cannot be determined
which county is the origin of the money?
The funds will be allocated to the
counties which might possibly be
entitled to them on a basis of special
rules filed by the Department. The rules
specify di.~tribution to be made based on
population of each county.
Examples of an actual'distribution are in
701 Iowa Administrative Code § 107.10.
4
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Once local option sales tax is imposed, how
are businesses informed?
The Department will mail a special notice
to a]] merchants located. in a taxing
jurisdiction. This mailing will also
include a new sales tax table which
incorporates the state tax rate and the
local option tax rate.
In addition, the Depa,[u,ent regularly
mails newsletters to all retailers holding
a sales tax permit, and the newsletter will
contain local option tax notification.
Newsletters are distributed to
subscribing accounting practitioners,
certified public accountants and
attorneys, plus many businesses. In
addition, the Department issues press
releases and responds to media
questions.
RI::LATI=D COSTS
Who pays for reprogramming computers
and cash registers for businesses in a
jurisdiction imposing a local option tax?
Businesses are responsible for all
programming changes and costs.
NONCOMPLIANCE
What happens if a business fails to collect
or refuses to collect local option tax?
Anyone aware of a problem may call our
Taxpayer Services Section. We will call
the merchant or otherwise investigate
any complaints. In most cases, the
problems are the result of
misunderstandings and not intentional
noncompliance.
Whenever the Department audits for
state sales tax, it will also audit for local
option taxes. The penalties associated
with the nonpayment of local option
sales tax are the same as those for state
sales tax.
APPLYING THE LOCAL
OPTION SALES TAX
Is the local option sales tax imposed on the
same items as state sales tax?
Yes, except on:
sales of motor fuel and special fuel as
defined in Chapter 324 of the Iowa
Code.
room rentals subject to local option
hotel/motel tax.
sales of equipment by the State
Depa~[ment of Transportation.
sales of natural gas or electric energy
subject to a city- or county-imposed
franchise fee or users fee.
· the sale of Lottery tickets and receipts
from other games of chance conducted
by the state Lottery.
· the sale of direct-to-home satellite
service
Are local option sales taxes imposed on cars
and trucks?
No. Vehicles subject to registration are
subject to a use tax under Chapter 423 of
the Iowa Code rather than a state sales
tax. However, the receipts from the
rental of cars and trucks can be subject to
local option tax. Also, sales of parts and
services by auto dealers are subject to
tax.
Can a county with a local option sales tax
impose the tax on items and services not
subject to state sales tax?
No. A local option sales tax cannot be
imposed on any property or service not
subject to state sales tax.
5
When local option sales tax is figured, is it
imposed "on top" of the state sales tax?
No. It is imposed in addition to, but not
on top of, the state sales tax. A taxable
sale will be subject to the state sales tax
and the local option tax. However, The
amount of the sale for purposes of
determining amount of local sales tax
does not include any amount of state
Do retailers have to obtain a special sales
tax permit in order to collect local option
sales taxes?
· No tax permit other than the state sales
tax permit is required or available.
When are local option sales tax receipts
reported?
Local option taxes are reported whenever
sales tax is reported. However, the
amount of local option tax collected is
not used to determine how frequently a
retailer should file.
When does a retailer remit the tax to the
Department?
As with the state sales tax, the local
option sales tax is due when the tangible
personal property is delivered to the
customer. Even if the customer has not
paid for the merchandise, the tax is due
when delivery occurred.
For taxable services, the retailer remits
the local option tax when the service is
rendered, furnished, or performed.
What does delivery have to do with the
taxability of a sale?
Where tangible personal property is
delivered determines whether or not a
sale is taxable. If delivery occurs .within a
local option jurisdiction, the local option
sales tax may be due. If delivery does not
occur in a local option jurisdiction, local
option tax is not due.
6
Delivery usually occurs when the seller
transfers physical possession of the
property to the buyer. In most instances,
this transfer takes place at the seller's
place of business. If the seller transfers
the property to the buyer from the
seller's own vehicle, then the transfer is
considered to take place at the place of
transfer. Finally, if the seller transfers the
property to a common carrier or the U.S.
Postal Service for subsequent transport
to the buyer, the "delivery" of the
property occurs at the location of the
common carrier or Post Office.
How is the delivery or sale of tangible
personal property affected by the use of
FOB or a similar term when it is moved by a
common carrier?
FOB or a similar phrase is an indication
that the buyer and seller intend that the
sale is to occur at a specified place. The
specified location is the location of
"delivery." If the FOB point is in a taxing
jurisdiction, local option sales tax is
charged.
H a resident in a local option tax
jurisdiction buys something in a city that
does not have a local option sales tax, does
that mean that they avoid paying the local
option tax?
Maybe. If a resident of a taxing
jurisdiction takes physical possession of
the item in a non-taxing jurisdiction, no
local option tax can be imposed.
However, if the seller delivers it by the
seller's vehicle to the purchaser who
lives in a local option tax jurisdiction,
then the seller must collect local option
tax.
What if the seller (previous question) sends
the item through the mail or by common
carrier to the purchaser?
To impose local option sales tax you
must have:
1. Delivery within the taxing
jurisdiction, and
2. Sufficient connections (nexus) by
the seller to collect the tax.
What does "sufficient connections" mean?
The Iowa retailer must be purposefully
marketing its products to the county's
residents. These types of marketing
activities include, but are not limited to,
main ,raining any sort of office; sending
any solicitor or salesperson (independent
contractor or employee); transporting
products in its own vehicle; and
continuous solicitation of business,
which includes advertising.
An Iowa retailer's physical presence
within a county is no longer necessary to
require the retailer to collect the local
option sales tax. However, an out-of-
state retailer must have physical
presence in order to be required to collect
local option sales tax.
What happens if the seller is located in a
taxing jurisdiction and delivery of an item
is made into a jurisdiction where no local
option tax has been imposed?
Local option tax cannot be charged on a
transaction where delivery is made into a
non-taxing jurisdiction.
What happens when an item is purchased
outside Iowa and brought into Iowa by the
purchaser. Would local option sales tax be
due?
No. These transactions are subject to the
state consumer's use tax. Local option
sales tax can only be imposed when state
sales tax is applicable. Iowa does not
impose a local option use tax.
What about vending machines?
The location of each individual vending
machine determines whether or not the
local option sales tax applies. If it is in a
local option jurisdiction, the tax applies.
What happens when a business uses its own
inventory?
If a retailer in a taxing jurisdiction
purchases items for resale or processing
and later withdraws them from
7
inventory for other purposes, the local
option tax is imposed. It does not matter
where or when the items were first
purchased.
Owners, contractors, subcontractors, or
builders purchasing building materials,
supplies, and equipment for use in a
construction project within a taxing
jurisdiction must pay local option sales
tax on these items if they take delivery in
the taxing jurisdiction.
Contractors, subcontractors, or builders
'who are also retailers in a taxing
jurisdiction must pay local option tax
when they withdraw building materials,
supplies and equipment from inventory
for construction purposes even if the
construction project is outside the taxing
jurisdiction.
Manufacturers of building materials
located in a taxing jurisdiction who are
principally engaged in manufacturing
and selling building materials and who
withdraw them from inventory for use in
a construction contract must pay local
option tax if the construction contract is
within Iowa. The tax is computed on
fabricated cost. They must pay local
option tax when they withdraw building
materials, supplies and equipment from
inventory for construction purposes even
if the construction project is outside the
taxing jurisdiction.
What if ~ contract to construct a building or
to purchase tangible personal property is
entered into prior to the imposition of local
option tax, but actual erection occurs after
the local option tax is imposed?
It makes no difference when the contract
is signed or where it is signed. Delivery
is the taxing event. If tangible personal
property subject to state sales tax is
delivered into a jurisdiction after the date
local option sales tax has been imposed,
local option sales tax is due. If a taxable
service is rendered, furnished, or
performed after the date local option
sales tax has been imposed, local options
sales tax is due.
Construction contractors may apply for
refund of additional local option sales
tax paid as a result of the imposition of
or an increase in the rate of local option
sales tax if the following circumstances
exist:
(1) The additional tax was paid upon
tangible personal property incorporated
into an improvement to real estate in
fulfillment of a written construction
contract fully executed prior to the date
local option sales tax is imposed or its
rate increased, and
C2) The contractor has paid the full
amount of both state and local option
sales tax due to the Department or to a
retailer, and
(3) The claim is filed on forms
provided by the Department within six
months of the date on which the
contractor has paid the tax.
This local option tax right of refund is
not applicable to equipment transferred
under a mixed construction contract.
SERVICES
How is local option sales tax imposed on
services?
Local option sales tax is imposed on any
service subject to state sales tax which is
rendered, furnished, or performed within
a taxing jurisdiction.
Does it matter when a contract for services
is signed?
No. Sometimes services are contracted
before the local option sales tax becomes
effective. The tax still applies when the
service is performed.
Does it make any difference if the service
contract is signed outside the taxin§
jurisdiction?
No. Local option tax is due on all taxable
services performed in the taxing
jurisdiction regardless of where the
contract was entered.
8
What if there is a single contract and
services are performed both within and
outside a taxing jurisdiction?
The local option tax is imposed if the
contract is substantially performed in the
taxing 'jurisdiction. However, if service
charges are separately stated, separately
billed, and reasonable in amount and can
be distinguished between those
performed in the taxing jurisdicUon and
those performed outside the taxing
jurisdiction, tax is only imposed on
services performed in the taxing
jurisdiction.
LEASE AND RENTAL
How is local option sales tax computed on
rented or leased property?
The general rule is that payments
associated with periods when the
property is used within a taxing
jurisdiction are subject to local option
tax. Motor vehicle, recreational vehicle
and recreational boat rentals where state
sales tax is imposed are subject to local
option sales tax only if pursuant to the
rental contract, possession of the vehicle
or boat is transferred to the customer
within the taxing jurisdiction and
payment is made within the same taxing
jurisdiction.
UTILITIES
Which utility payments are taxed?
Dehvery of gas and water, electricity,
heat, communication and pay television
to an address in a local option taxing
. jurisdiction is subject to tax. However, if
the jurisdiction imposes a franchise fee or
users fee on the sale of natural gas or
electric energy, no local option tax can be
imposed on the sale of natural gas or
electric energy.
Under recently-enacted Federal law, if a
pay TV company provides its subscribers
with a "direct-to-home" satellite service,
Iowa local option sales tax cannot be
imposed on the gross receipts.
How are charges taxed when there are
diffezent billing dates and billing cycles?
Since the billir~gs may occur before or
after rendering of the service is actually
made, local option taxes and state ~!es
tax are imposed on a "billiug date"
instead of a delivery date.
What about telephone credit card calls made
outside a taxing jurisdiction and billed to
an address within a taxing jurisdiction?
Assuming that it is an intrastate call
(within Iowa) loc_~! option tax applies if
the call is billed to an address within a
taxing '~u'Lsdi~on.
Do pay television franchise fees imposed by
a local jurisdiction exempt cable television
charges from local option taxes?
]~o. Only franchise fees and users fees for
natural gas and elec[,~c energy trigger
the exemption.
FOR MORE
INFORMATION...
Taxpayer Services
Iowa Department of Revenue and Finance
PO Box 1045'7
Des Moines, Iowa 50306-0457
515/281-3114 (out of state, Des Moines)
OR
1-800-367-3388 (Iowa, Omaha and Rock
Island/Moline)
To receive forms and publications by mail:
515/281-7239 or
800-532-1531 (Iowa only)
To receive forms and publications by fax:
800-572-3943
To receive forms and publications by Intemet:
http://www. state.ia. us/tax
To access ERIN (computer bulletin board):
515/281-3248 or
800-972-2028 (Iowa only)
To access TDD for hearing impaired:
515/242-5942
To listen to pre-recorded tax.messages:
515/281-4170 or
800-351-4658
To check on the status of your Iowa income tax
refund:
515/281-4966 or
800-572-3944 (Iowa, Omaha, and Rock
Island/Moline only)
78-601
REVISED 7/97
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
November 25, 1997
Iowa City City Council
Brad Neumann,t~JCCOG Solid Waste Management Planner
Recycling in Multi-Family Buildings
-..CCOG
memo
Two years ago JCCOG assembled a committee to investigate recycling in multi-family
residential dwellings. The committee included representatives from all aspects of the multi-
family recycling issue. After meeting regularly for more than a year and completing a three-
month pilot collection program, the committee developed a list of concerns and a list of
recommendations. The concerns included:
· Added cost of recycling. The volume of garbage could not be reduced enough to fund a
recycling program.
· Continual education process due to the high student turn over rate.
· Fire codes effecting inside collection and storage of recyclables.
· Parking codes limiting outside recycling collection.
· Collection of different types of materials may require additional investment in equipment by
the hauler.
· City would need to define what is to be recycled.
· Enforcement.
· Mandatory vs. voluntary programs.
Following are the committee's recommendations. The recommendations are general in nature,
but all should be considered when discussing implementation of any multi-family recycling
program.
Make minor changes to zoning requirements which will facilitate recycling in multi-family
buildings, such as allowing more compact parking spaces to free up room for recycling
containers, and allow curb cuts in alleys for the placement of recycling containers.
Allow adjoining buildings to share recycling containers rather than requiring all buildings
to have individual containers on their property. A minimum number of multi-family units
per container could be allowed in order to assure appropriate levels of collection.
170
2
Incorporate smaller multi-family buildings (up to 8-12 units) into municipal curbside
recycling programs. The curbside collection of recyclables provided to the
condominiums in Coralville during the pilot collection program was very successful.
o
Require new development projects to provide space for recycling collection the same as
they are required to provide for refuse collection.
Consider stronger illegal dumping penalties. Apartment buildings already see the effects
of volume based curbside refuse collection programs (pay-per-bag) in their dumpsters.
Multi-family dwellings will have a hard time reducing their waste stream with additional
refuse being placed in their dumpsters.
Reevaluate screening requirements around dumpster sites in order to free up space for
recycling. Many refuse haulers feel existing screening requirements do not allow them to
place collection containers for recycling at the same site as the refuse dumpster, which
is preferable for the hauler.
Require, at a minimum, the recycling of paper products in multi-family dwellings. Paper
products, including cardboard, make up 45% of the residential waste stream. Other
materials could be taken off-site for recycling.
A majority of the committee supported mandatory recycling programs for multi-family
dwellings. This allows refuse haulers some secudty in making capital investments
because the customer base is assured. Mandatory programs will also decrease the cost
of recycling in multi-family dwellings because the costs to the hauler can be spread out
over many dwellings rather than a few that may voluntarily provide a recycling program.
Some of the committee felt that if certain barriers were removed, such as the screening and
parking requirements, we would see multi-family dwellings voluntarily providing recycling
programs. Others felt that economics and the recycling market should determine whether or not
multi-family dwellings should recycle; i.e., we should wait until a recycling program can support
itself. The time needed to implement recycling in multi-family buildings depends on many
factors. Some of the programs in other cities reviewed by the committee allowed anywhere
from six months to two years for program compliance.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Steve Atkins
Jeff Davidson
Chuck Schmadeke
Gerry Kaefring
Dave Elias
jccogsw~mem~m ultrec.doc
-..CCOG
Date: November 24, 1997
To: Iowa City City Council
From: Brad Neumann,~JCCOG Solid Waste Management Planner
Re: Garbage collection and recycling in the downtown central business district
The purpose for reviewing garbage collection and recycling in the downtown business district is
twofold: 1) determine if the number of dumpstem in alleys can be reduced through the shadng
of dumpster services, in order to clean up the alleys, better meet fire codes, and make delivery
access better, and 2) target the very large volume of paper and cardboard generated by
businesses for recycling.
For the purpose of this discussion, the boundaries of the downtown central business distdct
include a six block area bounded by Iowa Avenue, Clinton Street, Burlington Street, and Linn
Street (see map). Within this boundary exists the pedestrian mall and 213 businesses. The
breakdown of the business types am as follows:
Professional services 61
Retail Stores 57
Restaurant/Bar 51
Other services 37
Commercial banks 7
Total 213
These businesses distdct currently have 80 dumpsters located in alleys, with service being
provided by at least 6 different refuse haulers. A breakdown of the type of dumpsters include:
Garbage dumpsters 59
Cardboard dumpsters 11
Grease dumpsters 10
Total 80
When evaluating the garbage and recycling situation in the downtown business district, some
issues emerge. They include:
· Collection of most dumpsters (about 75%) is done on a daily basis.
· Sharing dumpsters could become a problem when splitting up the cost of collection evenly.
· The distance to a shared dumpster for some businesses.
2
· Fire codes effecting placement of dumpsters in alleys for both recycling and garbage
containers.
· Lack of space for cardboard compactors/balers and cost of these items.
· No economic incentive to recycle/added cost of recycling.
· Collection for household units above the commercial properties.
· Collection of many different types of recyclable materials may require additional investment
in equipment by the hauler.
· City would need to define what is to be recycled.
· Enforcement of mandatory recycling programs.
· Taking business away from private haulers if City takes over collection in order to
streamline.
With the preceding information and issues in mind, our recommended coume of action is to:
1. Discuss these issues with the Downtown Association and survey existing businesses as to
their interest.
2. Discuss commercial business recycling possibilities and reducing the number garbage
dumpsters with pdvate haulers, recyclers, and businesses.
3. Have us report back to you with our findings later this winter.
Let me know how you would like us to proceed.
CC:
Steve Atkins
Chuck Schmadeke
Jeff Davidson
Dave Elias
Gerry Kaefring
jccogsw~mem~l-mcy.doc
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
November 24, 1997
City Council
City Manager
Iowa City Water Facility Site Plan
You will recall a couple months ago we created a staff committee to develop a site plan for our
new water facilities off of Dubuque Street. The staff committee, headed. by the Public Works
Director and with the help of the folks involved in the charrette held in 1994, has concluded their
work. Attached is a copy of the proposed plan. Please take the time to review this plan and we
will schedule this matter for an upcoming work session.
Irn~mem~sal 1-212.doc
/.+11
· /
~ ~ :~' Io~a City Water Facility. Site'~Plan-
J
WATER FACILITY SITE PLAN
IOWA CITY, IOWA
November 1997
Planning
Prepared For:
The City of Iowa City, Iowa
Public Works Department
Prepared By:
Public Works
in cooperation with
and Parks and Recreation, City Staff
Neuman Munson & Associates
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................1
I FACILITY SITE ................................................................................................2
II EXISTING SITE ................................................................................................3
ISSUES .............................................................................................: ..............4
III
IV
REQUIRED PLANS AND SCHEDULE FOR THE WATER FACILITY .......................... 7
THE PLAN .......................................................................................................8
SUMMARY & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ....................................................................... 11
Iowa City Water Facility Site Plan
Iowa City Water Facility Site Plan
The Water Facility Site Plan was developed by a Plant Site Use Committee and assisted by a group of experts in wildlife and
watershed management.
Input was received from the Parks and Riverfront Commissions. A charrette was held in 1994 inviting the community to
provide input concerning public uses on the North Dubuque St. water site.
The Design Plan reflects input received from all persons who participated in the plan development process. It does not necessarily
represent the consensus of all organizations represented.
City Staff
Steve Arkins
Edward Moreno
Carol Sweeting
Brad Neuman
Terry Trueblood
City Manager
Water Superintendent
Water PUEduce Cord.
JCCOG Solid Waste
Parks & Rec. Director
Chuck Schmadeke
Jim Schoenfelder
Karin Franklin
Jeff Davidson
Mike Moran
Public Works Director
Arch/Energy Coordinator
Planning Director
$CCOG Director
Recreation Superintendent
Joe Fowler Parking Director
Naomi Novick
Ernie Lehman
Jim Throgmorton
Amy Bouska
Jim Larew
Darrel Eyeman
Donna Friedman
Dick Holmes
Pat Boutelle
Clara Swan
Council Member
Council Member
Council Member
Johnson County SWCD
Iowa City Area Science Center
Wendram Bluff Association
Johnson Co. Arts Council
Old Capitol Skaters Alliance
Project GREEN
Design Review Committee
Susan Horowitz
Karen Kubby
Wayne Peterson
Tim Thompson
Dave Lewis
Jim Spradling
Dick Gibson
Larry Wilson
Dee Vanderhoff
Committee on Community Needs
Council Member
Council Member (represented by Shirley Wyrick)
Natural Resource Conservation Service
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Iowa City Community School District
AIA Committee on Environment
U/I Planning
Riverfront Commission
Parks Commission
.......... ~ '~ ....
· .....~,.:,.. ~: ~ ~,; . . ..
ALI,IJVIAL
AQ U
~:.. .... ...... ......................
The ihcility site will provide ~our water sources,
Iowa City Water Facility Site Plan
The water facility use committee consists of the following City staff members: Chuck Schmadeke, Jeff Davidson, Karin Franklin, Mike Moran,
Edward Moreno, Brad Neuman, Carol $weeting, Terry Treeblood. This committee recognizes the design plan was prepared according to an
open, interactive process which attempted to hear all voices with an interest in development of the site. The group did not attempt to reach
unanimous agreement on each element of the plan.
The plan is intended as a guide for use and design of grounds and facilities compatible with the goals of ensuring protection of the water
facilities and City employees responsible for the site, as well as the public.
I. Introduction
The Iowa City Water Facility site was purchased to provide source
water and a potable water treatment plant. Sources include a well
into the Jordan aquifer located 1600 below the surface. Two wells
into the Silurian aquifer located 350 feet below the surface and
shallow sand and gravel wells located 50 feet below the surface. In
addition raw water will be drawn from the 18 acre sand pit on the
site as well as the Iowa River. The site is also unique because it is
somewhat isolated and can be protected from surface contamination.
The Iowa River flows along the north and west boundary, with
Interstate 80 along it's south boundary and Dubuque St. to the east.
A minimal amount of land is owned by a local radio station running
along the southeast boundary of the property. The site's past uses
were agricultural crop rotation and a sand and gravel quarry
operation.
The topography consists of rolling hills toward the river and 228
acres of sand and gravel deposits along the flood plain of the river.
The two sand gravel and wells will draw water from the alluvial
sand and gravel deposits above the bedrock near the river. These
wells will provide the majority of Iowa City's source water. The
source is superior in microbial and chemical quality to river water.
The Jordan and two Silurian wells are supplemental water supplies.
These well sources will provide the highest available source water
quality. A sand pit pump station and the river intake located on the
site will supplement the wells. Sufficient land is owned by the City
to provide well head protection and if properly managed eliminate
potential risk to Iowa City's water supply. The site location
provides Interstate access, and upland elevations on which the
treatment plant will be built (this will eliminate treatment plant
flooding risks).
The water plant design ~vi[1 blend into the natural landscape.
Iowa City Water Facility Site Plan
Public uses of the site must be compatible with the need to protect the water sources and water treatment operations.
The framework for developing the site plan comes from an assessment and understanding of the issues, conditions and principle uses of the site.
The plan includes: The generation of alternative uses and the development of a vision and strategy for implementation.
The site plan provides for a state of the art water treatment
facility to function within a wellhead protection zone and allows
the public to use and safely enjoy the site.
The site plan provides opportunities to educate the community in
a number of aspects: history, environmental ecosystems,
watershed management, wetlands, forestry, and wildlife
observation.
The site plan provides opportunities for people of all ages to
ensure safe pedestrian and bicycle use of trails and paths linked
to the Iowa River Corridor Trail system.
The site plan defines suitable locations for public art that
reinforces a sense of place and public gathering.
The site plan emphasizes environmentally sensitive and cost
effective design concepts that minimize continuous and costly
maintenance.
The site plan also provides for source water protection of the
surface, alluvial and ground water sources, and consideration of
long term maintenance and care.
2
:~
The water facility site was chosen for it's unique blend of water sources.
Iowa City Water Facility Site Plan
II. Existing Site
The 230 acre water treatment plant and source site is located in Johnson Co. Iowa at 2551 North Dubuque St., north of 1-80 and south and west
of the Iowa River. There are 2 homes remaining on the site, (removal is scheduled in 1998). A large portion 95 acres of the site is located in the
flood plain. Soil on the site within the flood plain is sandy with light clay. A large area of the site had the top soil removed during the active life
of the sand pit operation, leaving it vulnerable to erosion. The topsoil had been stock piled as a berm along the river edge of the site. There were
60 acres of row crops prior to City acquisition. The landscape includes 17 acres of timber, with conditions that include heavy under story and
thick growth. There is a 18 acre quarry pit with an average depth of 27' which will be used as a raw water source. Banks along the sand pit are
unstable and highly erodable. There is a 3 acre quarry wash pit, located north of the sand pit, this smaller pit is also very unstable due to erosion
of the sandy soils. The historic Butler house is located on the eastern edge of the site.
Issues
It is critical that all issues that may impact the conceptualization of the site plan be considered. Therefore, public participation was built into the
planning process by inviting the interested parties in the community to attend a charrette held in August of 1994, thus providing input for public
uses at the site. There were thirty-seven people in attendance at the meeting.
Comments received at the Charrette:
Jim Larew Iowa City Science Center
· Need site for Iowa City Area Science Center, 30 k sq. ft. building.
Dave Lewis IC School District
· Need facilities and environment for outdoor environmental curriculum.
Darrel Eyeman Wendam Bluffs
· Would be nice to have bike path around proposed site (paved)for bike, roller blades, jogging..
3
Restored native prairie grasses, flowers and trees will blanket much of the
site.
Iowa City Water Facility Site Plan
Jim Spradling
·
·
·
·
·
AIA Committee on Environment
Concern about "built environment" on the "natural environment".
Need to sustain natural environment.
Consider constructed wetland for sewage treatment.
Consider renewable energy.
Consider construction waste recycling (bldg. Materials which are recycled).
Consider solar heating, geothermal heating/cooling.
Aesthetic use of water. (visual)
Donna Friedman
·
·
·
·
Johnson Co. Arts Council
Need facility for Johnson Co. Arts Council
Make site a gateway to Iowa City with outside sculpture exhibit area.
Allot ~/5 to 1% for art in project.
Make site an inside exhibit area.
Keep Council involved in project planning.
Dick Gibson U/I Planning
· Consider commuter parking ramp 500 cars for University use students and staff, 3 acres.
Use site for public commuter parking rather than downtown ramps.
Soccer fields are needed to replace one on highway 6, could be placed onfiood plain
· Underground parking with soccer field on top.
Dick Holmes Old Skaters Alliance
· Site to build year round skating facility about 10 acres with parking.
· Locate near outdoor pond to share zamboni.
4
Pond fishing is fun and exciting.
Iowa City Water Facility Site Plan
Larry Wilson
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
River Front Commission
Make this site part of the Iowa River Corridor Trail, multi-use - everything is not motorized.
Rest stations with rest rooms.
Keep large structures away from rivers edge.
Keep river bank natural (no rip rap).
Keep lagoons with irregular shapes.
Use hedges instead offences- hide fences with hedges.
Use pipeline routes as trails.
Keep flood plain natural.
Keep trail above fiood plain as much as possible.
Pat Boutelle Project Green
· Concerned about how City will maintain trails (poison ivy, etc.).
Clara Swan Design Review Committee
· Tie the landscape to the buildings (through materials), use similar to buildings in state parks. Anamosa Limestone, lodge look.
· Buffer interstate with parking areas.
· Use sculpture at site, Iowa is lacking sculpture.
· Move tanks to backside -berm and landscape around them.
Karin Franklin for Tom Scott Planning and Zoning
· Incorporate trails & parks - major message.
Chuck Schmadeke Staff/Public Works
· Keep all buildings out offiood plain.
· Put docks to the back of buildings.
· Sludge dewatering- need to be kept out offiood way.
· Offside - discussed finished water mains & well sites.
5
Iowa City Water Facility Site Plar
Mike Moran Staff/Parks & Recreation
· Needs for additional soccer, baseball and sofiballfields.
· Some interest in skateboard parks, and campgrounds.
· River access for boaters.
· Concern that there are resources to maintain more park facilities.
Joe Fowler Staff/Parking
· Explore possibility of commuter parking. Served by dedicated shuttle.
Karin Franklin
·
·
·
·
·
Staff/Planning
Have sewer capabilities to serve 760 acres N of 1-80.
Bldg. Image needs to be welcoming but not ostentatious.
Site - interchange plant and lagoons and enhance appearance of lagoons.
Access site - separate service (trucks with chlorine)from public entrance.
Historic preservation, people want to look at house on the hill.
Jim Schoenfelder Staff/Public Works
· Don't lose site of alternative energy solutions (possible solar, thermal from water).
· Recycle construction waste.
· Use recycled materials to build buildings.
· Do life cycle cost analysis and don't concentrate on construction costs.
Naomi Novick - Council
· Make the building an absolute statement, let the other buildings follow.
Open Discussion
· Lagoons--make them as natural as possible (i.e. shape, shoreline protection, varying size.
6
Three hundred and twelve trees will be planted on the site.
Iowa City Water Facility Site Plan
III. Required Plans & Schedule For The Water Facility
Plans for the development of the water facility improvements are nearing completion. The deep wells, Jordan and Silurian are complete,
including structures. By December of 1998 all pre-existing structures will be removed from the site except the Butler house, which is eligible for
inclusion on the National Historical Registry.
In the spring of 1998 site development will begin with road-ways leading to the wells and river intake structure. The intake structure will be built
and water, wastewater pipelines and electrical power will be completed. Development of the waste sludge lagoons will also begin. Site grading
and seeding with native grass will also be completed in 1998.
The quarry wash pit will be excavated and transformed into a wetland. The area will be top dressed with hydric or top soils for wetland habitat.
Special wetland seeding will be implemented. Planting of trees, various seedlings and other vegetation will be completed along with the site
development work.
Construction of the sand and gravel wells will take place in 2000 as well as the sand pit intake structure.
The treatment plant construction will begin in 2001. The plant is expected to be completed by 2003. Landscaping around the plant will be
completed after construction.
7
Abundant wildlife offers many opportunities for study.
Iowa City Water Facility Site Plan
IV The Plan
After site evaluation by the Plant Site Use Committee it is recommended that no use be made of the water treatment plant area other than uses
specifically related to and compatible with the water facilities. Clearly passive public uses such as bike and hiking trails, perhaps picnic areas and
fishing would be acceptable. The reason for this recommendation is the importance of protecting the water facilities including wells, aquifers
and surface waters from any possible contamination. Contamination of the underground aquifers, well sites, and surface waters may cause
serious public health problems. Any other use of the site which may cause contamination of the alluvial source should be avoided.
It is recognized that the site plan must address the issues and conditions cited herein in a manner that encourages public use, and minimizes
maintenance and to the greatest extent possible discourages illegal activities. Therefore a plan was developed incorporating ideas from the
charrette as well as the Plant Site Use Committee, bearing in mind the limitations of the site and the need for security.
All segments of the general public are encouraged to use the site for sport and recreation. It is anticipated users most users will reside in the
Iowa City metro area.. (The site will be handicapped accessible.)
Likely Users Will Include
· Nature observers, bird watchers, environmentalists
· School groups
· Scouting and other youth groups
· Hikers, cross-country skiers, bicyclists
· Picnickers
· Anglers
· Residents from adjoining developments
· Business and special interests groups
· Interstate highway travelers
Potential Activities of the Site
· Water Supply for Iowa City Water
Water Treatment Facilities
Fishing
· Winter recreation: cross-country skiing, sledding, snow-
shoeing
· Trails for hiking, biking, cross country running
· Education: outdoor classroom, prairie, Iowa history,
environmental wetland and upland
· Research: native artifacts, agricultural impacts on water quality
· nature observation, bird watching
· Historic forest
· School groups, and events
· Picnic areas, shelter
8
The Trumpeter Swans restoration program enhances the wetlands.
Iowa City Water Facility Site Plan
The treatment plant design will blend into the natural landscape.
The building will be self contained with planning for future
expansion, a priority in design. Public meeting rooms will be
located off in the lobby. A water related art sculpture is planned for
the courtyard.
Lagoons used to reclaim treatment plant residual solids will be
located North of the treatment plant. The lagoons will be
landscaped with native vegetation and tree plantings in mind. These
lagoons are a part of the treatment plant process and will have to be
serviced periodically. There is no odor associated
with this type of lagoon.
The quarry wash pit is to be redeveloped into 10 acres of
wetland. Plants and seeds will be sown to establish various
wetland species. This area will provide education for the public on
the functions of a wetland and serve to draw a variety of wildlife
species to the area.
Trumpeter swans will be introduced into the wetland to establish a
habitat and to include Johnson Co. in the "Iowa native Trumpeter
Swan Restoration" program. Trumpeter swans will play a special
role as they are known to be territorial and will help reduce the
geese population near the gravel pit water source. (Migrating geese
in large populations degrade water quality through fecal
contamination.)
The large quarry pit can be a protected water source as well as
offer a recreation site for the community. The banks will be
stabilized by reshaping and will include tree plantings and other
vegetation. The pond may be stocked with native Iowa fish and the
community will be able to fish from the bank. No motorized or
water craft will be allowed on this pond in keeping with water shed
protection.
Hard surface well access roads will allow maintenance to the wells
year round and serve as another link to the Iowa River Corridor
Trail. A small trail head parking lot is recommended near the Butler
Bridge on Dubuque St. The trail and access road wind through the
site to the 1-80 underpass. Plans are being developed to continue the
trail through the peninsula to the Iowa River power dam.
Reconstruction of the dam is currently being planned to allow
pedestrian access from Iowa City to Coralville.
Access roads/trails will be accented by a 10 ft cool season grass
buffer which will serve as fire breaks throughout the site.
Remnants of the 17 acre Savannah forest will be cleared of under
story debris and rehabilitated. It is expected that after the
rehabilitation, forb and native wild flowers will again flourish on the
forest floor. Walking trails with interpretive signs will enhance the
education of forest users.
9
The wetlands and ponds turn into outdoor classrooms for the community.
Iowa City Water Facility Site Plan
Restored native prairie will blanket much of the site with a
vegetative cover of native trees or prairie grasses and forbs which
are tolerant of existing site conditions and can act as educational
opportunities for the residents. Forbs and wildflower plantings will
be concentrated near the high visibility areas along the surrounding
access roads/trails.
The Butler house located along Dubuque St. may be added to the
National Historical Registry. Plans are being developed for the
future use of this historical site, but are not finalized at this time.
The Dubuque St. & I- 80 interchange is located in the southeast
sector of the site. This sixty acre highway constructed watershed
drains to the west. A three acre pond with a constructed wetland
will be built to scrub possible contamination from interstate runoff
before it can travel into the source water protection area. The pond
can be viewed from the Dubuque St. interchange. There are a
multitude of educational opportunities tied to this small watershed.
There are a variety of locations on the site that will be designated as
community art/sculpture locations for future use.
10
Iowa City Water Facility Site Plan
Summary
The Iowa City Water Use Design Plan articulates a vision derived from local Iowa City residents input, Iowa City Staff direction, and technical
guidance and planning. The plan is intended to provide guidance for development and management of available open space. The plan identifies
opportunities and limitations of the site and serves to protect the water quality and natural resources of the area, as well as offers outdoor
educational and passive recreational opportunities for the Iowa City community.
Acknowledgments
Wayne Petersen
Amy Bouska
Tim Thompson
Carol Thompson
Marti Lamberti
John Bilsten
Natural Resource Conservation Service
Johnson County Soil and Water Conservation District
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Iowa Department of Natural Resources Geological Survey Bureau
Des Moines Water Works
Atlantic Municipal Utility
Howard R. Green Company
Walnut Creek National Wildlife Refuge
11
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Be:
November 26, 1997
City Council
City Manager
Pending Development Issues
An application submitted by Craig H. Syrop & Anne G. Sadler to vacate a portion of WooIf
Avenue, From McLean Street south for a distance of 240 feet.
An application submitted by Walden Wood Associates II LLP, to amend the approved
preliminary Sensitive Areas Development Plan and the preliminary plat for Lot 51 of Walden
Hills, containing 2.9 acres and located within the OSA-8, Sensitive Areas Overlay Zone at the
northeast corner of Shannon Drive and Irving Avenue.
An application submitted by Roger G. Larson for two special exceptions to 1) reduce the front
yard requirement along Clinton Street, and 2) modify the required off-street parking for property
located in the Intensive Commercial (C1-1) zone at 802 S. Clinton Street.
Im\mem~sa 11-26.doc
ql?
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 26, 1997
To: City Employees
From: City Manager
Re: Receipt of Gifts
With the holiday season approaching, the provision that has perhaps the greatest effect on local
government officials and employees concerns the acceptance of gifts (68B.22). A copy of this
legislation is available in the offices of the City Clerk or the Purchasing Agent, for your review.
Basically, a statement of 'q'hank you for the gesture, but I prefer not to accept any gifts" should
be satisfactory for a response.
The gift may also be given to a charitable organization; however, it is preferable that the gift go
directly to the recipient charity rather than you. Sharing food gifts with all staff members may be
within the state law. However, if food is received or you are aware of such circumstances,
please encourage the giver to provide the food to the Crisis Center, Domestic Violence
Intervention, Emergency Housing Project or any other community organization which we all
know are in need of food donations.
Encourage the giver to consider a future donation to a charitable organization on behalf of their
valued customers rather than a direct gift to the City.
cc: City Council
rngr~mem~ogifts.doc
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 26, 1997
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
Re: Board and Commission by-laws on Conflict of Interest
At the November 20 Rules Committee meeting there was discussion on
incorporating language into all Board and Commission by-laws to clarify
conflict of interest matters. (Minutes of that meeting will be included in your
December 9 agenda.) The Mayor requested that the language be discussed
at your work session of December 1 to allow distribution of the memo to all
Boards and Commissions as soon as possible. The following language was
suggested for inclusion into existing by-laws and will be reviewed by the City
Attorney's office after your discussion and prior to distribution:
If there is a question-of whether or not a conflict exists, the
Committee's legal counsel/City Attorney will decide. All questions
should be referred to the Committee's legal counsel/City Attorney.
Decisions of the Committee's legal counsel/City Attorney are binding.
cc: City Attorney
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
November 25, 1997
Mayor and City Council
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
City Hall Day, November 13, 1997 - 7:30 PM - Council Chambers
[Transcription of the City Hall Day is available in the City Clerk's Office.]
