HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-01-23 Info PacketCity of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
January 19, 1996
City Council
City Manager
Material in Information Packet
Copy of memorandum to Airport Commission from Council Member Kubby regarding airport ~.~
renovation funding.
Memorandum from Council Member Baker regarding local option sales tax. ,~.,~ 7
Memoranda from the City Manager:
a. Payroll- City Employees
b. January 23, 1996, Budget Presentation - Boards and Commissions
c. January 23, 1996, Budget Meeting with Boards and Commissions, etc.
Memorandum from the Senior Center Commission regarding additional staff request.
Letter from the Iowa City Human Rights Commission regarding budget requests.
Copy of memorandum to the City Manager from the Assistant City Manager regarding staffing in
Human Rights Division.
Memoranda from the City Manager:
a. Transit Budget Discussion
b. Miscellaneous {100 Safest- 100 Most Dangerous Cities and Napoleon Park)
Memorandum from the City Manager and the Finance Director regarding water fund projects -
cash accumulation of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%.
Copy of memorandum to the City Manager from the Finance Director regarding water fund
informational graphs.
Copy of charts to the City Manager regarding water facility construction projects. ~-~
Memorandum from the Director of Planning and Community Development regarding amendment
the I-1 zone for recycling facilities.
Memoranda from the City Clerk:
a. Revised Schedule for the First Three Months of 1996
b. Council Work Session, January 8, 1996.
c. Council Work Session, January 9, 1996. c.~-7,;~..
Copy of letter to John Kelco (Bureau of Census) from the City Clerk regarding request to postpone
special census.
Memoranda from the Department of Public Works:
a. Burlington Street Dam Safety
b. Recycling Program items
Letter from Johnson County Social Services regarding night bus service.
Minutes of the November 1 6, 1995, meeting of PATV Board of Directors.
Agenda for the January 17 and 18, 1996, meetings of the Johnson County Board of Supervisors.
Agenda for the 1/22/96 Informal meeting of the Board of Supervisors.
Information Packet
January 19, 1996
~age 2
Memo from City Arty. regarding citizen/M~diator Interest in Promoting Hediatio~ at the ~
City; Budget Suggestions/Information
Parking Rates for Comparable Cities.
Information from the Johnson County Historical Society.
Information from the Iowa City/Coralville Convention & Visitors Bureau (statistics).
Karen Kubby
CITY COUNCIL MEM~,EF,
January 12,
1996
Airport Commission,
Civic Center
410 E. Washington St,
I had a thought about
Iowa Clty. lA 52240 at the airport as I
(319) 3,56-5010 recently. I'd like
(319) 356-5009 (FA~ this idea.
funding internal renovations
was touring the facilities
to hear some feedback about
F.e~ldence
728 2nd Avenue
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319) 338-1321
In discussing the airport master plan, we have been
estimating a total cost of $10 million. We are
making the assumption that the local contribution
towards this total will be around $1 million.
We are also making the assumption that a public
investment in a facility like a general aviation
airport helps spurr private investment in our
community.
It is my understanding that improvement of the
terminal is not fundable by the FAA. The cost of
the terminal rehabilitation is not included in the
cost of implementation of the airport master plan
and is not part of the $10 million estimate.
My thought is to have the people that benefit the
most directly through their use of the airport to
pay for the rehabilitation of the terminal. This
includes those who use the airport for recreation
as well as for business purposes.
I would suggest a fundraising campaign based on the
cost of improving different areas of the terminal°
For example, say redoing the transient pilot's
lounge is $7,000. Someone may want a small plaque
saying that they sponsored these improvements.
If the general public can invest $1 million of
local monies, why can't the private sector jump in
for the estimated $100-150,000 for terminal
improvements (numbers from Rick Mascari)? It's an
opportunity for a positive partnership.
CITY OF I0 F/A CITY
Printed on 100%
recycled paper-10%
post-consumer
I am also interested in knowing if the Airport
Co~mission has thought about recommending that the
city institute the available airport levy of up to
27 cents.
What do you think?
cc:
City Council
City Manager
Airport Manager
1/11/96
To: City Council
From: Larry Baker
Re: Sales Tax
As a follow-up to my 12/11/95 memo about a local option sales tax,
I want to expand on the various allocation options. I hope we can
discuss this issue as soon as convenient and in conjunction with
our overall budget considerations.
WATER/SEWER RATE ROLLBACKS (50%):
There is not much new to add to this option. Although cash
accumulation is one possibility, my own preference would be for an
immediate rollback in rates.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT (10%):
Using sales tax revenue as source of funding for downtown
development is obviously not a simple idea. First, we need a much
clearer understanding and public debate about the future of the
downtown. Do we really need to subsidize this commercial and retail
environment to the exclusion of other such areas in Iowa City? Why
spend any extra tax dollars there? Why not a TIF program? Why not
a combination of TIF and sales tax? Such a combination, if used
effectively, could make a dramatic difference in the growth and
stability of the downtown. Regardless of whether or not we spend
sales tax revenue in this area, the old and new (Southside)
downtown will need some infusion of public funds to make things
happen there. All the possible questions about the future of this
area do not need to be answered before we go to the voters with a
sales tax proposal, but we probably need some sort of task force,
as proposed by former Councilmember Bruno Pigott, to be organized
as soon as possible. It is my understanding that an informal group
of downtown people is already forming. Perhaps that group, rather
than a Council appointed group, will be more effective in the long
run. Regardless of how the group is. organized, it could advise us
on some specific questions, su°ch as what to do with the last urban
renewal parcel across from the library, as well as advising us on
how the downtown area in general should develop into the twenty-
first century.
TRANSIT (10%):
Under the Transit option, we should also consider the future of the
SEATS program. The City Manager has alerted us to the financial
problems of the bus system, and those problems will certainly
require this council to make some difficult decisions. At this
time, I am not proposing that the sales tax revenue simply replace
other lost funding sources for the bus system with the goal being
to maintain the present system exactly as it is. Elimination of the
nighttime service, indeed, might be necessary. Some small rate hike
might be necessary. But those questions are part of a larger
transportation context that includes the future of SEATS. At this
point, I will admit that I may have been mistaken in my prior
support of an RFP process that led to a contractural arrangement
with the County for SEATS service. Those initial cost savings ~ight
now be more "penny wise and pound foolish" than I had at first
anticipated. So, now is the time that this Council should look
closer at owning and operating a city SEATS service. Of course,
coordination with other service providers would still be a
necessity, but the actual management of the service for city
residents, with city destinations, might be more efficiently done
by our own personnel. A substantial up-front investment might be
required, but the longterm benefits might make this a wise
decision. Thus, sales tax revenue might be a logical source of
revenue for a transit subsidy that includes the SEATS program.
("might" seems to be the operative word in this discussion)
RESERVE FUND (10%):
A ten percent commitment to the Reserve Fund is one of my strongest
recommendations. Any sales tax revenue collected for this purpose
should be deposited in a separate, clearly defined, account. We
should spend it reluctantly, and only with a five vote majority.
However, I do not propose collecting money just for the sake of
having an attractive balance sheet. In my previous memo~ I wrote
that this "should not be seen as a source of increased funding for
any existing programs or departments, and we should discourage new
requests for city funding." All still true---but the city might
find itself with a substantial cash accumulation at the end of the
ten year life of the sales tax. None of us will be on the Council
in 2006, but perhaps we should have a formal policy resolution now
that indicates how we would wish to handle such an accumulation.
For example, do we recommend that it simply continue as a generic
reserve fund? Or, require that it be used at one time to help
retire any existing bond debt? Future Councils might have different
ideas, and they will have to justify those decisions to the voters
at that time, but should that future discussion begin at a starting
point that we establish?
SUBSIDIZED AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING (20%):
In my previous memo, I suggested that "asking Iowa City to make a
pocketbook commitment (from a sales tax) will require that this
Council itself have a clear understanding and agreement about how
the issue is defined, and how the money will be used." When council
candidates or councilmembers have talked about "affordable housing"
in the past they have usually meant "subsidized" housing--that is,
housing for a specific group of people within a specific range of
low income, housing made possible by a direct infusion of public
money, housing which usually requires some level of permanent
government administration and supervision. Such a housing program
is necessary and should be reasonably supported by the local,
state, and federal government. Indeed, if looked at on a per capita
basis, Iowa City probably has one of the better subsidized housing
programs in the state. We have aggressively sought outside money
and have used it innovatively. The staff and prior Councils should
be commended for those efforts. In the recent public discussion
about our Consolidated Housing Plan, a five year plan with ten
general activities was adopted. Over six million dollars of federal
and state money will be spent to support various deserving
programs. That same plan identifies various policy options which
~his Council should actively pursue.
At this point, let me try to re-define our political terms. For the
past two years I have maintained that there is a difference between
subsidized and affordable housing. An argument can be made that all
housing is subsidized, either through various tax codes or
infrastructure investments made by the public sector. Such a
blanket use of the term "subsidized," however, is not very useful
for getting at the core of a problem that exists here. Let me
suggest that when political leaders in Iowa City talk about
affordable housing they mean one thing---subsidized---but the
overwhelming majority of the public hears something else. I believe
that the vast majority of that public hears "affordable living" for
them. Housing costs are the central component of the cost of living
here, as everywhere: purchase price, taxes, utilities; or rent,
which often has those other factors rolled in. Housing costs in
Iowa City are high for almost everyone, regardless of income. There
are lots of reasons for this, many of which the local government
has little control over.
In the simplest logic: housing becomes more affordable for everyone
when there is more housing. Such logic, however, has to avoid the
sin of simplistic generalization. Iowa City needs something more
specific than just more housing. It needs more housing that more
people can buy to live in. "Market forces" have not provided this
kind of housing. This is where the role of local government becomes
more important. tn the past, the Iowa City government's role has
been regulatory. Has the regulatory role hindered affordable
housing construction? That's a different debate.
Sharpening the previous focus, we need an even more more precise
definition of affordable housing. This definition, admittedly, is
not meant to be exclusive. And, within my definition are certain
cultural and philosophical assumptions we can discuss in more
detail later. I offer it as a starting point for the upcoming
discussion. I would expect that we will all have our own
variations, and the final Council policy will reflect that.
Thus, I propose that this Council set as a specific goal the
following:
A minimum of 750 new single family (detached) homes built in the
next ten years that will cost less than $80,000 each. These would
be entry-level, owner-occupied homes, of at least 1100-1200 sq
feet, with the capacity for expansion or modification by individual
owners. THAT is the challenge I would make to local homebuilders
and banks. If that is a reasonable goal, how does this community
make it happen?
How does the sales tax relate to this goal? First, if the Council
wants to designate a significant portion of the 20% option as a
supplement to existing subsidized housing programs, or as a reserve
fund for anticipated future cuts in federal aid, I would support
that. But I would strongly recommend that the majority of the 20%
be used to promote the private market's construction of new
affordable housing. Land acquisitions, annexations, down payment
assistance funds, zoning regulations, and infrastructure costs are
the logical areas where public money and public policy Gould be
used to facilitate private development. But with that public money
will come the necessary "strings" to tie that private development
to public policy. Those details can be worked out later, but I
would hope that our role is primarily catalytic, not managerial.
My strongest inclination would be to direct our efforts toward home
ownership by those working people who have the hardest time
breaking into the existing housing market, people whose income or
resources are above the "subsidized" level but who can still not
currently make the leap into home ownership in Iowa City°
I would also expect us to discuss our role in the rental market. Is
there a use for sales tax money in the rental market? I suspect
that would require more of a managerial role than I am comfortable
with, but I look forward to some creative ideas from other
councilmembers in that area.