State Legislators:
Iowa City Staff present:
Iowa City City Council:
North Liberty City Council:
Oxford City Council:
University Heights
City Council:
Others:
Tape Recorded: 97-155, all.
clerMmin\l 11 lws.doc
Doderer, Dvorsky, Mascher, Myers, Neuhauser.
Atkins, Helling, Karr, Dilkes.
Novick, Kubby, Lehman, Norton, Thornberry, Vanderhoef. Council
Elect: O'Donnell.
Bandy, Hippee.
Saxton.
Jacobson, Yarbrough, Martin, From
Patricia Clifford (I.C), Terrence Neuzil (I.C.), John Neuzil (I.C.),
Jim Jacobson (Gazette), Brian Sharp (Press Citizen).
To:
From: Mari~
Re: City
[Transcription
State Legislators:
Iowa City Staff [
Iowa City City Council:
North Liberty City Council:
Oxford City Council:
University Heights
City Council:
Others:
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
11/25/97
and City Council
K. Karr, City Clerk
November 11, 1997 - PM - Council Chambers
he City Hall Day is available in the City Clerk's Office.]
Doderer, Dvorsky, Mascher, Meyer, Neuhause~
Atkins, Helling, Karr, Dilkes.
Novick, Kubby, Lehman, Norton,
Elect: O'Donnell.
Hippee.
Tape Recorded: 97-155, all.
clerk~min\l 11 lws.doc
Vanderhoef. Council
Yarbrou~
Patricia
Jim Jacobsor
Martin.
Terrence Neuzil (I.C.), John Neuzil (I.C.),
Brian Sharp (Press Citizen).
Subject: AML: Public Policy Update
Public Policy Update
ALLIANCE FOR COMMUNITY MEDIA
PUBLIC POLICY LIPDATE
November 1997
?' FCC NOMINATIONS PASS SENATE MUSTER
The nominations of President Clinton's four nominees to the Federal
Communications Commission -- Michael Powell (son of retired Gen. Colin Powell),
Harold Furchtgott-Roth (the House Commerce Committee's chief economist), and
Gloria Tristani (commissioner of the New Mexico State Corporation Commission)
and Bill Kennard as FCC Chair were all approved by the Senate. Kennard was
formerly FCC counsel.
~, ' TACOMA OVERBUILD
The Tacoma, Washington city council voted 9-0 to approve what will be the
nation's largest municipal overbuild of an existing cable system. The council
rejected attempts by incumbent provider TCI to delay or derail the overbuild.
Tacoma City and Light will build network capable of competing with TCI. TCI had
offered to rebuild the system to 550-megahertz capacity and to sell or lease excess
capacity to the utility which could use it for its own needs or sell or lease it another
entity. City officials found the TCI offer vague and did not
want to delay moving ahead with the municipal overbuild. Leo Hindery, TCI
president and chief operating officer met with the council before the vote, an
encounter that demonstrated considerable ill-will and lack of trust between TCI and
the council.
TROY REHEARING SOUGHT
The City of Troy, Michigan, has filed a petition with the FCC for partial rehearing of
that portion of the Commission's order which preempts the authority of local
jurisdictions to require cable operators who are seeking right-of-way construction
permits to disclose that they'll be using the lines to provide telecommunications
services.
~ US WEST SPLITS CABLE, TELEPHONE
US West announced that the company will be divided into a 14-state regional Bell
operating company and MediOne Group, a 5 million-subscriber cable company. The
move allows MediaOne to operate cable systems in US West's telephone region
which is off limits to the company as it is currently structured. The move also eases
the path to possible mergers for both of the new companie.
MICROSOFT INVESTING MORE IN CABLE
Microsoft is close to agreement with US West to invest up to $1 billion in cable
television which furthers Microsoft's strategy of turning the nation's cable systems
into the primary providers of high-speed Internet access. Microsoft would buy about
6.3% of US West stock. In June Microsoft agreed to pay $1 billion for an 11.5% share
in Comcast, another big cable company. Microsoft is also reported to have been
negotiating a deal with TCI in which the soft behemoth would spend up to $1
billion for the purchase of set-top boxes that would run on its Windows CE
operating system. These boxes would use the same low-cost processors that are used
in terminals being developed by WebTV, another recent Microsoft acquisition. TCI
also has 39.5% stake in potential Internet access competitor, @Home Networks
which happens to use browser software from Microsoft's Internet software rival,
Netscape Communications.
Most of US West's cable subscribers were acquired last year when the company
bought Continental Cablevision. US West is also a major share-holder in Time
Warner and an active partner in managing its cable systems.
Microsoft seeks to wield the same dominance over set-top boxes that it wields
over personal computers as well as to build on Microsoft's current Internet
businesses. Microsoft investments in the cable industry are intended to not
only provide some of the financing for digital technology and set-top box
upgrades but to increase cable industry confidence that their investments in
Internet technology will pay off. Microsoft's investment in Comcast has already
driven up cable industry's status with Wall Street and increased cable stock prices.
Microsoft is placing less emphasis on information and entertainment content and
more on conducting commercial transactions over the Internet. Microsoft realizes
that such ventures can be successful only if they can reach the millions of cable
subscribers instead of the much more limited number of people who use the
Internes. through PC modems and conventional phone lines.
RATE REGULATION PROPOSED
Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore) introduced a bill that would require the FCC to
freeze cable rates and to investigate recent rate increases. DeFazio also says
that the FCC is failing to enforce cable-rate rules that are already in place.
DeFazio's action aligns with a petition recently filed with the FCC by the
Consumer Federation of American and the Consumer Union. DeFazio is quoted as
saying: "A funny thing happens when you deregulate a monopoly: consumers get
shafted."
SATELLITE RATES INCREASING?
Under a ruling issued by the United States Copyright Office, the rates that satellite
broadcast companies pay to transmit television signals will quadruple starting
January 1. The rate hike will benefit owners of TV programming at the expense
of direct broadcast satellite (DBS) companies. The decision puts DBS companies
at a disadvantage became cable rivals pay lower rates. "The decision defies
common sense," said Ken Johnson, a spokesman for W.J. (Billy) Tauzin (R-LA)
who is chairman of the House subcommittee on telecommunications. "It will force
consumers to pay dramatically higher rates for satellite services, and at the
same time slow down competition in the marketplace." The Satellite Broadcasting
Communications Association will ask the U.S. Copyright Office to delay the
implementation of' their decision while it challenges the ruling in court. To
promote competition in the video delivery marketplace Sens. McCain (R-Ariz),
Burn (R-Mont) Conrad (D-ND), and Dorgan (D-ND) introduced the Federal
Communications Commission Satellite Carrier Oversight Act which would head
off the increase in the copyright fees for satellite carriers.
HUNDT SPEAKS
Outgoing FCC Chairman Reed Hundt, in an address to the World Affairs Council,
said that the information revolution is fueling the creation of a global
economy. Hundt predicted that "the ability of countries, businesses, and
individuals to compete in this new global economy will be shaped by
telecommunications policy." Observing that trade in services is growing on a
worldwide basis at twice the rate of trade in goods, Hundt said that "information
revolution is a. catalyst of expansion in the services sector, and in other
sectors of the economy from agriculture to manufacturing." He added that "of the
12 million jobs created since President Clinton took office, 8 million have been
in the information sector, which now comprises one-seventh of the U.S. economy."
Hundt will be joining the Aspen Institute following his departure from the FCC.
i.,/' TECHNODEMOCRACY?
Bruce Bimber, a political scientist at the University of California at Santa
Barbara has a sobering message for those who hope that computers and electronic
communication will lead to the rise of a technology-driven democratic society
where ideas are king and knowledge, information and participation reign. In the
most comprehensive study to date on political behavior on the Internet, he has
found that people are using the Internet for political participation Mr. Bimber
says that "The respondents to his survey represented not the general population,
but about 12,000 people who are deeply entrenched both in politics and the
Internet." He also looked to community organizations to see if they were
contacting people through the Internet, and he found that only 1 percent of
those who were highly politically involved received online contact from
community groups. Bimber concludes that "So far, the "cyberocracy" is falling
flat." "I' think the new democracy is going to look like the old democracy," he
said. "The people who are going to be most effective using the Net are the
people who have been most effective with television, the same organizations that
dominate direct mail."
On the other hand.
Republican pollster Frank Luntz has completed a study that dismisses many of the
assumptions. about people he calls "Connected Americans", or people
who regularly work with computers, e-mail, and the Internet. Citizens of
what he call the "Digital Nation" turn out to be slightly older than many
assume, are far more in tuned to politics, and less cynical about democracy
than other Americans. His study showed that Connected Americans are more likely
to say they always vote, and that 3 out of 4 express some or a lot of confidence
in the two-party system. "The popular caricature of the Internet as a playground
of a paranoid cabal of extremists in the Timothy McVeigh mold...is eviscerated
by the actual evidence we have about the country's cyber-.citizens," Mr. Luntz
concluded.
Editor's note: Organize, organize, organize.
This report provided by the Public Policy Committee of the Alliance for
Community Media. Comments welcome.
Rob Brading
Chair, Public Policy Committee
rbrading@znctv.org
THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
November 20, 1997
TCI of Eastern Iowa
154 Colorado St.
Muscatine, IA 52761
Dear Sir ! Madame:
I am writing to inform you of my very deep concern over the loss in Iowa City ! Coralville of
UNIVISION, TCI's only Spanish-language channel, which, as you know, is scheduled to be
reduced from its present 24-hour broadcasting schedule to a small number of hours daily, hours
which, for the most part, represent times during which most of the programs are not
broadcast.
UNIVISION is an important educational resource. It is an important part of my teaching
materials, inasmuch as some of UNIVISION's programing has been integrated into my most
advanced undergraduate Spanish-language class. Other instructors of Spanish classes, both in
the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at the University of Iowa and in other local
educational institutions, including high school Spanish classes, also use UNIVISION extensively
as an educational tool.
In addition, Spanish-speaking patients at local hospitals view UNIVISION in their rooms in order
to relax as they recuperate from their illnesses, and a good number of local soccer fans tune in
to UNIVISION to watch soccer games, inasmuch as UNIVISION is the only locally available
network that broadcasts soccer extensively.
UNIVISION is, therefore, a very important part of Hispanic life in our community. I was,
therefore, very distressed over a comment made by a TCI representative in the Press-Citizen
with respect to cancellation of UNIVISION that TCI "did everything possible to let people
know...people were allowed to vote on automated CityLine telephone information or at TCI
offices...TCI also accepted letters", a statement which creates the impression that local
residents were informed of plans to cancel UNIVISION but showed little interest in the matter.
The truth of the matter is that TCI did virtually nothing to let people know of the cancellation
and that the TCI customers had virtually no say in the cancellation of UNIVISION. I, fdr
example, knew nothing of the planned cancellation of UNIVISION until Arlene Heck, general
manager of TCI of Eastern Iowa, called to inform me that TCI would soon be canceling
UNIVISION. Indeed, Ms. Heck herself said that she was calling me personally before releasing
this information to the public, and, in fact, when I called the TCI business office in Iowa City to
register my protest against cancellation of UNIVISION, the person to whom I spoke said that he
knew nothing of any plans to cancel UNIVISION and asked me for the source of my
information. When I reported this to Ms. Heck, she told me that the people at the local TCI
office knew nothing because she had as yet made no formal announcement of plans to cancel
UNIVISION since she was calling me prior to making any kind of public announcement. As you
know, once the news of cancellation was made known, the outcry from the Hispanic
community and others, was immediate and strong.
Well over one thousand signatures have been collected and presented to TCI in order to make
TCI aware of the great importance UNIVISION has for a large number of viewers in the Iowa
Department or Spanish and Portuguese
11 I Phillips Hall
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1409
319/335-2244
FAX 310/335-2270
City / Coralville area. When a number of citizens approached the City Council to express their
distress over TCI's proposed cancellation of most of UNIVISION, Naomi Novick, Mayor of Iowa
City, wrote TCI, pointing out that UNIVISION is a service citizens here "have come to rely on
for a variety of needs ranging from information about their native country to a useful language
aid" and stating that inasmuch as "iowa City has long regarded the foreign language channel
services as valuable assets to the cable system and to our community...we urge you t5 seek a
reasonable alternative to the partial removal of Univision."
There have been several protest meetings held, a very large number of letters written and
innumerable phone calls made to TCI's local general manager, Arlene Heck, and others at TCI,
but apparently all has fallen on deaf ears. It appears that TCI is not interested in responding to
customers' needs and complaints.
UNIVISION is a fully structured, sophisticated national network, the largest Spanish-speaking
network in the United States, with many millions of viewers. Its value to TCI customers in this
area is enormous, for Hispanics and non-Hispanics alike, in that it provides an opportunity to
enjoy native Spanish from all parts of the Spanish-speaking world twenty-four hours a day.
This is an incredibly valuable resource and one which, frankly, is surprising in a small mid-
Western town. I have heard a number of people who are from much larger cities in which
there is no Spanish-language channel express their amazement that this resource is available in
Iowa City. There can be no doubt that the presence of 24-hour UNIVISION increases the
cultural prestige of our community and that it says something very positive about TCI.
It is my understanding that UNIVISION is one of nine channels which are not covered by the
"must carry" law and on which programming can therefore be reduced or canceled by TCI. In
spite of this, TCI has decided to make the Spanish-language channel bear the entire burden of
the cancelation by removing most of UNIVISION while retaining channels like the local library
channel on which virtually nothing is broadcast except notices of library hours and other
announcements which roll by interminably for twenty-four hours a day. When one considers
this, together with the fact that the channel options for English-language viewing in this area
are close to forty, in comparison with only one channel for Spanish-language viewin one
cannot help but feel that discrimination against Hispanics has played a major role '~"C~
'sin
decision making. This is an ugly issue, I know, but one which rears its head in view of the
proceedings.
I sincerely hope that you will find a solution which will permit UNIVISION to continue to be
broadcast without interruption on its present 24-hour schedule. The announcement of such a
solution would be received with relief, jubilation and the deepest appreciation by a very large
number of TCI customers in Iowa City and Coralville.
I look forward to hearing from you on this very important issue.
Sincerely,
George DeMello
Professor of Hispanic Linguistics
cc Arlene Heck
John Margeson
Naomi J. Novick
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 20, 1997
To: City Council Members
From: Drew Shaffer, Cable TV Administrator ~5
Re: National League of Cities Conference Telecommunications Related Issues
There are a number of telecommunications issues that will probably be addressed at the upcom-
ing National League of Cities (NLC) conference that could directly impact Iowa City. At a
Councilor's request, here is some information pertinent to these issues.
The most pressing matter before most cities is their control of their own public dghts of way
(PROW), and compensation for use of those PROW. The Regional Bell Operating Companies
(RBOCs) have been very active in several states legislatures in an attempt to eliminate much of
the local govemment's authority in this area. U.S. West in particular has been successful in
Colorado and Minnesota, and the Iowa League of Cities anticipates a concerted effort from U.S.
West in the Iowa legislature this upcoming session.
Several studies have indicated that those entities now using the PROW account for only 13% of
the cost associated with maintaining, repairing, regulating, and administering the PROW. The
balance of this cost has been picked up by the local governments and the taxpayers. Cities,
through Telecommunications Ordinances and other measures, are attempting to recoup costs
from those using the PROW, which includes the actual costs and rental costs associated with the
space they occupy.
Many RBOCs have gotten away with having to pay little or nothing for the use of PROW. U.S.
West has been in this situation in Iowa since 1897. What is at stake is millions of dollars. Because
of this, this issue is expected to be heated and on the forefront until it is resolved.
There are many other telecommunications issues pressing cities. PCS, cellular, and digital
broadcast towers are springing up across the US because of spectrum availability and technologi-
cal developments. Many cities and towns have been besieged by companies wanting to place
towers in various locations. Sometimes without permission, sometimes in locations that are not
conducive to such use. The FCC is involved in this matter (just as it was with the control and
placement of satellite dishes), and has attempted to eliminate local govemment's authority to
control placement of such towers. Zoning control of such towers is cdtical for many reasons.
Currently the City has some such zoning controls in place. For instance in December, 1996, the
City of Iowa City amended the Zoning Code to allow communications towers as a special
exception on Public (P) zoned property. The special exception process allows the Board of
Adjustment to place conditions on the approval of a communications tower, such as height,
appearance, and screening and fencing standards. The Board always has the right to deny a
communications tower application which they feel does not address safety and aesthetic
concerns. Permitting such communications facilities in the Public Zone also allows the
government entity to spell out in a lease agreement what is expected of the telecommunications
company. In Iowa City, communications towers are also permitted in the Interim Development
zone as a special exception, and in the Industrial zones as a provisional use.
Telecommunications Issues
Page 2
The cable 'IV industry continues to be a hot issue in many cities. Partly because of the nearly
complete vertical and horizontal control of the marketplace which has resulted in spiraling costs
and what many perceive be a lack of competition. Less than adequate service (such as frequent
outages) and a lack of programming choices are other complaints regularly received. Over the last
twelve years Congress has unsuccessfully attempted to deal with these problems. First by largely
deregulating the cable TV industry, and then later by attempting to place some controls within the
FCC's jurisdiction. Unfortunately what has resulted is a citizenry completely confused about what
is happening to them, who to contact about it, and what to do about it. For instance, my office
regularly receives complaints about all sorts of cable TV rates, a lack of programming or channel
choices, frequent outages, and a lack of competition to TCI, to mention a few. Citizens do not
seem to realize that the City cannot control any rates except basic cable (and only then if the City
is certified by the FCC and then only until 1999); that the City cannot have anything to do with
programming or channel choices due to Federal law; and that the City has always had
NON-EXCLUSIVE contract with TCI, meaning another cable company could have come into Iowa
City at any time and requested a franchise. The fact is cable companies have not competed with
each other within City boundaries anywhere but a handful of locations nationwide.
Now that TCl has agreed to rebuild the cable TV system in Iowa City, and will simultaneously be
offedng a new digital service and their @Home intemet service, some of these complaints and
problems regarding lack of programming and channel choices and outages will diminish. Howev-
er, expect the complaints regarding rates and lack of competition to continue for some time.
The only competition to cable 'rv that has gained ground in the last two years has been satellite
providers. To date somewhere between 5% to 8% of the US population has satellites, while about
65% of the US population has cable. Unfortunately there has been no mechanism for satellite
providers to return any of their revenues to localities, such as the cable company now does with
franchise fees and support of local programming and access channels. There is work being done
in Congress now that would mandate that a kind of "Universal Fund" would be established by
satellite providers, that would amount to up to 5% of their gross revenues, and would be somehow
returned to localities to support local programming and local access channel efforts. Any proposed
legislation is still in early stages and has yet to reach the floors of Congress. As satellite providers
further penetrate the marketplace such legislation may be important to the continued existence of
local programming and local access channels.
The Intemet Tax Prohibition Act is another piece of Congressional legislation that has been
worked on. There has been some concern that the way this legislation was drafted would create
an "unfair playing field" between those businesses who are doing business over the intemet and
those that aren't. The legislation as drafted would make it illegal to tax any transactions over the
internet. The concern, in part, is that this could lead to a distinct disadvantage to downtown
businesses and other forms of local taxation that contribute so much to tax base cities rely upon.
These are just a few telecommunications issues which may be brought up at the NLC conference.
If you have any questions or desire further information, please feel free to give me a call at
356-5046.
cabletv\memos\issues.doc
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
TO: City Council '~,,~ J ~ ~
From: Douglas Booth roy, Directo partm~nt'~o I-E,' spection Services
Re: Public Housing Managerr~ent Assessment Program (I~HMAP) Notification of Scoring
Results
I wish to inform the City Council that Maggie Grosvenor, Housing Administrator, recently
received notification that the Iowa City Housing Authority's PHMAP score for Fiscal Year ending
June 30, 1997 is 100%. The score of 100% is the best possible score that can be achieved in
the area of Public Housing management by a Housing Authority. Maggie Grosvenor and her
staff deserve a lot of credit for this achievement.
The PHMAP program is a management evaluation system established by HUD to assess the
quality of local management practice for Public Housing. A score of 90% or better results in a
designation of a Housing Authority as a hiclh performer. The Iowa City Housing Authority has
now achieved high performer status the past two years. The high performer status benefits the
Housing Authority in its relationship with HUD and gives the Housing Authority a stronger
competitive advantage when seeking grant awards (e.g. CLAP). I have attached to this memo
HUD's notification and summary of the Housing Authority's present and past PHMAP scores.
If you have any questions concerning this matter please feel free to contact Maggie at 356-
5407.
Im~mem\dbl 1-24.doc
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Office of Public Housing
Iowa State Office, Great Plains Area
Federal Building
210 Walnut street, Room 239
Des Moines, Iowa 50309-2155
November 4, 1997
Ms. Margaret Grosvenor
Executive Director
Iowa City Housing Authority
Civic Ctr - 410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240-1826
Dear Ms. Grosvenor:
SUBJECT:
Public Housing Management Assessment Program '(PHMAP),
Notification of Scoring Results, Fiscal Year Ending:
June 30, 1997, Iowa City, Iowa
The purpose of this letter is to inform you of your Hcusing
Authority's total weighted PHFL~P score and status, the grade of
each indicator; any determinations concerning modification and
exclusion requests; if applicable, the adjustment for physical
condition and/or neighborhood environment; and the deadline date
by which appeals must be received in this office. A PH/~AP
Scoring Report is enclosed for your review.
Your PHA's total weighted PHMAP score for the assessment of
the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1997, is 100.00%. PHA's that
achieve a total weighted PHMAP score of 90% or more with no
individual indicator grade lower than a "C" shall be designated a
High Performer. The Iowa City Housing Authority is designated a
High Performer. Incentives afforded to PHA's designated as high
performers are in accordance with 24 CFR o 901.130.
A PHA's total weighted PHiLAP score and its score for any
indicator or component may be changed by this Office subsequent
to data included in an independent auditor's report or data
acquired during an on-site confirmatory review.
PHMAP allows PHA's to request exclusions from or
modifications to any of the performance indicators when
conditions are beyond a Housing Agency's control. Your agency
did not request any modification or exclusion.
We offer the following summary of current and past PHMAP
scores by indicator, for your review in monitoring management
performance:
INDICATOR
1997 1996 1995
PHMAP P}{MAP PHMAP
SCORE SCORE SCORE
Vacancy Rate &
Unit Turnaround Time:
Modernization:
Rents Uncollected:
A B B
B D
A N/A N/A
A A A
Work Orders:
Inspection Units/Systems:
Financial Management:
Operating Reserves
Energy Consumption
Resident Services &
Community Building:
Security:
A A A
A A B
A
N/A F
N/A A
N/A A A
N/A
TOTAL WEIGHTED SCORE 100.00% 94.24% 82.04
Your PHA may appeal its management assessment rating on the
basis of data errors, the denial of exclusion or modification
requests, the denial of an adjustment based on the physical
condition and neighborhood environment of your developments, or a
determination of intentional false certification. If appealing,
your PH3t must include supporting documentary justification of the
reasons for the appeal.
The appeal shall be received by this office no later than
the close of business on November 19, 1997. If the appeal is not
received by this office by the close of business on November 19,
1997, it will not be considered for processing.
Just a few comments to help you with next years submission:
For your housing authority, the first six components have to be
completed. Even if you feel you will receive an 'A' on Indicator
#1, Component #1: Vacancy Rate, you are required to complete
Component #2: Unit Turnaround. Also, your HA could receive
additional points if you choose to complete Indicator #7:
Resident Services and Community Building or Indicator #8:
Security. You could be assessed on all or just one component
under each indicator.
Finally, please note that, unless you appeal your score,
this report is considered final notification. You must now
provide the scoring report to persons responsible for appointing
your Board of Commissioners (i.e., Mayors or Chairperson of
County Boards of Supervisors). The distribution process will be
reviewed during our next on-site review. Within two weeks of
receiving your final PHMAP score, you must post your score in a
conspicuous and accessible place for public review in your
office.
If your Housing Authority would like assistance from this
office in the provision of technical assistance, the correction
of any problem areas identified as a result of the PHMAP
assessment, or suggestions for means to improve problem areas,
please contact Jane Wyckoff of my staff at (515) 284-4840.
Sing~rely,
~larl M. Hamblin
Director
Enclosure
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 20, 1997
To: City Council
From: Scott Kugler, Associate Planner
Historic Preservation Commission Annual Planning Session Report
On October 23, 1997, the Historic Preservation Commission held its annual planning
session to discuss and prioritize its activities and projects for the 1998 calendar year.
Attached please find a report detailing the results of the session, which the Commission
intends to use as a guide for the upcoming year. Most notable is the Commission's plan to
pursue the designation of its first conservation district. The Commission also plans to
continue work on the Longfellow neighborhood and Original Town Plat (Northside,
Goosetown) survey projects, consider the nomination of a second series of historic
landmarks, and update its brochures, guide maps, and other publications. Please refer to
the attached report for more specific information regarding these items.
IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Preservation Plan Iml~lementation 11998)
The Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission held its annual planning session on Thursday,
October 23, 1997, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Manager's Conference Room, at which time it
discussed and prioritized its activities and projects for the 1998 calendar year. Each year the
Commission holds a planning session to review its progress in implementing the goals and
objectives of the Historic Preservation Plan, and to set objectives for the upcoming year. This
report details the results of that planning session, and is intended to serve as a guide for the
Commission's activities for the upcoming calendar year.
This session, in addition to prioritizing specific projects and issues to be dealt with in 1998, the
Commission decided to continue to make use of organized task groups made up of Commission
members to research and deal with specific issues, and provide recommendations to the
Commission as a whole on those issues. The specific task groups are detailed on page 3 of this
report. The following includes a list and brief discussion of the Commission's priority items for
1998 and issues to be dealt with in future years.
PRIORITY ISSUFS FOR 1998:
Conservation District Designations: Legislation authorizing the designation of conservation districts
was adopted by City Council in 1995. As a result of neighborhood survey projects within the
Longfellow Neighborhood and the Dubuque/Clinton Street area, a number of potential conservation
districts have been identified. The Commission has placed a high priority on the nomination of a
conservation district within the next year. A task group has been created to deal with this issue.
Survey and Evaluation of Original Town Plat, Phases I, II & II1: Phase I of this project, including
properties south of the Brown Street Historic District, north of Davenport Street, and lying between
Linn Street and Governor Street, has been completed. A grant has been obtained to complete
Phase II of this three phase survey, roughly between Linn and Governor Streets, north of Jefferson
Street and south of Fairchild Street. Phase III will be the subject of a grant application to be filed in
December, 1997, and will extend this survey area east of Governor Street. It is planned that this
phased survey project will provide an updated inventory for all properties contained within the
Northside and Goosetown Neighborhoods, as well as recommendations for preservation initiatives
within these neighborhoods.
Survey and Evaluation of the Longfellow Neighborhood: The first pha.~e of the Longfellow
neighborhood survey identified a potential historic district, but concluded that additional survey
work along Rundell Street, Dearborn Street, and the west side of Seventh Avenue must be
completed to determine the eastern boundary of the district. A grant has been obtained to
complete Phase II of this survey. This project should be completed by July 1998, at which point
the Commission can consider implementation of neighborhood preservation strategies
recommended by the report.
Historic Landmark Designations: The first series of Historic Landmarks has been designated by the
City Council, and plaques have been purchased and installed on 28 of the 36 properties, with
financial assistance from Friends of Historic Preservation. Additional historic landmark nominations
will be considered by the Commission. A task group has been organized to identify possible
landmark properties, research their historic significance, and help organize the Commission's
nomination and designation process.
Update of Maps/Brochures: Many of the maps, brochures, and other publications produced by the
Commission in the past are in need of an update. In addition, the Commission's supply of guide
maps ("A Guide to Historic Iowa City") is dwindling. The guide map has been a very successful
and popular publication, with over 15,000 copies printed, and contains information about many
historic Iowa City properties, and illustrates self-guided walking tours.
Financial Incentives: The historic properties tax exemption program was approved for use in
Johnson County by the Board of Supervisors in February 1997. Other financial incentives, such as
a revolving loan fund, should be investigated. A task group has been organized to research this
issue, and possibly prepare a brochure or handout detailing all funding and tax credit sources that
may be available to owners of historic properties in Iowa City.
Ordinance and Code Amendments: The Historic Preservation Plan recommends that the
Commission consider amending the historic preservation regulations to close existing loopholes, to
add provisions to cover such items as economic hardship and special merit exceptions, and to
increase penalties for violations or demolition by neglect. In addition, the Commission hopes to
identify provisions in the zoning and building codes that may be relaxed for designated historic
properties in order to encourage their adaptive reuse and rehabilitation.
Iowa City Airport Master Plan: The Commission noted that the Airport Master Plan includes
recommendations for demolition of the historic United hangar, as well as alterations to the terminal,
also potentially eligible for the National Register. The Commission has discussed these items with
a representative of the Airport Commission, and intends to continue to be involved in the decision-
making and Section 106 review process.
Historic Preservation Awards Program: The Commission discussed possible changes to the awards
program rules and procedures, as well as the possibility of finding an alternative site for the awards
program. These issues will be resolved prior to the awards program in May.
OTHER ISSUES FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATION BEYOND 1998:
Additional Survey and Evaluation Work: Additional survey areas for the Commission to consider in
future years includes Kirkwood Avenue, Iowa Avenue, Downtown, and Manville Heights, as well as
a survey and possible nomination of fraternities and sororities associated with the University of
Iowa.
Montgomery-Butler House: The Commission intends to be involved in the decision making process
regarding the future of the Montgomery-Butler House, a City-owned historic structure located on
the new water treatment facility site.
Increase Staff Time: The Commission hopes to have the City consider increasing its staff for
historic preservation from % time to ¥= time in future years.
*Develop scrapbook of past projects.
*Continue welcome/notification letters to new residents of historic districts.
*Continue annual reminder letter to historic district residents.
*Continue to work with other Iowa City and Johnson County preservation organizations.
2
COMMISSION TASK GROUPS/SUBCOMMITTFES:
Certificate of Appropriateness Task Group: This group is responsible for reviewing applications for
Certificates of Appropriateness on-site prior to the regular monthly Commission meetings. The
group is to discuss the proposed projects with property owners and/or contractors, identify issues
or problems that may exist, and attempt to resolve them prior to the project coming before the
Commission for review. It is anticipated that this will significantly decrease the amount of time the
reviews take at the regular Commission meetings, and will allow better interaction and discussion
of issues with the property owners and/or contractors.
Shaw, Malkmus, Calms
Conservation District Task Group: This group is to discuss the merits of the potential conservation
districts that have been identified, provide a recommendation to the Commission as to which
district should be pursued for designation, work with residents of the area to collect information
and develop a report nominating the district, and organize and oversee the nomination and
designation process,
Kuenzli, Gersh, Michaud
Historic Landmark Task Group: This group will provide recommendations to the Commission
regarding the second series of historic landmark designations, assist in the research and preparation
of materials to support the nomination of the selected properties, and organize and oversee the
nomination and designation process.
Anderson, Malkmu$
Brochure/Map Task Group: This group is responsible for reviewing the information currently being
distributed by the Commission, recommending updates or changes to this information where
necessary, and helping to organize a fund raising effort for the redesign and reprinting of the guide
map "A Guide to Historic Iowa City."
Kelly, Widness
Financial Incentives Task Group: This group will investigate the possibility of establishing a
revolving loan fund for rehabilitation work on designated historic properties, develop a brochure
detailing the various funding and tax credit programs that may be available for owners of historic
properties, and investigate other financial incentives that may help encourage the rehabilitation of
historic properties in Iowa City.
Pugh, Anderson
Code and Ordinance Amendment Task Group: This group is to investigate possible code and
ordinance amendments as outlined in the Historic Preservation Plan, including the possible adoption
of the UBC for Historic Properties,
Pugh, Shaw, Cairns
Historic Preservation Awards Program Task Group: Plan and organize the awards program to be
held in May.
Responsibilities to be shared as determined by Commission
\hpcimpl
November, 1997
3
Council on Disability Rights and Education
7.
8.
9.
MEETING AGENDA
DECEMBER 2, 1997 - 10:00 A.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CIVIC CENTER - 410 E. WASHINGTON ST.
IOWA CITY, IA 52240
Introductions
Approval of Minutes
Committee Reports
a. Housing & Public Relations
b. Transportation
c. Public Accommodations
Report of Board of Directors
Other Reports
a. UI Skywalk Accessibility
b. Iowa Avenue Streetscape Project
c. Snow/Ice Removal Letter
Future Meeting Schedule
Other Business
Next Meeting Agenda -- January 6, 1998
Adjourn
cc:
Iowa City City Council
Johnson County Board of Supervisors
CDRE MISSION STATEMENT
The Council on Disability Rights and Education {CDRE) is a non-profit educational
organization dedicated to accessibility, full participation and inclusion of persons with
disabilities.
Our mission is to act as a comprehensive, community-wide educational resource for
promoting disability awareness, to provide technical assistance and to encourage
compliance with disability civil rights legislation.
Our goal is the attainment of community-wide accessibility and the full participation of
persons with disabilities to all facilities and services within our community.
mgr/asstJcd re-a gd.doc
Council on Disability Rights and Education
MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 4, 1997 -- 10:00 am
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CIVIC CENTER - 410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET
Present:
Jane Monserud, Timothy Clancy, Nancy Ostrognai, Keith Ruff, Dale Helling,
Marjorie Hayden-Strait, Chris O'Hanlon
Chairperson Ruff called the meeting to order. Those present introduced themselves. Minutes
of the meeting of October 7, 1997 were approved as amended. Hayden-Strait will provide a
text of her proposed amendments for correction of the minutes of record.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Housing and Public Relations: This committee has not met in the past month.
Transportation: Clancy advised that the committee had not met during the past month. He
indicated that he had talked with Joe Fowler who informed him that there will be meetings
taking place for the purpose of discussing future issues of transit and para-transit service.
They will be looking at the role of transportation in Iowa City now and in the future and will
provide persons with disabilities a chance to be part of the planning process. This is now a
part of the overall planning agenda. Ostrognai asked whether or not snow removal had been
discussed by the Transportation Committee. Clancy responded that it had not. He advised
that talks between the City and the County are proceeding regarding the SEATS contract and
that specific numbers/statistics have been identified. It is up to the SEATS staff to now
generate these statistics.
Clancy asked that the members of the Transportation Committee contact him if they would
be interested in changing the meeting time.
Public Accommodations: Ruff indicated that letters were mailed out to restaurants, bars, and
cafes regarding follow up visits or new visits for the purpose of updating the "guide". No
responses have been received thus far. Hayden-Strait asked for clarification as to whether or
not the Committee only wished to cover bars, restaurants, and cafes. Ruff indicated that the
focus was to go beyond these establishments but that they have been targeted as the first
phase for the "guide". Hayden-Strait suggested that public buildings could be looked at as
well, referencing the fact that City buildings had been toured last year. She also stressed that
accessibility goes beyond structural issues and should also focus on the provision of services.
It was suggested that the Public Accommodations Committee look at these issues.
REPORT OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ruff indicated that letters had gone out to Board members and to all members regarding the
meeting day and time and also requesting that people indicate if they are no longer interested
in participating. Thus far only two replies have been received. Hayden-Strait suggested that
we contact Ethan Fox regarding a short video promo of the CDRE. This could be offered for
airing on all access channels. Clancy pointed out that telephone calls are very effective in
encouraging attendance at meetings and suggested some type of phone tree system to
contact members just prior to each scheduled meeting.
Council on Disability Rights and Education
November 4, 1997
Page 2
OTHER RFPORTS:
1. No report was available on the status of the University of Iowa skywalk over Dubuque
Street.
2. Helling gave a status report on the Iowa Avenue streetscape project. It is still in the
conceptual stage and the design consultant is currently working on an alternative
somewhere between a total revision of the entire three block streetscape and the more
subtle concept of simply adding trees, benches, planters, etc. Helling will bring sketches
to the next meeting if they are available. There will be additional opportunity for public
input in the future.
3. Accessibility of Park Shelters will be reported on at a future meeting.
4. Snow and ice removal was discussed. Ruff advised that Townsend had not yet submitted
a letter to be sent out regarding assistance for neighbors with disabilities by voluntarily
clearing sidewalks in their neighborhood. It was pointed out that the primary problems are
at corners where accessibility to the crosswalks is blocked by ice and snow. While it
might be possible to send a letter to everyone that lives on a corner, this is probably not
realistic. The question was considered regarding how to identify people to send the letter
to. Hayden-Strait suggested that neighborhood organizations can be resources as well as
churches and other organizations. Ruff stressed that the only alternative for some
individuals is to use the streets for travel in their wheelchairs which can be very
dangerous. Helling advised that the City is looking into enhancing the removal of snow
and ice from the crosswalks in the heavily pedestrian traveled downtown area. Ruff
indicated that he will contact Townsend to finalize the letter.
5. Hayden-Strait passed out information copied from the AmeriCorps newsletter which
addresses enhanced efforts to recruit volunteers (copy attached).
FUTURE MEETING SCHEDULE
Ruff suggested that we consider meeting every other month. While there was general
concurrence, it was agreed that this should be further discussed at the December meeting
with the hope of receiving more input from more members. Any change in our meeting
schedule would take effect in 1998.
OTHER BUSINESS
Hayden-Strait reminded everyone that the free Downtown Bus Shuttle is in operation. She
also affirmed that she had volunteered to do three months of intensive publicity for the
group. She had faxed 17 letters inviting people to come to the meeting today.
NEXT MEETING AGENDA
The next meeting will be on December 2, 1997. Ruff indicated that this agenda should
include an item regarding the snow removal letter.
Meeting adjourned.
mgr/asst/min/cdre 1104.doc
AmeriCorps and its l ecruitment Initiative
with People w th Disabilities
by Doug Keast, Pro,,ram Coordinator
AmeriCorps Disability Demonstra,t~on Program at Drake University
"AmeriCorps is much more than a service program. It is ~movemont that unites diverse Americans in improv-
ing our neighborhoods. In communities large and small '.ti~'oughout America, AmeriCorps members are taking
responsibility, learning valuable skills, and fulfi!hng their pledge to get things done .
-AmeriCorps Brochure
Do you have a strong interest in working to make your community a better place to live? Have you wanted
to teach young disadvantaged children to read, so they can enjoy Dr. Suess, or the classics as they get
older? Have you wanted to do something about community centers an~parks that are falling into disrepair? Are
you interested in working to expand the resources available to victim of domestic abuse in Iowa? If you have a
passion for making an impact in these areas in your community, you may wish to take a long look at your Iowa
AmeriCorps Projects!
AmeriCorps USA is developing a presence in Iowa through its diveme projects working to develop happier,
safer and healthier comrmmitie.q While this effort is being conducted on a national scale, its activities remain
largely unlmown to most Iowans. While the main reason for AmeriCorps' existence is to strengthen our com-
munities and families, it also provides a wonderful opportunity for people who would like to serve in these
projects, either in the capacity of a member, or as an AmeriCorps volunteer.
~Drake University has developed a partnership w¢~th AmcriCorps USA to recruit and train more members ~vitl~-
disabilities for its AmeriCorps projects in Iowa._The staffof this program are working to support Project staff in
involving Iowans with disabilities, as well as providing information and resources to Iowans with disabilities
who have a "passion for community service".
Applicants who meet a project's qpalifieation for memb~_~_.~p, receive a modest living allowance each month,
health benefits, and an education award (worth up to ~$4725) which can be applied as tuition, or to make pay-
ment on unpaid school loans. School loan payments can be deferred during a members commitment to commit-
merit to serve in AmeriCorps. In addition to members, all projects are generally looking for volunteers to ad-
dress community service needs. This year, 25,000 people have worked with over 400 sponsoring agencies
nationally to participate in AmedCorps program. This is not a "job"; it is community service. AmeriCorps
initiative to include more people with disabilities reflects its understanding that community service is most
effective when project participants fully reflect the hopes, aspirations and diversity of their communities.
I. owa currently has 6 AmeriCorps Projects working in Iowa communities: Two provide services in the.DeL,
. ~:lilxes area, one in Marshalltown, one in Cedar Rapid.q, one in Clipton and Jackson Cormties, and pne with
_multiple sites throughout the state. Another project is being developed to serve in theM-.qeatine area. As each
project varies in the service needs they address, member functions and qualifications also vary. A top qualifica-
tion for any of these projects is a passion to,make the community a better, healthier place to live. These projects
[~eruiting new members now.
If you are a person with a disability and you believe you might have an interest in working in an AmeriCorps~
qproject near you, please call ~elen Lowery (515) 271:t0';5 o,' r)oug Keast (515) :~71-3074 at the Disability _~
R~source Center at Drake University.
11/24/97 69:25 To:IOl~h CITY CLERK From:Jo Hogartv 319-354-4213 Page
Johnson Com~'
Sally Slutsman, Chairperson
Joe Boikcom
Charles D. Duffy
Jonathan Jordahl
Stephen P. Lacina
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
November 25, 1997
FORMAL MEETING
Agenda
Call to order following the informal meeting,
2. Action re: claims
3. Action re: formal minutes of November 18th
4. Action re: payroll authorizations
5. Business from the Planning and Zoning Administrator
a) Final consideration of application Z9729 of Fobian Farms, Inc.
b) Final consideration amending the legal description for Lot 3,
Timberwood Estates, NE 1/4 of Section 18; Township 81 North; Range
7 West of the 5th P.M. in Johnson County, Iowa. Submitted by Art
Hoefief (Z9653)
c) Other
Business from the County Auditor
a) A~ction re: permits
b) Action re: reports
Other
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE ST.
P.O. BOX 1350
IOWACITY, IOWA 52244-1350
TEL: (319) 356-6000
FAX:(319)356-6086
11/24/97 B9:25 To:ION~ CITY CLERK From:Jo Hogartv 319-3§4-4Z13 Page 2/2
Agenda 11-25-97
Page 2
Business from the Board of Supervisors
a)
b)
c)
Action re: FY '98 Nutrition Contract with Heritage Area~'_)kgen~ or/-.:~
Aging for SLn~ior Dining in the amount of $367,704.00. - .: ::.~
Motion accepting the following resignations on the ~'.rds~and,~
commissions and authorize Chairperson to send a letter and ?,L~ific~tion
of appreciation: " ~"
1) Rhonda Shouse (Johnson County Cluster/Social Welfare Board)
2) Sharry Lenhart (Johnson County Board of Health)
3) Phyllis Doane (Johnson County Compensation Commission)
4) Gary Fink (Johnson County Compensation Commission)
Motion congratulating Tom Slockett, Johnson County Auditor for
winning the Iowa State Association of Counties 1997 Innovation Award
regarding Calculation of Revenue/Expense Adjustment and the Johnson
County Mapping Project.
8. Business from the County Attorney
a) Report re: other items
9. Adjournment
11/24/97 BB:59 To:IOWA CITY CLERK From:Jo Hogartv 319-354-4213 Page 1/1
Johnstin Cmmt~' [
Sally Stutsman, Chairperson
Joe Bolk¢om
Charles D. Duffy
Jonalhan Jordahl
Stophen P. La¢ina
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
November 25, 1997
INFORMAL MEETING
Agenda
1. Call to order 9:00 a.m.
2. Review of the formal minutes of November 18th
o
Business from Graham Dameron, Director for Department of Public
Health re: funding for pertussis outbreak. discussion
Business from the County Auditor
a) Discussion re: cash flow analysis for October.
b) Other
5. Business from the Board of Supervisors
a) Discussion re:
b) Reports
c) Other
procedure for hiring S.E.A.T.S. Director.
(Sally)
6. Inquiries and reports from the public
Business from the County Attorney
a) Executive Session re: Secondary Roads collective bargaining strategy.
report/discussion
b) Other
8. Adjourn
FORMAL MEETING TO FOLLOW
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE ST. P.O. BOX 1350 1OWA CITY, IOWA 52244-1350 TEL: (319) 356-6000 FAX: (319) 356-6086
C t es Are Fostering the Arts'":
As a Way' to Save Downto ::
By BRUCE WEBER
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- In this city in
the heart of Silicon Valley, where the
rise in property values (and taxes)
over the last decade has fueled a
mammoth redevelopment effort, the
city government has built from
scratch, among other things, a chil-
dren's museum, a new wing for the
art museum, and, opening next
month, a 525-seat theater that will be
the new home of the San $ose Reper-
tory Theater. All in a dowi~town that
was, a dozen years ago, in the words
of one city official, "a wasteland,
chaos everywhere you looked."
Under construction in the same
general neighborhood is a technology
museum, a community paean to the
industry that has spurred the city's
resurgence. The building is sched-
uled to open next fall, and the cost,
$43 million, is being covered by the
city. Another city-financed project,
the $9.1 million Mexican Cultural
Heritage Gardens, with performaqce
THE NEW YORK ~
is avmlable for home or o/lice
deliwry in mo~t major U.S.
citien. Call, toll-fm~, 1-800- ,
NY'FIMES. A~k about Tr~n~-
,,,e,t~,Ti,,,.C,,,,~ ~DW, ' 354613
BUILDING ON THE ARTS
A special.report.
space for local dance and drama
troupes, is to open in 1~ m another
rundown district.
"We want our downtown to have
the support of future generaUons,"
said Frank Taylor, since 1979 the
executive director of the redevelop-
m.ent agency. "We lost an entire gen-
eration of children, who grew up
ashamed of their downtown. There is
no better way to get children ac-
quainted with a city than through
cultural facUlties, through art,
through music, those experiences
they can share. So that's been our
approach."
In a report fitled "American C. nn-
vas," the National Endowment of the
Arts recently described the arts in
the United States as being vastly.
undersUpported,. and the Federal
Government continues to debate
withdrawing from its already mod-
est role as bolsrefer of the nation's
creative artists. But it is one meas-
ure of the complexity of the role of
the arts in this country that San Jose
Continued on Page A14
...... dhn£ cnn¢.rn m Fa~rlmkk £'nnn
White Elephants7
Hard Lessons
From the Past
A
Local Governments
Into the Breach
VV~.,V lO ,..~vc J._)OWll[OWllS
A Textbook Case
From Arts S}1owl)lm:e
To Bar Mitzvah Vcuue
Success Story
[ low a City
Was Reborn
AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
December 1, 1997 - 7:00 p.m.
C:ivl¢ Center - Council Chambers
ITEM NO. 1. SALES TAX DISCUSSION
ITEM NO. 2.
REFUSE COLLECTION / RECYCLING FOR MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING
UNITS AND DOWNTOWN PROPERTIES
ITEM NO. 3. WATER FACILITY SITE PLAN
1Z/BZ/9? 89:89:45 319-345-4Z13 -> 31935fiSBB9 IOW~ CITY CLERK Pa§e 881
]Johnson Count).-
Sally Stutsman, Chairperson
Joe Bolkcom
Charles D. Duffy
Jonalhan Jordahl
Stephen P. Lacina
BOARD. OF SUPERVISORS
December 2, 1997
INFORMAL MEETING
1. Call to order 9:00 a.m.
Agenda
2. Review of the formal minutes of November 25th
3. Business from the Board of Supervisors
a) Discussion re: Johnson County Space Analysis Study. (Sally)
b) Discussion re: Emergency Medical Services Training Money Contract
in the amount of $10,235.00. (Carol)
c) Discussion re: 28 E Agreement for East Central Iowa Employment and
Training Consortium. (Joe)
d) Discussion re:
e) Discussion re:
(Sally)
f) Discussion re:
g) Discussion re:
h) Reports
i) Other
computers for employees. (Sally)
work session with Planning and Zoning Department.
Compensation Board appointee. (Sally)
Board of Supervisors' office staffing. (Sally)
4. Discussion from the public
5. Recess
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE ST.
P.O. BOX 1350
IOWA CITY, IOWA 52244-1350
TEL: (319) 356-6000
qloO6
FAX: (319) 356-6086
12/81/97 B9:18:1Z 319-345-4Z13 -> Page BBZ
319356.5BB9 IOWfi CITY CLERH
Agenda 12-2-97
Page 2
6. 1:30 p.m. - Meeting with Johnson County Elected Officials
a) Discussion re:
b) Discussion re:
c) Other
update of Compensation Board meeting.
structure of meeting with elected officials.
7. 2:00 p.m. - Work Session with'Elected Officials and Department Heads
a) Discussion of the following:
1) Ron Berg of MECCA re: Employee Assistance Program
2) Update of Salary survey and job descriptions
3) Update of budget process for FY '99
4) Space needs (establishing a comtnittee)
5) Legislative Issues
6) Telephone System/Commumcations
7) Strategic Planning Sessions
8) Reports/updates from Department Heads
9) Other
l-" ,
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
December 5, 1997
IP1
I
Ip~
IP3
IP4
IP5
IP6
IP7
IP8
IP9
IP10
IPll
IP12
IP13
IP14
IP15
IP16
IP17
DECEMBER 8 WORK SESSION
Memorandum from Planning and Community Development
Comprehensive Plan
I
Director: 1997 q/~ r~
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Memorandum from Manager:
Memorandum from Manager:
Memorandum from Manager:
Memorandum from Manager:
Memorandum from Manager:
Memorandum from
Memorandum from
City Postal Bar Coding- Bulk Mail Costs
City Stormwater Management
City Local Option Sales Tax
City Downtown - Saturday Transit Service
City Building Code - Insurance Industry
c ty
Manager: Historic Landmark Plaques
Manager: Lease of Used Computer Equipment
Memorandum from Planning and Community Development Director: Northside
Residential Parking
Memorandum from Planning and Community Development Assistant Director: Railroad
Interchange Relocation Project Update
Memorandum from Economic Development Coordinator: Downtown Strategy - End of
Calendar Year Update
Memorandum from JCCOG Solid Waste Management Planner: Multi-Family/Commercial
Recycling Council Discussion
Memorandum from Finance Director: Fiscal 1997 Annual Financial Report
Memorandum from Dianna Furman: Utility Discount Program Statistics by Month -
June 1997 and Fiscal Year 1998
Memorandum from City Clerk: Council Meeting Schedule for 1998
Memorandum from City Clerk: January Meeting and Budget Schedule q'~) ~'
December 5, 1997 Information Packet (continued) 2
IP18
IP19
IP20
IP21
IP22
IP23
IP24
IP25
IP26
IP27
IP28
Memorandum from City Clerk:
Memorandum from City Clerk:
Memorandum from City Clerk:
Joint City Council and P&Z Commission - November 19
Board and Commission Application
Council Work Session - November 17
Memorandum from First Assistant City Attorney: The Cliffs Apartments
Memorandum from Assistant City Attorney Mitchell: Deer Management Update
ICPD Use of Force Report - November 1997
Letter to Police Chief from Stephen Tiefz (Mental Health Center): Police
Brucher
Letter from Jennifer: Art on the Bus
Agenda: December 5 Johnson County Board of Supervisors Meeting
No Common Ground [O'Donnell]
A~icle:
A~icle:
Agenda for 12/9/97 Bd. of Supervisors.
Copy of letter from PCD Director to Bd. of
pre-design meeting on Court St. extended,
Changes in Cable Channels May Save City Money, Time [Helling]
Supervisors regarding
Information regarding Memo of Agreement - Water Plant Site.
Copy of letter to Rory Fisher from City Mgr. regarding snow removal.
Detective q~0q
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: December 4, 1997 / /~t~. ~t ~'
From: in, Director,
Re: 1997 Comprehensive Plan
Rather than amend the text of the Plan at this point, I will be providing you a continuing
memorandum that will outline the changes that have been discussed and resolved to date. As
you review these changes, if there are any that you do not believe the Council reached through
consensus, please raise those issues at the next meeting. Upon completion of the work
sessions and with agreement of the Council, this memo may then be referenced prior to your
closing of the public hearing. I have not included editorial changes in this list. As soon as you
close the public hearing, we will make the amendments to the original text and reprint the plan.
Amendments from the November 3, 1997 work session:
· Page 13, #3--Delete last sentence of paragraph and insert:
In the future, efforts will be made on the part of the City Council to use the Capital
Improvements Program to guide more effectively the location and timing of growth in the
community through an annual review and prioritization of the ClP prior to the budget
process.
· Page 23---Delete the last sentence of the first paragraph and insert the following:
The area east of Scott Boulevard was annexed for industrial development in 1997; the area
near the airport requires annexation at some point in the future.
Strategies:
· Page 29--Add to last paragraph:
Each of the strategies will require investigation as to their feasibility and practicality. Some
will require working with other jurisdictions and community organizations. An Action Plan will
be developed annually to pursue the various strategies. As the feasibility and
appropriateness of a strategy is evaluated, that strategy may be modified, deleted, or
replaced with a strategy that more successfully achieves the goal.
· Page 31 - Cooperative Efforts
Goal I add:
Worldwide Web & Internet
Strategy 2
Cable TV local access and electronic kiosks
ql
1997 Comprehensive Plan
December 4, 1997
Page 2
Goal 2 add:
Promote regional cooperative efforts in the areas of disaster planning and public safety.
Goal 3 add:
Consider regional transportation systems
Goal 4 add:
Iowa City Community School District
Goal 5 add:
Include EClCOG, as appropriate
Create regional community task forces to study issues such as the Iowa City - Cedar
Rapids Corridor.
· Page 33- Arts, Culture, and Human Development
Goal 1, Strategy 1:
Expand the public library consistent with the goals of the Iowa City Public Library's Strategic
Plan.
Goal 1, Strategy 3:
Work with the Iowa City Community School District to include public recreational facilities
and meeting areas in new schools.
Goal 2, Strategy 1:
Promote public art, culture or human development components in the redevelopment plans
for Parcel 64-1a, the last urban renewal parcel.
Goal 2, Strategy 2:
A/locate a minimum of $100,000 annually for public art.
Goal 4, Strategy 1:
Consider a funding strategy to provide financial assistance to local arts, culture, and human
development activities sponsored by non-profit groups.
Goal 4, Strategy 2:
Ensure that, at a minimum, facilities used for arts, culture and human development activities
are fully accessible according to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Add Goal 6: Preserve and protect the human rights of all the people of Iowa City.
Strategy: Maintain support for the Human Rights Office and the Human Rights
Commission.
Periodically provide human rights sensitivity training for all City employees.
Make available human rights awareness materials to employers, businesses,
schools, and the public.
Provide public forums which focus on issues related to discrimination and the
law.
1997 Comprehensive Plan
December 4, 1997
Page 3
· Page 35- Economic Well-Being
Goal 2, Strategy 2
Identify work force skills required by targeted industries and identify education and training
needs and resources such as the Region 10 Workforce Development Board.
Goal 2 add:
Encourage small businesses as employment opportunities for the available labor force.
Goal 5 add:
Encourage the creative reuse of existing commercial sites that are vacant or under utilized.
Goal 6 add:
Provide for and facilitate
incentives.
the timely review by the City Council of requests for financial
· Page 37 - Environment Protection
Goal 2 add:
Promote regional storm water management systems.
Reevaluate floodplain management ordinance.
Goal 7 add:
Revise Goal statement to read: Maintain the integrity of scenic and historic vistas...
Reevaluate performance standa~'ds for glare.
· Page 39- Housing
Goal 1:
Revise Goal statement to delete "for populations with".
Strategy 4
Support programs that allow senior citizens to stay in their homes and projects that
provide group living options for seniors.
Strategy 5
Fund programs that assist lower income households with housing, which may include
public housing, the rental assistance certificate and voucher programs, and housing
provided by private non-profit groups.
Strategy 6
Identify and eliminate barriers to affordable and accessible housing.
Goal 4 add:
Review existing codes for consistency with the goal to provide safe housing, reevaluating
provisions which have no apparent basis in safety.
Update codes to accommodate the use of new technology.
1997 Comprehensive Plan
December 4, 1997
Page 4
· Page 41 - Land Use and Urban Pattern
Goal 4, Strategy 2
Work with the business community on strategies to keep downtown commercially viable.
Goal 4, Strategy 3
Promote growth downtown consistent with the Near Southside Development Plan.
Goal 6, Strategy 2
Promote a mix of housing styles within neighborhoods, including compatible infill
development through neighborhood conservation districts and other measures; and zone
parcels in advance of development.
Page 45 - Public Safety
Add Goal: Continue to
Department.
emphasize crime prevention in the mission of the Police
Strategies
Increase number of neighborhood watch groups and sustain existing watches.
Solicit input from neighborhood watch groups for setting department priorities in crime
prevention activities.
Train additional officers to recognize gang-related signs and activities.
Maintain police identity in neighborhoods and police presence in high activity areas,
such as the downtown.
Goal 1, Strategy I delete "and DARE."
Goal 1, Strategy 2
Seek and maintain cooperative relationships with other City
agencies promoting public safety, including the University of Iowa.
departments and other
Goal 2 add:
Closely coordinate emergency services with other government agencies.
Goal 8 delete ~future".
· Page 47 - Social Services
Goals 1, 2, 3, 5, 6: Add the verbs promote, encourage, ensure, initiate and promote,
respectively to the goal statements.
Goal 4, Strategy 1
Work with JCCOG and agencies that offer services to exchange information and ideas,
review new regulations, discuss issues and concerns.
Goal 7 change "Consideration of" to "Consider".
1997 Comprehensive Plan
December 4, 1997
Page 5
· Page 49 - Transportation
Vision Statement: Revise second sentence to read 'q'his is a system which will
accommodate all forms of mobility in the community."
Goal 2, Strategy 4
Provide separate trails where appropriate; complete a network of trails including the Iowa
River Corridor Trail.
Goal 3, Strategy 2
Ensure adequate levels of transit service during a.m. and p.m. peak travel periods.
Goal 3 - Add:
Create innovative ideas to increase ridership.
Continue aggressive marketing campaign.
Support efforts to secure Amtrak rail service in the central Iowa corridor.
Planning Districts
· Page 80 - South Central Planning District--Add to Open Space paragraph:
The Neighborhood Open Space Plan should be amended to consider open space for
existing and future residential development in this area.
· Pages 89 and 90 - Southeast Planning District--Update text regarding annexation of Scott-
Six Industrial Park.
South Planning District
· Page 7--Amend reference to accessible apartments above commercial uses.
Provide accessible apartments in the neighborhood commercial centers.
· Page 12tAdd to the last sentence of the last paragraph:
...and along Highway 6.
cc: Planning and Zoning Commission
City Manager
Jeff Davidson
Bob Miklo
plxladmin/mem/compplan.doc
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: December 4, 1997
To: City Council
From: City Manager
Re: Postal Bar Coding - Bulk Mail Costs
The City utility bills processed on December 3, 1997 included the postal barcode to
receive the lowest postage rate from the United States Post Office (USPS) for first-class
bulk mailings (utility bills and parking courtesy notices). From this date forward, the postal
barcode will be printed on both the utility bills and parking courtesy notices, allowing the
City to receive the postage rate of 23.8 cents per piece for bulk mailing. The anticipated
decrease in bulk mailing postage expense on utility billings and parking courtesy notices
for the remainder of FY98 is $10,500 or $1500 per month.
To meet the USPS mailing specifications for the postal barcode bulk mailing discount rate,
software and equipment were purchased and added to our VAX computer mainframe at a
cost of $19,300. Our mailing envelopes for the utility bills and parking courtesy notices
were redesigned to allow a larger window for the addressee/barcode information. We
printed the City logo on both forms - in the upper left-hand corner and as a reversed
screen back in the bottom portions of the forms. The information on the billing forms have
not changed - the utility customers will continue to receive their average water
consumption information in both cubic feet and gallon units.
The process to implement this postal bar code was complex and time consuming. It
required the cooperation of several Finance Department Divisions, including Purchasing
and Information Services, committing hours of staff time to add the software, test the
programs, and provide and receive staff training. In the future, the City can expand the
use of this postal barcode system to other mailings for additional savings to postage
expense.
memos\tp4-7sa.doc
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: December 4, 1997
To: City Council
From: City Manager
Re: Stormwater Management
The Environmental Protection Agency is expected this month to issue a proposed rule to
regulate stormwater run off in communities with populations below 100,000.
Cities will be required to develop, implement, and enforce a stormwater management
program designed to reduce the discharge of pollutants from storm sewer systems.
Specifically, the rule will require implementation of six, so-called "minimum control
measures" for stormwater management. These are:
· Public education and outreach on stormwater impacts - implement a public education
program to distribute educational materials to the community or conduct outreach
about the impacts;
· Public involvement/participation - comply with state, tribal and local public notice
requirements; attempt to include public in development and implementation of program;
· Illicit discharge detection and elimination - develop a storm sewer system map showing
location of major pipes, outfalls, and topography;
· Construction site stormwater runoff control - develop, implement, and enforce a
program to reduce pollutants moving into storm sewer system from construction
activities;
· Post-construction stormwater management in new development and redevelopment -
Develop, implement and enforce a program to address stormwater runoff from new
development or redevelopment projects; and
· Pollution prevention/good housekeeping of municipal operations - implement a regular
program of inspection and maintenance of municipal equipment and facilities which are
exposed to stormwater.
Once the rules are published in the Federal Register, there will be a three- or four-month
comment period. The date for the final issuance of rules is March of 1999. After states
develop their specific programs, communities will be required begin to implement their
programs. I would expect it to be somewhere around 2002-2004.
tp4-1sa.doc
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: December 4, 1997
To: City Council
From: City Manager
Re: Local Option Sales Tax
In our community, the issue of a local option sales tax generates not only interest but often
passionate opinions as to its necessity and/or desirability. The local option sales tax has met
with public support throughout the State of Iowa, in that hundreds of cities/counties have
adopted a 1% sales tax as a local government financial option. Of the major cities in Iowa, only
Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City have not adopted the local option sales tax.
By way of this memorandum, I wanted to provide you with some thoughts concerning the local
option sales tax, not so much the number-crunching, budget impact, etc. but more the fiscal
policy/philosophy of the State of Iowa as I see it. The sales tax, as adopted by the State
General Assembly, is an important revenue to our State government. Historically, the Governor
and General Assembly have long supported this tax as a part of the comprehensive package of
State revenues. As you know, the State levies a 5% sales tax, income tax, inheritance tax,
cigarette tax, gasoline tax, liquor tax, and a variety of fees such as the automobile use fees and
other charges. The State has reserved for itself the ability to tax a variety of sources, partly I am
sure, to help reduce the consequences of an overdependence on any one source of revenue to
support the State government. Cities in Iowa do not enjoy a similar philosophical/financial
approach to the funding of their local government operations and responsibilities. Cities and
counties are left with little (hotel tax, sales tax options) other than the property tax to support
their public service operations. School districts receive substantial state funding as well as an
income tax surcharge is available to them in addition to property taxes. The property tax
revenues for school districts are also regulated by the State.
I believe it goes without saying that anyone who has spent any time in an official capacity in
local government in Iowa is aware of the desirability if not necessity for greater self
determination in the local decision making process. Also each community in Iowa is different
and distinct. It would seem some reasonable latitude could be granted to address those unique
public service needs and interests. Home Rule, as identified in the Iowa Constitution, supports
such a concept. To fulfill its public service needs, it would seem that each community by a vote
of the local legislative body should be able to have a local government revenue package it
determines to be in their community's best interests. We are each so different, to rely on only
one source of revenue could cause fiscal and economic jeopardy. Cedar Rapids has a much
larger industrial tax base than Iowa City. Iowa City's tax base is substantially residential. The tax
base available and the unique demands for public services would seem to indicate that each
community be able to respond with its own local tax policy. That is not the case.
The competition for economic development can be fierce. In Iowa we have an interesting
conflict occurring. It is clear that urban areas serve as the heart of the State's economic
development policy. That is, cities are expected to provide infrastructure (water, sewer), public
services, (transportation, public safety) and other supporting services needed by business and
industry. They also serve as markets for the goods and services created. Yet, I would argue the
170
2
State, through legislative and executive control, denies the resources to cities to fulfill that
economic development policy. Cities in Iowa have Home Rule authority except tax policy which
is reserved for the State. The General Assembly and Governor must approve any tax policy that
affects local governments. I need not spend too much time explaining the legislature's behavior
over the years, but it clearly has supported such a policy - that is, the State will decide what
monies will be available for local governments. Local taxes and economic development policy
fit snugly into the hands of the State government, cradled or squeezed depending on the
interests of the State.
A recent example is the machinery and equipment exemption. The State has pledged to support
cities with the reimbursement of the lost monies from this exemption, however, that
reimbursement is to be on a declining basis. It will eventually go away. The State economic
development officials seem to believe that with machinery and equipment exemptions cities
might enjoy additional economic growth and thereby fulfill State economic development goals.
We do not know whether that growth will occur and do not know whether it will generate the
income to offset the lost revenue to local governments. Our financial foundation can be
undermined for the accomplishment of state-wide economic development policy.
Many condemn the local property tax. But, all evidence would point to the fact that the General
Assembly has determined the property tax will be the major source of revenue for the
operations of local governments, particularly cities and counties. Property tax revenue is steady
and predictable (barring any change in State actions) and currently remains deductible from
your federal income tax.
I believe the history of property tax legislation in Iowa and the State's local government finance
policies are critical to the understanding of the local option sales tax. The State has created
economic and fiscal policies to guide the local governments of Iowa. The State of Iowa also
controls property tax such as tax rates, tax caps, property values, rollback factors, etc. The
State chooses to exempt certain items from the property tax base as they see fit. Whether that
exemption is for economic policy (M&E) or fiscal policy is most often never clearly stated. The
underlying philosophy is that while the property tax may not be particularly popular, it is what the
State believes to be in the best interest of local government. If this source of monies (property
tax) cannot meet your local interest, this is where the local option sales tax enters the picture.
If, as a local government, you desire to seek another option in tax policy you must vote on it by
popular vote (the State does not require that of itself with respect to its taxes) and it will be a
sales tax. A few years ago when the State increased the sales tax from 4% to 5% to meet the
State's needs I believe further substantiated that philosophy. With a veto of a major piece of
health care legislation a special session of the General Assembly was required to deal with the
issue of the sales tax. Those sales tax monies (increased from 4% to 5%) have remained in
place now for a number of years. As the State has become far more financially solvent, the
economic development initiatives by cities and other local governments have been important.
Because of the State's financial strength the issue of tax reduction by the State was initiated.
They have chosen not to reduce the sales tax but to reduce the income tax. The issue of
regressivity (one of those passionate opinions) was apparently not at issue at the time.
Furthermore the State chose to initiate other controls on the property tax, such as a recent veto
of certain exemption reimbursements.
I believe that State policy, supported by the Iowa Constitution, is clear. Local governments in
Iowa will rely on the property tax for its basic source of funding regardless of what the State
chooses to do to that property tax base.
2
3
The Governor and General Assembly direct the finances of local government. If those
representing the local government wish to seek any other financial options, it will be the sales
tax for it is the only option that the State chooses to offer to you. If you choose to pursue this
option, you must consider property tax reduction as a component of the public's consideration of
the option even if it is zero. As mentioned by a State representative at our recent City Hall day,
it does not appear major changes are on the "property tax" horizon. If a community chooses to
seek options available, the sales tax is it, because that's the way the State wants it.
mgrVnmo~salestx21.doc
3
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
December 4, 1997
City Council
City Manager
Downtown - Saturday Transit Service
The City staff continues to brainstorm ideas about how to improve our downtown. In the past
we have offered specialized transit services to downtown for specific occasions. We feel that
bus service for the remainder of the holiday shopping season should be free on Saturdays. We
currently collect less than $400 per Saturday in fare box revenue. Making it free would be a
means to increase aldership, possibly introduce people to transit, and promote downtown. We
would run free service on the remaining three Saturdays (December 6, 13, and 20). We believe
it to be worth the financial risk. We will be initiating this service immediately for the remainder of
the holiday season.
jwlmem/sa-downt.doc
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: December 3, 1997
To: City Council
From: City Manager
Re: Building Code - Insurance Industry
The insurance industry in proceeding, by way of the Insurance Services Office, Inc., to
create a building code grading system. We have participated in statewide seminars to
better understand the interests of the insurance industry. We expect Iowa cities to be
graded some time in 1999.
tp3-1sa.doc
NATIONAL UNDERWRITEIt M,~tca 11, 1996 21
Building Code Underwriting
Set To Be Launched On May I
BY $~a,o~ D. Es'rx~
Florida, North Carolina md South
Carolin~-=wiJl be able to u~e a ra~ng
schedule that grades the effective-
heSS and enfo~t o£ bufding
codes.
The system--~he Bufding Code
E~ec:iveness Grad~ g Schedu]e~at-
tempts to encourage officials to up-
grade and enforce thei~ nnmir. ip~l
bu~di-g codes, which could mean
that Pac~i6es are better able to with-
merit, which in.~rers can use when
deddmgwhether to a~.rd pr_~rr-i~m
The concept for the rating system
arose after Hurricane Andrew, when
a hrge pe.-c~ntage of the 1oss~ cov-
ered by insurers were ntttibuted m
poorly enforced building codes, ac-
cordJag w ISO representaGws.
"A lot of insured loss could have
been prtwented~about nne=qunrter
of it, ff more structures, cspec/ally
single detached houses, had been
built to t~e stanc~rcls of the building
codes," I50's director of corpor~
eommunimtions, Christopher L.
Guid~., sdd ofHurri~ne Andru&s
dcau-~-~ion.
For instance, poor buff cling code
e.¢orcement led to the im.~ge of
crushed homes alongside one s~eet
in Homestead, FI~ f~cingunscethcd
dwellings on the other side of the
street, accorrti-g to ISO.
Every community in the country
should be r~tect b/Jm. I, 2000, ac-
cordin~ to ISO.
ISO's five-phase review of states,
wKich begtn with Florida, North
Caroli~ ~nd South Caroli-~, con-
tinues with nine states ~;~ ~
Ahbam.% Dehw~, G~orgie, M~rr-
l~nd, /VL~s~usens, New Hemp-
sI';.L"., NewJe~y, Rhode bland and
Texas. 0
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: December 3, 1997
To: City Council
From: City Manager
Re: Historic Landmark Plaques
In September of 1996 the City Council approved the first series of Iowa City Historic Landmarks,
which included 36 individual properties nominated by the Historic Preservation Commission. At
that time, the Commission indicated that it intended to look into the possibility of purchasing and
installing plaques on the designated properties, calling attention to the significance of these
buildings. With the help of a $1,946 donation from Friends of Historic Preservation, the
Commission purchased bronze plaques for 28 of the landmark properties, and to date 23 of the
plaques have been installed on the buildings by City staff. The plaques are oval, painted black
with raised bronze letters, contain the historic name of the buildings and their estimated
construction date, and are generally installed on the fagade of the buildings, visible from the
sidewalk and street. They have been well received by the individual property owners, and staff
has received many positive comments regarding this program. The Commission is hopeful that
a similar program can be offered when additional landmark properties are designated in the
future. I will have photos of the plaques at the Council meeting.
Im~'~em~a 12-2.doc
Oity of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
December 3, 1997
City Council
City Manager
Lease of Used Computer Equipment
The Community Development Division of our Department of Planning recently received
upgraded computers and as a result three used machines were available. Although the
computers were dated, but use able, we wanted to find a way to fully utilizethe computers to
serve low moderate income persons. To accomplish this, and fulfill the mission of the
Community Development Block Grant program, the idea of leasing the used computers to local
nonprofit organizations was considered.
After discussions with Information Services Division staff and other City staff, the idea was
endorsed. A criterion was developed to help us select organizations that would meet our
objectives. The criteria are as follows:
1. The computer equipment must be used by low - moderate income persons and not for
administrative purposes; and
2. The computer equipment should be provided to organizations that promote self-sufficiency
and serve a large number of low - moderate income persons.
With the assistance of the City Attorney's office a one page lease was drafted that allows the
nonprofit organizations to lease the used computers for $1.00 per year. The lease also offers
them the option to purchase the equipment, for fair market value, at the end of the three-year
lease term.
We identified nonprofit organizations that met the cdteda and have contacted three (Emergency
Housing Project, Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County, and the Salvation Army) about this
opportunity. All of them were very receptive, and we are planning to transfer the computers by
mid-December.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: December 2, 1997 ~,/.<~ J~/~
To: City Council
From: Karin Franklin, Director, Planning & Community Develop er~~./~/1"~ "/' ~"4
Re: Northside Residential Parking
Last Spring during your discussions of the transitional housing project on Dubuque Street,
concern was raised by a couple of Northside residents regarding their ability to park on the
streets in the north side. They expressed frustration and concern with the non-resident parking
in the area. As a consequence, the City Council directed the staff to work with the Northside
Neighborhood Association to address the issue of non-resident parking in .the neighborhood.
Over the past few months, we have made numerous contacts with the leadership of the
Northside Neighborhood Association to offer our assistance in evaluating and resolving this
problem and to ascertain the neighborhood's level of concern. Although the neighborhood
association has not held a neighborhood meeting during this period, it appears that there is not
consensus by the Northside board members that nonresident parking is a concern that is
resolvable. We are unclear as to whether this position is one of frustration with a very complex
problem, or if the response reflects lack of concern about the issue.
We will continue to try to work through the Association and leam whether there is a majority, or
at least a large number, of Northside residents who share the concerns expressed at your
Spring meetings. We do not anticipate pursuing any studies of this matter until we have a clear
sense that the residents of the area wish us to pursue it. If the Council disagrees with this
approach, please schedule this item for discussion at an upcoming work session so that we may
cladfly the Council's position.
cc: City Manager
Jeff Davidson
Joe Fowler
Marcia Klingaman
Steve and Barbara van der Woude, Northside Neighborhood Association
ImPmemO(f12-2.doc
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
December 2, 1997
City Council
Railroad interchange relocation project update
Last March we were informed by the Iowa Department of Transportation that we were the
recipients of a $1.065 million grant, to assist with relocating the Iowa Interstate-CRANDIC
railroad interchange yard from south Iowa City to the Amana Colonies. Last week I was
informed by Fred Yocum, President and CEO of the Iowa Interstate Railroad, that after
discussions with Amana Colony and Iowa County representatives, they have finalized the new
interchange location in Iowa County. Fred will be conveying this information in a letter to Iowa
DOT. Fred stated the two railroads remain firmly behind the project, and intend to construct the
project during the next construction season.
Let me know if you have any questions.
CC;
Steve Atkins
Rick Fosse
tpl-5jd.doc
41%
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: December 4, 1997
To: City Manager
From: David Schoon, Economic Development Coordinato~~~~"~"'----
Re: Downtown Strategy - End of Calendar Year Update
The following briefly summarizes the status of a number of the projects the City has
undertaken as part of the Downtown Strategy Plan. The projects are categorized by the
five goal statements listed of the Downtown Strategy Plan.
Provide a Critical Mass of Destination Points & Varied Year-Round Activities
The development of Parcel 64-1a is on hold as the City Council addresses financing of
the operating expenses for the public components of the proposed project.
The City's direct involvement in the redevelopment of Block 102 is on hold as City
Council considers a parking facility on the north side of downtown.
City-sponsored events have been held on City Plaza (the Horizon Project and country
western singer Faye Dudley)
Planning City-sponsored downtown events for the coming calendar year. Events
include a winter carnival in February, weekly summer events on the pedestrian mall on
Thursdays during the lunch hour and Saturday afternoons, and a one-day community
event in late summer/early fall.
Have published four editions of a bi-monthly newsletter to downtown business owners,
property owners, and residents.
Designing replacement playground equipment and a stage area in City Plaza as part of
downtown streetscape plan.
Create a Positive Climate that Focuses on the Retention and Recruitment of Businesses
After preliminary discussions with the Downtown Association, the DTA has put on hold
conducting a market study. Will continue to discuss with the DTA a means of
developing a multi-faceted assistance program to promote business retention and
development in the downtown.
When appropriate, continue to support the Downtown Association efforts at promoting
downtown as the "Heart and Soul of Iowa City".
City department heads have been directed to note downtown locations of public
facilities and services in all brochures and publicity.