Conclusion:
All of the above ideas are meant to. begin a future discussion. Some
of them are more important to me than others, and I expect we will
all have to negotiate the fine details. All of them, however, begin
with the sales tax, a potential source of over $4,000,000 a year.
If the ideas are valid, is the sales tax the most reasonable method
to achieve them? I think so, and I look forward to hearing from the
public as well as the Council.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 18, 1996
To: City Council
From: City Manager
Re: Payroll - City Employees
Annually I review many payroll factors, employee profiles, and other issues that affect the cost
of salary and benefits. I look for trends and other measurements in payroll and benefits. I do this
in order to keep current with costs and devise any management initiatives we might need to take.
This information is also helpful in understanding and appreciating that our City employees,
approximately 500 full-time, and 1,000 part-time and/or contracted employees, contribute to the
area economy. Notably, two-thirds of our full-time employees are City residents. The City payroll
for calendar 95 was $19,762,000. Those employees paid federal income tax of $2,280,000, state
income tax of $954,500, Social Security taxes of $919,700, and Medicare of $200,043. I believe
this payroll demonstrates that City employees contribute significantly to ~he generai health of our
local economy and the financing of our State and Federal governments.
a~-18.sa2
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
January 18, 1996
City Council
City Manager
Budget Presentation - Boards and Commissions
On Tuesday, January 23, 1996, the City Council has scheduled presentations from vadous
boards, commissions and community agencies seeking funding from the City Budget.
Following the special meeting to begin at 6:30, the attached list of boards and commissions
have indicated an interest in appearing before the City Council. Generally speaking, I tded to
provide for an opportunity for the City boards and commissions to appear in the first part of the
meeting and community agencies in the latter period.
We have advised these groups be available at or about 6:30, assuming the special meeting
agenda will be moved through rather quickly. We may receive requests for an appearance
before the City Council by other groups; however, to date these are the agencies that have
expressed an interest.
cc: Don Yucuis
Boards/Commissions
Budget Presentation
January 23, 1996
1. Airport Commission
2. Human Rights Commission
3, Senior Center Commission
4, Library Board
5, Housing and Community Development Committee
6. Broadband Telecommunications Commission
7. Heritage Trees
8, Jazz Fest
9. Iowa Arts Fest
10, Convention and Visitors Bureau
1 1. Johnson County Museum
These groups indicated their interest in appearing
before Council.
City of iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
January 16, 1996
City Council
City Manager
1996 BUDGET MEETING ~Iltl BOAPJ)S, COMMISSIONS, ETC.
Attached are miscellaneous documents and correspondence from the
Jazz Fest, Iowa Arts Fest, Museum, etc.
Date: March 21, 1995
To: City Council
From: City Manager
Re:
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
iOWA
Convention & Visitors Bureau Funding
During the budget review the CVB Board of Directore indicated their iriterest in having the City
Council responsible for the $10,000 in contributions from the hotel/motel tax to the Iowa Festival
and Jazz Festival, You may recall your original position was to have the CVB assume
responsibility and a full 25% share of the hotel/motel tax would be distributed to the CVB, Their
response was the City should reduce the distribution by $10,000 and assume responsibility for
payment to the festivals, I have assumed that such a position is acceptable to you and therefore
will instruct the Department of Finance to reduce their distribution of monies from the hotel/motel
tax to the CVB by the $10,000. The actual financial arrangements have not been completed and
we will consult the CVB to minimize the financial impact on their operations as well as fulfill our
obligations to the. Iowa Arts Festival and the Jazz Festival.
cc: Don Yucuis
Wendy
JOHNSON
SOC TY
.. ~ 310 FISH STREET. PO BOX 5081 CORALVILLE. IOWA 5~241 ~310~ 351-5738
lheBo~rdofDiretJon MlldredBidl~h JohnO~lima T. pal~i~Deo, Pteaid~nl $onaife*Ellswc~h LloydEploy
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Nov. 14, 1995
Mayor Susan Horowitz
Councillors Baker, Kubby, Lehman, Novick, Pigott, Throgmonon
City of Iowa City - Civic Center
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Mayor and Councillors of the City of Iowa City:
In 1996, Iowa will celebrate its 150th birthday! Led by 99 county Sesqulcentenniai commissions,
Iowans will participate in hundreds of events throughout the state in a year long festival celebrating
Iowa's unique heritage and culture. Best of all, the entire effort will be paid for by non-tax dollars!
Iowans are fundhag their smte's b'mhday party with their own voluntary purchases of Sesqul-
centennial license plates.
Right here in our county, 4.5% of eligible license plates are already sold. That means that more
than 3250 local cars are owned by someone who cares enough about hismEt to spend significant
extra money for his or her license plates! If' s just one indicator of the importance area residents
attach to local history and heritage.
In Iowa City, as you know, one orgnni?ation that is at the forefront of local history education and
preservation efforts is the Johnson County Historical Society and Heritage Museum. Since 1992,
the Iowa City Council has recognized the importance of local history by providing increasing pace
with the increasing demand for our services as more and more Iowa City residents begin to explore
their local history.
But demand for history-related services continues to rise. During the past year, for example,
Council discussed the historic Butler Bridge House. As least one councillor expressed a wish that
the house could be saved as a museum depicting Iowa City's history. if, in fact, this objective is
accomplished, the Johnson County Historical Society, which already manages three local historic
sims and maintains exteusive collections of Iowa City-related artifacts and archives, would he the
logical choice to create and administer such a facility.
The cost of living also continues to rise. And in the upcoming year, all cultural organizations will
face a new challenge. We must prepare for the projected demise of the federal grants programs
which have provided us with assistance totaling $24,900 over the last six years.
-2-
Therefare. for FY97, we are asking you to consider sllpport in the ~:~0un~:of ;~'~
$5,0Q0 front Iowa City - about 8 cents per city resilient. This is al/l~i. ncre.%?
$2000 over last year's figure. This relatively modest amount wouh~'-://~mi~ the
growth in our annual operating budget that is necessitated by rises in the ~q)st
of living; and help insulate us from the devastating effects of t!l~, cessation of
~g,~.r.a I programs,
We believe Iowa City should slipport the Heritage Museum for the following_
reasons:
The Heritage Museum provides an essential service to our community and
contributes to our quality of life. The Heritage Museum is the steward of our
community's cultural heritage and the keeper of its memories. As our community faces a new
century, we face complex social and environmental challenges. We must be rooted in our past
in order to make intelligent dc~Ssions for the future.
The Heritage Museum provides its services free, to all members of the public.
When we were notified that we had received an important federal grant in August, our board
acted immediately to rescind the admission fee we were forced to put in place last year. Other
services offered free to members of the public include the preservation of museum collections,
traveling exhibits, and inquiry and referral services.
The Heritage Museum is a tourist attraction. Almost 30% of Heritage Museum
visitors come from outside our community, bringing spending money and charge cards with
them. Heritage Museum visitors do not usually con/me their visit to the Coralville-located
museum alone. They are also likely to visit the two Iowa City tourist attractions we manage:
Plum Grove Historic Home, and Johnson County's First Asylum.
The Heritage Museum brings other economic benefits. In the last seven fiscal
yea-s, the Heritage Museum has received $78,808 in federal and state grants. Grant dollars
are spent locally, which directly benefits many local memhnnts.
The Heritage Museum is valued by Iowa City residents. Currently, the Heritage
Museum enjoys the financial support of about 750 individual and business members. Of those,
almost 70% cite 'rlowa City" as their home.
The Heritage Museum is an excellent museum., Tiffs year. we were one of only three
Iowa museums to receive a General Operating Support Grant from the U.S. Institute of
Museum Services. These grants are awarded every two years to museums that demonstrate
excellence in all areas of museum o~ration.
Last year, the Iowa City City Council set an important precedent by offering $5000 in support to
two other local cultural entities: the Iowa Festival and the Jazz Festival. Increasing city support for
the Heritage Museum to $5000 would send a message that you value the preservation of local
history as much as you value the cultural festivals.mentioned above.
Currently, the city providm 3% of our operating budget. We raise the other 97% through
memberships, programs, grants; and we receive county support a well. We have been proactive
and aggressive in seeking means of support other than governmental. But county and city
appropriations are still the seed money which allows us to attract those other monies.
-3-
In the upcom;n§ f'mcal year, with increasing .program demands and the rising cost of everything
from postage to paper, we expect our operaun§ expenses to top $! !0,000. Members of our board
will be visiting with each of you to discuss this request. ! hot~ you will feel free to call upon any
of th?.m-- or to call me--- if you hav8 any questions or would like further information. I apprecmte
the difficulty of the task you have ahead of you; and ! know you'll do the best you can for
everyone. Please support us if you cam
Museum Director- Heritage Museum of Joh..~on County
also to: Councillors-elect Norton, Thomberry, Vand~heef
abo to: City Manager St~ve Arkins, City Finance Director Don Yucuis, City Clerk Marian Kart
Annual Report
flormarion for the members of the Johnson County Historical Society
9
June 1995
JCHS Financial Report for
Fiscal Year Ended May 31, 1995
Receipts:
Actual for Year Budgetforyear
Jolmou County Sup~a~o~a ~000
City of Coralville 3000
City of Iowa Civ/ 2300
hd/vidual memba~p 15042
Coqxa-a~ Mambe, nbips & Donat/o~s 10904
Intact 179
Program Revenue, Sales, Admissions ~847
[Includes revenun from Plum Grove mgmt]
Grants - General Operating Support 3750
Grants - Othe~ 5227
Grant - Brochu~ 1000
Gmat- Conservation ~¢at 6110
Old Coralville School Sustaining Fund 575
Total Receipm 96924
250O0
3000
2300
15000
12000
200
14750
375O
0
0
0
0
76000
Ending Cash Balances May 31. 1995_
Checking Account 826
Petty Cash 70
Restricted Funds 13289
[Includes Old Coralville School Fund]
TOTAL 14,185
Disbursements: ActualforYear Budgetforyear
Pa'sounel [m!ary detail at left] 49146
Membemhip costs 2477
Program costs 23633
Operetion - Audit, insumace 1887
Operation - Services 1363
Operation - Telephone 1021
Operation. Utilities 2637
Offi~ expe~ 4620
Shop purchases for resale 214
Conservation ~eut 6010
Brochures 910
Deferred giving campaign 0
7o~1Disbta'sements 93918
49830
2O00
10235
2155
1470
1700
260O
5560
0
0
0
450
7600O
Salary detail FY94-95
Director
[full time] 20000
Volunteer Coordinator
[half time] 9300
Exhibit Designer
[half time] 7700
Curator
[half time] 7700
Museum manager
[quarter time] 5.35/hr.
Excess receipts over disbursements 3016
Add beginning cash balances
11169
Ending cash balances
14185
NOTE: 'r'nese designated donations deposited after May
31, 1995, am not included in the report above:
$302 History Video Project
$29 Plum Grove Garden
UESTIONS? Call JCHS Treasurer Pat Dee
or Museum Director Laurie Robinson
at 351-5738 to obtain a copy of any JCHS fiscal
repmt, treasurers report. audited financial
I!OWA CiTY JAZZ FESTIVALI
Ibwa City Jazz Festival 1996
Proposal to Iowa City Council:
Prior years funding for;
1. Port-a-pottles.
2. Trash receptacles.
Additional funding comes from major grants;
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
M.C. Ginsberg
West Music
Advantage Information Management
KCCK-FM
Univ. of Iowa Lecture Series
Daily lowan
Perpetual Savings Bank
Iowa State Bank
Amana Refrigeration
Messer Distributing
Hawkeye Food Systems
Promotional and Marketing expenses are in kind contributions.