Initial contacts regarding the feasibility of a small business incubator have been made
with the Small Business Development Center, Institute for Social and Economic
Development, U of I Entrepreneurial Center, ICAD, and the Chamber of Commerce.
After first of year, plan to establish a task force to further investigate the feasibility of a
business incubator.
Forum for business and property owners was held regarding possible regulatory barriers
to business retention and attraction. No one attended the forum. In the December
downtown newsletter, have asked business and property owners to send in their
concerns and comments.
With the assistance of ICAD and DTA, have established a database of available space
in the downtown.
Maintain a Clean and Attractive Environment in the Downtown
The Iowa Avenue Streetscape Committee will present the Iowa Avenue Streetscape to
the City Council after the first of the year.
Preparation of the downtown-streetscape plan continues. Plan should be completed
early next year, with implementation of components of the plan during the next
construction season.
Additional maintenance staff has been hired to work Monday/Thursday/Friday
afternoons and evenings and Saturday/Sunday days.
Green Machine and other cleaning equipment has been purchased for cleaning the
downtown area.
Initiated a pilot program to assist with sweeping selected sidewalks outside of City
Plaza in the area bounded by Iowa Avenue, Burlington Street, Linn Street, and Clinton
Street. Generally, the sweeping was performed on Mondays and Fridays with
allowances made for inclement weather and other unanticipated circumstances.
An art in public projects program has been established by the City.
As part of a public art program in the downtown, City staff is pursuing painting a mural
on the east wall of the Vito's building. Currently in the process of identifying potential
artists.
City has taken over the responsibility of managing the downtown streetscape banner
program. Early stages of developing a year-round banner for downtown.
· Alleys steamed cleaned both in the spring and fall.
· Preparing an informational brochure identifying all City codes relevant to downtown.
· Adopted an ordinance requiring graffiti removal.
Provide a Safe and Inviting Downtown for Residents and Visitors
· Planning to increase presence of police in the downtown by reducing the size of the
downtown police beat and by having police officers in downtown area patrol by foot or
bicycle.
· Continue to pursue a transit interchange station on the north side Old Capitol Mall and
continue to consider including a visitor information component.
· Downtown directional signs have been added on Dubuque Street. By the end of
December, the DOT is to add "Downtown" to the Dubuque Street/I-80 Interchange
signs.
· Council decided to leave Washington Street as a one-way street.
· Preliminary contact has been made with youth agencies regarding youth activity on the
plaza.
· The City continues to participate in the University's Stepping Up Program.
· Improving alley lighting by adding lights. Will improve other lighting throughout the
remainder of the downtown as part of the downtown streetscape plan.
Ensure that Downtown is Accessible by all Modes of Transportation
· At the Council's direction, staff is investigating the development of a parking garage
along Iowa Avenue.
· Converted the mostly-permit parking lot adjacent to the Holiday Inn to a short-term pay
lot.
· Presently designing informational/promotional brochure on downtown parking.
· Printed story in downtown newsletter educating businesses about the consequences of
employees using on-street metered parking.
· Initiating free bus service for selected events and days, such providing free bus service
on Saturdays in December.
· Implemented the free downtown shuttle pilot program to serve the downtown and
adjacent neighborhoods.
Evaluated the feasibility of van pools for City employees and determined they are not
feasible at this time.
Through the conversion of parallel parking to angle parking, increased the number of on-
street parking spaces on College Street and Linn Street by 1 5 spaces.
Increased parking attendants at the parking garages, as appropriate, at peak hours.
After obtaining cost figures and talking with sign companies, staff is not pursuing the
installation of "number of spaces available" signs on the Capitol and Dubuque Street
ramps.
Continue to design "public parking" signs for the facades of the parking garages.
As a result of recent parking study, Council decided not to pursue providing lower rates
on upper levels of Dubuque & Capitol Street parking ramps.
Periodically have provided parking ramp coupons for free parking to Iowa City residents
in their utility bills.
Provided directional signage for pedestrians in parking garages.
Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee recommended 1 ) to continue to monitor bike
parking and install additional racks as needed; 2) that no changes are needed to
improve bicycle circulation in downtown; and 3) that the downtown streetscape plan
should investigate appropriate bicycle signage, such as sidewalk stenciling.
Evaluated each block in downtown for adequate number of parking spaces for persons
with disabilities, and determined that no new spaces are needed at this time.
Evaluated use of audio crosswalk signals at key intersections. Given limitations to such
signals, staff not pursuing at this time.
cc: Karin Franklin
f :\downtown\implem\ccreport.doc
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
December 4, 1997
Iowa City City Council
Brad Neumann,"~'JCCOG Solid Waste Management Planner
Re: Multi-family/commercial recycling council discussion
Per our discussion with Council on December 1, I will begin preparing an ordinance that will ban
certain paper and/or cardboard items from the landfill effective by the year 2000. I will prepare
an implementation timeline and list of issues, including zoning and enforcement issues, that will
need to be dealt with before passing a landfill ban. The landfill ban ordinance should be passed
by no latter than mid 1998 in order to give those involved in the collection and recycling business
enough time to prepare for the 2000 implementation date.
If you have any questions, please give me a call at 356-5235.
CC:
Steve Atkins
Jeff Davidson
Karin Franklin
Doug Boothroy
Ron Boose
Chuck Schmadeke
Dave Elias
tp3-3bn.wp5
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
Frown:
Date:
Re .-
City Council and City Manager
Don Yucuis ~%%~3J3~q
November 24, 199U
Fiscal 1997 Annual Financial Report
I am pleased to present the City's comprehensive annual
financial report (CAFR), for the fiscal year ended June 30,
1997. The report will be submitted for the Government Finance
Officers Association's Certificate of Achievement for
Excellence in Financial' Reporting.
The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of
recognition in governmental accounting and financial
reporting. The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association
serving 12,625 government finance professional with offices in
Chicago, Illinois, and Washington, DC.
The City has received the award for each of the past twelve
years.
Date:
To;
From:
Subj:
Treasury Division
Memorandum
1-Dec-97
City Manager and City Council
Dianna Furman ~~
Utility Discount Program Statistics by Month - June, 1997 and Fiscal Year 1998
Month
1997
Jul-96
June
FY98
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar'
Apr
May
June
FY Totals 864
cc: Don Yucuis
Water Sewer
Refuse Total Accounts
Recyling Water Sewer on Discount Water
Discounts Discounts Program Discount
118 30 148
175 51 226
Sewer Refuse
Tax Discount Discount Discount
· 1,149.44 56.13 1,207.81 1,148.00
177 51 228 1,146.88
166 52 218 1,159.68
171 57 228 1,111.04
177 60 237 1,185.28
173 59 232 1,216.00
279 1143 5,818.88
56,03 1,205.12 1,141.44
56.63 1,218.57 1,154.56
54.28 1,167.46 1,085.69
57.90 1,245.47 1,148.04
59.40 1,277.75 1,151.29
284.24 6,114.37 5,681.02
Recycling
Discount
367.50
365.40
369.60
347.55
367.50
368.55
1,818.60
Total
Dlscoun~
3,928.88
3,914.87
3,959.04
3,766.02
4,004.19
4,072.99
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
19,717.11
O
utildis.xls12/1/971:18 PM
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE: December 5, 1997
TO: City Council
FROM: Madan K. Karr, City Clea'k
RE: Council Meeting Schedule for 1998
January 1998
S M TW T F S
I 2 3
4 52(~ 7 8 910
11 12 114 15 16 17
18 19 21 22 23 24
25 26(~28 29 30 31
May 1998
S M TW T F S
I 2
3 4 1(~1,~ 7 8 9
10 11 14 15 16
17 18(~20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
September 1998
S M TW T F S
I 2 3 4 5
6 7 1~ ~ 10 11 12
13 14 I 17 18 19
20 21 2~23 24 25 26
27 28 30
February 1998
8 9 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23(~25.26 27 28
March 1998
S M TW T F S
I 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9{~11 12 13 14
15 16 18 19 20 21
22 23(~25 26 27 28
29 3O 31
June 1998
S M TW T F S
7 8 I 11 12 13
14 15 2~17 18 19 20
21 22 4 25 26 27
28 29 (~
July 1998
S M TW T F S
I 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13~i 16 17 18
19 20 23 24 25
26 27 30 31
October 1998
S M TW T F S
1 2 3
11 12 I 15 16 17
18 19 2~21 22 23 24
25 26 28 29 30 31
November 1998
1 2 5 6 7
8 9 11 12 13 14
15 16(~18 19 20 21
22 23 25 26 27 28
29 30
April 1998
SM TW T F S
I 2 3 4
5 6 (~ 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20(~22 23 24 25
26 27 29 30
August 1998
S M TW T F S
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10(~12 13 14 15
16 17 19 20 21 22
23 24(~)26 27 28 29
3O 31
December 1998
3 4 5
6 7 10 11 12
13 14(~16 17 18 19
20 21~ 23 24 25 26
27 28 2~30 31
cc: Department Directors
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
December 3, 1997
1998 City Council
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
January Meeting and Budget Schedule
'Earlier in November a proposed schedule was distributed for the month of January. 'Base don
input received fi'om Council, that schedule was acceptable. Please mark your calendars for the
following dates:
Monday, January 5 -
Saturday, January 10 -
1:00-5:00 p.m.
5:00-6:00 p.m.
6:00-9:00 p.m.
8:00-Noon
Organizational Meeting with budget overview
DINNER BREAK
Board and Commission input & other budget issues
Budget
Monday, January 12 -
Tuesday, January 13 -
7:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Regular Work Session
Regular Formal Meeting
Monday, January 26 -
Tuesday, January 27 -
Thursday, January 29 -
7:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
6:30-9:00 p.m.
Regular Work Session
Regular Formal Meeting
Budget
Monday, February 2 -
Tuesday, February 3 -
6:30-9:00 p.m.
6:30-9:00 p.m.
Budget (if needed)
Budget (if needed)
Monday, February 9 -
Tuesday, February 10 -
7:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Regular Work Session
Regular Formal
Regular off-week meeting schedule resumes with the meetings of February 9 and 10. Staff
estimated approximately 12 hours of time for review of the budget. The above schedule would
allow that time without the February 2 and 3 meetings. However, it's always easier to cancel the
meetings if not needed then to try and find an open date. This schedule also takes into
consideration Council absences, the regular meeting schedule, and the necessity to set public
hearing on the budget at your regular meeting on February 10.
cc: City Manager
Finance Director
City Departments
Boards and Commissions
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
December 1, 1997
Mayor and City Council
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
Joint City Council and P&Z Commission, November 19, 1997 - 5 p.m.
Council Present:
Council Absent:
P&Z Commission Present:
P&Z Commission Absent:
Staff Present:
Tapes:
Novick, Kubby, Lehman, Norton, Thornberry, Vanderhoef
Baker
Bovbjerg, Chait, Gibson, Starr, Supple.
Ehrhardt, Shive
Atkins, Helling, Karr, Franklin, Davidson, Miklo
Reel 97-157, Side 2; Reel 97-159, all; Reel 97-160, Side I
1997 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DISCUSSION Reel 97-157, Side 2
Planning and Community Development Director Franklin facilitated the proposed 1997
Comprehensive Plan Council and Planning and Zoning discussion. The following changes were
proposed:
Page 31 Cooperative Efforts
· 1st Goal, include use of the Internet or World Wide Web.
· 4th Goal, include Iowa City Community School District in strategies.
· Add EClCOG and develop strategy.
· Add ememencv manaQement.
· Add regional transportation.
· Add electronic kiosk.
Page 33 Arts, Culture and Human Development
· 1st Goal, 1st Strategy, add consistent with the cloals of the Strategic Plan.
· 4th Goal, 2rid Strategy, add at a minimum to ADA standards.
· 2nd Goal, 1st Strategy, change include to 13romote.
Joint City Council and P&Z Commission
November 19, 1997
Page 2
Page 35 Economic Well Being
· 2nd Goal, 2nd Strategy, add such as Reelion 10 Work Force Development Board.
· Last Goal, include Strategy for receiving information early prior to signing a CEBA grant.
· 5th Goal, add Strategy to encouracle creative reuse of existinQ commercial sites that are
either empty or under utilized.
· Include Strategy to address support of growing small businesses.
Page 37 Environmental Protection
· 7th Goal, rewrite to consider the value of scenic and historic vistas.
· 2rid Goal, add Reevaluate floodplain manaaement ordinance.
Page 39 Housing
· Include reviewing Codes language.
· 1st Goal, 6th Strategy, change monitor to eliminate.
· 1st Goal, 5th Strategy, change to read "Fund proclrams that assist lower income households
with housina which may include public housincl, and the rental assistance certificate and
voucher proaram.
· 1st Goal, delete for populations with.
· Add/rewrite Strategy regarding senior citizens and alternative housing options .... and/or
move to appropriate Qroup settin.Qs.
· 1st Goal, 5th Strategy, change to read .... which mav include public housina, rental
assistance certificate and voucher proerams and non-profit housincl initiatives.
· 1st Goal, Strategy 6, change monitor to identify.
Page 41 Land Use and Urban Pattern
· 4th Goal, 3rd Strategy, change to Promote clrowth downtown consistent with the Near
Southside Development Plan.
· 6th Goal, 2nd Strategy, Promote a mix of housing styles within neighborhoods, including
compatible infill development, throuclh nei.Qhborhood conservation districts and other
measures.
Joint City Council and P&Z Commission
November 19, 1997
Page 3
Page 45 Public Safety
· 1st Goal, 1st Strategy, delete DARE.
· Include Goal or Strategy relating to Police crime prevention.
· 4th Goal, add and coordinate closeIv with other ~overnment a(~encies
· 1st Goal, Strategy #2, add other citv departments and other a(~encies, includinc~ the
University.
· 7th Goal, delete future.
Page 47 Social Services
· 3rd Goal, 3rd Strategy, include Human Rights statement under Human' Development
section.
· 4th Goal, 1st Strategy, include statement regarding working with Johnson County.
· Standardize "Goals" language (change first word to a verb).
Page 49 Transportation
· 2nd Goal, 3rd Strategy, add where appropriate.
· Add Goal/Strategy Su;);~ort efforts to secure Amtrak rail service in the central iowa corridor.
· 3rd Goal, Strate(~ies 1 - continue a(~3ressive marketinQ camDaic~n; 2 - create innovative
wavs to increase ridershiD.
· Vision Statement, revise second sentence to read, 'q'his is a system which will
accommodate all forms of mobilitv in the community."
GENERAL DISCUSSION Reel 97-159, Side 2
Council tentatively scheduled Comprehensive Plan discussion December 8 at 6:30 p.m. Senior
Planner Miklo distributed copies of the July 1997 South District Plan.
Meeting adjourned: 7:30 p.m.
clerk/min/1119-jnt.doc
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
December 4, 1997
Mayor and City Council
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
Board and Commission Application
A change has been made to the sheet attached to all Board and Commission
application listing Council Members addresses and phone numbers. As you
may recall that sheet encouraged applicants to contact Council prior to their
appointment. At your request, the sheet has been revised to indicate when
Council will receive the application and encouraging them to contract you
after that time. I understand that further revisions to the application may
occur after the first of the year.
The City Council receives your application the Saturday prior to the appointment. We
encourage you to contact Council Members after Saturday,
Connie Champion
430 S. Summit St. 52240
Home: 337-6608
Work: 338-2210
District B 1/2/02
Karen Kubby At-Large 1/2/00
728 2nd Ave. 52245
Home: 338-1321 (office hrs. lower lobby Sr. Center 4-6 p.m. Thursdays) (no phone)
E-Mail: KKubby@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu
Ernie Lehman
902 Wylde Green Rd. 52246
Home: 338-7741
Work: 337-2652
At-Large 1/2/02
Dee Norton
920 Ginter Ave. 52240
Home: 338-4577
E-Maih Denorton@blue.weeg.ui0wa.edu
District A 1/2/00
Mike O'Donnell
901 W. Park Rd. 52246
Home: 354-8071
At-Large 1/2/02
Dean Thomberry
1202 Oakes Dr. 5224~5
Home: 337-5316
District C 1/2/00
Dee Vanderhoef
2403 Tudor Dr. 52245
Home: 351-6872 (prefer mornings)
At-Large 1/2/00
*all Council Members have answering machines
Applicants are also encouraged to contact Board/Commission members with questions.
Please retain this page for your files.
clerk\bd*comm.app
January 1998
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
December 5, 1997
Mayor and City Council
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
Council Work Session, November 17, 1997 - 7 p.m.
Council present: Novick, Baker, Kubby, Lehman, Norton, Thornberry, Vanderhoef.
Staff present:
Atkins, Helling, Karr, Dilkes, Franklin, Miklo, Schoon, Handsaker, Mitchell,
Trueblood, Yucuis.
Tapes:
Reel 97-156, all; Reel 97-157, Side 1.
REVIEW ZONING MATTERS
Reel 97-156, Side I
Planning and Community Development Director Franklin presented the following Planning and
Zoning items:
SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR DECEMBER 9 ON A RESOLUTION APPROVING
THE ANNEXATION OF A 2.59 ACRE TRACT LOCATED AT 4575 HIGHWAY 6 SE.
(MOOSE/ANN97-0003)
B. SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR DECEMBER 9 ON AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE
ZONING CHAPTER BY CHANGING THE ZONING DESIGNATION FOR A FIVE ACRE
TRACT LOCATED AT 4575 HIGHWAY 6 SE FROM COUNTY RURAL (A1) (2.59 ACRES)
AND RURAL RESIDENTIAL (RR-1) (2.41 ACRES) TO RM-20, MEDIUM DENSITY MULTI-
FAMILY RESIDENTIAL. (MOOSE/REZ97-0017)
C. SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR DECEMBER 9 ON AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE
ZONING CHAPTER BY AMENDING TITLE 14, CHAPTER 6, "ZONINGs" ARTICLE B,
"ZONING DEFINITIONS," SECTION 2, BY CHANGING THE DEFINITION OF TRANSIENT
HOUSING TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF DAYS PERSONS ARE ABLE TO STAY AS
TEMPORARY RESIDENTS.
D. PUBLIC HEARING ON THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, INCLUDING THE SOUTH
DISTRICT PLAN. (continued from October 21 and November 11)
Franklin recommended that council continue the public hearing to December 9th because of
the scheduled meeting with the Planning and Zoning Commission on November 19.
Franklin noted that council will receive correspondence from Southgate Development asking
the city to not rezone the Gilbert Street Corridor to CC-2.
Council Work Session
November 17, 1997
Page 2
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ANNEXATION OF A 2.81 ACRE TRACT LOCATED
SOUTHEAST OF THE INTERSECTION OF IOWA HIGHWAY I AND NAPLES AVENUE.
(MILLER/ANN97-0002)
Fo
PUBLIC HEARING AND ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE BY
CHANGING THE USE REGULATIONS OF A 2.81 ACRE TRACT, LOCATED SOUTHEAST
OF THE INTERSECTION OF IOWA HIGHWAY 1 AND NAPLES AVENUE, FROM
COUNTY CP-1, PLANNED COMMERCIAL, TO C1-1, INTENSIVE COMMERCIAL.
(MILLER/REZ97-0014)
G. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE APPROVED SENSITIVE AREAS DEVELOPMENT PLAN
FOR WALDEN HILLS TO ALLOW THE DEVELOPMENT OF 120 DWELLING UNITS ON
LOT 53. CONTAINING 8.66 ACRES AND LOCATED WITHIN THE OSA-8, SENSITIVE
AREAS OVERLAY ZONE AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF ROHRET ROAD AND
SHANNON DRIVE. (REZ97-0016) (FIRST CONSIDERATION)
H. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE BY CHANGING THE USE
REGULATIONS OF A 0.87 ACRE TRACT, LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF WEST
SIDE DRIVE AND SOUTH OF EARL ROAD, FROM RM-12, LOW DENSITY MULTI-
FAMILY RESIDENTIAL AND C1-1, INTENSIVE COMMERCIAL, TO CO-1, COMMERCIAL
OFFICE. (REZ97-0004) ('FIRST CONSIDERATION)
DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE PLAN
Reel 97-156, Side I
Bob Kost, representing BRW Consultants, presented the preliminary design of the Downtown
Streetscape Plan.
DEER MANAGEMENT UPDATE
Reel 97-156, Side 2
Administrative Assistant Handsaker presented a deer management update. Council directed
Handsaker to proceed with plans to utilize the USDA sharpshooters for deer reduction.
Staff Action: Petition and brief submitted to Department of Natural Resources week of
December I (Handsaker).
AIRPORT COMMERCIAL ARENPROJECT COMMITTEES
(IP1 of 11/14 Packet)
Reel 97-156, Side 2
City Manager Atkins proposed forming a technical advisory committee and a policy committee.
A council majority appointed Dee Norton and Ernie Lehman to represent City Council on the
Policy Committee. Atkins noted that Dick Blum and Rick Mascari will present the Airport
Commission.
Staff Action: Staff to schedule meeting (Atkins).
CEMETERY UPDATE
Reel 97-156, Side 2
Parks and Recreation Director Trueblood presented Oakland Cemetery Master Expansion Plan
update. City Attorney Dilkes responded to council questions.
Council Work Session
November 17, 1997
Page 3
A council majority directed staff to proceed with the 10 Acre Concept with dedication of 30
acres as parkland.
Staff Action: Staff will follow up (Trueblood).
LOW INCOME POLICY
(IP2 of 11/14 Packet)
Reel 97-157, Side 1
Finance Director Yucuis presented Discount Program for water, wastewater and solid
waste/recycling information.
A council majority directed Yucuis to prepare information applying 60% minimum charge to the
Discount Program.
Staff Action: Scheduled for December 16 Council meeting (Yucuis).
COUNCIL AGENDA/TIME
Reel 97-157, Side I
Vanderhoef informed council members that the County is working with a Wisconsin
computer firm to prepare SEATS reports and will provide information to the City in 2-3
weeks.
2. In response to Kubby, City Manager Atkins stated he will provide current snow removal
policy information to council.
3. (IP6 11/14). Kubby stated council received Atkins' memo Police Beat Confiauration/
Downtown Beat and questioned the report in relationship to last year's budget request.
Atkins explained it is a reconfiguration of the beats whereby the downtown actually is
identified as a specific smaller downtown beat.
Thornberry explained that he discussed plaza safety issues on a University of Iowa radio
program, including the idea to videotape inappropriate behavior on the plaza. In response to
Vanderhoef, Atkins stated he will follow-up on coordinating patrol of west of the downtown
area with the University of Iowa.
5. In response to Novick, Norton stated he would be the designated council member to receive
information from the Passenger Rail Coalition
Adjourned: 9:25 p.m.
clerldmin/1117-ws.doc
****VIA FAX AND U.S. MAIL****
December 2, 1997
Mr. Andre Gallet
Terracon Consultants, Inc.
P.O. Box H
Cedar Rapids, IA 52408-0032
VIA FAX AT (319) 366-0032
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
Re: The Cliffs Apartments, Iowa City, Iowa: Terracon Job No. 06975048.04
Dear Mr. Gallet:
It is my understanding that the slope stabilization construction for the Cliffs Apartments in
Iowa City, Iowa, for which you have been retained to provide oversight and reporting services,
is nearly complete. As you know, pursuant to Order of the Iowa District Court in and for
Johnson County, Iowa, this project is to be completed in its entirety by December 15, 1997,
which date is a six-week extension from the previous completion date of November 1, 1997.
As part of the oversight services on the approved project, Terracon is to provide a final
construction report to the City of Iowa City to establish that the construction has progressed
in accordance with the construction plans and other conditions placed on the project. This
report must be provided to the City of Iowa City sufficiently in advance of the December 15,
1997 deadline to allow review and field verification by appropriate City staff prior to the
deadline. As I am sure you are aware, this project has been the subject of considerable
efforts on both the part of the City of Iowa City and the property owners to address the
safety issues associated with stabilizing the slope, and this project's progress is being
watched closely by a number of interested persons. Further, the December 15, 1997
completion date is quickly approaching, and City staff must be prepared to certify the proper
completion of the project on that date. Thus, receipt of your report in the very near future
is extremely important, as the likelihood of further deadline extensions is nonexistent.
I look forward to receiving a copy of your report in the very near future. Thank you for your
prompt attention to this matter.
Sin. Qca~oly io.03zr~, /:~ / /'~
~-~ -S.a r.~~A s [,~?a~ne; ~C [ty~Att o r n~y~
CC:
Steve Atkins, City Manager
Karin Franklin, PCD Director
Bob Miklo, Senior Planner
Rick Fosse, City Engineer
Ron Boose, HIS
Julie Tallman, HIS
Kitsten Frey, Attorney for Cliffs
410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY, IOWA $2240-1826 · (319) 356-5000 · FAX (319) 356-5009
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: December 4, 1997
To:
The Honorable Mayor Naomi Novick and Members of the City Council
From:
Dennis Mitchell, Assistant City Attorney ~
Re:
Deer Management Update
The Petition to allow Iowa City to implement a deer management plan which provides for
sharpshooting and lxap and kill as methods of lethal reduction was sent to the Government Liaison
Bureau of the Department of Natural Resources on Monday, December 1, 1997. A Brief in support
of the Petition was also enclosed. Copies of the Petition and Brief, which include the exhibits, are
available in the City Clerk's office.
The Natural Resources Commission has sixty (60) days fi'om the date the Petition was filed to
either deny the Petition or to begin rule-making proceedings. I have requested an informal meeting
pursuant to administrative rules to address any questions or concerns that they or the DNR may
have.
If you have questions, please do not hesitate to give me a call.
Cc:
Eleanor Dilkes, City Attorney
Sarah Holecek, First Assistant City Attorney
Steve Atkins, City Manager
Marian Karr, City Clerk
Lisa Handsaker, Administrative Assistant
Misha Goodman-Herbst, Animal Shelter Supervisor
R. J. Winkelhake, Chief of Police
Lt. Ron Fort, Police Department
NATbT, AL RESOURCES CONEMISSION
Petition by the City of Iowa City )
)
for the Adoption of Rules Relating )
)
to Deer Population Management for )
)
Iowa City, Iowa. )
PETITION FOR
RULE MAKING
COMES NOW the City of Iowa City and hereby states as follows:
1. Rule-Making Action Sought by Petitioner
The City of Iowa City hereby requests that a Special Deer Population Management Unit be
established for Iowa City, Iowa pursuant to Iowa Administrative Code r. 571-105. Specifically,
Iowa City requests that the following conditions be adopted as part of the special deer management
ao
bo
Co
do
The Iowa City Deer Population Management Unit shall be defined as public and
private land within the city limits of Iowa City as designated by the City Council of
Iowa City.
The Department of Natural Resources shall establish the number of deer which may
be removed by means of lethal reduction within the unit each fall/winter.
October 1~t through March 1~ of each fall/winter is the season open for the lethal
reduction of the deer population within the unit.
The following methods may be used to reduce the deer population within the trait:
1)
Sharpshooting. The City Council of Iowa City may provide for the use of
rifles, no larger than 10 gauge, to reduce the deer population. Bait, lights
and tree stands may used as part of sharpshooting. The City Council shall
adopt rules and regulations to govern the use of sharpshooting.
2)
Bait and Traps. The City Council of Iowa City may provide for the use of
bait and traps to reduce the deer population, provided that the deer which are
caught are killed rather than relocated to another area.
-2-
The City Council of Iowa City shall designate the areas within the unit, as well as
dates and times between October 1s~ and March 1s~ each fall/winter, that the deer
population may be reduced through the use of sharpshooting.
The City Council of Iowa City shall designate the areas within the unit, as well as
dates and times between October 1*~ and March 1st each fall/winter, that the deer
population may be reduced through the use of bait and traps.
Deer hunting licenses and tags shall not be required for deer which are killed by
sharpshooting or bait and trap methods during the open season within the unit.
2. Citations to Relevant Law.
The State of Iowa has jurisdiction over deer pursuant to IOWA CODE § 481A.2 (1997).
· IOWA CODE § 455A.5(6) (1997) delegates to the Natural Resource Commission the
responsibility for establishing policy and adopting rules necessary to provide for the effective
administration of, among other things, Iowa Code Chapter 481A (Wildlife Conservation).
· IOWA CODE § 481A.38 (1997) provides, in part:
It is unlawful for a person to take, pursue, kill, trap or ensnare, buy, sell,
possess, transport, or attempt to so take, pursue, kill, trap or ensnare, buy,
sell, possess, or transport any game... except upon the terms, conditions,
limitations, and restrictions set forth herein, and administrative rules
necessary to carry out the purposes set out in section 481A.39, or as
provided by the Code.
1) The commission may upon its own motion and after an
investigation, alter, limit, or restrict the methods or means
employed and the instruments or equipment used in taking wild
mammals... if the investigation reveals that the action would be
desirable or beneficial in pwmoting the interests of conservation
· IOWA CODE § 481A.39 (1997) provides:
The commission is designated the sole agency to determine the facts as to
whether biological balance does or does not exist. The commission shall, by
administrative role, extend, shorten, open, or close seasons and set, increase,
or reduce catch limits, bag limits, size limits, possession limits, or territorial
limitations or further regulate taking conditions in accordance with sound
fish and wildlife management principles.
(emphasis supplied).
-3-
IOWA CODE § 481 A.48 (1997) provides, in part:
No person, except as otherwise provided by law, shall willfully disturb,
pursue, shoot, kill, take or attempt to take or have in possession any of the
following game birds or animals except within the open season established
by the commission:... deer. The seasons, bag limits, possession limits and
locality shall be established by the department or commission under the
authority of sections 456A. 24, 481A.38, and 481A.39.
· IOWA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE r. 571-105 sets forth the Deer Population Management
Areas previously approved by the Commission.
· IOWA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE r. 571-106 sets forth the current administrative rules
adopted by the Commission for deer hunting. The following rules are relevant to the City's
571-106.1: Requires every hunter to have a valid deer license.
571-106.2: Sets forth the season dates during which deer may be taken.
571-106.3: Sets forth legal shooting hours.
571-106.4: Sets forth the daily bag limits for deer.
571-106.7: Lists permitted weapons and devices which may be used to take deer.
Guns are limited to 10-, 12-, 16, and 20- gauge shotguns, shooting single slugs only,
and flintlock or percussion cap lock muzzleloaded rifles or muskets of not less than
.44 nor larger than .775 caliber, shooting single projectiles only. The use of rifles,
other than m-~.leloaded, is prohibited. The use of bait is also prohibited.
request:
The administrative rules set out above necessitate that a special deer management unit
be established for Iowa City in order for Iowa City to use sharpshooting and bait and trap as
methods to manage the deer population.
Brief Summary of Petitioner's Arguments in Support of the Action Requested.
In late 1996, the City 0fIowa City contacted the Department of Natural Resources ("DNR")
regarding problems Iowa Citians were experiencing with deer. The DNR recommended that a
citizen task force be convened to determine if there was an overpopulation of deer. If Iowa City did
have an overpopulation problem, the task force would then review killing options. The DNR
emphasized the necessity of devising a proposal that was acceptable to the community.
-4-
The citizen task force and local DNR officers agreed that Iowa City has a deer
overpopulation problem and that the number of deer need to be reduced in certain areas of Iowa
City. See attached Exhibit "A." The task force studied methods of lethal reduction in painstaking
detail, including the use of bow and arrow hunting, trap and kill, and sharpshooting. After
thoroughly reviewing the options, the task force unanimously recommended sharpshooting and trap
'and kill as methods of reduction for Iowa City for the fall/winter 1997-98. See attached Exhibit
"B." It was the task foree's conclusion that these methods would most quickly,.humanely,
efficiently, and safely reduce the deer overpopulation problem. The task force also recommended
that it be reconvened in the spring of 1998 to assess the effectiveness of the plan and to make
recommendations for deer management for the fall/winter 1998-99. The City Council adopted the
task force's recommendations. See attached Exhibit "C."
The Commission has been delegated the power to promulgate rules for deer management.
Iow^ COI~E §§ 455A.5(6), 481A.38, 481A.39, 481A.48 (1997). The Commission has thus far
limited urban deer management to bow and arrow hunting. However, Iowa Citians have
determined that the best methods of deer reduction to meet the particular needs of Iowa City are
sharpshooting and trap and kill. Although bow and arrow hunting may be an effective method to
maintain the deer population or reduce it over a prolonged period of time, by the DNR's own count
Iowa City needs to reduce its deer population by 176 deer (including 109 does) each year for the
next three years. See attached Exhibit "A." Rising numbers of motor vehicle/deer collisions, as
well as increasing property damage, necessitate that these numbers of deer be removed quickly.
See attached Exhibit "D." Sharpshooting has been proven in neighboring states such as Minnesota
and Illinois as a safe, effective and humane method to quickly reduce the deer population. See
attached Exhibit "E."
Iowa Citians decided that sharpshooting and trap and kill are the best methods for reducing
the deer population in Iowa City. Petitioner respectfully requests that Iowa City be given the ability
to implement these methods.
4. Brief Summary of Supporting Data.
· "Projected Number of Deer to be Removed," by Willie Suchy, IDNR Wildlife biologist.
See attached Exhibit "A."
· Iowa City/Coralville Winter 1997/1998 Deer Management Plan. See attached Exhibit
· Resolution Establishing the City of Iowa City's Winter 1997/98 Deer Management
Plan. See attached Exhibit "C."
· Memorandum fi'om Sergeant J. Steffen, Iowa City Police Department, regarding
Car/Deer Accidents in Iowa City. See attached Exhibit "D."
· "Police Sharpshooting As A Method To Reduce Urban Deer Populations," by
Stradtmarm, McAninch, Wiggets and Parker. This articles documents the results of
sharpshooting by the City of Bloomington, Minnesota. See attached Exhibit "E."
· Deer Population Control Permit rules adopted by the Illinois Department of
Conservation. See attached Exhibit "F."
· Sharpshooting Qualification/Testing Procedures adopted by the Illinois Department of
Conservation. See attached Exhibit "G."
· A sample Deer Population Control Permit issued by the Illinois Depmunent of
Conservation. See attached Exhibit "H."
-6-
5. Persons Affected by the Proposed Rulemaking.
The citizens of Iowa City, Iowa. The City Council of Iowa City held a public hearing prior
to adopting the recommendations of the citizen task force.
6. Request for Meeting Provided by Rule X.4(17A).
The City of Iowa City hereby requests an informal meeting pursuant to Rule X.4(17A).
7. Contact Person.
Communications concerning the Petition should be directed to the undersigned at the
address and telephone number listed below.
Respectfully submitted,
Dennis J. Mitchell 000014867
Assistant City Attorney
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 356-5030
(319) 356-5008 FAX
ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER
EXHIBIT
Projected Number of Deer to be Removed
"All
Table 1. SlmuJalcd deer nmnbcrs for zon~ 4 and $ in Iowa City. 8imuIationa usa bamc aurvival and r~roductivc rate~ and
th~ r~ of 2~ do~ e, ach yatr fur 3 yc~ e~l ~o rmovlb ~r 3 )~trs.
Port.winter Numbers Deer Removed
19~ 47 - 31 78 25 35%
1998 41 .13% 30 -3% 71 -~ 2~ 38%
! 999 27 -34% 26 -13% 53 -2~% 2~ 48%
20~ 10 ~3% 17 -3~% 27 ~9% 0 0%
2001 14 4~ 19 12% 33 ~ 0 0%
20~ 20 43% 22 16%. 42 ~ 0 0%
2~3 28 ~ 28 ~% S6 33%
Table 2. 1%o number of da~ tbst would room to be romoved ht etch of
m koep the mhce dmnhted iMpuh,4ons to less ~btn 30 / m. ure mlle.
P~minsula
Narth ofl~O ~
Total
Man~A, un~t De~r Sighted
Dtst~c~ in 1997
2a3 69 3S (:22)
4&5 78 40 (25)
Deer (does) to b~ mnoved
? 65 32 (20)
(lO9)
r76 0o ) 1';6 (1o9)
18-16-1997
Appendix Z. Aosuml:)ti. ons used in 8imul&tions.
1. Annual $urviv-dl ral:es
Doe £awns - 73%
Does (1.$+) - 93%
· Buck ~auns - 73%
Buck8 {1.5+)- 88%
2. ~ctive rates
Doe fawns - 0.95 fawns/doe
Does (1.5+) - 1.83 fawns/doe
3. ~s
- Baseline simulation has no removals
4. Em/grutlon
· 25% of doe fawns emigrate from area
42% of buck faMns emigrate from area
5. No densitTdopondent changes in any rates.
6. All z'emovals would, bo additive ~.o normal mortality
7
.¢2<203
"i{
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"' I
¸"9
EXHIBIT "B"
Iowa City/Coralville
~X~inter 1997/1998
Deer ~anagement Plan
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Jan Ashman
Charlie Duffy
Pat Farrant
Loren Forbes
Ron Fort
Dave Froschauer
Misha Goodman-Herbst
Lisa Handsaker
Steve Henddx
Doug Jones
Scott Larson
Bud Louis
Judy Rhodes
Nancy Seiberling
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCE ADVISORS
Tim Don' " -' :' .:
Willy Suchy
Tim Thompson
Joe Wilkinson
The 1997 Iowa City/Coralville Deer Management Committee would like to thank the City Council of
Iowa City for appointing a group of individuals with a wide array of views concerning management of
deer, the Department of Natural Resource advisors who patiently assisted us with our process, and the
citizens who provided valuable feedback.
Contact: City Manager's Office, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 356-5010
Wimer 199711998 Deer Management Plan 2 10/17/97.
INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT
-"'e ~99,-' !owa City/Coralville Deer Management Committee has determined that deer management
,v~thm the corporate limits is a necessary duty of the City to ensure that the health of the herd is
maintained and that plant and other animal life which make up the ecosystems of the natural areas in
'.he City are not irreparably damaged or destroyed, and to ensure the safety and welfare of the
inhabitants of the City and prevent major damage to their property by deer. The Committee recognizes
that deer management is an ongoing process which must be continued from year to year. The City.,
must establish sound methods for gathering information and evaluating its efforts. The Committe~
affirms the value of the presence of deer as a natural resource within the City limits and encourages
individuals to become better educated to ways of living with deer. It is also clear that the size of the
herd in numerous parts of the community is reaching levels which endanger the lives of the inhabitants
(from deer/vehicles accidents), increases the destruction of plantings in people's yards, and ultimately
disrupts the ecosystem in the area. After careful review of management issues, the Committee sees
no viable option but to kill members of the herd to reduce their numbers to a level which is tolerable to
the community.
HISTORY
Citizen complaints to the City of Iowa City regarding deer have increased markedly over the last couple
of years. In response, the City Council directed staff to investigate how to approach deer
management. City staff contacted local Department of Natural Resource representatives who advised
a helicopter count be performed to determine deer population within the urban areas of Iowa
City/Coralville.
POPULATION COUNT
On January 31, 1997, Tim Thompson (Iowa Department of Natural Resources) and Ron Fort (Iowa
City Police Department) performed a helicopter count of the Iowa City/Coralville area. The following
conditions existed: temperature 45 degrees F, wind 15 to 30 mph SVV, sky clear and sunny, snow
cover 5 inches and melting. A total of 538 deer were viewed and counted.
FORMATION OF THE DEER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
After review of the helicopter count results, the Iowa City City Council acted upon the recommendation
from the DNR that a task force be assembled consisting of a wide range of representation. Council
appointed members from the following factions: City of Iowa City staff, Iowa City/Coralville Animal
Shelter, Iowa City Police Department, Project Green, resident living in area heavily populated with
deer, resident living in area not heavily populated with deer, animal rights, Johnson County Humane
Society, science/nature/biology, Iowa Wildlife Federation, City of Coralville, resident of Coralville, and
Johnson County Board of Supervisors.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION / INVESTIGATION
The Deer Management Committee first convened on May 1, 1997. The group generally met every two
weeks. First meetings consisted of the DNR relaying information regarding deer habits, habitat, and
~reeding patterns, along with knowledge gained from similar task force groups from other cities in
Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota. The Committee agreed upon definitions for "cultural carrying capacity,"
~biological carrying capacity," and "ecological carrying capacity." They also discussed and agreed
upon a definition of "humane" as it pertains to the killing of deer. The Iowa City/Coralville Committee
appointed subcommittees to review information on living with deer and on reducing the size of herds as
a management technique.
Winter 1997/1998 Deer Management Plan 3 10117/97.
REVIEW OF OPTIONS
The Committee established that there is plenty of information available for dissemination to educate
the community about living with deer. There are also numerous vehicles for disseminating the
information including brochures, City News inserts, public panel discussions, and television access.
The more difficult task was to determine acceptable methods for herd reduction. The following options
were considered in detail:
Do Nothing
This is the default option, however it does not involve preserving the status quo. Iowa's deer herd
was almost exterminated 100 years ago; only in the last few decades have the numbers begun to
grow rapidly; humans have yet to feel the full impact of deer in the distinctly unnatural habitat provided
by our urban fdnge areas.
Is it humane?
This depends on the deer and human populations. When both are high, deer interactions with
people are more likely to cause the deer to panic and injure themselves, sometimes fatally. It
is hard to judge this to be humane.
When deer populations approach the single-species biological carrying capacity of the habitat,
probably well in excess of 100 deer per square mile in Iowa, epidemic disease among deer
becomes a sedous threat. This does not appear to be humane.
An adequately fed deer herd will have an annual birth rate of 50 to 90 fawns per hundred deer.
In the steady state, the death rate will match this. In an urban area with no natural predation,
the question must be asked if accidents (mostly deer/vehicle collisions) and disease are
humane. The Committee-recognized that outdght starvation is unlikely in the Iowa
City/Coralville community.
Is it safe?
Deer-vehicle collisions are not safe, but are becoming a familiar dsk. The use of deer
reflectors (costing over $8,000 per mile) along roads appears to be useful in reducing the rate
of nighttime deer/vehicle collisions. Although results with' the use of reflectors may vary,
accidents involving deer in the area of Dubuque Street in Iowa City equipped with reflectors
has decreased by 98%.
Is it effective?
No. The deer population will eventually reach an equilibrium at very high numbers. Under
stress, deer fertility declines and infant mortality increases until eventually, they balance. The
ultimate deer population density for our area will most likely exceed the highest densities
currently found in any part of Iowa City, approximately 5 to 10 times the population densities
recommended for our area.
What does it cost?
Wildlife carcass removal within the City is the City's responsibility; costs (staff time, vehicle
use, equipment, etc.) are between $110 and $150 per deer carcass. Costs to property
owners for fencing and other control measures should not be ignored, nor should costs
associated with damage to landscaping. In addition, high deer populations are likely to
severely reduce the habitat available to other wildlife that is currently found within Iowa City.
Winter 199711998 Deer Management Plan 4 10/17/97
Is rt legalO
Yes.
Committee Conclusion
The Committee does not believe "do nothing" is an option for the Iowa City/CoraMIle
community as the conflict between humans/deer and ecosystem/deer will continue to increase
as deer population grows.
Contraception
The Committee assumed the use of hormone injections or immunocontraceptives (porcine zona
pellucida [PZP]): both methods have been proven to be effective on captive deer. Implantable
lifetime contraceptives, and oral contraceptives that could be administered by means of drugged bait
are research subjects. Surgical sterilization is, in theory, an option, but it is extremely expensive.
Is it humane?
Injections by drugged dart have been used on a wide vadety of wildlife and appear to cause
only bdef discomfort. The contraceptives that have been tested lengthen the doe's breeding
season by up to two months, leading to an extended rutting season. In our cold northern
winters, this could lead to increased mortality among males. Occasional contraceptive failures
lead to late summer births; late-bom fawns rarely survive the winter. The Humane Society of
the United States (HSUS) is currently sponsoring at least eight test projects nationwide and
has received inquires from over 150 communities and groups. The use of contraception, if it
could be effective and safe, is potentially the most humane way to control herd size.
Is it safe?
Any drug injected in free-ranging animals that are subject to hunting and later human
consumption poses safety questions. Thes~ questions have not been answered for the birth
control drugs under consideration, although there is good reason to believe that PZP poses
minimal risks.
Is it effective?
Simulation studies done for the deer herd at Kent Park suggest that 60% of the does in a herd
must receive effective contraceptives in order to stabilize that herd, assuming that hunting
pressures outside the park remain unchanged. Herd reduction requires even greater
coverage. The most widely used drugs must be administered to each doe twice per season,
although single-dose methods are being studied. Controlled doses require record keeping for
each deer, something that is impossible in free-ranging herds.
What does it cost?
A veterinarian who is an expert marksman is typically required if drugs are to be injected into
deer using darts fired from a shotgun. Typically, a bait station is established and the
veterinarian shoots from a blind or stand of some kind. Thus, the costs will be comparable to
sharpshooting over bait, plus the costs of drugs and record keeping. Costs would double if
two doses per doe must be administered.
Is it legal?
Because of drug safety issues, FDA approval has yet to be given for general use of
immunocontraceptives on free-ranging deer.
Winter 199711998 Deer Management Plan 5 10117/97
Committee Conclusion
The Committee believes participation in a study is worth pursuing and have been in contact
'~th HSUS deer specialist Allen Rutberg. When available, contraception would be the
oreferred method of stabilizing the deer population in the Iowa City/Ooralville community.
Trap and Relocate
The Committee assumed the use of a box trap; the cost of trapping with dart guns and drugs is
largely comparable the cost of sharpshooting.
Is it humane?
A propedy constructed trap is unlikely to injure the deer. If the trap is checked with sufficient
frequency, the trapped animal is unlikely to suffer significant trauma from the stay in the trap.
To minimize trauma in transport, trapped animals must not be held for long pdor to transport.
Even with prompt transport, experience with trap and relocate methods suggests that a 4%
mortality rate is to be expected dudng transport, 26% delayed mortality due to stress induced
by the experience, and between 58% and 85% mortality in the following months. In sum,
while well-intentioned, it is difficult to describe relocation of deer as humane; for this reason,
the HSUS opposes trapping and relocation of deer. .
Is it safe?
Properly managed box traps pose very little dsk to people.
Is it effective?
Yes, assuming that an appropriate release site can be located. This is not easy, as few sites
in the Midwest have the combination of adequate habitat, low deer population and willing
human stewards that this method requires. This method is selective; if only does are to be
relocated, bucks caught in a trap may be easily released.
What does it cost?
The cost depends on trap placement and deer population. Frequency of trap monitoring and
other duties the monitors may have adds uncertainty. North Oaks, Minnesota reports a cost
per deer capture of $131. Urban trapping for live release has been reported to cost between
$113 and $800 in Wisconsin and Long Island, respectively; total costs including transport have
been reported in the $300 to $1,000 range. Frequent tdps with small numbers of deer are
more humane but more expensive.
Is it legal?
Currently, the Iowa DNR does not recommend this method for deer, but it is routinely used for
dealing with waterfowl and small animals.
Committee Conclusion
The Committee does not view trap and relocate as an option due to the high mortality rate and
the unavailability of areas to relocate deer.
Winter 199711998 Deer Management Plan 6 10/17/97
Bow Hunting
Suggested regulations for bow hunting in urban areas assume that the hunter shoots from a f'LXed
stand, waiting there until the deer comes to the hunter. Stalking or driving deer is not recommended.
While the use of elevated stands is common, it is not required.
The Committee assumed the imposition of strict hunter education and certification standards such as
have been adopted in Watedoo in addition to similar regulations governing hunter behavior. These
have a demonstrated track record of directly addressing some of the more severe criticisms of the
humanehess and effectiveness of bow hunting. Without these, the Committee's judgment of bow
hunting would be harsher.
Some Committee members reject bow hunting under any circumstance.
Is it humane?
Bow hunting rarely leads to instantaneous death. Estimates by hunters indicate that bow
hunting cdpples more animals than gun hunting. ^ crippling injury is defined as one which
does not kill, and after which the hunter fails to find and kill the injured animal.
The Watedoo experience suggests a significant degree of success. Recent studies appear to
confirm the notion that crippling rates from bow hunting in relatively cramped settings such as
are encountered in fringe area urban deer management are indeed lower than the crippling
rates reported for bow hunting in general.
All studies the Committee reviewed were conducted by bow-hunting advocacy groups or
funded by archery-related industries.
Is it safe?
Safe bow hunting requires open spaces, on the order of 8 to 10 acres per hunter, a
requirement that precludes bow hunting in developed areas, even where lot sizes are large by
urban standards. A hunter shooting from the center of a square 8 acre parcel will be 100
yards from any point on the perimeter, typically, the hunter will not shoot at targets over 25
yards away. The additional 75 yards make it likely that any deer that are killed will die before
leaving the area. State of Iowa Code #481^.124 requires the consent of the owner of the
property on which a hunter hunts and the consent of the owner or tenant of any inhabited
structure within 200 yards. It is not obvious that this applies to bow hunting (the law refers to
discharging firearms or shooting game), but Waterloo's bow-hunting regulations have adopted
this 200 yard figure and in addition prohibit hunting from a stand nearer than 25 yards to a
public trail.
Is it effective?
Yes, assuming that sufficient numbers of hunters are willing to comply with the additional
regulations governing hunting in the city.
Bow hunting is moderately selective. The hunting season is before the bucks shed their
antlers, so gender is fairly easy to determine. Hunting traditions place a high value on killing
older bucks - the so-called trophy bucks with large and many-branched antlers. This is of little
use if population control is the goal. If bow hunting is to be used as an effective component of
a population control plan, hunters must be induced to kill does.
Winter 1997/1998 Deer Management Plan 7 10117/97 -
What does it cost?
The costs of a DRN-administered hunt are largely bome by the individual hunters who,
through license fees, pay for the cost of regulating the hunt. These costs are partially offset
by the value of the meat taken. DNR generally relies on individual hunters to police other
hunters. If the City were to administer its ow~ archery reduction program, the Committee
assumed the City would put into place strict administration and law enforcement policing of
hunter activity due to the urban setting.
Is it legal?
Yes, currently bow hunting is the only method of urban deer population control allowed by the
Iowa DNR.
Bow hunting may indeed be legal within undeveloped areas in Iowa City, and there is evidence
that some areas within the City limits are hunted faidy intensively. Bow hunting has had only
minimal effect on the rate of deer population growth because hunters generally hunt only
bucks, unless specific hunting regulations force the hunting of does.
Committee Conclusion
The Committee does not recommend bow hunting as an option for Iowa City for reasons
related both to humane concerns and issues of hunt control..The Committee also concluded
that the main reason to chose bow and arrow hunting over sharpshooting would be to provide
a recreational activity or sport for hunters. The Committee does not regard this as a goal of
deer management within the Iowa City/CoraMIle urban area.
Trap and Kill
The Committee assumes the use of a baited box trap or modified clover trap. Trapping is typically
done in mid to late winter. The Committee assumed that trapped animals will be killed by a gunshot
to the head. Deer meat acquired by this method of slaughter is suitable for human consumption.
Is it humane?
A propedy constructed trap is unlikely to injure the deer, and if the trap is checked with
sufficient frequency, the trapped animal is unlikely to suffer significant trauma from the stay in
the trap.
The killing methods assumed are instantaneous and therefore humane.
Is it safe?
Propedy managed box traps pose very little dsk to people. This method is the only lethal
method of deer population control safe enough to use in fully developed urban settings.
Is it effective?
Yes, although the experience in North Oaks and Minnetonka, Minnesota suggests that it may
not be sufficient, by itself, to control a large herd. As with trapping and relocation, this method
is selective. Deer may be released if they are not of the desired age and sex.
What does it cost?
The cost per deer trapped depends on trap placement, deer population, and weather
conditions. The frequency of trap monitoring and the possibility that those who monitor the
Winter 1997/1998 Deer Management Plan 8 10/17/97
traps may have other duties between wsits to the trap adds complexity. North Oaks,
Minnesota reports a cost per deer capture of $131. The cost of carcass disposal or
butchenng must be considered; the Ruzickas Locker in Solon has agreed to charge $35 to
gnnd process a non-field dressed deer to 5-pound packages. Minnetonka, Minnesota has
reported total costs of $209-$214 per deer, including meat processing.
Is it legal?
Currently, the Iowa DNR does not allow this method.
Committee Conclusion
The Committee recommends trap and kill as an option to supplement sharpshooting over bait
in areas where sharpshooting is not feasible.
Sharpshoofing
The Committee assumed the use of trained sharpshooters, most likely law enforcement officers,
shooting high-powered rifles over bait from a blind or other set position at night with the use of
spotlights, typically in mid to late winter so the deer are hungry and easily attracted by bait. The bait
must be approximately 50 yards from the sharpshooter to allow accurate shooting without the deer
sensing a human presence. Deer meat taken this way is suitable for human consumption.
Sharpshooters who have been involved in such work report that it is extremely unpleasant with none
of the elements of hunting, and no sense of sportsmanship or of giving the deer a fair chance.
Is it humane?
A high-powered rifle can cause instantaneous death; from the point of view of the individual
deer, no method of killing is more humane. Of all weapons for killing at a distance, high-
powered rifles are the least likely to inflict an inhumane wound, one that cdpples or kills slowly.
The likelihood of such injuries is reduced even more by using trained sharpshooters and a bait
station to attract and hold deer for the kill.
Is it safe?
The safety of this method depends on the range selected, as defined by the location of the
bait station and shooting station. The safest ranges are those that position the shooter and
bait so that bullets are directed into the ground. Safe ranges are unlikely to be available in
built-up areas.
Is it effective?
Assuming that there is an appropriate range, yes. This is the method of choice for urban deer
population control in Illinois and in some Minnesota and Wisconsin communities.
Deer age and sex can be hard to determine at a distance at night, particularly in the winter
after the antlers have been shed. Other communities utilizing sharpshooting, however, have
determined sex selection to not be a prohibiting factor.
Studies have shown, and DNR advisors concurred, that sharpshooting is more effective at
reducing larger numbers of deer than bow and arrow hunting, the only currently allowed
method in Iowa. The DNR indicated a large percentage of the deer population must be
eliminated from the Iowa City/Coralville herd the first few years.
VVinter 1997/1998 Deer Management Plan 9 10117/97
What does rt cost?
The cost per deer killed depends on many vanables but is dominated by the wage paid to the
sharpshooters. Bloomington, Minnesota has reported average costs of $183-$194 per deer in
1993. Costs as high as $260 have been reported in the Chicago metro area. A report from
Wisconsin estimates $74 per deer (excluding processing). The cost of carcass disposal or
butchering must be considered; the Ruzickas Locker in Solon has agreed to charge $35 to
gdnd process a non-field dressed deer to 5-pound packages. Local law enforcement officers
who would be independently-contracted to shoot have expressed interest in charging a rate of
$50 per deer rather than an houdy wage.
Is it legal?
This method involves night shooting, over bait, with lights and high-powered rifles. The Iowa
DNR does not currently allow hunters to use any of these methods. The DNR must amend
administrative policy in order to authorize sharpshooting for urban deer management.
Committee Conclusion
The Committee recommends sharpshooting as the most effective, efficient, and humane
method for reducing the Iowa City/Coralville deer population.
COMMITTEE DECISIONS
MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS
The Committee divided the Iowa City/Coralville community into twenty distinct Deer Management
Districts. The districts were determined based on natural/man-made barriers along with the ability
to implement management techniques in each District.
CARRYING CAPACITY/RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee agreed to the following deer population carrying capacity and recommendations.
0-24 deer/square mile
Recommend educational matedal on living with deer. A brochure
should be designed to answer citizen questions and encourage an
attitude of living with deer. A resource library of printed materials
should be established so people would have easy access to
information. The Committee also accumulated a large number of
resources for City use.
25-34 deer/square mile
Review on a complaint-by-complaint basis. Educational material
may be recommended or reduction methods could be implemented
depending on the management area, number of complaints, and/or
types of damage.
35+ deer/square mile
Reduction must be implemented. At this level, deer pose threat to
the ecosystem.
Timely announcements (utilizing City public information distribution methods such as City News,
Government Channel 4 and media releases) advising the community on the approved plan and actual
implementation information are necessary.
Review of the twenty Deer Management Districts indicates that four warrant methods for educating
citizens on 'living with deer' and seven warrant some killing of deer.
Winter 1997/1998 Deer Management Plan 10 10/17/97 '
1997/1998 DEER /vIANAGEt~4ENT PLAN
It ~s the unanimous decision of the 1997 Iowa CityICoralville Deer Management Committee that the Iowa
City City Souncil resolve that the City Manager is authonzed and directed to implement the Winter
1997/'1998 Deer Management Plan for the, that shall include the following elements:
The City of Iowa City will develop a comprehensive educational program that will provide Iowa City
residents with information on deer seasonal habits and guidelines for limiting localized deer
damage through the use of repellents, screening, alternative plantings, and other techniques.
Educational materials will be distributed with each new residents' packet and information broadcast
regularly on Government Cable Channel 4. The City of Iowa City will organize public information
meetings regarding the methods of deer management listed herein.
The City of Iowa City will evaluate and, where appropriate, install or petition the State of Iowa or
Johnson County to install on roadways under their jurisdiction, warning signs and/or reflectors that
may reduce the likelihood of vehicle/deer accidents. In addition, to minimize deer/vehicle conflict,
thoughtful consideration will be given to deer migratory paths as transportation improvement
projects are approved by the City Council.
The City of Iowa City will actively work with the State of Iowa Department of Natural Resources to
fully understand and strongly support their efforts to control the deer population for which that
agency is responsible and which affects the health, safety, and welfare of Iowa City residents.
The City of Iowa City will immediately apply for permits from the State of Iowa Department of
Natural Resources to implement the plan to kill 109 does within the Iowa City corporate limits
utilizing sharpshooting and trap and kill dudng the winter of 1997/1998. The specific areas for
reduction are to be Management Districts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 15. A map defining'the Management
Districts is attached.
The City of Iowa City will fully comply with all rules and regulations promulgated by the Iowa
Department of Natural Resources governing killing of deer, will exercise great caution and safety in
implementing the program, will utilize the most humane methods available, and will ensure the deer
meat is processed for distribution to agencies involved in feeding the hungry and the homeless. A
program of public education about the management plan will be implemented to ensure that the
public is aware of this activity and of safety measures.
6. The City of Iowa City will appropriate the sum of $15,000 to implement the Deer Management Plan
outlined in this Resolution for the pedod through February 28, 1998.
7. The City of Iowa City will pursue a study in cooperation with the Humane Society of the United
States of the feasibility of deer immunocontraception within its corporate limits.
The City of Iowa City will compile data on deer management including but not limited to
vehicle/deer accident information, citizen complaints, and an annual helicopter count. In addition,
the City Council will convene a meeting of the Iowa City/Coralville Deer Management Committee in
the Spring of 1998 to review and recommend options for the pedod of October 1, 1998, through
March 1, 1999.
The City of Iowa City will conduct an evaluation of the effectiveness of this Deer Management Plan
at the City Council Formal Meeting no later than Apdl 30, 1998. A report will be filed with the State
of Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Winter 199711998 Deer Management Plan 11 10117/97
GLOSSARY
BIOLOGICAL CARRYING CAPACITY: Biological or single-species carrying capacity is the number of
animals of a particular species that a given range can support.
CULTURAL CARRYING CAPACITY: Number of animals of a particular species that can co-exist
compatibly with human populations that have been encouraged to employ all non-lethal options to deter
conflict with the animal population.
ECOLOGICAL CARRYING CAPACITY: Number of animals of a particular species that a given range
can support without that species ddving other species out of that range.
HUMANE: Marked by compassion, kindness, mercy, and/or consideration for animals.
MODIFIED CLOVER TRAP: A trap consisting of mesh sides and a metal frame used to detain an
animal.
STEPHENSON BOX TRAP: A trap of sturdy wood construction, 10' long, 4' wide, and 4' high, used to
detain an animal.
Winter 199711998 Deer Management Plan 12 10/17/97 ·
Prepared by: Lisa Handsaker, Admin. Asst., 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240(319) 356-5010
RESOLUTION NO. 97-367
CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE CITY OF IOWA CITY'S
WINTER 1997198 DEER MANAGEMENT PLAN.
WHEREAS, the City of Iowa City has conducted a study of deer herd population and
management options, and;
WHEREAS, the City of Iowa City has determined that steps must be taken to develop and
implement a Deer Management Plan for 1997/1 998 that will be designed to provide needed
relief and protection of property owners and motor vehicle operators within the corporate
limits of Iowa City, and;
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council are prepared to take this action after considering the
history of this issue, the effectiveness of alternative methods made available, and the City's
inherent obligation to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all Iowa City citizens.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and City Council that the City Manager is
hereby authorized and directed to implement for the Winter of 1997/1998, the Deer
Management Plan that shall include the following elements:
The City of Iowa City will develop a comprehensive educational program that will
provide Iowa City residents with information on deer seasonal habits and guidelines for
limiting localized deer damage through the use of repellents, screening, alternative
plantings, and other techniques. Educational materials will be distributed with each
new residents' packet and information broadcast regularly on Government Cable
Channel 4. The City of Iowa City will organize public information meetings regarding
the methods of deer management listed herein.
The City of Iowa City will evaluate and, where appropriate, install or petition the State
of Iowa or Johnson County to install on roadways under their jurisdiction, warning
signs and/or reflectors that may reduce the likelihood of vehicle/deer accidents. In
addition, to minimize deer/vehicle conflict, thoughtful consideration will be given to
deer migratory paths as transportation improvement projects are approved by the City
Council.
The City of Iowa City will actively work with the State of Iowa Department of Natural
Resources to fully understand their efforts to control the deer population for which that
agency is responsible and which affects the health, safety, and welfare of Iowa City
residents.
The City of Iowa City will immediately apply for permits from the State of Iowa
Department of Natural Resources to implement the plan to kill 109 does within the
Iowa City corporate limits utilizing sharpshooting and trap and kill during the winter of
1 99711 998. The specific areas for reduction are to be Management Districts 2, 3, 4,
Resolution No. 97-367
Page 2
The City of Iowa City will fully comply with all rules and regulations promulgated by the
Iowa Department of Natural Resources governing killing of deer, will exercise great
caution and safety in implementing the program, will utilize the most humane methods
available, and will ensure the deer meat is processed for distribution to agencies involved
in feeding the hungry and the homeless. A program of public education about the
management plan will be implemented to ensure that the public is aware of this activity
and of safety measures.
The City of Iowa City will appropriate the sum of $15,000 to implement the Deer
Management Plan outlined in this Resolution for the pedod through February 28, 1998.
The City of Iowa City will pursue a study in cooperation with the Humane Society of the
United States of the feasibility of deer immunocontraception within its corporate limits.
o
The City of Iowa City will compile data on deer management including but not limited to
vehicle/deer accident information, citizen complaints, and an annual helicopter count. In
addition, the City Council will convene a meeting of the Iowa City/Coralville Deer
Management Committee in the Spdng of 1998 to review and recommend options for the
period of October 1, 1998, through March 1, 1999.
The City of Iowa City will conduct an evaluation of the effectiveness of this Deer
Management Plan at the City Council Formal Meeting no later than Apdl 30, 1998. A
report will be filed with the State of Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager is to proceed
immediately to ensure implementation of this Deer Management Plan for the Winter of 1997/1998
and to keep the Mayor and City Council fully apprised of the status of this plan throughout its
development and implementation.
Passed and approved this 21st day of
October
, 1997.
A~-FEST: /~~.~.)
CITY'CLERK
MAYOR
AR ove !y /O.-.l[r~7
City Attorney's Office
EXH[B[T
Mernorandtnn
To:
From:
Oat~:
R~:
Steve Atldm, City Manager
R.I. Winkelhake, Chief of Police
I. Steffen, Sergeant of Planning and Research
October 22, 1997
Car/Deer Accidents
C/TY , UmC ..................
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
·:: 5: ::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:!! [!:[
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
This memo is a sunrotary of the motor vehicle/deer accidents that occurred within the city
limits of Iowa 'City. The totals for each area are from January 01, 1997, through October 22,
:i~}i:111.11i!:':::'~(::~ Dubuque Street near Foster Road had 3 accidents resulting in S3750 worth of
~111}:ii:ili'" ":'~ii':were 2 reports on First Ave. North of Rochester Ave. that resulted in $1250 of
?~i}:i:.}:?~!i" "' ":' ' "'~. The deer died and DNR salvage tags were issued by the officer.
!i~i~i!:i'~i('. :!~i;[qbrth Dodge Street from Prairie Du Chien to 1-80 there were 5 accidents. The
:~::i!:!~!iiii'?~-;~da~e amount was $7700 with one accident where the car left before the officer arrived.
:~ii?~:In three of the ca~es the de~r died and DNR salvage tag~ were issued. The deer died in
one and the carcass was disposed. The last one the deer ran away.
· There were 3 accidents on Hwy 218 that resulted in S53~ worth of damage. Twice the
deer ran away and the other case the deer died and was disposed of by DOT.
· Four accidents were reported on 1-80. In three of the cases the deer were not found. The
last one the deer died. These four accidents resulted in $9225 worth of damage.
· One accident was repor,~t in the 3000 block of South Gilbert in which the deer died
and $500 damage was done to the car.
· A car/deer accident on Lower Muscatine at Ash Street ended with $5 worth of damage
and the deer died.
Year to date there have been 19 reported motor vehicle/deer accidents. This resulted in
$27,730 worth of damage, not including one accident where the car lcft the scene. Eleven
deer died at the scene of the accident and in 9 cases the deer ran from the scene. This
October ~ 1997
comparea to all of 1996 wh~r~ the Iowa City Police mvea~ated 1S motor vehicle/deer
accidm~. The damag~ total was S10,~00 with four accidents with unknown damage because
tho car h~ tiao sc~o. ~, Iowa City Police covea~d only one car/deer accident on 1-80
and Hwy. 218 ~ year. This year there have been 7 that reault~ in $14,~25 worth of
IOWA CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
410 EAST WASI-.mNIGTON STREET, IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240
019) 356-5275 · FAX # (319) 356-5449
Memo
To: Dennis Mitchell'
From-' Sgt. Jim Steffen
Date: November 26, 1997
Re= Car-Deer Accidents
Dennis since my memo da/ed-10~22-97 to Steve, Atldns the Iowa City Police Department hay covered
five (5) other accidents. These accidents resulted in $2500.00 worth of damage to motor vehicles. In
one case the car left the scene so a damage estimate was not made.
· Page I
EXHIBIT "="
POLICE SHARI~HOOTEN'G AS A M2ETHOD TO REDUCE URBA. N
POPULATIONS
117
DEER
MICHELLE L. STRADTMANN~, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
JAY B. McANINCH, Department of Nanira. I Resources, Madelis, MN
ERNIE P. WIGGERS, School of Natural Resources, University of Missour/, Columbia, MO
JON M. PARKER, Department of Natural Resources, St. Paul, MN
High deer populations in urban communities
create traffic ha:arch, concerns about human health,
and cause extensive damage to native and planted
vegetation. While many residents expect these issues to
be resolved, they are often unwilling to accept the use
of traditional management methods. Variations of
controlled hunting have been the primary methods used
to manage deer numbers (Palmer et al. 1980,
Ellingwood and Camrano 1988, Deblinger 1990),
although trap and transfer has also been reported
(Bryant and Ishmael 1990, Jones and Witham 1990,
O'Bryan and McCullough 1985). In response to
concerns about cost, safety, efficiency and public
acceptance, sharpshooting has been proposed as an
alternative (Witham and Jones 1992, Ishlllael and
Rongstad 1984). However, only limited information
exists on the actual cost, efficiency and safety of the
technique.
In 1991, the Minnesota Valley Deer
Management Task Force (DMTF) developed a deer
management plan for the cities of Bloomington,
Burnsville, Fagan and Mendota Heights, Minnesota
(McAninch and Parker 1991). The DMTF
recommended a variety of methods to control and
manage deer populations including sharpshooting. O~
the basis of the DMTF recommendations, a 3-year
sharpshooting program, using police officers from the
Bloomington Police Department (BPD) was adopted in
the city of Bloomington. We di.vcusa the development,
administration and implementation of the BPD
sharpshooting program in Bloomington and present data
oa cost aJad efficiency. We also discuss safety concer~
a.ud public reaction to the program.
NEETHODS
Program development
Sharpshooting was approved as one of several
reduction options by the Bloomington Natural and
Historic Resources Commission (NHRC) and the
Bloomington City Council for a 3-year experimental
pencat. A number of agencies participated in the
development and implementation of the sharpshooting
Department of Natural Resources, Madelis, MN
program ('Table 1). The program was coordinated by
the Bloomington Planning Division under special i~rmit
granted by the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) to the BPD. Staff from the DNR
Section of Wildlife acted as advisors for the program,
the BPD provided sharpshooters and the Parks
Maintenance Department (PMD) and DNR, Division of
Law Enforcement handled logistics.
Deer population reduction goals for selected
areas within the city were developed by the DNR and
were based on helicopter counts, population modeling
and density goals of 15-25 deer per square mile.
Program implementation
The sharpshooting task was assigned to the
Special Operations Unit of the BPD. The Special
Operations Commander was in charge of supervision,
data collection and budgeting and made administrative
adjustmenu to the program as needed. Officers were
recruited and provided with an explanation of the
program and expectations for time commitment and
performance. Officers were required to supply their
own firearms (.222 to .243 caliber rifles with scopes),
pass a shooting test and receive BPD authorization for
a non-standard weapon. To pass the shooting test,
officer~ had to hit a 7' (18m) diameter target at 2.5
(23m) and 50 (46m) yards, I0 seconds after a 'fire"
command was given. Officers were also required to
attend an oricmation session that covered a wide range
of topics, from public interaction to safety standards
and shot placement.
Throughout the program, emphasis was placed
on public safety. Officers were instructed to shoot only
toward adequate backstops, use only one shot to kill
each deer, and to remember safety was more importslit
than killing deer. Deer were shot within predetermined
shooting lanes and from stationary positions such as a
stand or vehicle. Deer were only to be shot while they
were standing or walking slowly. To eliminate deer
rnnning after the shot, officers were instructed to use
ordy neck shots. Officers were advised to allow deer to
7ab{e :. Agency. participation m the sharpshooting program m BLoomington, Minnesota, 1991-1993.
Agency/OrganiTation
Bloomington Natural and Historic Resources Commission
and City Council
Bloomington Planning Division
Bloomington Police Department
Bloomington Parks Maintenance
Department of Natural Resources - Section of Wildlife
Department of Natural Resources - Division of Law
Enforcement
Participation
Deer feeding ban
Approval of program and final
recommendations
Waiver of firearms discharge ordinance
Deer Management Plan update
DNR permit application
Public notification of program
Coordination of program review
Budgeting
Bait site selection
Sharpshooter supervision
Data collection
Bait site selection
Sign posting
Maintain site ace, ess and baiting
Carcass collection
Permit allocation
Bait site selection
Advise police department
Assist in program review
Bait site selection
Distribution of carcasses
begin feeding before shooting to give time for other
deer to arrive at bait sites. If shooters had the option,
adult females or other angerless deer were to be shot
f'u~t.
Bait sites were selected based on proximity to
deer concentrations, access for vehicl~ and
opportunities for safe shooting. Residents were notified
of the locations and dates of the program through local
newspapers. Letters were also sent to residents
bordering each shooting area. In 1991-92 0aY1) sites
were baited with five gallon pails of shelled or cared
corn i-2 weeks before shooting began and checked or
replenished as needed. In 1992-93 0aY2) and 1993-94
(PY3), $00 bushels of corn were placed at bait sites 2
weeks before shooting began and replenished as needed.
Signs were posted at all park access points and along
public trails one week prior to the start of shooting.
When officers were assigned to shoot, they
reported to the BPD dispatcher at the start of their shift
and checked out ~'mrnunition, spotlights and radios.
Officers usually arrived at bait sites at dusk and
remained at the site for 3-5 hours. Dead deer were
removed from bait sites so that approaching deer would
not becomc wary. Office~ returned to the station to
file activity reports and return equipment. Activity
reports included information on hours on duty, bait site
number, sex and age of deer observed, deer killed and
shots fLred. Carcasses were collected immediately
following sharpshooting, were field dressed, and
females examined for presence of fetuses. Carcasses
were delivered to the DNR, Division of Law
Enforcement for final disposition to charitable
organizations.
In PY 1, in addition to shooting over bait, 3
drives were conducted. While the drives were not as
controlled as shooting over bait, every attempt was
made for drives to be conducted safely. Sharpsholsters
were set in positions with adequate backstops and each
carried hand-held radios. Sollie drivers also carried
hand-held radios and guards were posted at park
prevent ,~vopie from :atering ~he park
in 1992 and ~993, the Bloomingtou Planning
Departrecur coordinated the program review in
conjunction with PMD, BPD and DNR-Sectiou of
Wildlife. NI..IRC reviewed the program and made
adjustments based ou recommeudations from the group.
NI-IRC fonvarded their recommendations to the City
Council who provided approval for the following year.
:~tmlysis
Success rates (deer killed/hr) were calculated
by dividing the number of hours sha~shooters were on
duty (not just in the field) by the number of deer they
killed. Cost per deer was calculated by dividing the
number of deer killed into the total costs for the
program. Program costs included daily BPD
administration, sharpshooter wages, wages for staff to
dispose of deer and maintain bait sites, equipment and
bait. Costs for staff to conduct drives in PYI were
included in the total costs for that year. Differences in
success between years, officers, bait sites and weather
conditions were tested using the Kruskal-Wallis statistic.
Daily maximum tempermute, daily snow cover and
snowfall information was obtained from Minneapolis/St.
Paul International Airport.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The BPD sharpshooting program ran from 18
November to 13 March in PYI, from 16 November to
12 February in PY2 and from 15 November to 27
February in PY3. In PYI, 21 officers participated in
the program and each worked an average of 2,9 shifts
(range=l-8) (Table 2). In PY2, 16 officers each
worked an average of 4.3 shifts (range=l-10). In
PY3, only the 9 most efficient officers from PY2
participated in the program and each worked an average
of 10.7 shifts (range=6-22). An average of 1.7, 1.5
119
:me 2 3 sharpshooters worked per mght m PYi, PY2
and PY,~. respectively.
Sharpshooters icilled 135 deer in PYi, 167 deer
in PY2 and 152 deer in PY3 (Table 3). In PYI, 40 of
the deer were killed during 3 drives conducted along a
creek bottom. The portion of the total kill that were
adult females (> 1.5 years) ranged from 30% in PYI
to 42% in PY2. Conversely, the portion of kill that
were adult males ranged from 27% in PYI to 19% in
PY2.
Four bait sites were used in PY1, 6 in PY2
and 10 in PY3 (Table 4). Sharpshooters worked an
average of 52 hours (range=29-76) and killed an
average of 24 deer (range=540) at each bait site in
PY1. In PY2, sharpshooters worked an average of 45
hours (range=5-98) and killed an average of 28 deer
(range=4-66) at each bait site. At each bait site in
PY3, sharpshooters worked an average of 37 hours
(range=6-127) and killed an average of 15 deer
(range =0-68). There were no significant differences in
success (rate) between bait sites in any year (P>0.26,
P>0.83 and P>0.06 in PY1, PY2 and PY3,
respectively). These results were expected since all bait
sites were carefully selected based on accessibility,
safety and proximity to deer concentrations. In
addition, large amounts of bait were used to attract the
deer to the site before and during shooting operations.
No accidents occurred during the 3 years of the
BPD sharpshooting program. Two complaints about
shooting hours were received by BPD in PY2. The
Planning Department received calls during each of the
3 years, but no specific complaints about the
sharpshooting program were taken. Instead, callers
inqui.,'ed about the general deer management program,
policy, alternative solutions, damage, deer feeding and
disposition of carcasses.
Tabie 2. Number of sharpshooting days, total sharpshooting hours and mean hours worked and deer l~11ed per
a&~L~si2eoter during the Bloomington Police Sharpshooting Program, Bloomington, Minnesota, ! 99 I- 1994.