.-3
C3
Tentative line-up for the Iowa City Jazz Festival-1996:
July 3rd, 1996
4:00PM
5:30PM
7:00PM
July 4th, 1996
Noon
1:30PM
3:00PM
4:30PM
7:00PM
Iowa City Youth Ensemble
Sunny Wilkenson
Eight Bold Souls
Shade of Blue
Jerry Granelli
Larry Goldings Trio
Maceo Parker
Joe Lovano Quartet
Total Cost of ICJF-1996 (bands only) approximately $35,000.00
We would like the city of Iowa City to consider funding;
1. A portion of the festival's arbst feee-a matching dollar for dollar fund would create the greatest fund-
raising potential.
2. Port-a-pottles.
3 Trash facilities.
4 The opportunity for restaurants ~n downtown Iowa C~ty to cordon off the section rapresenting the
width of their property and extending 10 feet out and allow "alfresco" dining throughout the days of
July 3 and 4 in conjunction w~th the Iowa City Jazz Festival-the "permit fee" would be pa~d t~ the
Jazz Festival much like the vendors in the streets have pa~d the prior years.
What does the Iowa City Jazz Festival dofor Iowa City?
Economic impact for a 2 day event approximately $360,000 to be shared with restaurants and
businesses that remain open (approx. 18,000-20,000 attendance spending approx. $20/each.)
'2.
Positive multi-cultural, multi-generation appeal for the entire State of Iowa with specific
attention on Iowa City.
Increased use of Downtown Iowa City at a period of the year that is quiet or non-existent from a
retail shopping perspective. Enhancing business for retail, Old Capitol Shopping Mall, Bars,
Restaurants.
Emphasizes family enjoyment while showing the diversi[y and unique character of
downtown Iowa City-a necessity in light of continued growth and pressures from outside the area.
From the Iowa City Jazz Festival came;
a. Frlday night concert series
b. OId Capital Mall music series
c. Additional interest in downtown Iowa City from those in Iowa
dAdditional interest in Iowa City from outside the state
The city of Iowa City's consideration of additional funding is not only appreciated but necessary in order for
events such as these to grow into regional draws of artistic and economic attention as well as national
draws for the community of Iowa City.
Please let us know when we can address the City Council concerning these issues regarding the Iowa City
Jn:~? Festival for the sesquicentennial year-1996.
October 25, 1995
THE
Stephen J. Atkins
City of laws City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Ilk 52240-1826
Dear Mr. Arkins,
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Iowa Arts Festival, I am requesting that
the City of Iowa City allocate a portion of the local motel/hotel tax funds as it makes its
budget appropriations. Having enriched, educated and entertained the Iowa City area for
seven festivals, the Iowa Arts Festival continues benefit the community as it to grows in
attendance, scope and ils attraction to tourists.
The eighth annual Iowa Arts Festival, a nine-day celebration of the arts spanning
three June weekends, will take place on Iowa City's downtown pedestrian mall.. The
Iowa Arts Festival will showcase as well as employ our local and regional artistic talent
as it Itighlights and promotes nearly 50 local art organizations, events and attractions.
The end result is a gala celebration o£nearly 150 produced events, rapresenting over 450
members oFtlie Iowa City arts community, in a wide diversity of art disciplines. Festival
attendance continues to increase and 1996 participants are projected is reach over
60,000.
The Iowa Arts Festival was birthed in 1988, to act as an umbrella organization,
uniting the artistic efforts of our large population o£visunl, literary, and performing
artists and numerous art organizations. The goal was to widen and enrich the lives of
£astival partioipo. nts and at tho sams tires draw attoatica to our local rescaress. Sines its
inception as a non-profit ente,pfise seven years ago, the festival's mission has been to
showcase talents frown several community groups and university programs such as
Writers' Workshop, t lancher Auditorium, Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre Company, laws
CJly Chamber Stagers, American Guild of Organists, IC Public Library, Preucil School of
Music, among others. Under the direction of the new executive director, the Iowa Arts
Festival's 22 member board of directors is making plans to successfully lead the festival
into the millennium w/th an increased impact on our community, both culturally and
economically.
Having appeared in Panerim Business Association's "Top 100 events in North
America" and U.S. News and World Report's "Great Vacation Drives," The Iowa Arts
Festival has increasingly become a vehicle in which our community looks to embody and
preserve our historical, ethnic, and cultural heritage. As the festival has grown in quality,
scope and size, so has its attraction to the traveling public.
Preparations for the 1996 Iowa Arts Festival have begun and the final project is
scheduled for June t4-16; June 21-23; June 27-29. This year's festival will be the
collaborative success of hundreds; a very active board of directors, volunteers,
coordinators of component events, members of the local business community, the Iowa
City Area Chamber of Commerce, area artists and art organizations, as well as several
senior and youth groups. The festival unites thousands of volunteer hours and marketing
resources of these organizations to produce a gala summer celebration of the arts. In turn,
attention is drawn to each component event involved and encourages year-round
participation with the artist or organization and their respective programs and thus having
a far reaching economic impact.
Conceived by community leaders, the Iowa Arts Festival promotes our area's
cultural artistic heritage and to present the broadest definition of the arts to the largest
segment of the population. Initial community support involved a 5-year grant from the
Iowa City Area Chamber ofCommeme of $10,000 each year which ended in when the
festival established their own non-profit status in 1994. Community support was as strong
as ever in 1995 with the Chamber of Commeree's donation of office space and
receptionist semites, $24,000 from the local business community, and the grant of
$5000 from the City of Iowa City. This year our expenses will increase due to a switch
to a week-end only format. The festival events still continue over nine days but the
festival's daily hourly average will increase, thus increasing our expenditures in artist
fees, insurance and rental equipment. The expenses of our marketing efforts will also
increase in scope and cost with the hopes of attracting a large number of tourists to Iowa
City over these three weekends. To reduce expenses this year, several printing, design,
and photography firms have made large in-kind pledges of goods and services to
underwrite festival expenses.
We are looking into the feasibility of conducting an economic impact study of the
arts in our community. David Lyons ofthe Department of Economic Development have
spoke and he is researching how we might best go about this. If the City of Iowa City
could provide any additional assistance with this project, it would be appreciated. The
Public Relations Student Society of America at the University of Iowa is designing a new
market survey in addition to evaluation forms for festival donors and artists. It is our
hope to accurately document what economic impact the Iowa Arts Festival has on our
local community.
The City of Iowa City's financial support is crucial to helping us maintain last
year's operating expenses and to use as a base to request additional funds fi'om other
sources. Also, the City's support communicates a community-owned message to
prospective contributors and aids us in our fundraising efforts.
The Iowa Arts Festival remains true to its original mission and seeks creative
ways to coordinate and promote mainstay events as well as develop new attractions.
Inctudext again this year will be the Festival Art Sale - a jutted show of over 70 artists,
Children's Day, "Movies off the Wall" - an outdoor movie festival, Ealenspiegel Puppet
Theatre Company, and numerous musical presentations which are performed on the
festival's mainstage. New this year will be an event called "Teasers" which presents
highlights of upcoming festivals and outdoor Cohorts such as the Iowa Women's Music
Festival, Riverbank Blues Festival and The Iowa City JaT~, Festival, and the university's
Cultural Diversity Days, in the hopes of drawing attention to our artistically wealthy and
active city. Also, Project An of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics will
present a Friday afternoon preview of the weekends' highlights in the hospital courtyard,
the festival staff will coordinate a multi-media opening ceremony with the Downtown
°Association (Presenter of the Friday Night Concert Series), and under the Director of UI
School of Masic's David Nelson, community and university come together in the first-
ever Iowa Arts Festival Orchestra. Leopold La Fosse, artist-teacher of violin at The
University of Iowa will be concert master. Like a colorful quilt, nearly 75 "An D'oeuvres"
or hands-on art demonstrations, vignettes, musical presentations and readings will be
woven into Iowa City's downtown streets, performing inside or directly outside the
establishment of a business sponsor.
In stmzrnation, it is our hopes that the City of Iowa City would support the Iowa
Arts Festival in 1996 with an additional pledge of $5,000. A proposed budget is
enclosed, and for your reference, our 1996 budget reflects a balance of $3750 from last
years appropriations. A gift for the 1996 would reflect one $1250 payment in fiscal year
1996 and the remainder in fiscal year 1997. Please inform me ifI can provide any
additional information. Thank you considering my request and I look forward to hearing
from you.
Sincerely,
Liz Dueland
Executive Director
IOWA ARTS FESTIVAL
BUDGETED CASH RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS
YEAR ENDING AUGUST 3'1, 1996
RECEIPTS
Iowa Ads Council
Convention and Visitors Bureau
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
Collection of previous year receivables
Coorporate gifts
New corporate sponsors
Direct mail campaign
City of Iowa City (hotel/motel tax)
Winter even t
Vendor fees
T shirts and other merchandise
Other
Interest
Total receipts
Actual 95
Budget 96
DISBURSEMENTS
Payroll
Hourly payroll
Payroll taxes
Office supplies
Postage for administrative
Telephone and FAX
Legal and accounting
Memberships
Meals and entertainment
Insurance
Adist fees
Contract labor
Legal and accounting
Printing and photcopies
Event advedising
Cost of merchandise sold
Event printing
Postage for fundraising
Equipment rental
Sales tax
Other
Equipment purchases
3,000 1,000
500 500
25,000
4,000 500
24,418 25,000
8,750
10,021 10,000
1,250 6,000
1,466 1,500
2,714 3,000
3,901 4,000
339 300
252 200
51,861 84,750
25,314 25,000
1,500
2,301 2,500
401 400
408 700
328 500
1,392 2,400
215 500
300 300
2,474 2,7OO
11,857 20,000
1,064 1,200
1,392 1,800
473 600
366 3,000
2,025 2,000
3,131
1,433 2,300
5,982 9,000
208 200
(740)
Increase(decrease) in cash
3OO
60,324 76,900
Cash balance, beginning
(8,463) 7,850
Cash balance, ending
16,176 7,713
7,713 15,563
1995 IOWA ARTS FESTIVAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sheila Boyd
Vice President of Human Resources and Marketing
Group 5 Hospitality
2216 N. Dodge Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 3374555 phone
(319) 337-2221 fax
Dan Brown
Big Wooden Radio & Marketing Director - Press Citizen
1725 N Dodge Street
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319) 337-3181 phone
(319) 339-7342 fax
John Chadima
Iowa State Bank & Trust Co.