Sharpshooting days
Sharpshooting hours
,'viean hours per sharpshooter
Mean deer killed per
sharpshooter
1991-92 1992-93 1993-94
27 44 41
237 270 383
11.3 16.8 41.5
(4-28) (3-41) (24-87)
4.5 10.4 16.8
(0-13) (0-24) (3-32)
t20
Table 3. Numt:,:r off Aeer Lilled at baat s;:es ~,, s:x and lge .n me B',ocmmg:on ?oi:c~ Sl~a~siaccc:ng ~ogram.
Bloom,mgton. Minnesota. !991-I994.
Number of deer killed
Year Adult female Adult male Fawn female Fawn male Total
1991-92 30 (31%) 28 (29%) 16 (17%) 21 (22%) 95
1992-93 70 (42%) 31 (19%) 26 (16%) 40 (24%) 167
1993-94 55 (36%) 35 (23%) 30 (20%) 31 (21%) 151
Sharpshooters reported that they did not
recover six deer in PY2 and 2 deer in PY3. All deer
were recovered in PYI. One of the unrecovered deer
was known to have been hit in the jaw from a bullet
that passed through another deer, but was never found.
In most of the other cases, .sharpshooters did not record
any evidence that a deer was actually hit. In addition,
while 3 calls were received regarding um'ecovered deer
in PY2, all showed no evidence of ballet wounds and
were determined to have died from collisions with
vehicles. Success rates for all sharpshooters combined
did not differ between yem-s (P<0.01, x-0.40, 0.62
and 0.39 for PYI, PY2 and PY3, respectively).
However, success rates differed among individual
sharpshooters in PY1 and PY2-but not in PY3
(P~O.001 in PYI and PY2 and P>O.06 in PY3).
Individual success ranged from 0 to I. 11 deer/hr in
PYI (x--0.41), and 0 to 0.84 deer/l:tr in PY2 (x-0.50)
and from 0.11 to 0.65 deer/iar in PY3 (x~.0.37).
Weather conditions varied between program
years. There were no significant differences in
snowfall between years (P(~0.59, x--0.53', 0.23' and
0.32' in PY1, PY2 and PY3, respectively) or daily
maximum temperature (P>0.39, x--30.2 and 28.5 and
25.6 C in PY1, PY2 and PY3, respectively) between
years. However, there were significant differences in
the amount of snow on the ground (P<0.001). ,am
average of 8.8* (22.3cm), 3.9' (9.9cm) and 4.4'
(11.tcm) of snow were on the ground on shooting
nights in ?Y1, PY2 and PY3, respectively. Only 2
nights (7.4%) had no snow cover in PYI, while in PY2
and PY3 there were 14 nights (31.8%) and 13 (31.7%)
without snow cover, respectively. Success did not
differ on days with or without snow cover (P > 0.94) or
between days with <6' or ~ 6' of snow cover
(P) 0.52). These results were somewhat unexpected
because snow, particularly when accumulated on the
ground, was thought to effect the success of
sharpshooting.
The sharpshooting program cost $26,142 and
$30,610 and $31,277 in PY1, PY2 and PY3,
respectively (Figure 1). Cost per deer killed was $194
in PY1, $183 in PY2 and $206 in PY3. The single
largest cost for the program was sharpshooter wages,
which was expected because of the overtime wages
paid.
Success and costs of the BPD sharpshooting
program compared favorably with other deer control
program~ reported in the literature. BPD sharpshooters
killed an average of 0.51 deer/hr, spent 1.96 hours per
deer killed at an average cost of $184.85 per deer.
Witham and Jones (I992) reported sharpshooters killed
0.37 and 0.39 deer/hr at Ryerson Conservation Area
and Chicago-O'Hare International Airport, respectively.
Costs per deer at Ryerson Conservation Area were
$287.98. Ishmael and Rongstad (1984) reported that
shooting deer over bait took 13.5 hours (0.07 deer,era')
and cost $73.95 per deer. However, shooters were
paid $3.65fhr plus travel expenses whereas
sharpshooters from BPD were paid an overtime rate.
In this study, we believe there were manet
indirect as well as direct benefits to using police
officers as sharpshooters. The primary advantages
stemmed from the BPD ties to the community and the
comprehensive t~aining received by each officer. The
public has open communication with the police
department to register concerns, receive answers to
questions or respond to emergencies. Because they
were on duty while sharpshooting, officers followed
public safety procedures as they would have on any
assignment. In addition, officers were continuously
briefed and updated in firearms and public safety
standards. For these reasons, we believe residents felt
very safe knowing police officers were the
sharpshooters. In addition, the City Attorney in
Bloomington felt the use of police officers was
Table 4. Number of ~hooti.g hours and deer killed and mean deer killed per hour al each bait site in the BloomingIon Police Sharpshooting
Bloomin§ton, Minnesota, ! 991- ! 994.
Bait
!
2
3
4
6
?
8
9
10
II
12
1991-92 1992-93 1993-94
Total Total Mean deer Total Total Mean deer Total Total Mean detr
N hours kill killed per hour N hours kill killed per hour N hours kill killed per hour
20 71 38 0.61 16 45 31 0.94 10 23 7 0.30
4 9 7 1.00
9 32 12 0.39 13 36 18 0.58 10 31 3 0.10
8 '29 5 0.23 3 5 4 0.90
22 77 ' 41 0.60 24 66 23 0.35
21 76 40 0.56 27 97 66 0.68 39 123 68 0.:55
9 21 '17 0.82
2 6 0 0.00
12 34 8 0.24
4 7 0 0.00
11 27 14 0.53
11 36 11 0.31
122
Belt (2.0%)
Equipment (10.7%) ~
Support wages (35,5%)
Adminlitration (6.6%)
Sharpshooter wages (45.2%)
Figure 1. Average annual costs for the Bloomington Police Department Sharpshooting Program, 1991-1994.
preferred because their activities are covered by the city
should an accident occur or a liability issue arise.
Police commanders also felt more comfortable having
officers, who must report to them, conduct
sharpshooting activities rather than a private contractor
or shooter who would not have ties to the community.
Finally, we believe negative public reaction to
the program w~ minimi?~:d because residents were
continually informed of the purpose and progress of the
program. Open and honest communication with the
public is important in maintaining appreciation for and
confidence in any public agency involved in decisions
about highly emotional issues.
LITERATURE CITED
Bryant, B. K., and W. Ishmael. 1990. Movement and
mortality patterns of radio-tagged suburban and
translocated suburban white-tailed deer. Pages 53-
58 in L. W. Adams and D. L. Leedy, eds.,
Wildlife Conservation in metropolitan
environments. NIUW Syrup. Sec. 2. 264pp
McAninch, J. B., and J. M. Parker. 1991. Urban deer
management program*: A facilitated approach.
Trans. North Am. Wildl. and Nat. Resour. Conf.
56:428-436.
O'Bryan, M. K., and D. R. McCullough. 1985.
Survival of black-tailed deer following relocation in
California. $. Wildl. Manage. 49:115-119.
Palmer, D. T., D. A. Andrews, R. O. Winters, and
J.W. Francis. 1980. Removal techniques to control
an enclosed deer herd. Wildl. Soc. Bull. 8:29-33.
Witham, 5. H., and I. M. Jones. 1992. Biology,
ecology, and management of deer in the Chicago
metropolitan area. Illinois Nat. Hist. Surv. Final
Report, Proj. No. W-87-R. 108pp.
Deblinger, R. D. 1990. Crane Memorial Reservation
and Crane Wildlife Refuge white-tailed deer
management program: Annual Report, 1989. The
Trustees of Reservations, Beverly, MA. 12pp.
Ellingwood, M. R., and S. L. Caturano. 1988. An
evaluation of deer management options. Comm.
Dept. Eavir. Protect. Public. No. DR-11, 12pp.
Ishmael, W. E., and O. J. Rongstad. 1984. Economi~
of an urban deer-removal program. Wildl. Soc.
Bull. 12:394-398.
Jones, J. M., and J. H. Witham. 1990. Post-
translocation survival and movements of
metropolitan white-tailed deer. Wildl. Soc. Bull.
18:434-.441.
EXHIBIT "F"
DEER POPLrL~TION CONTROL PERMITS (REMOVAL OF > 10 DEER)
The Department strives to maintain deer densities at desirable
levels or to adjust them in accordance with biological and/or
social needs. Management alternatives to achieve this objective
include: manipulation of the size and sex composition of the
harvest, season type, season timing, season length and the number
and/or types of permits issued. However, in areas where hunting is
precluded due to concerns for human safety and/or precluded by
federal, state, county or municipal statutes or ordinances due to
concerns for human safety, Deer Population Control Permits (DPCP's)
may be issued under the following guidelines:
DPCP PROCEDURES/GUIDELINES
A)
B)
DPCPs are the only "non-hunting" deer permits issued for deer
population/herd reduction and control.
These permits are issued to land-managing or landowner
agencies, organizations, corporations, associations, etc. and
are not to be issued to individual private landowners.
Examples of land-managing/landowner organizations/agencies
(hereafter referred to as "land-managers") include, but are
not limited to:
county forest preserve districts
county conservation districts
county or municipal park districts
airport authorities
municipalities
golf courses/country clubs
cemeteries
homeowner associations
scout camps (or other outdoor recreational/educational
camps)
open space/open lands associations
Federal installations (e.g., national research
facilities)
colleges, universities, or other schools
corporate and industrial developments
c)
Upon initial contact by a representative of landowner,
Division field staff (DWM's and PLB's) will follow procedures
similar to tkose outlined for DRP requests by private
landowners:
1)
The Division "agent" should record pertinent information, and
maintain this information on file, during the initial contact.
Information to be recorded includes: land-manager's
(agency/organization) name, address, phone number, the
18
2)
representative's/contact person's name and phone number,
s~ze/acreage of property, description of deer-related
"probLem", whether the property in question is within city
limits (~.e., whether it is incorporated or unincorporated
propertyt, and whether the property is statutorily (and
currently, or potentially, huntable).
Set up an site-inspection/evaluation for the earliest,
mutually agreed upon, convenient date.
Review, during the initial contact, later contact, or site-
inspection, the steps the land-manager must follow in order to
receive a DPCP. The agency, corporation or association
requesting authority to remove deer must develop and submit a
management proposal to the biologist before a removal permit
will be granted. The minimum requirements for a DPCP proposal
are:
ae
A TITLE PAGE - with the name, address and phone number of
the organization submitting the proposal and date
submitted.
INTRODUCTION AND PROBLEM STATEMENT - which includes a
brief description of the size, location and objective
statement for the area to be managed.
PROGRAM GOALS - which addresses the long term purpose of
the management, i.e., the damage to be alleviated.
de
PROGRAM OB~TECTIVES - which provides specific descriptions
of management tasks to be accomplished, i.e., desired
deer densities to be achieved by what methods, etc.
SITE DESCRIPTION - which includes a detailed description
of the area, evaluation of deer numbers, and an outline
of past deer management activities.
DOCUMENTATION OF~PROBT.~- which includes extent and
distribution of native species, ornamental and/or
agricultural plants that are being damaged or destroyed,
along with replacement costs. Quantitative documentation
will be required in subsequent applications for
additional permits.
PROPOSED M~THODS AND PROCEDURES - which identifies the
techniques to be used and the number of animals to be
removed (The cost of deer removal program and carcass
processing fees are the responsibility of the landowner
that implements the management program and needs to be
identified during the planning phase).
19
D)
E)
2)
3)
4)
F)
l)
EVALUATION OF MANAGEMENT PROGRAM - which lists the
criteria that will be used to evaluate the effectiveness
of the techniques in meeting the stated objectives.
CPIRONOLOGY OF MANAGEMENT ACTMTIES - which includes date
of the proposal, proposed date of control program
initiation, proposed completion date, timing of
documentation/evaluation of results and the date the
summary is to be returned to the Department.
j. LITERATURE CITED
k. TABLES, GRAPHS AND APPENDICES that support the proposal.
Deer management proposals/applications for DPCP will be
required annually. Proposals must be submitted no later than.
30 days prior to the proposed starting date in order to allow
ample time for review by PLB or DWB and Forest Wildlife staff,
for sharpshooter certification, etc.
DPCP routing procedures:
Division field personnel (PLB or DWM) receive, and provide
initial review of, the deer management proposal/DPCP
application. This review process may entail returning the
proposal to the land-manager for more information and/or
clarification.
When satisfied, the PLB or DWM will forward the proposal and
his/her recommendations/comments to the Forest Wildlife
Program (* both the Deer Project Manager in Petersburg and
Urban Deer Project Manager in Elgin). The PLB's or DWM's
comments should contain approval (based on site- evaluation)
of proposed bait/shooting sites and the charity(ies) to
receive processed venison or field-dressed carcasses.
If approved, a DPCP will be issued by Forest Wildlife and
copies will be distributed per instructions on the bottom of
the permit with a copy (xerox) forwarded to the PLB or DWM.
Upon issuance of the DPCP and prior to any deer removals via
sharpshooters, the Division field agent should schedule time
and place for sharpshcoter qualification/shooting proficiency
test (Appendix I).
Summaries required are:
Within 30 days of permit expiration, or collecting the total
number of deer authorized, the land-manager must submit a
complete deer removal record and carcass disposition report to
the authorizing agent (along with any unused carcass tags) and
the initial Division staff contact. This summary must
2O
contain the date collected, carcass tag number, sex and age,
weight (not mandatory), condition index (not mandatory),
presence of wounds, abnormalities, and/or parasites, and
ultimate disposition for each deer. The summary should also
contain either the number of deer carcasses or the amount
of processed venison donated to charity and a list of the
recipient charities.
If the permittee is issued another/successive DPCP in order to
extend the time for removals or increase the number of deer to
be removed (which requires additional written justification),
the removal/carcass summary must be submitted within 30 days
after expiration of the last permit issued. Deer removal
activities are generally conducted during late fall-winter
which means that no more than 2 - 90 day DPCP will be
required. A DPCP can be issued for any number of deer, but
like all nuisance wildlife removal permits is restricted by
provisions in the Illinois Wildlife Code to be valid for no
more than 90 days.
The Good Samaritan Food Donor Act (P.A. 87-1036) was amended
(effective 1 January, 1993) to allow donation of wild game to
charitable or not-for-profit organizations without liability
if done in good faith. A Memorandum of Understanding
(Appendix J) between the Departments of Natural Resources
(formerly Conservation), Corrections, and Public Health with
input from Agriculture became effective on 1 January 1995 and
provides procedures for handling, tr~.nsporting, processing and
inspection of deer prior to donation.
Within one year of DPCP expiration, or as part of a subsequent
management proposal/DPCP application, the permittee must
submit a summary/evaluation of the effects and/or
effectiveness of the deer removal program, based upon stated
program objectives and methods of evaluation.
G)
The role of Division personnel in deer herd reduction programs
implemented by non-State land-managers is providing assistance
and recommendations and overseeing/monitoring removal
activities. Division personnel may provide assistance in the
field (e.g., serving as an observer on aerial or spotlight
counts, assisting with vegetation measurements, etc.) as
possible, but this does not include making arrangements for,
or conducting, aerial surveys for the land-manager. The land-
manager is responsible for making all arrangements associated
with proposal and summary preparation, deer removals, carcass
disposition, and program evaluation and will be responsible
for all costs incurred.
21
ADDITIONAL DPCP SPECIFICATIONS:
Only field-proven effective deer population control techniques
will be approved and authcrfzed.
Any chemical introduced by any means into free-ranging white-
tailed deer for the purpose of population control must be
approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration
and United States Department of Agriculture for use on free-
ranging and/or food producing animals. Additionally, any such
drug must have been shown, through published scientific
research, to have no harmful effects upon predators (including
humans) and scavengers feeding upon the flesh of an animal
trea~zed with said drug.
Live capture, translocation and release of wild white-tailed
deer into a free-ranging situation, as a method of population
control, will not be permitted.
Live-trapping and relocation of deer will be permitted only to
not-for-profit zoological institutions approved by the
Department and subject to the following conditions:
Individual deer must be certified by a licensed
veterinarian as "disease free" before translocation may
occur. Specific tests required are based on current
IDNR, IDOA and IDOPH guidelines;
Translocation and handling of deer must be conducted
under the direct supervision of a professional wildlife
biologist or licensed veterinarian;
Translocation of deer will only be allowed to zoological
institutions K having deer-proof enclosures to prevent
escape into the wild.
If deer are to be moved across state lines, permits must
be obtained ~ from the natural resource agency in that
state; copies must be ~ provided to the Forest Wildlife
Program;
All deer treated with drugs (e.g., immobilizing agents)
and released ~ into a free-ranging situation must be
permanently marked in a highly visible manner; and
Individuals actively involved in live-trapping and
translocation must carry a copy of the DPCP and carcass
tags at all times when moving and handling deer. Should
mortality occur during translocation, a carcass tag must
be immediately affixed to the deer carcass through a rear
leg.
22
Live-capture and translocation of free-ranging deer to
privately-owned commercial game breeding facilities, as a
method of controlling deer numbers, will not be permitted.
Live-capture and euthanasia will be permitted only if method
of euthanasia is deemed acceptable and/or conditionally
acceptable by the most recent American Veterinary Medical
Association Panel on Humane Euthanasia and does not render
carcasses unsuitable for human consumption.
Selective shooting by professional sharpshooters, tested and
approved by the Department authorizing biologist, using
techniques that maximize both human safety and humane
treatment of animals will be permitted. Sharpshooting will
only be allowed at bait/shooting sites previously viewed and
approved by the IDNR authorizing agent
Deer collected by approved lethal means must be handled (i.e.,
field-dressed, cooled, processed and donated) per current
IDNR, IDOPH, IDOC and IDOA g~idelines (see Appendix J).
Unless otherwise specified, any carcasses unsuited for human
consumption must be disposed of via guidelines in the Illinois
Dead Animal Disposal Act.
23
Appendix i.
SHARPSHOOTER OUALIFICATION/TESTING PROCEDURES
In order to insure human safety and humane euthanasia, agencies
implementing deer herd reduction/control programs using
professional sharpshooters must make arrangements to have the
individuals, proposed as sharpshooters, tested/certified annually
by appropriate Illinois Department of Natural Resources IDNR)-
Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) personnel. ALL other aspects
of these programs (e.g., shooting/bait sites, meat processing
facilitiWs, carcass inspectors, charities to receive processed
venison, etc.) must be approved by the IDNR-DWR authorizing
biologist and the Forest Wildlife Program. The sharpshooter
qualification process entails essentially 3 steps, listed in detail
below:
1)
Application: proposed sharpshooters must complete
pertinent sections (highlighted) of a standard
"Sharpshooter Application" form (attached).
Applicants are permitted to use the back of the
form or an additional sheet of paper if they
require additional space for listing experience.
The latter section should be filled out as
completely as possible by the applicant since
experience is of great importance when evaluating
the qualifications of the applicant. Experience
that should be listed includes: firearm or hunter
safety courses taken or taught by applicant,
shooting clinics or competitions, training in use
of firearms during military or police service,
other marksmanship tests taken, type (and number of
years) of hunting experience, etc. Applicant
should indicate date, or age at the time, of
completing hunter safety course, shooting
competition, etc.
Shooting Proficiency Test: The proficiency test is.
designed to insure that the proposed sharpshooter
can consistently, accurately, and precisely hit a
target similar in size to the one he/she will see
in the field. This test is administered' at a 50
yard outdoor range. Applicants are allowed to use
a bench rest since this simulates field conditions;
unfortunately use of a public range for the test
precludes shooting from an elevated position or at
night with a spotlight which are also field
conditions. The applicant must use the firearm and
ammunition that he/she will be using in the field
during the removal program. All firearms must have
telescopic sights (i.e., scopes). The type of
weapon to be used dictates the target size to be
used for the tes-~, number of sho~s 5c be taken, and
acceptable score:
a)
For all rifles, ~he test 5arget is the
"National Rifle Association (NRA)
official 50-yard small bore rifle target"
with 5 bullseyes. On the official test
target which the applicant has signed and
dated prior to attaching to the target
backstops/holders, the applicant will
discharge one round at each bullseye for
a total of 5 shots. For centerfire
rifles (k.218B cal.), the cutoff for
certification is 46 out of a '~possible
total of 50 points; the applicant must
consistently place all shots within the
"9-ring" which has a diameter of
approximately 1.9 inches.
b)
For rimfire rifles (i.e.,.22 magnum
caliber) (some text deleted) all criteria
in "a" above apply except the point
cutoff for qualification will be 47 out
of 50 points possible.
c)
For 12-20 gauge shotguns with slugs, the
target used for proficiency testing is
the "NRA official 50-yard slow fire
pistol target" with one bullseyD. The
applicant will discharge 3 rounds at the
single bullseye. Cutoff for qualification
is 27 out of a possible 30 points; the
applicant must be able to group three
shots within a circle of 5.5 inches in
diameter.
There is no time limit on the shooting proficiency
test but the applicant is allowed only one attempt
to certify per winter/removal season. For example,
the agency or organization implementing the deer
management program must inform the IDOC of
Dotential sharpshooters to be tested. Next the
shooting proficiency test will be administered by
the IDNR no greater than 45 days prior to the
proposed date for initiation/ implementation of the
management program. The potential sharpshooters
are allowed one attempt to qualify, and if unable
to do so, they cannot be retested until the
following year.
Potential sharpshooters are expected to familiarize
themselves with, and to follow, all rules of the
firearm range used for the proficiency test. The
applicant's knowledge of his/her firearm and
ability to safely handle a firearm will be
evaluated during the proficiency test.
Oral Interview: potential/proposed sharpshooters
will participate in an oral interview before, at
mhe time of, or after, the shooting proficiency
test; the interview will conducted in person or via
telephone. The number and types of questions are
dictated by previous knowledge of, and familiarity
with, the sharpshooter and his/her abilities, prior
shooting and/or hunting (especially deer)
experience, firearm training, previous
participation in deer management programs as a
sharpshooter, etc. The oral interview allows IDNR
personnel to clarify any unclear or vague
information listed on Sharpshooter Application form
(e.g., experience); assess the applicant's
knowledge of deer anatomy, biology, and behavior;
assess the individual's motivation for wanting to
be a sharpshooter; evaluate the applicant's
knowledge of the proposed deer management program
and program priorities; develop an initial
impression of the individual's attitude toward the
program, cooperativeness, and commitment to
insuring human safety and program success.
Additional Requirements:
1)
Must be k 18 years of age.
2)
If a resident of Illinois, must possess a valid
FOID card and hunting privileges must not have been
revoked.
3)
If not a resident of Illinois cannot have been
convicted of any felony or Game Code violations.
NOTE: Although a sharpshooter candidate may initially be tested and
approved by the IDNR after fulfilling the above requirements,
tests, and interviews, his/her qualification as a sharpshooter is
probationary and is continually evaluated (by the IDNR and the
agency implementing the deer management program) during the course
of the program. Any disregard for human safety, incidence of a
high deer wounding rate, uncooperativeness or poor attitude, and/or
other problems will result in the immediate revocation of the
individual's qualification as a sharpshooter.
~ois De?'artment of Conservation
er Population Control Permit
~,-!, y Own~/l~age¢
675 Viliaqe Court
~,,Organiz~lion c~l~ct
m.: MY. Pe~e~ ~ins, Village ~nage[
m~: Mr. ~vid Clark, Assistant ~naqer
Permit No. J~J26-94
Tag Nos. zmoc JHK-843351
- JHK-843380.
Z:o Code: 6CC'22
Phone #: { 708 ~ a,~5-4~ ! ]
Phone #: ( " ) ....
EA DESCRIPTION
~nd 12 of T4~, R12E (Northfield To,ship) and Sections 6-8 and 17-18 of T42N, ~3E (New
~r Tn~.~ ~ p) _ n~eage:__
~C~nty: C~k Type & ~tent of damage: Excessive deer-relat~ d~qe to
~10VAL AND ~R~SS DISPOSITION SPECIFi~TIONS: Petit is valid 24 hrs/day (s~tlighting
.ow~); authoriz~ techni~es are I~-aDorOV~ shar~h~ters fr~ elevat~ ~sitions over
~ld~ress~, Dr~ess~, and donat~ to charity.
AaOVE AG~/~I~ ~ H~Y ~)'~ a ~ ~AY PERMIT UNDER SE~ION 5/2.37 ~ THE ILLINOIS ~LDUCE
~ TO R~~~ ~ ~ DEER ~USlNG DAMAGE {DESCRIB~ A~EI. THIS ~M~
~ED FROM ~] f ~ / ~ TO Oq / q] I q~ IOATE$ ~USlVE) AND ONLY ON THE ~NDS O~ANAG~ SY ~E
JM~T{$). THE ~M~'f~ ~D APCR~ ~R~NO~ S~ ADHERE TO THE PROVISIONS O~ CHA~ER 520 O¢ THE
D~ COMPI~D $TA~S ~O ~ 17 ~ T~ ~ ADMINI$~T~E CODE.
PFR~IT PROVISIONS
~roposed sharpshooters must be tested a~! e~oved by
)~t of Co~servafio~-Oivisio~ of ~fe R~rcas
~ther ~{n~t ~f~.
h~t~ w~l be m~nt~n~ ~ ~de ~ ~e A~h~g
nd/~ h~dl~g da~.
;amen ~d ~sposition shNI ~ly be ~ ~e me~(s}
tat~ ~ this
[o ~ ~ pelts of de~ c~le~ u~
~ ~ ~ ~. m~t~, ~, b~, n~ tr~
I ~y m~.
,ll de~ must be tagg~ 1~ a ~e~ ~g} ~at~y
~t~ k~l~ ~ ~f~a e~ng. T~ ~t be
~t~n~ w~ ~e
5. PER~Fi-i'EE MUST RETURN ANY UNUSED TACS ALONG
WITH THIS PERMIT AND A COMPLETE REMOVAL
RECORD AND CARCASS DISPOSITION REPORT TO THE
AUTHORIZING BIOLOGIST WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE
EXPIRATION OF THIS PERMIT. A complete evaluation
of the effectiveness of the removals, authorized herein,
in reducing/eliminating the aforementioned, deer-related
damage must be submitted within 1 year of the expiration
or with any subsequent permit requestslmanagement
proposals; this does not apply to a permit extension
during the current removal program.
6. The Department of Conservation reserves the right to
refuse to issue additional permits to permittees who fail
to implement rnartagement recommendations (as provided
by DOC) o~ do not provide the required summaries.
- MANAGEMENT PROVISIONS
~ge ~t~nt (i.e.,-lethal r~vals are ~e last reset); continue to ~nitor d~r-
, ~=t~ ~e p~t Falslas, ~ me~s sf r~o-,al ~d ~ss disposition, sumreplies r~uir~,
;st ' ~lg~ n, TL ~l ~O Phone ~: 708--289-7620
NATUIL-kL RESOURCES COMMISSION
Petition by the City of Iowa Cid' )
)
for the Adoption of Rules Relating )
)
to Deer Population Management for )
)
Iowa City, Iowa. )
BRIEF IN SUPPORT
OF PETITION FOR
RULE MAKING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. BACKGROUND ...........................................................................................i..i ..............................1
II. IOWA CITY MUST REDUCE THE DEER POPULATION QUICKLY FOR SAFETY AND
PROPERTY PRESERVATION REASONS .................................................................................3
m. SHARPSHOOTING HAS PROVEN TO BE A QUICK, SAFE, HUMANE AND EFFECTIVE
METHOD TO REDUCE DEER OVERPOPULATION ............................................................... 4
w. SPONSE TO CONCE S ABOtrr USING SHARPSHOOTING AS A METHOD
OF URBAN DEER CONTROL .....................................................................................................5
A. The Cost Of Using Sharpshooting And Trap and Kill Is Not A Legitimate Consideration In
Deciding Whether To Adopt Iowa City's Proposed Rules For A Special Deer Management
Unit ............................................................................................................................................6
B. Separate Rules And Regulations For Urban Deer Management Are Needed .........................6
V. IOWA CITY'S PROPOSED DEER MANAGEMENT PLAN HAS BEEN ACCEPTED BY
THE IOWA CITY COMMUNITY ................................................................................................7
VI. CONCLUSION ..............................................................................................................................8
I. BACKGROUND
Approximately one year ago, the City of Iowa City contacted the Department of Natural
Resources ("DNR") regarding problems Iowa Citians were experiencing with deer. The DN-R
recommended that a citizen task force be convened to determine if there was an overpopulation of
deer. If Iowa City did have an overpopulation problem, the task force would then review killing
options. The DN'R emphasized the necessity. of devising a proposal that was acceptable to the
community.
In response to the DNR's recommendation, the City Council of Iowa City assembled a
citizen task force. The City Council appointed people with the following backgrounds in an effort
to ensure that a broad segment of the community would be represented: an officer with the Iowa
City Police Department who is also an avid bow and arrow hunter; residents living m an area
heavily populated with deer; a resident living in an area not heavily populated with deer; a member
of the Johnson County Humane Society; individuals with science and biology backgrounds; a
member of Project Green; and the supervisor of the Iowa City/Coralville Animal Shelter.
In January of 1997, the DNR and Iowa City performed helicopter surveys of the deer
population in Iowa City. Based upon these surveys, the DNR developed simulations regarding the
number of deer present in different areas of Iowa City. See attached Exhibits "A" and "B." The
DNR and the task force set a goal of thirty (30) deer per square mile for Iowa City. Willy Suchy, a
wildlife biologist for the DNtL then projected the number of deer that must be removed each year
for the next three years in order for Iowa City to achieve this goal. Mr. Suchy calculated that 176
deer, including 109 does, would need to be removed each year for the next three years. See attached
Exhibits "A" and "B."
At~er agreeing with the DNR on the number of deer which must be removed, the task force
then studied methods of lethal reduction in painstaking detail. Methods which the task force
reviewed included bow and arrow hunting, trap and kill, trap and relocate, sharpshooting, and
contraception. After thoroughly reviewing the options, the task force unanimously recommended
sharpshooting and trap and kill as the best methods of reduction for Iowa City for the fall/winter
1997-98. See attached Exhibit "C." It was the task force's conclusion that these methods would
3
most quickly, humanely, effectively, and safely reduce the deer population. The task tbrce also
recommended that it be reconvened in the spring of 1998 to assess the effectiveness of the plan and
to make recommendations for deer management for the fall/winter 1998-99. The City Council
subsequently adopted the task force's recommendations following a public hearing on the issue.
See attached Exhibit "D."
II. IOWA CITY MUST REDUCE THE DEER POPULATION QUICKLY FOR
SAFETY AND PROPERTY PRESERVATION REASONS.
Since January 1, 1997, there have been twenty-four (24) reported motor vehicle/deer
accidents within the city limits of Iowa City, resulting in an estimated $30,230 worth of damage.
See attached Exhibit "E." This compares with only fifteen (15) accidents for all of 1996. Ttu's
increase has also occurred despite the use of deer reflectors on two of Iowa City's busier streets.
Thankfially, none of these accidents have resulted in serious injury or death to any drivers or
passengers. However, Iowa City must be given the ability to quickly to reduce its deer population
before such a tragedy occurs. A city in Connecticut was recently sued as a result of a motor
vehicle accident involving a deer.
Although difficult to quantify, the overpopulation of deer in Iowa City has also resulted in
substantial damage to public and private property. The City Council of Iowa City frequently
receives complaints from property owners regarding damage and loss of personal property as a
result of the deer overpopulation. The methods recommended by the citizen task force and
adopted by the City Council would address these issues quickly and safely.
4
IlL SHARPSHOOTING HAS PROVEN TO BE A QUICK, SAFE, HUMANE AND
EFFECTIVE METHOD TO REDUCE DEER OVERPOPULATION.
Sharpshooting has been successfully used in communities in Minnesota and Illinois. An
article documenting the success of a three-year sharpshooting program in Bloomington, Mirmesota
is attached. See attached Exhibit "F." Unlike bow and arrow hunting, the citizen task force found
no reports of injuries resulting from sharpshooting. Jay McAninch, a wildlife biologist with the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, has commented that the high degree of public safety
that comes with sharpshooting is one of its selling points. See attached Exhibit "G."
The large number of deer that need to be removed from Iowa City over the next three years
necessitates the use of methods which are not only safe, but which are also quick and effective. As
of the date of this brief, only fifteen (15) deer have been bagged in the Cedar Rapids/Marion Deer
Management Unit. Cedar Rapids/Marion is a larger community than Iowa City. Based upon the
'results so far in Cedar Rapids, it appears Iowa City would have an extremely difficult time
reducing the deer population to acceptable numbers with bow and arrow hunting, even over the
long-term. As noted previously, there have already been twenty-four (24) motor vehicle accidents
in Iowa City involving deer this year. For safety reasons, Iowa City must be given the tools to
quickly and efficiently reduce the deer population.
At the request of Iowa City, representatives of the United States Department of Agriculture
("USDA") viewed different areas in Iowa City to determine whether there were locations where
sharpshooting would be appropriate. The USDA is an agency which has experience at using
sharpshooting to reduce numbers of deer, including controlling the deer population at O'Hare
International Airport in Chicago, Illinois. The USDA also has the authority to use noise
suppressors under federal law. USDA representatives found at least fifteen (15) locations in Iowa
City which will be suitable for safe sharpshooting. These locations are areas which are least 200
yards from any home or building and where tree stands could be set up to shoot at areas with a
twenty-five foot (25') embankment. These locations are also along or near deer mi~ator3.r paths.
USDA representatives indicated the USDA is willing to pertbrm sharpshooting if so requested.
Iowa City anticipates contracting with the USDA to perform sharpshooting at this time.
Alternatively, the City will use local law enforcement officers to perform sharpshooting. Thus, the
requested methods will be performed by trained professionals.
The City Council of Iowa City will adopt rules and regulations prior to implementing a
sharpshooting program. Iowa City plans to adopt the same sharpshooter qualification and testing
procedures employed by the Illinois Department of Conservation. See attached Exhibit "H." Iowa
City will also require the use of hollow point bullets as an added safety precaution. Permission
will also be obtained from neighboring property owners before any sharpshooting takes place and
steps will be taken to prevent people from entering areas where sharpshooting is occurring.
IV. RESPONSE TO DNR CONCERNS ABOUT USING SHARPSHOOTING AS A
METHOD OF URBAN DEER CONTROL.
The DNR's concerns or objections to Iowa City'S proposed plan to use sharpshooting and
trap and kill appear to be as follows: 1) these methods would be more costly for Iowa City than
bow and arrow hunting; and 2) using these methods would take away an oppommity for
recreational hunting within Iowa City and could be the beginning of the end for bow and arrow
hunting statewide.
A. The Cost Of Using Sharpshooting And Trap And Kill Is .~t .-1 Legitimate Consideration
In Deciding }Fitether to Adopt Iowa City's Proposed Rules For ..1 Special Deer
Management Unit.
The cost of using sharpshooting and trap and kill is only a relevant factor for Iowa City to
consider. The increased costs of sharpshooting and trap and kill over bow and arrow hunting were
carefully considered by Iowa City when deciding which methods of lethal reduction would be best
for Iowa City. After public input and hearings, the citizens of Iowa City determined that the
benefits of more quickly reducing property damage and motor vehicle/deer accidents (including
less risk of serious bodily injury or death), as well as using a more humane method to reduce the
number of deer, outweighed the short-term increased financial costs. Because the costs of
sharpshooting and trap and kill affect only the Iowa City community, these costs should not be
considered by the Commission in deciding whether to adopt Iowa City's proposed rules for a
special deer management unit in Iowa City.
B. Separate Rules and Regulations for Urban Deer Management Are Needed
Separate rules and regulations for urban deer management and rural deer management are
needed to afford municipalities the tools necessary to solve urban deer overpopulation problems.
While a primary objective of rural deer management may be to provide oppommities for
recreational deer hunting, the primary objective of urban deer management should be to come up
with the best method of deer reduction to meet the needs of the particular city. Urban areas are not
necessarily suitable for bow and arrow or recreational deer hunting. Iowa City has formulated a
plan that Iowa Citians view as the best method of deer management for Iowa City. This plan will
allow Iowa City to quickly. humanely, effectively, and sat~ly resolve its deer overpopulation
problem.
Sharpshooting and trap and kill methods have been used successfully as part of urban deer
management plans by communities in Illinois and Minnesota. We know of no adverse effects on
bow and arrow hunting as a result of the use of sharpshooting and trap and kill for urban deer
population control in those states. There appears to be no logical connection between the use of
sharpshooting and trap and kill as part of urban deer management and the end of the use of the bow
and arrow for rural recreational hunting in Iowa. The methods proposed by Iowa City for control
of its urban deer population do not contemplate recreational hunting and will be undertaken by a
defined group ofprofessionals.
V. IOWA CITY'S PROPOSED DEER MANAGEMENT PLAN HAS BEEN
ACCEPTED BY THE IOWA CITY COMMUNITY.
As noted above, the City Council of Iowa City appointed members to the task force who
represented the diverse views of Iowa Citians. The citizen task force worked with the DNR to
determine whether Iowa City had a deer overpopulation problem and to determine the maximum
number of deer per square mile that would be appropriate for Iowa City. The task force then spent
months studying different methods of lethal reduction to determine the methods which would be
most appropriate for Iowa City residents and would allow Iowa City to meet its deer reduction
goals. The humaneness of the method was particularly important to the task force and the Iowa
City community. Despite their diverse interests and backgrounds, the members of the task force
worked together to make a unanimous recommendation to the City Council.
The DNR emphasized the necessity of devising a proposal that was acceptable to the
community. Iowa City has met that goal. Iowa Citians should not now be told that their analysis
and contemplations are without merit and that thev do not have the ability to formulate the best
methods of deer management for their community.
VI. CONCLUSION.
Iowa City spent a Considerable amount of time and effort choosing the best methods of deer
reduction for the particular needs of Iowa City. The best methods of deer reduction for the needs
of Iowa City are sharpshooting and trap and kill. These methods have been proven in communities
in neighboring states to be quick, effective, safe, and humane.
Iowa City should be given the ability to implement these methods for at least three years.