102 S. Clinton Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 356-5824 phone
(319) 356-5849 fax
Karen Chappell
Associate Director
The University of Iowa Center for International & Comparative Studies
226 International Center, University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52242
(319) 335-0368 phone
(319) 335-0280 fax
Larry Eckholt, President
Development Director
Iowa City Public Library
123 S. Linn Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 356-5206 phone
Margaret Eginton
538 Kimball Rd
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319) 338-6843 phone
Mark "Gunner" Grulke
Ounnerz
123 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 338-2010 phone
(319) 338-5032 fax
(319) 3304767 mobile
Mike Haverkamp
Acoustic Mayhem
109 N Van Buren
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 337-7180 home phone
(319) 339-6800 office phone
Mark Kamps
Coldwell-Banker
Anderson-Bender Realtors
44 Sturg/s Comer Dr.
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 351-3355 phone
(319) 351-3355 fax
Christlane Knorr, DTA Representative
Iowa Artisan's Gallery
117 E. College
Iowa City, IA 52240
Marcella Lee
Chamber Singers
5 Norwood Circle
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319) 354-8287
Mary KeGugh Lyreart
551 Normandy Drive
lowa City, IA 52246
(319) 354-7727 phone
(319) 354-0015 fax
Gina McGee, Treasurer
Assistant Director
The University oflowa Division of Sponsored Programs
I00 Gilmore Hall, University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52242
(319) 335-2123 phone
(319) 335-2130 fax
Stan Miller
McGladrey & Pullen
Plaza Center One, Suite 400
125 S. Dubuque Street
Iowa City, IA 52240-4077
(319) 354-1500 phone
(319) 351-0109 fax
Mary New
Assistant Director
The University of Iowa University Relations
5 Old Capitol, University oflowa
Iowa City, IA 52242-1000
(319) 335-0557 phone
(319) 335-0558 fax
Kristin Reynolds
96 Jema Court
Iowa City, IA 52246
(319) 358-8937 phone
Russ Schmeiser
Executive Vice President and CO0
First National Bank
204 E. Washington Street, PO Box 1880
Iowa City, IA 52244-1880
(319) 356-9000 phone
(319) 356-9002 fax
Susan Shullaw, Secretary
Director of Annual Giving Programs and Publications
The University of Iowa Foundation
500 Alumni Center, PO Box 4550
Iowa City, IA 52244-4550
(319) 335-3305 phone
(319) 335-3310 fax
Carol Spaziani
Arts Iowa City
529 E Washington
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319)338-6140 phone
Richard Stratton
Iowa City Guitar Foundation
209 North Linn
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319) 351-0932 phone
Robin Walenta, vice-president
West Music Company
1212 Fifth Street
Coralville, IA 52241
(319) 351-2000 phone
(319) 351-0479 fax
Deanne Wonman
Iowa City Public Library
123 S Linn
(319) 356-5206 phone
(319) 356-5494 fax
Staff:
Liz Dueland, Executive Director
325 E Washington
P O Box 2358
Iowa City, IA 52244
(319) 337-9637 phone
(319) 338-9958 fax
Tracy Naden, Media Coordinator (UI intern)
Angie Schirk, Marketing Assistant (UI intern)
Jennifer Petersen, Administrative Assistant (Mayor's Youth Employment Program)
Kent McBride, Sesquicentennial Event Coordinator (UI intern)
ART$/~i~STIVAL
November 21, 1995
Mr. Stephen J. Atkins
City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240-1826
Dear Mr. Atkins,
Thank you for considering Jhe Iowa Arts FestivaIfs 1996 grant request which I
forwarded to you last month. The Iowa Arts Festival hoard of directors and staff
look forward to working with the City of Iowa City to produce a Festival which is
truly reflective of our community's rich cultural heritage.
For your information, the Iowa Arts Festival wishes to make a joint request for
funding before the City Councl] during budget hearings. Mark Ginsberg of the
Iowa City Jazz Festival and John Murphy of the Downtown Association, sponsor of
the Friday Night Concert Series, and I, would like to make a joint presentation
outlining our programs and explain how they benefit the Iowa City community.
In tl~e meantime, please contact me If I can De of any assistance.
Sincerely,
Liz Dueland
Executive Director
Enclosure
CC: Mark Ginsberg
Susan Horowitz
John Murphy
EAST WASHINGTON STR[I~I * P O BOX '2358 . iOWA (.llY · IOWA · 5q~'44 * 319.337-9637 . 319-338 9958 FAX
J 0 W A""-C I T "/
I~anners. to' Wave for Arl~ in
DowHI~wH Iowa CD[~y" .'.
The Iowa Arts Festival was recently aw~ded a $1400 gr~t
by the Eastern Iowa Tourism ~soeiation to pa~i~ly ~nd~a
eollaborative ba~? project ofsever~ loc~ m orga~t~0ns to
promote m~er ms in downtom Iowa City. .,
According to Iowa ~s Femiv~ Executive Director, L~
Duel~d, the.completed project ~11 consist of 57 burners h~ng
~om street light ~ures ~d MII spo~ ~ of Iowa City~s butdoor
conce~s. ~ .~ p~.m~k~g ~o~s, we hope to n6t'0~y
promote ~ '~d~ ~v~t~; but t0 ~11~tively pr0fiibt~ Iowa
-.' ~'~ ~'A-i0go of each of the following organistions will be
included in the ba~er design: Friday Ni~t Concert Sed~s, Iowa
~s Festiv~, Io~a City Jazz Festival, M.C Ginsberg Friday
~emoon Contea Series. For more iffomation or to m~e a
contribution toward the project, please contact Liz Duel~d at
337-9637.
NEWSLETTER
October 1995
John Murphy, President
. Lisa Barnes, Executive Director
All DTA members are
welcome to attend meetings.
We value YOUR input!
BOARD
8:00 a.m.
4th Tuesday of every month
PROMO
12:00 Noon
November ~ Iowa State Bank
1 st Wednesday of every month
PARKING/TRANSIT
8 a.m.
2nd Tuesday of the month
Location to be announced
~;elebrale' an 1S4~ ~lellida,Y.- ~)ecember ~o
The DTA Promotions Committee is planning a very spegial. holiday event on December 2, 1995. In
conjunction with Iowa's Sesquicentennial, we will celebrate an 1845 holiday from 3 - 7 p.m. Plans
include a vadety of family activities including carolers,'v. lntage dress and skits, food, story time, and a
vadety of other events.
With the addition of more holiday lights on the plaza, carolers on Thursday evenings, the window decorating
contest and this special event, we hope to entice more holiday shoppers than ever. Your padicipation is
encouraged in all these events.
The next Promotions Committee meeting is Wednesday, November 1, in the second floor conference
room of Iowa State Bank at 12 p.m. Anyone who wants to help with this project or has ideas of other
things we can tie into this event, please plan to attend.
Reception: 5:15 p.m.
Program: 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Have You Made Plans to Attend the
MemSership Reception?
This is an exciting opporm~dty to meet other members, discuss plans for the
DTA's future and listen to .a special presentation by John Buchanan. There
will be food, drinks, entertainment, awards and FUN! We encourage all
members to attend and bring as many people as you'd like. Be sure to send
in your RSVP today! Questions may be directed to DTA Headquarters
354-0863.
28 South Linn $~eet
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
(319) 356-52,20
To;
From:
Date:
Subj.:
Iowa City City Council
Senior Center Commission
January, 1996
Additional Staff
In 1981 the Senior Center's permanent s*~ff consisted of two
professionals. At that time we had 137 volunteers who 'gave 8,000 hours
of service and participants visited the Center 41,000 times. Seven years
later we were able to hire one more professional. But now we are serving
over 600 volunteers donating over 59,000 hours and receiving
approximately 200,000 visits. The same three professionals are serving
this senior population.
How are we doing it? How do we offer the classes, workshops, programs
of a c~liber that achieve national recognition? How does a staff member
recruit, train, sustain, and maintain a volunteer corps that is diverse in
abilities, interests, and age as is the community itself? Do you know any
administrator who directly supervises 400 plus people?
Page Two
We have used every resource available to meet the interests and concerns
of our participants through grants, federal programs and voltmteers. But
as helpful as all these temporat/es have been, in the end they are stop-
gap measures. in fact, each of these "helpers" involve considerable
amounts of staff time to make their time here profitable to them and the
Center. Thus, due to huge increases in participation and programming,
we can no longer realistically meet the expectations of our target
population with the available st~ff.
If ever an operation was "hoisted on its own petard," it is the Senior
Center. Our belief in volunteering as the single most important
opportunity offered to older people at the Center, and our constant
public avowal of the skills, knowledge and strength of older volunteers
has placed us in a position where we (City administration, Senior Center
staff and the Commission) have assumed that through sk/llful
coordination of volunteers we can accomplish all of our goals and
objectives.
At one time this was true. Our goals were modest, our volunteer corps
was a manageable size, and the expectations of the community were
limited. Today, none of the above'is true. The aging population is the
fastest growing segment of the United States. Each generation that
retires has greater expectations than the preceding one of what should
and could be available to them. They are healthier, wealthier and better
educated. From meeting the needs of the original depression/World War
II generation, we a~e now being asked to serve them and their children at
the s~me time, These participants from 55 to 95 are mirrored by
members of their age who volunteers. The volunteers who ran activities
in their 70's and who are now in their 80's still need to be involved,
although their decline in health negates them continuing leadership
roles. Those who, on taking early retirement, have found that year-long
vacations do not meet their needs are using the Senior Center as a
means to express their ereativlty and to eonttnue their pursuit of
knowledge, personal growth and a meaningful role in the community.
Page Three
If the definition of a volunteer is "acting of one's own free will without
valuable consideration or a legal obligation." then it follows that when
one's own free will decides that ff it is too cold out, too hot out, or too
interesting elsewhere, since there is no pay and no legal obligation to
show up, one often doesn't. If the use of volunteers to achieve an
organizatton's goals was the optimttm manner of operation, the Senior
Center would not be number one in this community in staff to volunteer
ratio. Every department in the city would be competing with us to
recruit and utilize volunteers.
Our Senior Center philosophy precludes the hiring of enough staff not to
need volunteers. But if we are to make the experience of volunteering at
the Center one that is rewarding, fulfilling, meaningful and available to
all who desire to be part of the senior community, then we need help in
1%lfllltrig our mission: to create an environment where seniors can
achieve the quality of 11fe they desire.
The City has always been respofisive to our needs as a physical plant,
but has been slow to respond to our needs in personnel. We recognize
that this is a time of budget restraints, but in the 14 years preceding,
during good times and bad, our growth in staff has never been consistent
with our growth in activity and participation at the Center.
The staff we are requesting is one pexmanent full time comm~mtcations
specialist. This person would enable the present Senior Center staff to
do the Jobs for which they are uniquely qualified in partnership with a
professional who will support their efforts. Together they would be able
to create new, exciting and enriching programs and volunteer
opportunities for Iowa Ctty's older citizens.
Page Four
We sincerely hope that we wlll not be penalized for stretching staff to the
breaking point. That our success in developing a spectacular Senior
Center will not be held ag, iust us. but rather that we will be given credit
for our achievement and rewarded with the help that we need.
As members of the Senior Center Comruission, we feel an immense
responsibility to communicate to you, the City Council, the concern that
'we have in regard to staffing. And although our request has been turned
down in 1992, in 1993, in 1994, and in 1995, we will continue to
emphasize the needs we have and remind you that you asRed us. We are
your advisors, your eyes and your ears, and our message to you is simply
this: we need to maintain the vitality and strength of the senior
population through Senior Center programs. Please support us by
allowing us to hire the staff to do so.
I I I I
~ 0 0 0
0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
u~ 0 ~ 0
0 0
0
8
IOWA CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
HUMAN RIGHTS -- A HUMAN ISSUE
January 17, 1996
Dear City Council members,
CITY OF IOWA CITY
The Iowa City Human Rights Commission has had a productive year:
At your instruction, we drafted a new gender identity ordinance, protecting the rights
of a vulnerable group of Iowa City citizens.
We revised our by-laws.
Several of us traveled to Des Moines to exchange information with our counterparts in
several Iowa cities, resulting in increased efficiency and effectiveness.
We are embarking on a new outreach effort, the Bridges program, to make the
commission more responsive to the needs of Iowa City citizens.
Thanks to a Herculean effort by our Human Rights Coordinator Heather Shank, and the
assistance of a temporary investigator (from July to December 1995) we have cleared up
some very old cases.
On the front end, seven new cases were settled through mediation in the past six
months--by-passing the expensive and time consuming investigatory process.
These achievemen~are all the more remarkable because they were realized despite an appalling
lack of resources As the table in your packet indicates, the Iowa City Human Rights
Commission has a smaller budget and staff than any other comparably sized community in
the state--this despite the fact that our ordinance is the most inclusive For example: the Human
Rights Commission in Dubuque, a city with nearly the same population &Iowa City, has three
full-time staff people, compared to just one for Iowa City.