As noted earlier, Iowa City plans to have its task force evaluate the effectiveness of sharpshooting
and trap and kill at the end of each winter. If these methods do not prove to be safe and effective,
Iowa City will certainly look at other alternatives.
For the reasons stated above, Iowa City respectfully requests that the Commission establish
a special deer management unit for Iowa City which incorporates the rules set out in its Petition.
Dennis J. Mitchell 000014867
Assistant City Attorney
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 356-5030
(319) 356-5008 FAX
ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER
EXHIBIT "A"
Projecled Number of Deer to be Removed
Table I. Sinntlatcd deer numbc~ for zone 4 and $ fn Iowa City. Simulations uss basic ~rvtval ned l~pro~fuctivc rates and
Poet-winter Nu~nbers Dee~ Re~oved
Ym D~ ~ ~c~ C~ T~ ~ ~ ~md ~ ~
19~ 47 31 78 2~ 3~% I~ 3~
1998 41 -~3% 30 -3% 71 -~ 2~ 38% IS 3~
1999 27 -34% 26 -13% 53 -25% 25 48% IS 3~
20~ ~0 ~3% 17 -3~ 27 a9% 0 0% 0 ~
2001 ~4 4~ 19 32~ 33 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~
20~ 20 42% 22 16% · 42 ~% 0 ~ 0 ~
2~3 28 ~ 28 ~% S6 33%
Table 2. 3'he number ofdo~r ~at would need to b~ ranarM In arch of the
to keep the mluce sJmnhted populations to less tbtn 30 / squsre mile.
Deer (does) to be
1)97/~m t998~9 1999~0
40 ~) 40 (25) 40 (25)
32 (20) 32 (2o) 32 (20)
98 :so Oo) :sooo) :so (20)
37 19 (22) 19 02) 19 (12)
1'76 (109)176 (109) 1'76 (lOg)
1~-16-1997 IBc:J: 5'L~ {:,. ~,~
Appendix :I:. Assumptions used in s~mu~a~_~ons.
1. Aunua~ surly-d]. r~tos
Doe fawns - 73%
DO05 (1.5+) - 93%
· Buck fawns - 73%
Bucks (1.5+)- 88~
2. ~ct~ve rates
Doe fawns - 0.95 fawns/doe
Does {1.5+) - 1.83 fawns/doe
- Baseline s~mulation has no removals
25% of doe £awns emi. o'rate £rom area
42% o£ buck: £aMns emi. g~at:e £rom area
5. No dons~clol~mcLen2 clL~nges in m'ryL-'ates.
G. A.tl z'ee~,vai.$ ~ou.td !~ acldit..i.v~ i;o noel mortal. it-I/'
~xx) b~.T, ,:T
/
V
7
.11
'9
EXHIBIT "C"
iowa City/Coralvilme
~inter 1997/1998
Deer ~v~anagement Plan
COh4/vtlTTEE h4Eh4BERS
Jan Ashman
Charlie Duffy
Pat Farrant
Loren Forbes
Ron Fort
Dave Froschauer
Misha Goodman-Herbst
Lisa Handsaker
Steve Henddx
Doug Jones
Scott Larson
Bud Louis
Judy Rhodes
Nancy Seiberling
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCE ADVISORS
Tim. Dorr - .:
Willy Suchy
Tim Thompson
Joe Wilkinson
The 1997 Iowa City/Coraiville Deer Management Committee would like to thank the City Council of
Iowa City for appointing a group of individuals with a wide array of views concerning management of
deer, the Department of Natural Resource advisors who patiently assisted us with our process, and the
citizens who provided valuable feedback.
Contact: City Manager's Office, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 356-5010
Winter 1997/1998 Deer Managemere Plan 2 10/17/97
INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT
-he 1997 Iowa City/Coralville Deer Management Committee has determined that deer management
,v~thm the corporate limits is a necessary duty of the City to ensure that the health of the herd is
maintained and that plant and other animal life which make up the ecosystems of the natural areas in
the City are not irreparably damaged or destroyed, and to ensure the safety and welfare of the
inhabitants of the City and prevent major damage to their property by deer. The Committee recognizes
that deer management is an ongoing process which must be continued from year to year. The City
must establish sound methods for gathering information and evaluating its efforts. The Committe~'
affirms the value of the presence of deer as a natural resource within the City limits and encourages
individuals to become better educated to ways of living with deer. It is also clear that the size of the
herd in numerous parts of the community is reaching levels which endanger the lives of the inhabitants
(from deer/vehicles accidents), increases the destruction of plantings in people's yards, and ultimately
disrupts the ecosystem in the area. After careful review of management issues, the Committee sees
no viable option but to kill members of the herd to reduce their numbers to a level which is tolerable to
the community.
HISTORY
Citizen complaints to the City of Iowa City regarding deer have increased markedly over the last couple
of years. In response, the City Council directed staff to investigate how to approach deer
management. City staff contacted local Department of Natural Resource representatives who advised
a helicopter count be performed to determine deer population within the urban areas of Iowa
City/Coralville.
POPULATION COUNT
On January 31, 1997, Tim Thompson (Iowa Department of Natural Resources) and Ron Fort (Iowa
City Police Department) performed a helicopter count of the Iowa City/Coralville area. The following
conditions existed: temperature 45 degrees F, wind 15 to 30 mph $W, sky clear and sunny, snow
cover 5 inches and melting. A total of 538 deer were viewed and counted.
FORMATION OF THE DEER MANAGEMENT COMMITFEE
After review of the helicopter count results, the Iowa City City Council acted upon the recommendation
from the DNR that a task force be assembled consisting of a wide range of representation. Council
appointed members from the following factions: City of Iowa City staff, Iowa City/Coralville Animal
Shelter, Iowa City Police Department, Project Green, resident living in area heavily populated with
deer, resident living in area not heavily populated with deer, animal rights, Johnson County Humane
Society, sciencelnature/biology, Iowa Wildlife Federation, City of Coralville, resident of Coralville, and
Jonnson County Board of Supervisors.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION / INVESTIGATION
The Deer Management Committee first convened on May 1, 1997. The group generally met every two
weeks. First meetings consisted of the DNR relaying information regarding deer habits, habitat, and
breeding patterns, along with knowledge gained from similar task force groups from other cities in
Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota. The Committee agreed upon definitions for 'cultural carrying capacity,"
"biological carrying capacity," and "ecological carrying capacity." They also discussed and agreed
upon a definition of "humane" as it pertains to the killing of deer. The Iowa City/Coralville Committee
appointed subcommittees to review information on living with deer and on reducing the size of herds as
a management technique.
Winter 199711998 Deer Management Plan 3 10117/97- ..'~,
REVlE'W OF OPTIONS
The Committee established that there is plenty of information available for dissemination to educate
the community about living with deer. There are also numerous vehicles for disseminating the
information including brochures, City News inserts, public panel discussions, and television access.
The more difficult task was to determine acceptable methods for herd reduction. The following options
were considered in detail:
Do Nothing
This is the default option, however it does not involve preserving the status quo. Iowa's deer herd
was almost exterminated 100 years ago; only in the last few decades have the numbers begun to
grow rapidly; humans have yet to feel the full impact of deer in the distinctly unnatural habitat provided
by our urban fdnge areas.
Is it humane?
This depends on the deer and human populations. When both are high, deer interactions with
people are more likely to cause the deer to panic and injure themselves, sometimes fatally. It
is hard to judge this to be humane.
VVhen deer populations approach the single-species biological carrying capacity of the habitat,
probably well in excess of 100 deer per square mile in Iowa, epidemic disease among deer
becomes a serious threat. This does not appear to be humane.
An adequately fed deer herd will have an annual birth rate of 50 to g0 fawns per hundred deer.
In the steady state, the death rate will match this. In an urban'area wffh no natural predation,
the question must be asked if accidents (mostly deer/vehicle collisions) and disease are
humane. The Committee-recognized that outright starvation is unlikely in the Iowa
City/Coralville community.
Is it safe?
Deer-vehicle collisions are not safe, but are becoming a familiar risk. The use of deer
reflectors (costing over $8,000 per mile) along roads appears to be useful in reducing the rate
of nighttime deer/vehicle collisions. Although results with' the use of reflectors may vary,
accidents involving deer in the area of Dubuque Street in Iowa City equipped with reflectors
has decreased by 98%.
Is it effective?
No. The deer population will eventually reach an equilibrium at very high numbers. Under
stress, deer fertility declines and infant mortality increases until eventually, they balance. The
ultimate deer population density for our area will most likely exceed the highest densities
cun'enfiy found in any part of Iowa City, approximately 5 to 10 times the population densities
recommended for our area.
What does it cost?
Wildlife carcass removal within the City is the City's responsibility; costs (staff time, vehicle
use, equipment, etc.) are between $110 and $150 per deer carcass. Costs to property
owners for fencing and other control measures should not be ignored, nor should costs
associated with damage to landscaping. In addition, high deer populations are likely to
severely reduce the habitat available to other wildlife that is currently found within Iowa City.
Winter 1997/1998 Deer Management Plan 4 10/17/97
Is ~t
Yes
Commr~ee Conclusion
The Committee does not believe 'do nothing' is an option for the Iowa City/Coralville
community as the conflict between humans/deer and ecosystem/deer will continue to increase
as deer population grows.
Contraception
The Committee assumed the use of hormone injections or immunocontraceptives (porcine zona
pellucida [PZP]): both methods have been proven to be effective 'on captive deer. Implantable
lifetime contraceptives, and oral contraceptives that could be administered by means of drugged bait
are research subjects. Surgical sterilization is, in theory, an option, but it is extremely expensive.
is it humane?
Injections by drugged dart have been used on a wide vadety of wildlife and appear to cause
only brief discomfort. The contraceptives that have been tested lengthen the doe's breeding
season by up to two months, leading to an extended rutting season. In our cold northem
winters, this could lead to increased mortality among males. Occasional contraceptive failures
lead to late summer births; late-born fawns rarely survive the winter. The Humane Society of
the United States (HSUS) is currently sponsoring at least eight test projects nationwide and
has received inquires from over 150 communities and groups. The use of contraception, if it
could be effective and safe, is potentially the most humane way to control herd size.
Is it safe?
Any drug injected in free-ranging animals that are subject to hunting and later human
consumption poses safety questions. Thes~ questions have not been answered for the birth
control drugs under consideration, although there is good reason to believe that PZP poses
minimal dsks.
Is it effective?
Simulation studies done for the deer herd at Kent Park suggest that 60% of the does in a herd
must receive effective contraceptives in order to stabilize that herd, assuming that hunting
pressures outside the park remain unchanged. Herd reduction requires even greater
coverage. The most widely used drugs must be administered to each doe twice per season,
although single-dose methods are being studied. Controlled doses require record keeping for
each deer, something that is impossible in free-ranging herds.
What does it cost?
A veterinarian who is an expert marksman is typically required if drugs are to be injected into
deer using darts fired from a shotgun. Typically, a bait station is established and the
veterinarian shoots from a blind or stand of some kind. Thus, the costs will be comparable to
sharpshooting over bait, plus the costs of drugs and record keeping. Costs would double if
two doses per doe must be administered.
Is it legal?
Because of drug safety issues, FDA approval has yet to be given for general use of
immunocontraceptives on free-ranging deer.
Winter 1997/1998 Deer Management Plan 5 10/17/97
Committee Conclusion
The Committee believes participation in a study is worth pursuing and have been in contact
wrth HSUS deer specialist Allen Rutberg. When available, contraception would be the
preferred method of stabilizing the deer population in the Iowa City/Coralville community.
Trap and Relocate
The Committee assumed the use of a box trap; the cost of trapping with dart'guns and drugs is
largely comparable the cost of sharpshooting.
Is it humane?
A propedy constructed trap is unlikely to injure the deer. If the trap is checked with sufficient
frequency, the trapped animal is unlikely to suffer significant trauma from the stay in the trap.
To minimize trauma in transport, trapped animals must not be held for long pdor to transport.
Even with prompt transport, experience with trap and relocate methods suggests that a 4%
mortality rate is to be expected dudng transport, 26% delayed mortality due to stress induced
by the experience, and between 58% and 85% mortality in the following months. In sum,
while well-intentioned, it is difficult to describe relocation of deer as humane; for this reason,
the HSUS opposes trapping and relocation of deer.
Is it safe?
Propedy managed box traps pose very little dsk to people.
Is it effective?
Yes, assuming that an appr0pdate release site can be located. This is not easy, as few sites
in the Midwest have the combination of adequate habitat, low deer population and willing
human stewards that this method requires. This method is selective; if only does are to be
relocated, bucks caught in a trap may be easily released.
What does it cost?
The cost depends on trap placement and deer population. Frequency of trap monitoring and
other duties the monitors may have adds uncertainty. North Oaks, Minnesota reports a cost
per deer capture of $131. Urban trapping for live release has been reported to cost between
$113 and $800 in Wisconsin and Long Island, respectively; total costs including transport have
been reported in the $300 to $1,000 range. Frequent trips wfth small numbers of deer are
more humane but more expensive.
Is it legal?
Currently, the Iowa DNR does not recommend this method for deer, but it is routinely used for
dealing with waterfowl and small animals.
Committee Conclusion
The Committee does not View trap and relocate as an option due to the high mortality rate and
the unavailability of areas to relocate deer.
Winter 1997/1998 Deer Management Plan 6 10117/97
Bow Hunting
Suggested regulations for bow hunting in urban areas assume that the hunter shoots from a fixed
stand, waiting [here until the deer comes to the hunter. Stalking or dnving deer is not recommended.
While the use of elevated stands is common, it is not required.
The Committee assumed the imposition of stdct hunter education and certification standards such as
have bcc. n adopted in Watedoo in addition to similar regulations goveming hunter behavior. These
have a demonstrated track record of directly addressing some of the more severe criticisms of the
humanehess and effectiveness of bow hunting. Without these, the Committee's judgment of bow
hunting would be harsher.
Some Committee members reject bow hunting under any circumstance.
Is it humane?
Bow hunting rarely leads to instantaneous death. Estimates by hunters indicate that bow
hunting cdpples more animals than gun hunting. A crippling injury is defined as one which
does not kill, and after which the hunter fails to find and kill the injured animal.
The Waterloo experience suggests a significant degree of success. Recent studies appear to
confirm the notion that crippling rates from bow hunting in relatively cramped settings such as
are encountered in fringe area urban deer management are indeed lower than the crippling
rates reported for bow hunting in general.
All studies the Committee reviewed were conducted by bow-hunting advocacy groups or
funded by archery-related industries.
Is it safe?
Safe bow hunting requires open spaces, on the order of 8 to 10 acres per hunter, a
requirement that precludes bow hunting in developed areas, even where lot sizes are large by
urban standards. A hunter shooting from the center of a square 8 acre parcel will be 100
yards from any point on the perimeter; typically, the hunter will not shoot at targets over 25
yards away. The additional 75 yards make it likely that any deer that are killed will die before
leaving the area. State of Iowa Code #481A. 124 requires the consent of the owner of the
property on which a hunter hunts and the consent of the owner or tenant of any inhabited
structure within 200 yards. It is not obvious that this applies to bow hunting (the law refers to
discharging firearms or shooting game), but Waterloo's bow-hunting regulations have adopted
this 200 yard figure and in addition prohibit hunting from a stand nearer than 25 yards to a
public trail.
Is it effective?
Yes, assuming that sufficient numbers of hunters are willing to comply with the additional
regulations governing hunting in the city.
Bow hunting is moderately selective. The hunting season is before the bucks shed their
antlers, so gender is faidy easy to determine. Hunting traditions place a high value on killing
older bucks - the so-called trophy bucks with large and many-branched antlers. This is of little
use if population control is the goal. If bow hunting is to be used as an effective component of
a population control plan, hunters must be induced to kill does.
Winter 1997/1998 Deer Management Plan 7 10/17/97 -
What does it cost?
The costs of a DRN-administered hunt are largely borne by the individual hunters who,
through license fees, pay for the cost of regulating the hunt. These costs are partially offset
by the value of the meat taken. DNR generally relies on individual hunters to police other
hunters. If the City were to administer its own archery reduction program, the Committee
assumed the City would put into place strict administration and law enforcement policing of
hunter activity due to the urban setting.
Is it legal?
Yes, currently bow hunting is the only method o.f urban deer population control allowed by the
iowa DNR.
Bow hunting may indeed be legal within undeveloped areas in Iowa City, and there is evidence
that some areas within the City limits are hunted faidy intensively. Bow hunting has had only
minimal effect on the rate of deer population growth because hunters generally hunt only
bucks, unless specific hunting regulations force the hunting of does.
Committee Conclusion
The Committee does not recommend bow hunting as an option for Iowa City for reasons
related both to humane concerns and issues of hunt control. The Committee also concluded
that the main reason to chose bow and arrow hunting over sharpshooting would be to provide
a recreational actMty or sport for hunters. The Committee does not regard this as a goal of
deer management within the Iowa City/CoraMIle urban area.
Trap and Kill
The Committee assumes the use of a baited box trap or modified clover trap. Trapping is typically
done in mid to late winter. The Committee assumed that trapped animals will be killed by a gunshot
to the head. Deer meat acquired by this method of slaughter is suitable for human consumption.
IS
it humane?
A properly constructed trap is unlikely to injure the deer; and if the trap is checked with
sufficient frequency, the trapped animal is unlikely to suffer significant trauma from the stay in
the trap.
The killing methods assumed are instantaneous and therefore humane.
IS
it safe?
Propedy managed box traps pose very little dsk to people. This method is the only lethal
method of deer population control safe enough to use in fully developed u~an settings.
Is
it effective?
Yes, although the experience in North Oaks and Minnetonka, Minnesota suggests that it may
not be sufficient, by itself, to control a large herd. As with trapping and rolocation, this method
is selective. Deer may be released if they are not of the desired age and sex.
What does it cost?
The cost per deer trapped depends on trap placement, deer population, and weather
conditions. The frequency of trap monitoring and the possibility that those who monitor the
'~'~er 199711998 Deer Management Plan 8 10/17/9~"
traps may have other duties between visits to the trap adds complexity. North Oaks,
Minnesota reports a cost per deer capture of $131. The cost of carcass disposal or
Dutchenng must be considered; the Ruzickas Locker in Solon has agreed to charge $35 to
gnnd process a non-field dressed deer to 5-pound packages. Minnetonka, Minnesota has
reported total costs of $209-$214 per deer, including meat processing.
Is it legal?
Currently, the iowa DNR does not allow this method.
Committee Conclusion
The Committee recommends trap and kill as an option to supplement sharpshooting over bait
in areas where sharpshooting is not feasible.
Sharpshoofing
The Committee assumed the use of trained sharpshooters, most likely law enforcement officers,
shooting high-powered dries over bait from a blind or other set position at night with the use of
spotlights, typically in mid to late winter so the deer are hungry and easily attracted by bait. The bait
must be approximately 50 yards from the sharpshooter to allow accurate shooting without the deer
sensing a human presence. Deer meat taken this way is suitable for human consumption.
Sharpshooters who have been involved in such work report that it is extremely unpleasant with none
of the elements of hunting, and no sense of sportsmanship or of giving the deer a fair chance.
Is it humane?
A high-powered rifle can cause instantaneous death; from the point of view of the individual
deer, no method of killing is more humane. Of all weapons for killing at a distance, high-
powered rifles are the least likely to inflict an inhumane wound, one that cripples or kills slowly.
The likelihood of such injudes is reduced even more by using trained sharpshooters and a bait
station to attract and hold deer for the kill.
Is it safe?
The safety of this method depends on the range selected, as defined by the location of the
bait station and shooting station. The safest ranges are those that position the shooter and
bait so that bullets are directed into the ground. Safe ranges are unlikely to be available in
built-up areas.
Is it effective?
Assuming that there is an appropriate range, yes. This is the method of choice for urban deer
population control in Illinois and in some Minnesota and Wisconsin communities.
Deer age and sex can be hard to determine at a distance at night, particularly in the winter
after the antlers have been shed. Other communities utilizing sharpshooting, however, have
determined sex selection to not be a prohibiting factor.
Studies have shown, and DNR advisors concurred, that sharpshooting is more effective at
reducing larger numbers of deer than bow and arrow hunting, the only currently allowed
method in Iowa. The DNR indicated a large percentage of the deer population must be
eliminated from the Iowa City/Coralville herd the first few years.
VVinter 1997/1998 Deer Management Plan '9 10117/97
What does it cost?
The cost per deer killed depends on many variables but ,s dominated by the wage paid to the
sharpshooters. Bloomington, Minnesota has reported average costs of $183-$194 per deer in
1993. Costs as high as $260 have been reported in the Chicago metro area. A report from
Wisconsin estimates $74 per deer (excluding processing). The cost of carcass disposal or
butchering must be considered; the Ruzickas Locker in Solon has agreed to charge $35 to
gdnd process a non-field dressed deer to 5-pound packages. Local law enforcement officers
who would be independently-contracted to shoot have expressed interest in charging a rate of
$50 per deer rather than an houdy wage.
Is it legal?
This method involves night shooting, over bait, with lights and high-powered rifles. The Iowa
DNR does not currently allow hunters to use any of these methods. The DNR must amend
administrative policy in order to authorize sharpshooting for urban deer management.
Committee Conclusion
The Committee recommends sharpshooting as the most effective, efficient, and humane
method for reducing the Iowa City/Coralville deer population.
COMMITTEE DECISIONS
MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS
The Committee divided the Iowa City/Coralville community into twenty distinct Deer Management
Districts. The districts were determined based on natural/man-made barriers along with the ability
to implement management techniques in each District.
CARRYING CAPACITY/RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee agreed to the following deer population carrying capacity and recommendations.
I)-24 deer/square mile
Recommend educational matedal on living with deer. A brochure
should be designed to answer citizen questions and encourage an
attitude of living with deer. A resource library of printed materials
should be established so people would have easy access to
information. The Committee also accumulated a large number of
resources for City use.
25-34 deedsquare mile
Review on a complaint-by-complaint basis. Educational material
may be recommended or reduction methods could be implemented
depending on the management area, number of complaints, and/or
types of damage.
35+ deedsquare mile
Reduction must be implemented. At this level, deer pose threat to
the ecosystem.
Timely announcements (utilizing City public information distribution methods such as City News,
Government Channel 4 and media releases) advising the community on the approved plan and actual
implementation information are necessary.
Review of the twenty Deer Management Districts indicates that four warrant methods for educating
citizens on 'living with deer" and seven warrant some killing of deer.
Winter 199711998 Deer Management Plan 10 10117/97 ' ..
199'7/1998 DEER tv~ANAGE/'v~ENT PLAN
s the unanimous decision of the 1997 Iowa City/Coralville Deer Management Committee that the Iowa
£~ty City Council resolve that the City Manager is authorized and directed to implement the Winter
997/1998 Deer Management Plan for the, that shall include the following elements:
The City of Iowa City will develop a comprehensive educational program that will provide Iowa City
residents with information on deer seasonal habits and guidelines for limiting localized deer
damage through the use of repellents, screening, alternative plantings, and other techniques.
Educational materials will be distributed with each new residents' packet and information broadcast
regularly on Government Cable Channel 4. The City of Iowa City will organize public information
meetings regarding the methods of deer management listed herein.
The City of Iowa City will evaluate and, where appropriate, install or petition the State of Iowa or
Johnson County to install on roadways under their jurisdiction, warning signs and/or reflectors that
may reduce the likelihood of vehicle/deer accidents. In addition, to minimize deer/vehicle conflict,
thoughtful consideration will be given to deer migratory paths as transportation improvement
projects are approved by the City Council.
The City of Iowa City will actively work with the State of Iowa Department of Natural Resources to
fully understand and strongly support their efforts to control the deer population for which that
agency is responsible and which affects the health, safety, and welfare of Iowa City residents.
The City of Iowa City will immediately apply for permits from the State of Iowa Department of
Natural Resources to implement the plan to kill 109 does within the Iowa City corporate limits
utilizing sharpshooting and trap and kill dudng the winter of 199711998. The specific areas for
reduction are to be Management Districts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 15. A map defining'the Management
Districts is attached.
8
The City of Iowa City will fully comply with all rules and regulations promulgated by the Iowa
Department of Natural Resources governing killing of deer, will exercise great caution and safety in
implementing the program, will utilize the most humane methods available, and will ensure the deer
meat is processed for distribution to agencies involved in feeding the hungry and the homeless. A
program of public education about the management plan will be implemented to ensure that the
public is aware of this activity and of safety measures.
The City of Iowa City will appropriate the sum of $15,000 to implement the Deer Management Plan
outlined in this Resolution for the pedod through February 28, 1998.
The City of Iowa City will pursue a study in cooperation with the Humane Society of the United
States of the feasibility of deer immunocontraception within its corporate limits.
The City of Iowa City will compile data on deer management including but not limited to
vehicle/deer accident information, citizen complaints, and an annual helicopter count. In addition,
the City Council will convene a meeting of the Iowa City/Coralville Deer Management Committee in
the Spdng of 1998 to review and recommend options for the pedod of October 1, 1998, through
March 1, 1999.
The City of Iowa City will conduct an evaluation of the effectiveness of this Deer Management Plan
at the City Council Formal Meeting no later than Apdl 30, 1998. A report will be filed with the State
of Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Winter 1997/1998 Deer Management Plan 11 10117/97
GLOSSARY
BIOLOGICAL CARRYING CAPACITY: Biological or single-species carrying capacity is the number of
animals of a particular species that a given range can support.
CULTURAL CARRYING CAPACITY: Number of animals of a particular species that can co-exist
compafibly with human populations that have been encouraged to employ all non-lethal options to deter
conflict with the animal population.
ECOLOGICAL CARRYING CAPACITY: Number of animals of a particular species that a given range
can support without that species driving other species out of that range.
HUMANE: Marked by compassion, kindness, mercy, and/or consideration for animals.
MODIFIED cLOVER TRAP: A trap consisting of mesh sides and a metal frame used to detain an
animal.
STEPHENSON BOX TRAP: A trap of sturdy wood construction, 10' long, 4' wide, and 4' high, used to
detain an animal.
Winter 199711998 Deer Management Plan 12 10/17/97 -
EXHIBIT "D"
Prepared by: Lisa Handsaker, Admin. Asst., 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 356-5010
RESOLUTION NO. 97-367
CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE CITY OF IOWA CITY'S
WINTER 1997198 DEER MANAGEMENT PLAN.
WHEREAS, the City of Iowa City has conducted a study of deer herd population and
management options, and;
WHEREAS, the City of Iowa City has determined that steps must be taken to develop and
implement a Deer Management Plan for 1997/1998 that will be designed to provide needed
relief and protection of property owners and motor vehicle operators within the corporate
limits of Iowa City, and;
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council are prepared to take this action after considering the
history of this issue, the effectiveness of alternative methods made available, and the City's
inherent obligation to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all Iowa City citizens.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and City Council that the City Manager is
hereby authorized and directed to implement for the Winter of 1997/1998, the Deer
Management Plan that shall include the following elements'
The City of Iowa City will develop a comprehensive educational program that will
provide Iowa City residents with information on deer seasonal habits and guidelines for
limiting localized deer damage through the use of repellents, screening, alternative
plantings, and other techniques. Educational materials will be distributed with each
new residents' packet and information broadcast regularly on Government Cable
Channel 4. The City of Iowa City will organize public information meetings regarding
the methods of deer management listed herein.
The City of Iowa City will evaluate and, where appropriate, install or petition the State
of Iowa or Johnson County to install on roadways under their jurisdiction, warning
signs and/or reflectors that may reduce the likelihood of vehicle/deer accidents. In
addition, to minimize deer/vehicle conflict, thoughtful consideration will be given to
deer migratory paths as transportation improvement projects are approved by the City
Council.
The City of Iowa City will actively work with the State of iowa Department of Natural
Resources to fully understand their efforts to control the deer population for which that
agency is responsible and which affects the health, safety, and welfare of Iowa City
residents.
The City of Iowa City will immediately apply for permits from the State of Iowa
Department of Natural Resources to implement the plan to kill 109 does within the
Iowa City corporate limits utilizing sharpshooting and trap and kill during the winter of
1997/1 998. The specific areas for reduction are to be Management Districts 2, 3, 4,
54,7
Resolution No. 97-367
Page 2
The City of Iowa City will fully comply with all rules and regulations promulgated by the
Iowa Department of Natural Resources goveming killing of deer, will exercise great
caution and safety in implementing the program, will utilize the most humane methods
available, and will ensure the deer meat is processed for distribution to agencies involved
in feeding the hungry and the homeless. A program of public education about the
management plan will be implemented to ensure that the public is aware of this activity
and of safety measures.
o
The City of Iowa City will appropriate the sum of $15,000 to implement the Deer
Management Plan outlined in this Resolution for the pedod through February 28, 1998.
The City of Iowa City will pursue a study in cooperation with the Humane Society of the
United States of the feasibility of deer immunocontraception within its corporate limits.
The City of Iowa City will compile data on deer management including but not limited to
vehicle/deer accident information, citizen complaints, and an annual helicopter count. In
addition, the City Council will convene a meeting of the Iowa City/Coralville Deer
Management Committee in the Spring of 1998 to review and recommend options for the
period of October 1, 1998, through March 1, 1999.
o
The City of Iowa City will conduct an evaluation of the effectiveness of this Deer
Management Plan at the City Council Formal Meeting no later than Apdl 30, 1998. A
report will De filed with the State of Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager is to proceed
immediately to ensure implementation of this Deer Management Plan for the Winter of 1997/1998
and to keep the Mayor and City Council fully apprised of the status of this plan throughout its
development and implementation.
Passed and approved this 21st day of
October
,1997.
CITY'CLERK
MAYOR
City Attorney's Office
mg~es~leerres.wlp5
DEER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS
' F
EXHIBIT "E"
Memorandum
CC:
From:
Date:
Re:
Steve Arkres, City Manager
R.J. Winkelhake, Chief of Police
J. Steffen, Sergeant of Planning and Research
October 22, 1997
Car/Deer Accidents
OC7' ?2, 1997
CITY H,4NA tli UFFI££
This memo is a summary of the motor vehicle/deer accidents that occurred within the city
limits of Iowa 'City. The totals for each area are from January 01, 1997, through October 22,
::~.ii~ii: i~.:1~::::~ Dubuque Street near Foster Road bad 3 accidents resu16nE i~ $3?50 worth of
.~.ii!iiii~i!~11.~ilWere 2 reports on First Ave. North of Rochester Ave. that resulted in $1250 of
.~ii:i~:iii::i!~i.NOrtb Dodge Street fro~ Prairie ~ Chien to 1-80 there were 5 accidents. 1'he
ii :-~/~:Tn tl~ree of the cases the deer died and DNR saJvase tass were issued. The deer died
one and the carcass was disposed. The last one the deer ran
· There were 3 accidents on Hwy 218 that resulted in $5300 worth of damage. Twice the
deer ran away and the other case the deer died and was disposed of by DOT.
Four accidents were reported on 1-80. In three of the cases the deer were not found. The
last one the deer died. These four accidents resulted in $9225 worth ofclamage.
· One accident was reported in the 3000 block of South Gilbert in which the deer died
and $500 damage was done to the car.
· A car/deer accident on Lower Muscatine at Ash Street ended with $5 worxh of damage
and the deer died.
Year to date there have been 19 reported motor vehicle/deer accidents. This resulted in
$27,730 worth of damage, not including one accident where the car left the scene. Eleven
deer died at the scene of the accident and in 9 cases the deer ran from the scene. This
October 22, 1997
compar~ to all of 1996 where the Iowa City Police mveaxigat~ 15 motor vehicle/deer
accidenta. Th~ damage total waa S10,:~00 with four accidm~ with unknown damage b~cau~e
r~ car 1~ the sceae. ~r, Iowa City Police cove, red oaly oho cat/deer accident on 1-80
and Hwy. 218 la.nt year. ~ year there have been 7 that rea~ in $14,~2~ worth of
IOWA CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET, IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240
(319) 356-5275 · FAX # (319) 356-5449
Memo
To: Dennis Mitchell
From: Sgt. Jim Steffen
Date: November 26, 1997
Re: Car-Deer Accidents
Dennis since my memo date~10~22-97 to Steve Atldns the Iowa City Police Department has' covered
five (5) other accidents. These accidents resulted in $2500.00 worth of damage to motor vehicles. In
one case the car left the scene so a damage estimate was not made.
· Page 1
POLICE SHARPSHOOT~N'G
POPULATIONS
EXHIBIT "F"
AS A METHOD TO REDUCE UR.B.-k.x;
DEER
MICHELLE L. STRADTMANN', School of Natural Resources, Universiw of Missouri, Columbia, MO
JAY B. McANINCH, Department of Natural Resourvaes, Madella, MN
ERNIE P. WIGGER$, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
.ION M. PARKER, Department of Natural Resources, St. Paul, MN
High deer populations in urban communities
zreate traffic hazards, concerns about human health,
and cause extensive damage to native and planted
vegetation. While many residents expect these issues to
be resolved, they are often unwilling to accept the use
of traditional management methods. Variations of
controlled hunting have been the prima.qt methods used
to manage deer numbers (Palmer et al. 1980,
Ellingwood and Caturano 1988, Deblinger 1990),
although trap and transfer has also been reported
(Bryant and Ishmael 1990, Jones and Witham 1990,
O'Bryan and McCullough 1985). In response to
concerns about cost, safety, efficiency and public
acceptance, sharpshooting has been proposed as an
alternative (Witham and Jones 1992, Ishmael and
Rongstad 1984). However, only limited information
exists on the actual cost, efficiency and safety of the
technique.
In 1991, the Minnesota Valley Deer
Management Task Force (DMT1D developed a deer
management plan for the cities of Bloomington,
Bumsville, Fagan and Mendom Heights, Minnesota
(McAninch and Parker 1991). The DMTF
recommended a variety of methods to control and
manage deer populations including sharpshooting. On
the basis of the DMTF recommendations, a 3-year
sharpshooting program, using police officers from the
Bloomington Police Department (BPD) was adopted in
the city of Bloomington. We discuss the development,
administration and implementation of the BPD
sharpshooting program in Bloomington and present data
on cost and efficiency. We also discuss safety concerns
and public reaction to the program.
.M2ETEIODS
Program development
Sharpshooting was approved as one of several
redgction options by the Bloomington Natural and
Historic Resources Commission (NHRC) and the
Bloomington City Council for a 3-year experimental
.~e~.oct. A number of agencies participated in the
ctevelopment and implementation of the sharpshooting
Department of Natural Resources, Madelia, MN
program (Table 1). The program was coordinated by
the Bloomington Planning Division under special permit
granted by the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources CDNR) to the BPD. Staff from the DNR
Section of Wildlife acted as advisors for the program,
the BPD provided sharpshooters and the Parks
Maintenance Department (PMD) and DNR, Division of
Law Enforcement handled logistics.
Deer population reduction goals for selected
areas within the city were developed by the DNR and
were based on helicopter counts, population modeling
and density goals of 15-25 deer per square mile.
Program implementation
The sharpshooting task was assigned to the
Special Operations Unit of the BPD. The Special
Operations Commander was in charge of supervision,
data collection and budgeting and made administrative
adjustments to the program as needed. Officers were
recruited and provided with an explanation of the
program and expectaxions for time commitment and
p~fformance. Officers were required to supply their
own fu-e~rms (.222 to .243 caliber rifles with scopes),
pass a shooting t~t and receive BPD authorization for
a non°standard weapon. To pass the shooting test,
officers had to hit a 7' (1Scan) diameter target at 25
(23m) and 50 (46m) yards, 10 seconds after a 'fire'
comma-d was given. Officers were also required to
attend an orientation session that covered a wide range
of topics, from public interaction to safety standards
and shot placement.
Throughout the program, emphasis was placed
on public safety. Officers were instructed ~o shoot only
toward adequate backstops, use only one shot to kill
each deer, and to remember safety was more important
than killing deer. Deer were shot within predetermined
shooting lanes and from stationary. positions such as a
stand or vehicle. Deer were only to be shot while they
were standing or walking slowly. To eliminate deer
running after the shot, officers were instructed to use
only neck shots. Officers were advised to allow deer to
Table I. Agency participation in the sharpshooting program m Blc~mmgton. Mumesota, 1991-1993.
Agency/Organization
Bloomington Natural and Historic Resources Commission
and City Council
Bloomington Planning Division
Bloomington Police Department
Participation
Deer feeding ban
Approval of program and final
recommendations
Waiver of fireanm discharge ordinance
Deer Management Plan update
DNR permit application
Public notification of program
Coordination of program review
Budgeting
Bait site selection
Sharpshooter supervision
Data c, ollection
Bloomington Parks Maintenance
Department of Natural Resources - Section of Wildlife
Department of Natural Resources - Division of Law
Enforcement
Bait site selection
Sign posting
Maintain site access and baiting
Carcass collection
Permit allocation
Bait site selection
Advise police department
Assist in program review
Bait site selection
Distribution of carcasses
begin feeding before shooting to give time for other
deer to arrive at bait sites. If shooters had the option,
adult females or other angerless deer were to be shot
f'u'ato
Bait sites were selected based on proximity to
deer concentrations, access for vehicles and
opportunities for safe shooting. Residents were notified
of the locations and dates of the program through local
newspapers. Letters were also sent to residents
bordering each shooting area. In 1991-92 (PYI) sites
were baited with five gallon pails of shelled or cared
corn 1-2 weeA~ before shooting began and checked or
replenished as needed. In 1992-93 (PY2) and 1993-94
(PY3), 500 bushels of corn were placed at bait sites 2
weeks before shooting began and repleni,~hed as needed.
Sig~ were posted at all park access points and along
public trails one week prior to the start of shooting.
When officers were assigned to shoot, they
reported to the BPD dispatcher at th~ start of their shift
and checked out ,mmunition, spotlights and radios.
Officers usually arrived at bait sites at dusk and
remained at the site for 3-5 hours. Dead deer were
removed from bait sites so that approaching deer would
not become wary. Officers returned to the station to
file activity reports and return equipment. Activity
reports included information on hours on duty, bait site
number, sex and age of deer observed, deer killed and
shots fired. Carcasses were collected immediately
following sharpshooting, were field dressed, and
females examined for presence of feu.tses. Carcasses
were delivered to the DNR, Division of Law
Enforcement for final disposition to charitable
organization.