In order to allow Ms Shank to concentrate on her primary duty (investigating cases),
commissioners have in the past year taken time away from our own jobs to address and stuff
envelopes and perform other clerical tasks previously handled by Ms. Shank. Even with this help,
the commission is only now completing work on cases brought in 1992 and 1993. Given the
demands on Ms. Shank's time, it takes 14 months to resolve an average case, and more new cases
are submitted each month than Ms. Shank can clear out of the accumulated backlog. (The
commission has 52 cases pending).
Citizens are rightly upset when they have to wait for years to resolve cases of alleged
discrimination. Such a delay is unfair both to complainants and to defendants who must oftentimes
mna business with a cloud hanging over their head.
CIVIC CI~NTLR · 410 [AS'I' WASHINGTON STREET ~' IOWA CITY. IOWA
$2240 ® (119) 356.5022
To fulfill the responsibilities charged to the commission we need the following:
$ A full-time investigator
A full-time clerical staff person
These requests would merely bring us in line with other Iowa communities.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Sincerely,
Patricia A. VanRollins
241 Lexington Avenue
lowa City, Iowa 52246
351-1225 res
1-319- 363-233 7 bus.
January 15, 1996
Dear Mayor Novick and Ladies and Gentlemen of the City Council:
My associate in the League of Women Voters, Ann Shires who is a member of the
Human Rights Commission, has sought our support in asking the city council to
approve more staff and a.u increased budget for the Human Rights Office.
Ms. Shires is a dedicated and concerned member of this commission. She tells us
the present director of the Human Rights Office is doing a very fine job, often
putting in many extra hours and effort, in the discharge of her duties.
that
I know that money is tight and that there are many demands on our budget. I am
writing not for the League but as an individual. I respectfully request your
consideration of a funding increase so that the Human Rights Office
continue to function as professionally and efficiently as possible.
~an
Thank you for the time and thought I know you will give to this matter.
V truly, yours,
Patricia A. VanRollins
c.e. Ms. Ann Shires
IOWA CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT PROCESS
Mediation
Resolution
Case Closed
No Probable Cause Determination
Evidence shows no reason to believe
discrimination occurred
Case closed Complainant appeals
Hearing held
by Human Rights
Commission team
Uphold NPD
determination
~.~ Investigation
~nvestigative
No Resolution
interviews with witnesses
Gathering of relevant documents
Case closed
Summary report of investigation by human rights
investigator. 1st probable cause decision made
based on evidence gathered in investigation.
Complaint file given to Assistant City Attorney.
2rid probable cause determination made based
on investigative record,
Complaint file given to the Human Rights
Commission team (3 members). The team
makes the 3rd probable cause determination
after considering the entire record.
Probable Cause Determination
Evidence shows there is a reason to believe
discrimination occurred
~Attempt by Commission team to seek acceptable
resolution to complaint. This process is referred
Reverse
decision
I
Conciliation
to as conciliation.
Conciliation Conciliation
successful not successful
Case Case Public
closed closed hearing
Agencies
intervene
ACTIVITIES PERFORMED BY HUMAN RIGHTS COORDINATOR AND THE AVERAGE
AMOUNT OF TIME NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE WORK
1o Interview Complainant: average amount of time to gather the
facts of the case that make up the basis of the complaint is
1-1 & 1/2 hours. Since July of 1994 to present, there have
been 59 cases filed. (There were 22 cases pending in July of
1994o)
2. Drafting complainant and respondent questionnaire/document
requests: Each questionnaire addresses issues specific to the
complaint. We do not rely on the same questions from one
questionnaire to the next. In addition, we make sure the
questions and document requests address the legal theories of
discrimination° The Coordinator and Investigator have spent
drafting questionnaires and document requests to
3 hours
Respondents in at least l0 of the 59 cases. The other
questionnaire/document requests have taken, on average,
approximately 1-2 hours to complete°
3o The paperwork that needs to be completed following an
allegation of discrimination, includes the following:
Complaint
Cross file form
Tracking form
Notice letter to Respondent
Questionnaire/document request
Respondent
Questionnaire
Explanation of
to the State civil Rights commission
to Complainant and
instructions
Iowa city Human Rights Complaint Process
INTERVIEWS WITH WITNESSES
ao There have been 70 interviews since July of 1994o Each
interview is prepared after reviewing the investigative
file. It is important to determine the role of each
witness in the events alleged by the Complainant. Some
of the files we are currently working on contain hundreds
of documents° In the complex cases involving hundreds of
documents, each interview took an average of two to four
hours to prepare° In the other cases, each interview
took approximately one to two hours.
b. The actual interviews take approximately I to i 1/2 hours
per person. In the complex cases, the interviews have, for
certain witnesses, taken two hours.
Co The majority of the interviews were transcribed by the
Coordinator or the Investigator° It takes approximately three
hours to transcribe one hour of tape if it is word for word.
We tried several different methods, to make the process more
efficient, but ultimately decided the more information
transcribed the better° We have spent in excess of 210 hours
transcribing tapes from the interviews.
e
o
Informal Complaints: There were 22 informal complaints° In an
informal complaint, an individual brings to the attention of
the Human Rights Commission, what appears to bea violation of
the Human Rights ordinance. The Human Rights Coordinator
responds to an informal complaint by writing to the company or
individual who has committed the alleged discriminatory act
with an explanation of the current law. In the
correspondence, the Coordinator requests the respondent cease
and desist the discriminatory actions. We have had several
complaints against bars in Iowa City who have advertised
"Ladies Night" in the establishment. Other informal
complaints have alleged sexist comments and inappropriate
sexual behavior. The letters written in response to the
informal complaints have taken, on average, an hour to write.
Information gathering has taken approximately 15 minutes to
1/2 hour.
An Incomplete Complaint is one in which a complaint is drafted
and the Complainant fails to return to sign the complaint.
Drafting of a complaint takes from i to i 1/2 hours. If all
of the other documents are prepared, it can take up to three
hours. Fortunately, we have only had six incomplete
complaints.
outreach conducted since August of 1994: Each presentation I
have given, which discusses discrimination, takes preparation.
In almost every instance in which I have prepared a speech, I
have conducted research so as to present the most up to date
information. After drafting the speech, I have spent
additional time photocopying handouts of relevant information.
go
Three evenings at the Salvation Army determining housing
needs of citizens (No prep time = Actual time spent 1
1/2 hours per evening) ·
Meeting at Tenant Landlord Association to inform agency
about the Human Rights commission (No prep time = time
spent i hour)
Speech to citizen's Action Network on discrimination and
the complaint process (Prep time 2 hours = time spent 2
hours)
Community Day X 2 (No prep time = time spent in 1994, 6
hours, time spent in 1995, 6 hours)
conference on Diversity, 1994 & 1995 (time spent = two
days)
Speech on Affirmation Action to JSEC (Research 3 hours,
reading research andwriting 5 hours, actual presentation
45 minutes.
Women's Conference Meeting, (No preparation, actual time
spent, 45 minutes)
h. EHP dinner (No preparation, actual time spent 1 1/2
hours)
io Grant proposal presented to Committee on community Needs,
(Grant preparation took 5 hours)
jo Conference on Women in the Media, (Prep time included
reading articles by journalists that were involved in the
Human Rights group = 2 hours, Actual time spent at
conference = 2 hours.
k. Speech in Cedar Rapids on the Status of AfricanAmericans
in Iowa City, (Prep time included doing an independent
survey of African American's feelings regarding
discrimination in Iowa City. In addition, statistical
evidence was gathered on the census of AfricanAmericans
at the University of Iowa and in Iowa City = the actual
time spent at the conference was 4 hours)
1. Was on a panel discussing the role of the Human Rights
Commission in cases involving employment discrimination.
(No prep time = actual time spent, i hour)
Presented instruction on discrimination law to sociology
class in North Hall, (Prep time, 5 hours, actual time
spent, 3 hours)
n. Public forum on U.N.'s Resolution to Eliminate All Forms
of Discrimination Against Women (Prep time, I hour,
actual time spent at event, 2 hours)
Sat on a panel and answered questions regarding housing
discrimination against persons with AIDS for junior high
children at Regina, (Prep time, I hour, actual time
spent, I 1/2 hours)
o. Spoke with several visitors from other countries
regarding Human Rights in the U.S. and Iowa City.
p. On December 7, 1995, Anne Burnside and I will be on a
panel to discuss how employers should respond to the
addition of gender identity to the Human Rights
Ordinance.
Drafting documents: When I started this position, all of the
handouts were out of date and/or incomplete. We have revised
the housing pamphlet, updated the housing discrimination book,
written a domestic registry pamphlet, provided an updated
version of the Human Rights commission pamphlet, produced
posters for buses stating housing discrimination against the
law, provided posters for the Human Rights Breakfast and
drafted advertisements for uacancies on the Human Rights
Commission. In addition, we drafted instructions on how to
answer questionnaires relating to the complaint, the Human
Rights process, and subpoenas. We just finished a chart of
the Human Rights Process to be made into a poster for the
Coordinator's office.
Footwork: The Human Rights Coordinator's Office posted signs
on hate crimes, housing discrimination, the Human Rights
Breakfast, CEDAW, and other information of interest to the
public. The information would be posted downtown and in many
University buildings. Posting the information would take
approximately 2 hours, not including
Coordinator would post signs after work.
Legal Research:
the time when the
Research
Research
2 hours
Whether a business is responsible for actions against an
employee who is provided hy a temporary agency. 5 hours
What type of injunction necessary to stop an eviction process
in an alleged housing discrimination case: 3 hours
Pregnancy Discrimination cases: 2 hours
Cases involving manufactured housing discrimination: 3 hours
Case law involving race discrimination and threats made by
complainant: 2 hours
Research relating to layoffs and age discrimination: 2 hours
Research on public accommodation discrimination: 3 hours
Research on master servant relationship in tort law and
whether an employer is responsible for discriminatory actions
of nonemployees in business: 3 hours
Research on cases involving subpoena power of Commission: 2
hours
Research on ability of commission to interview current and
former employees without the presence of Respondent attorney:
3 hours
Research on discrimination in housing involving group homes:
2 hours
on current affirmative action law: 5 hours
on hostile environment in sex discrimination cases:
Research on transgender issues, ieo, case law, other city's
ordinances: 8 hours
Research on when sexual orientation added to Iowa City's Human
Rights ordinance, I hour
Research on whether a religious organization can discriminate
based on religion when hiring an employee: 3 hours
Reading employment newsletter updates: 1/2 hour
UPDATING DISCRIMINATION INFORMATION
Filing new case law
Filing news letters on employment and disability law
Filing faxes
Filing supplements to treatises on discrimination law
Telephone calls to Commissioners: Calls are made to
Co~issioners on an average of two calls a week. Calls by
Commissioners to investigators average two calls a week.
During times in which the Human Rights Commission has issues
being considered by Council, telephone calls increase to 3-4
a week.
Telephone calls from individuals with inquiries as to whether
a situation is discrimination underthe law. These calls can
take up to 30-45 minutes because the facts need ~o be
assessed. This necessarily requires the individual to explain
the situation. We receive, on average, two of these calls a
day. At least once every two weeks, one of the calls requires
research before we are able to inform the person whether the
complaint can be filed.
Referral calls: We receive, on average, 1-2 calls a day from
individuals who do not know where to call regarding a problem.
We provide the information. The majority of calls relate to
the need for legal services and/or the number for the
department of human services.
Telephone calls to State Civil Rights Commission: I make, on
average, 4-5 calls to the ICRC a week° The inquiries I have
range from jurisdiction issues to questions regarding the
procedure to be used in specific questions. The calls range
from 10 - 25 minutes.
0
e
e
Telephone calls from Complainants regarding progress made in
their case: On average, this office receives 5 of these calls
per week.
Telephone calls to and from Attorneys for Respondents: On
average, we speak to Respondent Attorneys, at least, 3-4 times
per week° The calls range from 10 minutes to 45 minutes.
Telephone calls requesting information on discrimination to
provide to a class or group of people. On average we receive
one of these calls a week° After we receive a call requesting
information, we find the material requested and either send it
or keep it for someone to pick up.
Telephone calls regarding public speaking: I receive at least
one telephone call a month regarding the need for a speaker on
a topic relating to discrimination.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 19, 1996
To: City Manager
From: Assistant City Manager
Re: Staffing in Human Rights Division
I have completed a review of some of the activities of the Human Rights Division over the past
18 months, particularly the case backlog and rate of filing of new cases. I have also discussed
complaint processing with Heather Shank and Anne Burnside and am of the opinion that this
function is being conducted thoroughly and efficiently.
I am concerned about the increasing workload in that division. For the 15-year period of FY80
through FY94, an average of 21.6 cases per year were filed. These ranged from a low of
eleven cases in FY83 to a high of 36 cases in FY89. For the five-year period FY90 through
FY94, the average was 24.4 cases. However, that same average over the past 18 months has
been slightly over 3.6 cases per month, which translates to a projected annual rate of
approximately 43 cases. The attached graph shows the month-by-month figures. At this point,
this trend appears more than an aberration. I believe it will continue and possibly increase for
several reasons.
First, the office of the Human Rights Coordinator is seen by the community increasingly as
providing an open, friendly, professional service with a welcoming atmosphere. Heather Shank
is an attorney with a reputation of competence and caring which preceded her coming into that
position. Other attorneys, service providers, and citizens are tending more to direct persons
with possible claims of unlawful discrimination to her office. This is certainly the welcoming
attitude we wish to convey to the community and it is logical to conclude that more people with
legitimate complaints will seek out those services.
Secondly, the City has in recent years added "education" as a protected activity, and has added
"gender identity" as a protected category. While we have not seen a significant number of new
cases in these areas, certainly there will be some such cases in the future, adding to an
already heavy caseload.
Thirdly, we now refer most housing cases to the State Civil Rights Commission for investigation
since our local ordinance is not considered substantially equivalent to federal housing non-
discrimination law. About a half-dozen of the 47 cases referenced above have been so
referred. However, we have applied for' redesignation of substantial equivalency, which, when
received, will make us eligible for.reimbursement from HUD for processing those cases. At that
point, we will no longer refer those cases to the State. Also, I anticipate more housing cases
will be received because some are now filed directly with HUD since we do not investigate most
of them locally.
2
Finally, there seems to be an increasing general awareness of protections against unlawful
discrimination offered at all government levels. The Americans with Disabilities Act has served
to further that awareness. People are likely to seek relief at the local level which, generally,
is perceived as more accessible and responsive than State or Federal enfomement agencies.
Heather and I attempted to look at the staff time involved in processing an average case. By
our own admission, our estimates are less than scientific. We have not attempted to keep any
sort of time log for individual cases. Determining the "average" case also proved a challenge,
as you might guess! Nevertheless, we believe a reasonable estimate of the time required to
process the average complaint is about 40 hours. This includes initial contact, intake interview,
filing the appropriate papers. cross-filing with State and/or Federal agencies, assembling,
mailing and interpreting answers to respondent and complainant questionnaires, interviews with
witnesses and reviewing transcriptions (assuming that other staff will transcribe the appropriate
interviews), formal legal processes such as issuance of subpoenas if necessary, review of case
file and appropriate legal research, wdting formal analysis and recommendation to the
Commission, and post-investigation processes including coneiliation in probable cause cases
or possible appeals in no probable cause findings. Some cases can be completed more
quickly; however, some cases are very complex and involve many witnesses, some of whom
are uncooperative. These require extensive legal and practical analysis and will invariably
consume considerably more time to investigate, analyze, and render a recommendation.
The above does not include time required of the Coordinator for public inquiries, conferences
with potential complainants, continuing education, community outreach efforts such as public
speaking and appropriation of informational materials, staffing and support for the Human
Rights Commission, special projects such as the annual Human Rights Awards Breakfast, and
other routine correspondence and general administrative responsibilities. There is no cledcal
staff assigned to this division. Additionally, the Human Rights Coordinator is entitled to twelve
vacation days, eleven paid holidays, a paid personal leave day, and up to twelve days of paid
sick leave annually. It is thus easy to conclude that processing cases and satisfying other
duties and responsibilities can easily consume more time than is available.
Staffing of the Human Rights Commission and community outreach has always been part of
the Human Right Coordinator's duties and these are closely related. Throughout the years,
some Commissions have tended to be very active while others have not. This may have been
influenced by the Commission members themselves and/or by the person in the Coordinator
position. At any rate, I perceive that the present Commission is dedicated to high visibility, a
strong commitment to inform the community of the protections it provides, and active promotion
of civil dghts and equal protection for all citizens in our community. Adequate support for these
and future activities will, in all likelihood, require more time from the Coordinator's office than
has been required in the past. Heather is very effective in this area as well and invitations for
speaking engagements, etc. are becoming more frequent.
It seems apparent that we are at a juncture where consideration of additional staffing in that
office is becoming a practical necessity if we are to provide a satisfactory level of service to the
community. That service has begun to deteriorate in terms of turnaround time for complaint
processing. Currently we have about 40 cases under investigation and about ten others where
the investigation is substantially complete but final disposition is pending. When Heather began
her duties in August, 1994, she inherited a backlog of approximately 25 cases. The figures
indicate that she has been able to make little progress in reducing that backlog. At a time
when we enjoy the services of an extremely selfless and dedicated, not to mention
3
exceptionally talented, Human Rights Coordinator in the person of Heather Shank, I would like
to avoid an overall deterioration in our service due to understating.
I have been reluctant to propose additional permanent staff. However, it appears that we are
heading in that direction. The increase in the volume of complaints appears not to be an
aberration. Heather and Anne Burnside work well together and are both extremely competent.
I have complete faith in their assessment of the demands involved in proper case processing
and disposition as well as what is appropriate for providing a satisfactory level of staffing to the
Commission. Certainly we wish to continue assisting the Commission to remain a viable,
effective, influential entity advocating for human dghts and equal protection, and to competently
advise the City Council in this regard.
Over the past six months, we allocated from the administrative contingency su~ficient funds to
pay for a temporary, half-time person to assist Heather in investigating complaints. We found
this to be helpful, but the fairly short duration did not result in any significant reduction in the
backlog of complaints. Heather did get some assistance regarding other responsibilities in her
office as well. In the future she will be employing the assistance of the Document Services
Division to provide transcriptions of some taped interviews. Additionally, we have budgeted to
continue funding for the employment of a professional mediator to facilitate resolution of
selected complaints prior to investigation. This method has proven to be extremely successful
and seven cases have been resolved. Only in those cases where mediation is perceived likely
to succeed are the parties invited to participate. Mediation is strictly voluntary.
I am not convinced at this point that another permanent full-time position is warranted, although
I recognize that this may be the case in the near future. That is not to say that an additional
full-time person could not be productive or justified. The resulting improved level of service and
enhanced support for the Commission would certainly be beneficial. However, given the
current financial resources available, other alternatives seem more realistic for the present.
One would be to continue funding for temporary half-time assistance, along with clerical support
for transcriptions and funding for mediation. This could be extended to a permanent part-time
position although higher turnover in part-time positions sometimes negates any benefit of
making a position permanent rather than temporary. In either case, I believe additional help
is appropriate and justifiable.
During the next eight to ten months we will continue to monitor progress and will make a
decision as to whether a formal request for additional permanent staffing is appropriate. In the
interim, with limited funding, we can attempt to mitigate the decline in service level. I cannot
conclude that the problem will be solved. It may, indeed, worsen, depending on the demands
placed on the Human Rights Coordinator's office, primarily by the public. I recognize and
acknowledge the frustration of the Commission. If current trends continue, I will undoubtedly
be submitting a request with the FY98 budget proposal for a new permanent full-time position
to either be shared with or assigned exclusively to the Human Rights Division.
Heather Shank
Human Rights Commission
o~
0
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 18, 1996
To: City Council
From: City Manager
Re: Transit Budget Discussion
The attached discussion points and graphs represent major financial and policy issues as they
relate to the City's provision of fixed-route public transit service and paratransit.
In this discussion on public transit service, we believe it is as much policy as it is finance that
drives the debate. The financial issues are such, that is, the major financial option available to
service restoration is the General Fund, very little discretion is available within that fund to satisfy
those policy and financial issues. Another way of viewing this is that in order to add back any
transit reductions, increase the contract for paratransit (SEATS), etc. there would need to be a
reduction somewhere within the other General Fund budgets. You cannot increase taxes for
operations since the maximum available rates are now being utilized, and with the application of
the other state controls new monies are not available from this souroe.
If you were to change policies, for example, as we would no longer consider a fare waiver for
paratransit, this can generate additional income. More stringent standards for certification, and
thereby reducing the number of persons utilizing the paratransit services aro also means to
reduce the cost to the City. I encourage your policy review as well as the financial implications.
In order to frame this issue for your discussion purposes, I would encourage you to agree where
you can on various financial and/or policy issues and set the particular point of agreement aside,
even if only temporarily. You may then review those remaining discussion points that are subject
to a varying opinion among Council Members. From these varying points of view, we can shape
options knowing of the points where we have agreement.
Federal operating assistance reduction - phase out in three years.
FY96 - $350,000
FY97 - $250,000
FY98 - $65,000
FY99 - $0
Federal operating assistance was approximately 10% of the budget.
2
We do not anticipate an increase in state operating assistance to offset loss in federal aid.
State funds for transit operators is projected to remain constant at $250,000 per year.
Approximately 8% of budget.
Eliminate $60,000 annual transfer to Transit capital replacement. City's share of capital
replacement (bus purchase) to be financed by debt. This cost would be covered by debt
service levy. Unknown whether the federal government will reduce capital grants from
83/17 formula to something less.
Continue $90,000 annual transfer from Parking Fund. This transfer was established for
a 3-year period in FY95. It has been continued for the three yeare rapresented by the
FY97-99 financial plan. The Parking Maintenance accounts are financially stable, however
the Parking Fund will show some financial problems (reserve position - cash shortfall) in
FY00 and FY01. Bonds are paid off in FY01 and FY03, which will help restore the cash
position. Future capital projects are anticipated.
Transit lew of $0.95 is maximum allowable,
FY97 - $1,489,661
FY98 - $1,519,711
FY99 - $1,588,370
Legislation is being considered to increase the cap from $0.95 to $1.05. If approved it
would generate, if levied by Council, an additional $150,000 per year. It would likely not
be effective until FY98.
Proposed fare increase from $0.50 to $0.75 and from $18 to $25 for monthly pass. This
projected increase woul,d generate $187,000 in additional fare revenue. It is projected that
a decrease in ridership of 17% would occur. Fare box revenues as a percentage of
operating expenses are shown on the attached chart.
The gap between operating expenses and available revenue (fares, transit levy, federal
state aid etc.) is financed by the General Fund ($8.10 levy). General Fund financing of
transit is $315,000 for FY97; $452,000 in FY98 (an increase of 44%); and $487,000 in
FY99 (an increase of 8% over FY98).