In PY1, in addition to shooting over bait, 3
drives were conducted. While the drives were not as
controlled as shooting over bait, every attempt was
made for drives to be conducted safely. Sharpshobters
were set in positions with adequate backstops and each
carried hand-held radios. Some drivers also carried
hand-held radios and guards were posted at park
prevent people from cutering the park
~narp. shooting.
Ln :.992 and 1993, ~e Bloomington planning
Department coordinated the program review in
:.onjtmction with PMD, BPD and DNR-Section of
Wildlife. NI-{RC reviewed the program and made
adju.stmcnts based on recommendations from the group.
NHRC forwarded their recommendations to the City
Council who provided approval for the following year.
.Analysis
Succe.,s rates (deer killed/tit) were calculated
by dividing the amber of houm Sharpshooters were on
duty (not just in the field) by the number of de~r th~at
killed. Cost per deer was calculated by dividing the
number of deer killed into the total oast$ for the
program. Program costs included daily BPD
administration. Sharpshooter wages, wages for staff to
dispose of deer and maintain bait sites, equipment and
bait. Costs for staff to conduct drives in PYI were
included in the total cost~ for that year. Differences in
success between years, officers, bait sites and weather
conditions were tested using the Kmakal-Wallis statistic.
Daily maximum temperature, daily snow cover and
snowfall information was obtained from Minneapolis/St.
Paul International Airport.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The BPD sharpshooting program ran from 18
November to 13 March in PYI, from 16 November to
12 February in PY2 and from 15 November to 27
February. in PY3. In PY1, 21 officers participated in
the program and ear& worked an average of 2.9 shifts
(range--1-8) (Table 2). In PY2, 16 officers each
worked an average of 4.3 allills (ratlge=l-10). In
PY3, only the 9 most efficient officers from PY2
participated in the program and each worked an average
of 10.7 shifts (range=6-22). An average of 1.7, 1.5
and 2.3 sharpshooters worked .:>er sight m ?Y[. PY2
and PY3, respectively.
Sharpshooters killed 135 deer in PYi, 167 deer
in PY2 and 152 deer in PY3 (Table 3). In PYI, 40 of
the deer were killed during 3 drives conducted along a
creek bottom. The portion of the total kill that were
adult females (~ 1.5 years) ranged from 30% in PY1
to 42 % in PY2. Conversely, the portion of kill that
were adult males ranged from 27% in PY1 to 19% in
PY2.
Fo~ bait sites were used in PY1, 6 in PY2
and I0 in PY3 (Table 4). Sharpshooters worked an
average of 52 hours (range=29o76) and killed an
average of 24 deer (range=540) at each bait site in
PYI. In PY2, sharpshooters worked an average of 45
hours (range--5-98) and killed an average of 28 deer
(range=4-66) at each bait site. At each bait site in
PY3, sharpshooters worked an average of 37 hottra
(range=6-127) and killed an average of 15 deer
(range =0-68). There were no significant differences in
sucxe.~ (rate) between bait sites in any year (P>0.26,
P>0.83 and P>0.06 in PY1, PY2 and PY3,
respectively). These results were expected since all bait
sites were carefully selected based on accessibility,
safety and proximity to deer concentrations. In
addition, l~rge mounts of bait were used to attract the
deer to the site before and during shooting operations.
No accidents occurred during the 3 years of the
BPD sharpshooting program. Two complaints about
shooting hours were received by BPD in PY2. The
Planning Department received calls during each of the
:3 years, but no specific complaints about the
Sharpshooting program were taken. ln~tead, e.~llers
inquired about the general deer management program,
policy, alternative solutions, damage, deer feeding and
disposition of carcasses.
Table 2. Number of sharpshooting days, total sharpshooting hours and mean hours worked and deer killed per
sha.rps2'~ooter during the Bloomington Police Sharpshooting Program, Bloomington, MLrmesota, 1991-1994.
Sharpshooting days
Sharpshooting hours
Mean hours per ~harpshooter
Mean deer killed per
sharpshooter
1991-92 1992-93 1993-94
27 44 4i
237 270 383
11.3 16.8 411.5
(4-28) (3-4 I) (24-87)
4.5 10.4 16.8
(0-13) (0-24) (3-32)
t20
Number or' deer killed at brat s~t¢s bv sex and age m the Blooming;or, Poi~'ce Sbar'?shcc~mg ,r:Y. ogram.
31o~rmngton. Minnesota. !991-1994.
Number of deer killed
Year Adult female Adult male Fawn female Fawn male Total
199t-92 30 (31%) 28 (29%) 16 (17%) 21 (22%) 95
1992-93 70 (42%) 31 (19%) 26 (16%) 40 (24%) 167
1993-94 55 (36%) 35 (23%) 30 (20%) 31 (21%) 151
Sharpshooters reported that they did not
recover six deer in PY2 and 2 deer in PY3. All deer
were recovered in PYI. One of the unrecovered deer
was known to have been hit in the jaw from a bullet
that passed through anothcr deer, but was never found.
In most of the other cases, sharpshooters did not record
any evidence that a deer was actually hit. In addition,
while 3 calls were received regarding unrecovered deer
in PY2, all showed no evidence of bullet wounds and
were determined to have died from collisions with
vehicles. Success rates for all sharpshooters combined
did not differ between years On<0.01, x=0.40, 0.62
and 0.39 for PYI, PY2 and PY3, respectively).
However, success rates differed among individual
sharpshooters in PYI and PY2-but not in PY3
(P<0.001 in PY1 and PY2 and P>0.06 in PY3).
Individual success ranged from 0 to 1.11 deerFar in
PY1 (x--0.41), and 0 to 0.84 deer/hr in PY2 (x--0.50)
and from 0.11 to 0.65 deer/hr in PY3 (x=0.37).
Weather conditions varied between program
years. There were no significant differences in
snowfall between years (P <0.59, x=0.$3', 0.23' and
0.32' in PY1, PY2 and PY3, respectively) or daily
maximum temperature 0a>0.39, x=30.2 and 28.5 and
25.6 C in PYI, PY2 and PY3, respectively) between
years. However, there were significant differences in
the amount of snow on the ground (P<0.001). An
average of 8.8" (22.3cm), 3.9' (9.9cm) and 4.4'
(11.1cm) of snow were on the ground on shooting
nights in PY1, PY2 and PY3, respectively. Only 2
night~ (7.4%) had no snow cover in PY1, while in PY2
and PY3 there were 14 nights (31.8%) and 13 (31.7%)
without snow cover, respectively. Success did not
differ on days with or without snow cover (P > 0.94) or
between days with <6' or > 6' of snow cover
(P >0.52). These results were somewhat unexpected
because snow, particularly when accumulated on the
ground, was thought to effect the success of
sharpshooting.
The sharpshooting program cost $26,142 and
$30,610 and $31,277 in PY1, PY2 and PY3,
respectively (Figure I). Cost per' deer killed was $194
in PYI, $183 in PY2 and $206 in PY3. The single
largest cost for the program was sharpshooter wages,
which was expected because of the overtime wages
paid.
Success and costs of the BPD sharpshooting
program compared favorably with other deer control
program~ reported in the literature. BPD sharpshooters
killed an average of 0.51 deer/hr, spent 1.96 hours per
deer killed at an average cost of $184.85 per deer.
Witham and Jones (1992) reported sharpshooters killed
0.37 and 0.39 deerFar at Ryerson Conservation Area
and Chicago-O'Hare International Airport, respectively.
Costs per deer at Ryerson Conservation Area were
$287.98. Ishmael and Rongstad (1984) reported that
shooting deer over bait took 13.5 hours (0.07 deerPar)
and cost $73.95 per deer. However, shooters were
paid $3.65/hr plus travel expenses whereas
sharpshooters from BPD were paid an overtime rate.
In this study, we believe there were many
indirect as well as direct benefits to using police
officers as sharpshooters. The primary advantages
stemmed from the BPD ties to the community and the
comprehensive training received by each officer. The
public has open communication with the police
department to register concerns. receive answers to
questions or respond to emergencies. Because they
were on duty while shaxpshootmg, officers followed
public safety procedures as they would have on any
assignment. In addition, officers were continuously
briefed and updated in firearms and public safety
standards. For these reasons, we believe residents felt
very safe knowing police officers were the
sharpshooters. In addition, the City Attorney in
Bloomington felt the use of police officers was
Bait (2.0%)
Equipment (10,7%)
Support wages (35.5%)
Admlnlatrltion (6.6%)
Sharpshooter wages (45.2%)
Figure 1. Average annual costs for the Bloomington Police Department Sharpshooting Program, 1991-1994.
preferred because their activities are covered by the city
should an accident occur or a liability issue arise.
Police commnr~ders also felt more comfortable having
officers, who must report to them, conduct
sharpshooting activities rather than a private contractor
or shooter who would not have ties to the community,
Finally, we believe negative public reaction to
the program was minimi~'ed because residents were
continually informed of the purpose and progress of the
program. Open and honest communication with the
public is important in maintaining apprecialion for and
confidence in any public agency involved in decisions
about highly emotional issues.
LITERATURE CITED
Bryant, B. K., and W. hhmael. 1990. Movement and
mortality patterns of radio-tagged suburban and
translocated suburban white-tailed deer. Pages 53-
58 in L. W. Adam~ and D. L. Leedy, eds.,
Wildlife Conservation in metropolitan
environment& NIUW Syrup. Sec. 2. 264pp
McAninch, 1. B., and J. M. Parker. 1991. Urban deer
management programs: A facilitated approach.
Tram. North Am. Wildl. and Nat. Resour. Conf.
56:428-436.
O'Bpyan, M. K., and D. R. McCullough. 1985.
Survival of black-tailed deer following relocation in
California. J. Wildl. Manage. 49:115-119.
Palmer, D. T., D. A. Andrews, R. O. Winters, and
J.W. Francis. 1980. Removal techniques to control
an enclosed deer herd. Wildl. Soc. Bull. 8:29-33.
Witham, J. H., and J. M. Jones. 1992. Biology,
ecology, and management of deer in the Chicago
metropolitan area. Illinois Nat. Hist. Surv. Final
Report, Proj. No. W-8?-R. 108pp.
Deblinger, R. D. 1990. Crane Memorial Reservation
and Crane Wildlife Refuge white-tailed deer
management program: Annual Report, 1989. The
Trustees of Reservations, Beverly, MA. 12pp.
Ellingwood, M. R., and S. L. Camrano. 1988. An
evaluation of deer management options. Comm.
Dept. Envir. Protect. Public. No. DR-I 1, 12pp.
Ishmael, W. E., and O. J. Rongstad. 1984. Economics
of an urban deer-removal program. Wildl. Soc.
Bull. 12:394-398.
Jones, J. M., and J. H. Witham. 1990. Post-
translocation survival and movements of
metropolitan white-tailed deer. Wildl. Soc. Bull.
18:434-4.4 i.
EXHIBIT "G"
Expert: Put
goal before
kill method
Minnesota wildlife biologist
offers advice at Coe forum on
handling deer overpopulation
By Joshua Nichols
Gazette news intern
Communities with problem deer populations
need to ask questions and gather all the informa-
tion they can before deciding how to deal with the
3roblorn.
That advice comes from Jay McAninch, a
vildlife research biologist for the Minnesota
)epartment of Natural Resources and an expert
m urban deer, who gave two presentations at Coo
~ oLlege Thursday.
"Too often the debate is immediately centered
round what method to use," McAninch said.
The community needs to look more closely at
.'hat their deer population is
nd what they want to achieve.
;efore settling on any one
~ethod, they should look at
'hat has been done and what is
~ost appropriate for their resi-
ents."
MeAninch's words come at a
..me when the control of urban
-er is a hotly contested topic
Eastern Iowa. While Iowa
::y and the DNR debate
lether to use sharpshooters
a special bowhunting season
thin the city's deer popula-
Jay McAnInch
Urban deer
s2eclaifs~
n. Cedar Rapids is in the middle of a spectal
· ,,:hunting season that began last momh
Not 'Knowing many particulars of either Mtua-
?...McAninch declined to comment o'. which
'ho*.'_~ would work best.
Sharpshooting is popular because the communi,
ty gets an extremely high degree of public safety
and a fairly well coordinated effort, he said. The
method also scores very high on humane issues
since a quick death usually is assured.
The problem with sharpshooting is the expense,
McAninch said. Since the city must hire the
sharpshooters and pay for processing of the deer,
the method can cost as much as $400 per animal.
While bowhtmting may lack sharpshooting's
high degree of efficiency and effectiveness, it is
popular because the hunters do not have to be
paid and they take the deer with them. Also, it is quiet, McAninch noted.
"No matter how you do it, shooting deer with a
gun will still make noise and cause some resi:
dents to worry about their safety," he said.
The effectiveness of reflectors, like those recent-
ly installed by the Iowa Department of Transpor*
tation along the Marion bypass, has not been
proven, McAninch said. When struck by a car's
headlights, the reflectors throw a red beam that is
believed to stop deer from crossing the road. :
But no conclusive study has been done on themi
McAninch said.
"With new roads you are bound to have more
accidents because deer are not used to a road
being there," he said. "So by the time a year
passes, it's hard to tell whether any change came
from the reflectors or if they just changed their
behavior naturally."
McAninch related two court cases that illustrate
how deer can be a liability problem for cities,
A case in Minnesota concerns a commercial
tomato grower whose produce was damaged by
deer. In Connecticut, a suit has been filed over a
car-deer collision that killed a person.
In both cases, the cities could be held liable
because they allowed the deer overpopulation to
continue. he said.
EXHIBIT "H"
SHARPSHOOTER OUA-LIFICATION/TESTING PROCEDURES
In order to insure human safety and humane euthanasia, agencies
implementing deer herd reduction/control programs using
professional sharpshooters must make arrangements to have the
individuals, proposed as sharpshooters, tested/certified annually
by appropriate Illinois Department of Natural Resources IDNR)-
Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) personnel. ALL other aspects
of these programs (e.g., shooting/bait sites, meat processing
facilities, carcass inspectors, charities to receive processed
venison, etc.) must be approved by the IDNR-DWR authorizing
biologist and the Forest Wildlife Program. The sharpshooter
qualification process entails essentially 3 steps, listed in detail
below:
1)
ADplication: proposed sharpshooters must complete
pertinent sections (highlighted) of a standard
"Sharpshooter Application" form (attached).
Applicants are permitted to use the back of the
form or an additional sheet of paper if they
require additional space for listing experience.
The latter section should be filled out as
completely as possible by the applicant since
experience is of great importance when evaluating
the qualifications of the applicant. Experience
that should be listed includes:. firearm or hunter
safety courses taken or taught by applicant,
shooting clinics or competitions, training in use
of firearms during military or police service,
other marksmanship tests taken, type (and number of
years) of hunting experience, etc. Applicant
should indicate date, or age at the time, of
completing hunter safety course, shooting
competition, etc.
2)
Shooting Proficiency Test: The proficiency test is -
designed to insure that the proposed sharpshooter
can consistently, accurately, and precisely hit a
target similar in size to the one he/she will see
in the field. This test is administered at a ~0
yard outdoor range. Applicants are allowed to use
a bench rest since this simulates field conditions;
unfortunately use of a public range for the test
precludes shooting from an elevated position or at
night with a spotlight which are also field
conditions. The applicant must use the firearm and
ammunition that he/she will be using in the field
during the removal program. All firearms must have
telescopic sights (i.e., scopes). The type of
weapon to be used dictates the target size to be
used for the test, humDer of shoss to be taken, and
acceptable score:
For all rifles, the 5est target is the
"National Rifle Association (NRA)
official 50-yard small bore rifle target"
with 5 bullseyes. On the official test
target which the applicant has signed and
dated prior to attaching to the target
backstops/holders, the applicant will
discharge one round at each bullseye for
a total of 5 shots. For centerfire
rifles (k.218B cal.), the cutoff for
certification is 46 out of a possible
total of 50 points; the applicant must
consistently place all shots within the
"9-ring" which has a diameter of
approximately 1.9 inches.
b)
For rimfire rifles (i.e.,.22 magnum
caliber) (some text deleted) all criteria
in "a" above apply except the point
cutoff for qualification will be 47 out
of 50 points possible.
c)
For 12-20 gauge shotguns with slugs, the
target used for proficiency testing is
the "NRA official 50-yard slow fire
pistol target" with one bullseye. The
applicant will discharge 3 rounds at the
single bullseye. Cutoff for qualification
is 27 out of a possible 30 points; the
applicant must be able to group three
shots within a circle of 5.5 inches in
diameter.
There is no time limit on the shooting proficiency
test but the applicant is allowed only one attempt
to certify per winter/removal season. For example,
the agency or organization implementing the deer
management program must inform the IDOC of
potential sharpshooters to be tested. Next the
shooting proficiency test will be administered by
the IDNR no greater than 45 days prior to the
proposed date for initiation/ implementation of the
management program. The potential sharpshooters
are allowed one attempt to qualify, and if unable
to do so, they cannot be retested until the
following year.
Potential sharpshooters are expected to familiarize
themselves with, and to follow, all rules of the
firearm range used for the proficiency test. The
applicant's kndwledge of his/her firearm and
ability to safely handle a firearm will be
evaluated during the proficiency test.
Oral Interview: potential/proposed sharpshooters
will participate in an oral interview before, at
the time of, or after, the shooting proficiency
test; the interview will conducted in person or via
telephone. The number and types of questions are
dictated by previous knowledge of, and familiarity
with, the sharpshooter and his/her abilities, prior
shooting and/or hunting (especially deer)
experience, firearm training, previous
participation in deer management programs as a
sharpshooter, etc. The oral interview allows IDNR
personnel to clarify any unclear or vague
information listed on Sharpshooter Application form
(e.g., experience); assess the applicant's
knowledge of deer anatomy, biology, and behavior;
assess the individual's motivation for wanting to
be a sharpshooter; evaluate the applicant's
knowledge of the proposed deer management program
and program priorities; develop an initial
impression of the ind<vidual's attitude toward the
program, cooperativeness, and commitment to
insuring human safety and program success.
Additional Requirements:
1)
Must be k 18 years of age.
2)
If a resident of Illinois, must possess a valid
FOID card and hunting privileges must not have been
revoked.
3)
If not a resident of Illinois cannot have been
convicted of any felony or Game Code violations.
NOTE: Although a sharpshooter candidate may initially be tested and
approved by the IDNR after fulfilling the above requirements,
tests, and interviews, his/her qualification as a sharpshooter is
probationary and is continually evaluated (by the IDNR and the
agency implementing the deer management program) during the course
of the program. Any disregard for human safety, incidence of a
high deer wounding rate, uncooperativeness or poor attitude, and/or
other problems will result in the immediate revocaticn of the
individual's qualification as a sharpshooter.
OFFICER
14, 41
IOWA CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
NOVEMBER, 1997
11~1 9771~33 B~ ~u~j~ injjg w~~~g
~el ~d to ~ ~m ~d hold
~m to ~t ~s inj~es.
3~, 94
11-01 97710034 Public Intoxication
Subject was under the influence of a
hallucinogemc drug and refused get
out of the middle of the street. He
resisted officers attempts to lead him to
the side of the road. Subject was taken
to the ground and later taken to the
hospital for treatment of his drug use.
20, 46
11-01 97710063
Assist Johnson County
Sheriff's Department
Subject was involved in a car chase
with JCSD. When he finally stopped
his hands were not visible so officers
drew their sidearm. When he raised
his arms, officers re-holstered and
handcuffed him~
20, 46, 37
11-01 97710066 Domestic Assault
Public Intoxication
After being placed under arrest the
subject kicked a female, who was
standing near. He was taken to the
ground until he stopped resisting.
48
11-02 97710077 Open Coothiner
Obstructing Officer
While speaking with subject about an
open container, he turned and ran
away. He re/used to stop whcn officer
ordered him too. He was caught and
taken to the ground. He then stopped
resisting.
37
11-02 97710109 Injured Animal
A deer was struck by a car and the
officer had to shoot it.
39
11-01 97710180 Medical Assist
Subject fought with Paramedic by
attempting to bite, kick, and hit them.
Officer assisted by handcuffing and
flex cuffing her.
11-05 97710197 Theft
Officer was attempting to search a
purse. pursuant an arrest. Subject
pulled the purse away from officer.
Officer applied a wrist lock and
applied handcuffs.
OFFICER
32
36, 98
11
38
6
32
51
28
26
11,23
DATE
1145
11-16
I1-16
11-17
11-19
11-20
11-20
11-21
11-21
I1-25
11-26
CASE #
97710517
97710558
97710578
97710622
97710665
97710702
97710728
97710745
97710766
97710920
97710970
INCIDENT
Possession Under legal
Age, Obstruction of
Officer
Public Intoxication
Public Intoxication
Sick Animal
Injured Animal
Pubhc Intoxication,
Possession Under legal
Age
Injured Animal
Sick Animal
Public Intoxication
Medical Assist
FORCE USED
Subject ran from officer. When she
was caught her arms were pulled
behind her back and she was
handcuffed.
Subject was uncooperativc and verbally
abusive. He resisted while handcuffs
were being placed on him. A wrist
flex was used during cuffing.
Officer assisted Deputies at the jail
when subject resisted them. Officer
helped hold him down and removed
subjects shoes.
Officer put down a sick raccoon with
the Department's 22 cal. rifle.
Officer pm down an inju~d deer with
his sidearm.
Subject attempted to walk away from
officer. She was grabbed by the ann,
which was then placed behind her
back. She was then escorted out of the
bar and Imndcu:ffed.
Officer put down an injured deer with
his sidearm.
A sick raccoon was put down with the
Deparunent's 22 cal rifle.
Subject refused medical persounel's
attempts to help her. Officer helped
escort her to the ambulance by
grabbing her arm. At one point she
quit walking and had to be camed.
Subject would not remove her billfold
or hand from her pocket. Officer
requested her to do so a couple of
times. Officer grabbed her hand and
removed it. along with her bilffold.
Officer assisted medical personnel
while they restrained a patient. One
Officer helped handcuff the subject to
the cot. The other officer held his
head until he calmed down.
505 E. College
Iowe City, Iow~ 5~40
3q ~33B-~B4
November 17, 1997
R.J. Winkaelhake, Chief of Police
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Chief Winkaelhake:
This week I had the pleasure of working with Detective Dave Brucher
in providing training for BEP facilitators from across the state.
Detective Brucher received excellent reviews from the participants
at the close of our training. I've worked with Dave on a variety
of co,m,~ttees and on a variety of cases over the years. Dave did
an excellent job in presenting material on the range of abusive
behaviors that perpetrators use. He also provided specific skills
trainings for the facilitators on how to run the group. Dave
presented this information in an articulate and concise manner. He
not only respected the recipients of domestic violence, but also
the men that had engaged in this behavior and exhibited this
behavior to his trainees.
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the excellent work that
Detective Brucher does, not only on the street in his
investigations, but in the co~m~unity and in these trainings.
Sincerely,
.W., L.I.S.W.
SERVING CEDAR. IOWn, nNCl JOHNSON COUNTIES
,'1
bin ire rsi-y o-
~01kT
on -the
1Z/B4/97 89:16:33 319-345-4Z13 -> 31rJ35651]~ IOl~ Cl'l'~ CI,Ri!!{ Page
Johnson Cmmty
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Sally Slutsman, Chairperson
Joe Bolkcom
Charles D. Duffy
Jonalhan Jordahl
Stephen P. Lacina
December 5, 1997
NATIONAL GUARD OF IOWA HEADQUARTERS
925 SOUTH DUBUQUE STREET
IOWA CITY
2ND FLOOR CLASSROOM
INFORMAL MEETING
Agenda
1. Call to order 9:00 a.m.
2. Work Session m discuss Strategic Planning
a) Discussion re: the following:
1. Review of goals
2. Issue identification
3. Outcomes, goals, and priorities
4. Budget process
5. Staffing
6. Other
3. Adjourn
h:~ag~ndas\ 199~ 12-05.doc
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE ST.
P.O. BOX 1350
IOWA CITY, IOWA 52244-1350
TEL: (319) 356-6000
FAX: (319) 356-6086
Home builders and the city of West Des Mo/nes
· are at odds over who should pay for parks.
The dispute is heading where most red-blooded
'C)Id too.'
'Did nM.=
In 198~. ~ ~t
e 0~, which ~ ~10~
p2y S2~ ~ nc~
~11in~, ~ for ~ch
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The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, iowa:
Changes in cable channels
may save city money, time
City moves enhance
channel identities,
frees'library staffers
By Jim' Jacobson
Gazette Johnson County Bureau
IOWA CITY -- Merging Iowa
City Public Library's cable
channel (channel 10) with the
Government Channel (channel
4) will streamline both the li-
brary's cable operation while
making the two channels more
identifiable to viewers.
OfFicials from the library and
the city's Cable Television Divi-
sion have met to consider put~
ting video programming from
both entities on channel 4, and
puffing InfoVision, the city's in-
teractive and multimedia ser-
vice, on channel 10.
InfoVision currently is shown
on channel 4, alternating with
government programming.
The change would give each
channel a stronger identity,
which is better for viewers, said
Drew Shaffer, Iowa City's cable
TV specialist.
It would also give some li-
brary staffers more time to de-
vote to library projects whfie
saving money, he added.
Library off'lcials had been con-
sidering buying $5,000 to $7,000
worth of new videotape play.
back equipment similar to the
automated system channel 4
has.
Currently library staffers
manually change videotapes for
playback.
BY NOT buying the equip-
ment and giving cable television
personnel responsibility for
playback and character genera-
tion -- creating the printed mes-
sages that often appear on cable
access channels -- library staff-
ers would be able to devote time
to other tasks, including produc-
ing more children's prog~am-
ming, Library Director Susan
Craig said.
While the idea for combining
the operations has been around
for a whfie, Shaffer said that the
increase in programming pro-
duced by the city's cable divi-
sion has also pushed the idea to
Photo by Miranda Meyer, Gazette intem
Matt Carberry of Iowa City, a production assistant with the city's
cable television division, edits a documentary on the archaeology
of Napolean-Park in Iowa City.
the fore. According to Shaffer,
the additional programming has
relegated InfoVision to late
nights. He would like to see
viewers have access to it on a
more regular basis.
Putting it on channel 10 would
achieve that goal.
There is no timetable for
when the merger would take
place because a number of is-
sues remain to be resolved, ac-
cording to Shaffer.
For instance, the question of
how much input will library
staff have in scheduling deci-
sions needs to be addressed.
Craig said she thinks a com-
mittee representing the library
and the cable television division
would be a good way to handle
the question.
FOR THE most part, however,
there should be few scheduling
conflicts, she and Shaffer said.
Scheduling difficulties could
arise when live broadcasts are
scheduled on both channels,
such as a panel discussion from
the library's meeting room and
a City Council meeting.
The likely solution would be
preempting InfoVision on chan-
nel 10 and putting the library's
show in its place, Craig said.
Another question that needs
to be answered is how the city's
cable division and the library
should divide the $40,000 to
$45,000 the library receives an-
nually from cable franchise fees.
Shaffer said discussions would
likely center around how much
his department should get for
the extra work it would do.
As far as Craig is concerned,
"I'd like to see the library keep
the entire amount. We have
programming niches we'd like
to strengthen" with the money,
especially children's programs
like story hour.
Progress on the merger has
been slow because the cable
television division has a number
of more pressing issues it needs
to deal with, including the city's
new telecommunications ordi-
nance and TCI's planned cable
improvements, Shaffer said.
Meetings between library and
cable television division staffers
are expected to resume after
Jan. 1.
1Z/OB/9? 09:2B:4G 319-345-4Z13 -> 3193565BB9 IDYA City CI~B~X ?age 08!
[Johnson Counh..' [
Sally Stutsman, Chairperson
Joe Bolkcom
Charles D. Duffy
Jonathan Jordahl
Stephen P. Lacina
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
December 9, 1997
INFORMAL MEETING
Agenda
1. Call to order 9:00 a.m.
2. Review of the formal minutes of December 4th
Business from Tom Goedken, Representative for Clifton Gunderson re:
performance based budgeting. discussion
Business from Carol Thompson, Sixth Judicial Chief Juvenile Officer
and Brandon Beaudry, Case Worker Supervisor re: Juvenile detention
costs. discussion
Business from Kathy Penningroth, Chairperson for Historical
Preservation Commission re: grant proposal for mapping three county
parks. discussion
6. Business from the County Auditor
a) Discussion re:
Projects Funds.
b) Other
earmarking funds in Capital Projects and Rural Capital
Business from the Assistant Planning and Zoning Administrator
a) Review/discussion re: proposals for tax impact statement study.
b) Other
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE ST. P.O. BOX 1~50 IOWA CITY, IOWA 52244-1350 TEL: (319) 356-6000
FAX: (319) 356-6086
12./BB/97 89 :Z9:14 319-345-42_13 -> 3193565BB9 IOOA CIT¥ CLERK Page BB2_
Agenda 12-9-97
Page 2
8. Business from the Board of Supervisors
a) Discussion re:
b) Discussion re:
c) Discussion re:
d) Discussion re:
e) Reports
t) Other
various boards and commissions.
budget process. (Joe)
legislative issues. (Sally)
space needs for new staff.
(Sally)
1:00 p.m. - Work Session re: interviews for the Human Resource
Administrator position. discussion
a)
Interviews for the Human Resource Administrator position (possible
executive session to evaluate the professional competency of individuals
whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being
considered...)/discussion. ·
10.
11.
4:30 p.m. - Meeting between Johnson
Department Heads and Area Legislators
a) Discussion re: legislative session.
b) Other
Discussion from the public
County Elected Officials,
12/88/97 Bg:29:4B 319-345-4213 -> 319356,5BB9 IOl,,{~ CITV CLERK Page BB3
Agenda 12-9-97
Page 3
12.
13.
December 10, 1997 - 9:00 a.m. - Continuation of interviews for the Human
Resource Administrator position. discussion
a)
Interviews for the Human Resource Administrator position (possible
executive session to evaluate the 'professional competency of individuals
whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being
considered...)/discus sion.
Recess
December 5, 1997
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
Johnson County Board of Supervisors
913 S. Dubuque St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Sally & Members of the Board:
Enclosed is a notice for a pre-design meeting on Court Street Extended. This is a project which
is in Iowa City's Capital Improvement Program for FY98. Since this portion of Court Street
traverses property which is currently within County jurisdiction, I wanted to be sure you were
aware of the project and the meeting that would be taking place next week.
Iowa City is pursuing the construction of Court Street Extended as part of the growth that is
occurring on our east side. Currently Court Street extends beyond Scott Boulevard
approximately 700 feet. As it is extended it will traverse the Lindeman property and proceed
east through the Windsor Ridge development to Taft Avenue. The portion of the extension
which is being considered at this time is from the current terminus of Court Street to the Windsor
Ridge property. This is illustrated on the enclosed map.
After our pre-design meeting with interested property owners and neighbors, we will proceed
with the design work, property acquisition, and then construction. If you have any questions
about the design of the road or the technical aspects of this project, please contact Rob
Winstead at 356-5145. If you have questions about the extension of the road as a policy matter
and how it fits in with Iowa City's growth pattern, I would be happy to try to answer those
questions.
Sincerely,,
Kar~h Franklin, Director
Department of Planning & Community Development
cc: City Manager
~ Council
Rob Winstead
bc\ltrs\5-1KF.doc
410 EAST WASHINGTON
STREET · IOWA CITY,
IOWA J2240-1126 · (319) 356-~000 · FAX (319) 356-J00g
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
COURT STREET EXTENDED PROJECT
NEIGHBORHOOD PRE-DESIGN MlZ, ETING
When:
Where:
Wednesday, December 10, 1997 8:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Helen Lemme Elementary School - Media Center
3100 E. Washington Street, Iowa City
The City of Iowa City is ready to begin design for the extension of Court Street
from its easterly terminus (just east of Scott Boulevard) to the west line of
Windsor Ridge Subdivision, a length of approximately 1,700 feet. A map on
other side has been included for reference. The major items of work include
grading, storm sewer, water main, paving and landscaping. Construction will
most probably begin during the summer of 1998.
Before we begin design, we would like to seek your input regarding the proposed
improvements.
If you have any questions prior to the meeting, please contact Rob Winstead, Public Works
Office, at 356-5145. We hope you can attend. FYI: another Pre-Design meeting for sanitary
sewer improvements along Westminster Street will take place the same night, at the same
location, from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET (' IOWA CITY, IOWA S~240-112i~ (' (JIq~) JSO-5000 · FAX (Jl*) JS~,-SOe9
PROPOSED COURT STREET EXTENSION
CITY PRO.W_,CT
!
Quadrangle Loc~on
1
SCALE 1:240g0
0
5 0
COI','TOUR II'q~]~VA~ 10 ~
NAllONAL GEO0~IC ~ DATUM 1929
December 9, 1997
Mr. Rory A. Fisher
53 Tucson Place
Iowa City, IA 52246
Dear Mr. Fisher:
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
A copy of your e-mail dated November 5 was referred to me for a response. Perhaps it would be
helpful if I briefly outline the City's snow removal policy.
The appropriate equipment, that is the trucks, plow blades, sanders, etc. are normally changed
over from our leaf collection mode to snow and ice control in late November of each year. This
is a time consuming process and it can often depend on the weather forecast and the status of
leaf vacuuming operations throughout the City. If any significant snow fall occurs prior to the
changeover, it will require more time to mobilize our equipment and personnel for snow and ice
control. This year, due to the late falling of leaves, we chose to extend our leaf vacuuming
schedule. This was not without risk but we believed it to be a risk worth taking in order to meet
the needs of our residents.
Generally when a snow fall of less than three inches occurs, our streets are treated with
chemical and abrasive mixtures (salt and sand). With accumulations of more than three inches,
snow plowing is initiated. There may be exceptions made based upon predicted additional snow
fall or other weather factors as well as the status of equipment that is available at the time. In
either case, local streets are prioritized as follows:
1. Bus and hospital emergency routes.
2. Heavily traveled arterial collector streets and residential streets with steep slopes.
3. All other streets.
Again weather conditions such as a prolonged or successive snow falls may cause a shifting
back to higher priorities before all areas can be addressed.
Once the higher priority traffic ways are able to be sustained in what we believe to be an
acceptable condition, snow is removed from the Central Business District area. This occurs late
at night. During the daytime the City snow plow crews continue to clear streets and
intersections, often going back and cleaning up areas which a crew may believe needs
additional attention such as pushing back the snow banks to provide for a more open
thoroughfare and future snow storage. There are many judgments made and we rely on our
snow equipment operators for their field assessment of the condition of streets as well as our
Police patrols.
Your neighborhood is in an open unsheltered area where winds and drifting can be more
severe. Because it is a relatively level street, Rohret Road will continue to be a lower priority
than bus routes and other heavily traveled artedal streets. You can generally expect Rohret
Road to be cleared before residential streets in your neighborhood are addressed. We do
attempt to get to all areas as quickly as possible after a snow fall or ice accumulation, however
the amount of snow, the time of day, and the duration of the storm can impact how quickly this
occurs. Compact, more densely developed neighborhoods with a grid street pattem are easier
for speed of snow removal. Our community also permits on-street parking dudng snow storms,
also causing special attention.
410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA
CITY, IOWA ~2240-1126 · (319) 356-$000 · FAX (319) 3:~6-J009
2
When fully mobilized we have 22 pieces of snow removal equipment in service. They are
required to cover approximately 240 miles of City streets and roadways. We often measure the
area to be served by curb miles, which is interpreted to be 480 miles in that street clearing most
often requires a minimum of two passes by a snow plow operator. Wider streets require more
passes, cul-de-sacs require other removal techniques, including hauling.
With respect to the early snow fall on October 26, from my experience in Iowa such an event is
rare for that time of the year. We were able to change over some equipment which had been
originally set up for leaf collection. That equipment was to attend to the higher priority streets.
The weather forecast for several days following the storm was for very warm temperatures (40s
and 50s) and we felt that most of the snow would melt away quickly without the necessity of a
full scale removal effort. Again a judgment was made. Our leaf removal is a high priority public
service and is also labor intensive. In order to effectively serve our residents, the schedule of
leaf vacuuming is closely followed. We were able to keep up with our leaf vacuuming schedule
due to the decisions associated with our snow removal on October 26.
You have stated you feel our snow removal policy is inadequate. The level of service provided
has been established over time and reviewed periodically. I am also very familiar with effects of
snow storms and snow removal in Minnesota as you noted. I lived in northern Wisconsin and
am very familiar with the extent of the snow falls that can and do occur, and had many frequent
winter time visits to the Minneapolis area. To my knowledge Minneapolis does not provide leaf
vacuuming thereby relieving their streets workers of that responsibility.
The success of our leaf vacuuming program and snow removal has much to do with Mr.
Stockman but even more so with the crews that perform this work in the field. Snow removal
crews are the same personnel who provide leaf vacuuming services. During snow removal
operations they work 12 hours on and 12 hours off until the snow removal effort has been
completed. We must admit that occasionally a street is missed, a vehicle parked in the street
can be struck, and a particular route may not be cleared satisfactorily. We respond immediately
when these matters are brought to our attention and I believe that the overall service is indeed
adequate. Mr. Stockman's employees work under some very difficult conditions during snow
removal operations and we rely on them to identify circumstances during snow removal that
requires their attention, and expect them to attend to it. The City workers in the division that Mr.
Stockman supervises are also responsible for not only snow removal and leaf vacuuming but
also street sweeping, street construction and maintenance, refuse collection, street lighting,
street signals, traffic signs and signals, and the construction of water distribution lines. We try to
use our work force effectively as well as efficiently in performing a variety of street related
maintenance activities.
We will continue our efforts to provide as high a level of service as practically possible. If you
have any additional questions please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Stephe J A. tki~~~~4~'
City Manager
cc: City Council
Streets and Sanitation Supervisor
Im~ltr~sa 12-2.doc