Paratransit costs, both SEATS and cab, are shown on the attached graph.
3
Elimination of night time service, last bus leaves downtown at 7 pro, should save $150,000
annually (FY97 dollars). Five buses, operating on 4 reutes, 4 hours per day, 5 days per
week. Loss of 3.75 FTE. The original estimate of $228,000 has been revised to
$150,000, assuming a number of internal changes and operational costs remaining
constant or less than inflation adjusted.
Upgrade a Mechanic I to Mechanic II. This person is performing work at the II level, and
therefore should be compensated accordingly. The annual cost is $3,200 in FY97.
· Increase the account clerk from 8,4 time to full time at an annual cost of $9,200 in FY97.
This will free current supervisory personnel from some clerical duties.
TRANSIT FUND FARE REVENUE
Compared to Total Transit Expenses
Transit Dept.Fare
Fiscal YearTotal Exp.Revenue
1984 1,876~298 785,341
1985 1,973~244 729,291
1986 2,162~197 801,734
1987 1,894~871 725,692
1988 1,928~871 639,111
1989 1,917,875 623,111
1990 2,265~496 630,097
1991 2,158,707 654, 784
1992 2,607,050 629,146
1993 2,713t661 639,597
1994 2,721~545 672,453
Percent Fare
to Exp.
41.86%
36.96%
37.08%
38.30%
33.13%
32.49%
27.80%
30.33%
24.12%
23.57%
24.71%
1995 2,891,274 652,327 22.56%
1~96 3,254,969 645,000 19.81%
1997 3,133,306 736,500 *23.50%
1998 3,223,767 831,500 *25.79%
1999 3,335,424 831,500 *24.92%
*75¢ - Effective 1-1-97.
% Fare
to Exp.
with No
Rate Incr.
20.6%
20.0%
19.3%
mgr\budgel\lr nstfnd
CAMBUS NIGHT SERVICE
Red and Blue Routes
15 minute service from 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
30 minute service from 9:00 p.m. to midnight
Hawkeye Apartments
30 minute service from 6:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Provides service to College & Summit Streets every 30 minutes
between 10:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m.
Pentacrest
15 minute service from 6:30 p,m, to 9:00 p.m.
30 minute service from 9:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Night Oakdale
30 minute service from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
January' 3, 1996
HOURS OF SERVICE AND FARES FOR IOWA TRANSIT SYSTEMS
Iowa City
Hours of Present Proposed
8ervlce Fare Fare Increase
80¢
26¢ elderly off-peak 25¢ elderly off. peak
Free dlaabled off-peak Free disabled off-peak
$18 monthly pass $25 monthly pass
6:00 a.m.-'11:00 p.m. M-F
6:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Sat.
Mason City 6:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. M-F
Sioux City 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. M-F
7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Sat.
Fort Dodge 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. M-F
10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Sat.
Marshalltown 7:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. M-F
Waterloo 5:45 a.m.-6:00 p.m. M-F
9:45 a.m.-5:15 p.m. Sat.
Dubuque 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. M-F
8:00 a.m.-~:00 p.m. Sat.
Bettendorf 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. M-F
8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sat.
Clinton 6:00 a.m.-6;00 p.m. M-F
7:30 a.m,-6:00 p,m. Sat.
Davenport 5:15 a.m.-7:15 p.m. M-F
5:40 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Sat.
Muscatine 6:00 a.m.-5:45 p.m. M-F
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sat.
Cedar Rapids 5:30 a.m.-7:15 p.m. M-F
7:50-12 1:00-5:30 p.m. Sat.
Corelville
Cambus
Ames
Des Moines
85¢ adult $1.00 adult
student 65¢ $.75 student
75¢ adult
50¢ student
75¢
$1.00 adult
75¢ student
80¢ adult $1.00 adult
45¢. student $.55 student
50¢.
Council Bluffs
Ottumwa
6:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m. (1 route to 12:00)
M-F
6:16 a.m.-6:30 p.m. (1 route) Sat.
5:45 a.m.-12:30 a.m. M-F
11:30 a.m-12:00 a.m. Sat. & Sun.
6:19 a.m..12:45 a.m.
7:21 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Sat.
8:58 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Sun.
6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. M-Sat.
4:52 a.m.-9:40 p.m. M-S
6:20 a.m.-6:00 p.m. M-F
9:40 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Sat.
50¢ Adult
35¢ student
50¢ adult
25¢ student
65¢
10¢ transfer fee
50¢ adult
25¢. elderly)disabled
30¢ students
50¢ adult
25¢ youth (5-15)
No Fare
90¢ adult
40¢ student
$1.00 adult
75¢ student
monthly pass $29
$1.00
$1.00 adult
75¢ student
monthly pass $22
Thinking about increas-
ing fares to $.75
proposing doing away
with trensfer and student
fare increase base fare
to $.75
Thinking about increas-
ing fare to $.75
July 97
$1.00 adult
50¢ student
PARATRANSIT OPERATIONS
The attached table is to demonstrate the level of paratransit services in other Iowa communi-
ties. Clearly, Iowa City provides a substantially greater amount ofparatransit service than other
cities in Iowa. Many of the reasons our costs are higher are substantially policy decisions due
to the way we have chosen to provide paratransit service.
It appears most communities have chosen to provide only the level of service that is required
by law under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The following are discussion points and
an identification of areas where our service level exceeds that required under the ADA.
We provide service anywhere within the City limits of Iowa City and provide service to
our neighboring community, Coralville. Rides that are initiated in Iowa City to Coralville
are charged as Iowa City rides. Retum fides and ddes from Coralville to Iowa City are
charged to Cora!ville. This is a service that Coralville must provide in that the fixed route
system operated by the City of Coralville. enters the City of Iowa City.
We are required to provide service to an area 3/4 a mile beyond our fixed route system
but not to exceed, that is it can remain within the city limits. As an example, if we were
to return to those boundaries, transportation to and from Chatham Oaks would be the
responsible of another party, likely the County government. We provide a city-wide
service.
People over the age of 60 are automatically eligible to ride the paratransit service in
Iowa City.
We are less stringent in our eligibility criteria. A doctor's certification to determine
eligibility is often required rather than a social worker verification or simply taking the
applicant's statement regarding their inability to use the fixed route. A change in policy
would be an option with respect to this issue. We will need to recertify eligibility by July
1, 1996.
The level of service to our community social service agency has not diminished without
their financing. They had earlier been required to have individual contracts with SEATS.
Other cities appear to have taken a much harder line with such social service agencies
and maintained that if such an agency were to drop their contract, they would not be
guaranteed the daily pickup times. Compliance would fall into the two hour window
which is allowed under ADA with the actual pickup time being a window of one hour
before or after the requested pickup depending when it could be officially scheduled. It
appears that this policy as part of the ADA is utilized through the federal regulations to
be comparable to headways for general public on the fixed route systems.
We are required to provide a level of service which is comparable to our fixed route
service. We are providing a much higher level of paratransit service than that of our
fixed route. Our information would indicate that we do not, refuse ride requests to
anyone on the paratransit service and when there are conflicts the supplemental cab
service is made available. The County SEATS office makes such decisions.
Iowa City appears to be the only transit system in the state which has a waiver of the
$1 fare. In our conversations with other communities it appears that the cities which also
subsidize these rides through local taxes believe that by offering a waiver it artificially
increases the number of ddes. There is then no incentive to combine tdps.
2
We appear to be the only city which offers a monthly paratransit pass. The City of
Ames had a monthly paratransit pass for a few months but it was eliminated because
unlike the fixed route service, each additional dde cost far more to provide. Their
findings were that monthly paratransit pass holders would schedule a disproportionally
high number of ndes since there was no incentive to combine tdps. It appears we
experience a similar trend.
We have understood the spirit of the ADA is to mainstream persons with disabilities.
The transportation provisions of the ADA mandated that lifts be put on redefelly funded
fixed route buses and that cities with fixed route systems have to offer comparable
paratransit services. It further appears the intent was to get as many persons with
disabilities off of paratransit and onto the fixed route buses. It is recognized that certain
disabilities are so severe that is not possible. In order to achieve such a goal it would
require a significant change in the relationship between the fixed route provider, the City
and the paratransit provider, the County. Clear policy arficulation and administration by
the County would be necessary.
mgr~o~n$op
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 18, 1996
To: City Council
From: Jeff Davidson
Re: Hours of Operation for Iowa City Transit, Coralville Transit, and University of
Iowa CAMBUS
Mayor Novick asked that Council be provided with the hours of operation for the fixed route
public transit systems in this community.
Transit System Weekday Saturday Sunday
Coralville 6:15 AM-12:30 AM 7:00 AM-6:00 PM None
Iowa City 6:00 AM-10:30 PM 6:30 AM-7:00 PM None
CAMBUS 6:00 AM-Midnight 11:30 AM-Midnight 11:30 AM-Midnight
Theta is significant variation in the level of transit service provided according to time of day and
time of year. We can elaborate on any questions you have at your January 22 work session.
bjU~ours
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
January 18, 1996
To: Stephen Arkins, City Manager
From= Joe Fowler, Director Parking & Transit~/~
Reference: Night Transit Service
Night service started as a six month trial program in November of
1977. The ridership goal established to continue service was an
average of 300 riders per night. At the end of the trial period
ridership averaged 305 per night. At that time the decission was
made to continue service°
A review of previous budget submissions indicates the elimination
or scaling back of this service has been discussed several times in
the past.
JAN-19-1996 ~8:46 UI COLL~GE OF DSqTISTRY 319 335 '~ P.01
CORALVILLE
1996
Mayor Naomi Novick
Civic C~ntcr
410 F. Washington St
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Mayor Novick
Thank you for information concm~niug your upcoming discussion of Transit and S~ts at
the January 22nd Council Session. I will not be able to attend thi.~ meeting~ however I
thought it might be helpful if you have information concerning discussion by the
Coralville Council. The consensus of opinion indicates that at least the majority of our
council is intent upon a fare increase to 75 cents for individual rides and a cost of $24.00
for a monthly pass. There also appears to be a consensus that we may need to eliminate
our special midday shuttle service. This has never s~:m~d to collect m~ny riders and it
may be an appropriato time to end it. Th~rc is some interest in ¢valn-fng our night
service with an earlier ending time. This is of concern however because of the ne~ to
pro,tide transportation for the University Hospital late night shill.
It is also the consensus of our council to take mother look at the Seats program,
especially the increasing costs. Council appe, a~ interested in pumuing the possibility of
a long term contact 16 order to provide be~r budgeting control. At least some of the
members have exprossod a desir~ to explore the possibility of wnnlng our own program.
I l~rsonally do not believe this would be a viable solution, however I guess it never hurts
m explore all possibilities.
I don't know fithis information will be of any tmlp to you and your Council, especially
since our Council h~s not taken ~ny formal action. The abovo conclusions are strictly an
interpretation by mysolf relative to our most recent preliminary budgeting process.
Mayor of Coralvilie
cc Steve Arkins
Kdly Ha!avorth
CITY ADMINISTRATION
1512 7tb. Street * P.O. ~ 5127
C, tvta]~iIl~. Iowa ~2241-012}'
]1~-351-1266 ® Fax 319-~51-5915
TOTRL P.01
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE: January 16, 1996
TO: City Council
FROM: City Manager
RE: Miscellaneous
1. 100 Safest - 100 Most Dangerous Cities. Some surprises.
2. Napoleon Park. Renovation update.
~ m bc-BQsafe t2-20 t052 (bc-94safe}<
~ESENDiNO FOR IOWA CITY<
)c-BQSAFE<
iSa~est cities in the United States)<
ids: )Sidebar to 94CRIME<
>anneLi News Service<
~ASH[NGTON _ Calabasas, Calif., is the safest city
in the COUntry,
~ccording to the FBI's 1994 Uniform Crime Reports data. It has the lowest
)veral! crime rate ~hen compared to o~her cities ~th 50~000 or more
'asidehis. According to a computer analysis of FBI crime datas here are the
~ation'S iO0 safe havens:<
~RAN~..AGENCY .................... STATE CRIME RATE}<
~{} ! .... {}CALABASAS ................ {}CA ....
i} 2 .... CLAY {}TOWN ................ {}MY .... 10.95<
~] 3 .... MIDDLETOWN ()TOWNSHIP ...... {}NJ .... 15.41<
~l Q .... HAVERFORD {}(}TOWNSHIP ........ gA .... 16.48<
i} 5 .... PENN (}(}HILLS ................ PA .... 20.26<
i} ~ .... {}CAMARILL0 ................ (}CA .... 20.70<
:} 7 .... LAGUNA {)MIGUEL ............ {}CA .... 20.87<
~} 8 .... WEST BLOOMFIELD {}{}TOWNSHIP..MI .... 22.06<
1} 9 .... {){}LAKEWOOD .........
~} !0 .... YORBA {)LINDA ........
~}[} 11 .... GREENWICH ..........
~}{} 12 .... WHEATON ............
:} 13 .... TONAWANDA {}{}TOWN...
:} 14 .... ARLINGTON {)HEIGHTS..
..... {}CA
..... {}CT
..... {}IL
........ NY
..... {}IL
...22.69<
...23.31<
...23.37<
..,23.60<
...2~.33<
...24.78<
...24.89<
:} ~5 .... RAMAPO {}TOWN .............. {}MY
i} 16 .... CLEVELAND {}HEIGHTS ........ (}OH .... 25.35<
:} 17 .... EAST {}PROVIDENCE .......... {}RI .... 26.04<
i} 18 .... AMHERST (}{}TOWN .............. NY .... 26.1~<
2} 19 .... LOWER MERION {}TOWNSHIP .... {)PA .... 26.38<
i} 20 .... THOUSAND {}OAKS ............ ()CA .... 26.61<
~} 21 .... HAMILTON ()TOWNSHIP ........ ()NJ .... 26.96<
]}(}(} 22 .... NEWTON .................... MA .... 26.99<
[} 23 .... OLD (){)BRIDGE ................ NJ .... 26.99<
[)()(} 24 .... WEYMOUTH .................. MA .... 27.25<
) 25 .... STATE ()COLLEGE ............ ()PA .... 27.37<
}£)(} 26 .... NAPERVILLE ................ IL .... 27.55<
} 27 .... LEES (}SUMMIT .............. (}M0 .... 28.47<
~){)(} 2~ .... FLORISSANT ................ M0 .... 28.71<
.28.75<
.28.76<
.2B.91<
.29.22<
.29.37<
,29.54<
.29.58<
.30.06<
..30.10<
..30.61<
..30.69<
..30.78<
..30.80<
..30.83<
..30.85<
..31.19<
..31.45<
...NH ....31.45<
()CA .... 31.55<
()PA .... 31.90<
{)CA .... 33.00<
:)<}(} 29 ....MINNETONKA ................ MN...
!}() 30 .... PARMA .................... {}OH..
]){) 3! .... WALTHAM .................. ()HA..
]) 32 .... CLeRKSTOWN (}TOWN .......... ()MY..
'~ 33 .... ABINGTON (?0WNSHIP ........ {;PA..
]: ]4 .... SIMI (}VALLEY .............. (}CA..
)<:~]. 35 ....PLYMOOTH .................. MN..
~? ]~ .... DIAMOND ()BAR .............. (}CA..
1:37 .... ~RICK {}(}TOWNSHIP ............ NJ..
~}(}(} 38 ....LORAIN .................... OH..
]] 3~ .... MOUNT (}()PROSPECT ............ IL..
]j 40 .... UPPER DABBY ()(}TOWNSHIP ..... PA..
]:-:~ 41 ....BAYONNE ................. ()NJ,,
.) ~2 .... CANTON (}TOWNSHIP ......... ()MI,,
;~{;() ~3 ....WaukESHA ................. WI..
~{)(} 44 ....CRANSTON ................ RI,.
.) 45 .... GREECE (}TOWN ............ ()NY..
.){}(} 46 ....NASHUA ...............
~}() 47 .... SUNNYVALE ..............
]~{} 48 .... ALTOONA ................
') 49 .... O4LY ()CITY ..............
50 .... mISSION (}VIEJO ............ (}CA .... 33,5?<
51 .... LAKE (}FOREST .............. (}CA .... 33,65<
52 .... BALDWIN (}{}PARK .............. CA .... 33,73<
53 .... GLOUCESTER (}TOWNSHIP ...... {}NJ .... 33,74<
54 .... CUYAHOGA (}(}FALLS ............ OH .... 34,06<
55 .... SANTA (}CLARITA ............ {}CA .... 34,11<
56 .... DES ()PLAINES .............. ()IL .... 34,31<
57 .... BROKEN (}(}ARROW .............. OK .... 34,66<
C) 58 ....PROV0 .................... {}UT .... 34,87<
¢; 59 .... SANDY .................... (}UT.
<} &0 .... CLIFTON .................. (}NJ,
{? 61 .... EAGAN .................... (}MN,
...35.0&<
...35.12<
...35.44<
62 .... SAINT ()CHARLES ............ (}M0 .... 35,74<
{} 63 ....FAIRFIELD ................ ()CT .... 35,85<
64 .... SAINT (}(}PETERS .............. m0 .... 35,9§<
65 .... EDISON ()TOWNSHIP .......... (}NJ .... 36,11<
{}{} aa .... EDMOND .................... 0K .... 36,18<
67 .... STERLING ()()HEIGHTS .......... MI .... 36.67<
£}(} 68 ....GLENDORA .................. CA .... 36,67<
69 .... wEST (}HARTFORD ............ (}CT .... 36,78<
{} 70 .... BRISTOL .................. ()CT .... 37.32<
(}{} 71 ....DOTHAN .................... AL .... 37,34<
· {} 72 ....MEDFORD.. ................. (}HA .... 37.48<
.z}{} 73 ....APPLETON .................. WI .... 37,86<
{} 7q .... KETTERING ................ (}0H .... 38.19<
.(}{} 75 ....IRVINE .................... CA .... 38,71<
,{}(} 76 ....QUINCY .................... NA .... 38.85<
~(}{} 77 ....PLEASANTON ................ CA .... 38,85<
~{} 78 ....POCATELLO ................ ()ID .... 38,96<
~ 79 .... SAN ()MATEO ................ ()CA .... 39,02<
) 80 .... CHEEKTOWAGA {)(}TOWN .......... NY .... 39,04<
){) 81 ....LIVONIA .................. ()mI .... 39.154
){}() 82 ....CARY ...................... NC .... 39,18<
): 85 .... FARMINGTON (}(}HILLS .......... MI .... 39,52<
'~'}{} 84 BROOKLINE (}mA 39 95<
"Hi(){} 85 .... GLENDALE .................. CA .... 40,67<
}{}{) 86 .... ARVADA .................... CO ....
~} 90 .... TAUNTON .................. (}HA,, .~1,66<
} 9! .... NEW ()(}ROCHELLE .............. NY .... 41,75<
· 92 PORT SAINT (}(}LUCIE .......... FL .... 41.89<
~rx(x 93 .... mALDEN .................... mA .... 42,19<
i'{}(} ~4 .... ROSEmEAD .................. CA .... 42,56<
· . ....
){} 95 .... WAuwATOSA ...............
...~.73<
· 96., .COON (}RAPIDS .............. ()mNo
~} 97 .... SOUTH SAN (}FRANCISCO, , (}CA .... 43.01<
?,.'''~ ALHAHBRA CA 43.46<
· ~00.. NORTH RICHLAND (}(}HILLS ...... TX .... 43.51<
)Note: Although the total number of crimes occurring throughout the nation
s unknown, information on those reported to la~ enforcement gives a
~[iable indication of criminal activity. Gannett Ne~s Service conducted a
-o~puter analysis of the FBI's 1994 Uniform Crime Reports data for all
}CORRECTION: C~anges Rocky Mount, N.C.'s overall crime rank to ~7o As a
Jesuit, cities ran~ed between 2 and 47 ~oved up one position in the
correcled version below. (For example, Fort Lauderdale, originally ranked
~o. 2, now is No. 1.)<
~Eds: }Sidebar to 94CRIME<
5annerr News Service<
WASHINGTON _ Here are the top 100 cities with populations of 50,000 or
~ore ranked in terms of overall crime per 1,000 residents, according to a
computer analysis of FBI data. The overall crime rank and rate are based on
the per capita incidence of violent and property crimes.<
<
(OVERALL.
CRIME.
RANK..
}(> 1 ....
........................... OVERALL}<
............................. CRIME<
.. CITY .............. STATE..RATE<
.... FORT (}{}LAUDERDALE .... FL .... 180.7i<
~}{}{} 2 ...... -..ATLANTA ............ GA... 177.~4<
~} 3 ........ MIAMI (}{)BEACH ........ FL... 176.91<
~}{}{} 4 ........ TAMPA .............. FL... 174.81<
~} 5 ........ wEST PALM (}(}BEACH .... FL... 173.07<
~}{}{} 6 ........ MIAMI .............. FL... 171.77<
j} 7 ....... SAINT {}(}LOUIS ........ NO,,. 163o51<
(} 8 ....... KANSAS {}(}CITY ........ MO .... 160.09<
(} 9 ...... LITTLE (}{}ROCK ........ AR .... 147.61<
~} 10 .... BATON (}{}ROUGE ........ LA .... 140.52<
[} 11 .... {}{}JACKSON ............ MS .... 139.77<
[} 12 .... {}CAMDEN ............ (}NJ .... 139.28<
[} 13 .... {}AMARILLO .......... {}TX .... 158.57<
~} 14 .... {}NEWARK ............ {}NJ.. 138.27<
{} 15 .... OKLAHOMA {}{}CITY ...... OK.,. 134.82<
[} 16 .... NORTH (}{}MIAMI ........ FL... 133.56<
~} 17 .... {}FAYETTEVILLE ...... (}NC... 132.23<
~> 18... {}{}FLINT .............. MI.o. 131.3<
~} 19 ..... NEW (}(}HAVEN .......... CT... 130.92<
(} 20 ..... {}{}WINSTON-SALEM ...... NC... 130.01<
[} 21 ...... {}{}TALLAHASSEE ........ FL .... 128.71<
[} 22 ...... NORTH {}CHARLESTON.. (}SC .... 127.91<
~} 23 ...... DELRAY {}BEACH ...... (}FL .... 127.63<
Z} 24 ...... (}LAKELAND .......... (}FL .... 127.54<
~} 25 ...... POMPANO {}{}BEACH ...... FL.
26 ...... (}{}mCALLEN ............ TX.
27 ...... {}HARTFORD ..........
28 ...... {}{}BALTIMORE ..........
.. DAYTONA (}(}BEACH ...... FL.
.. {}SHREVEPORT ........ (}LA.
~}TUSCALOOSA {}AL
.. (}TCCSON ............ (}AZ.
x)COLUMBIA (}SC 122 14<
.. (}BIRMINGHAM .....
()()GAINESVILLE.·
.. (}(}ORLANDO ......
.. SAN (}BERNARDINO.
.. {}FRESNO ........
.. {}{)DETROIT .....
.. (}(}MACON .......
~)POPTLAND
(~.TaCOMA
.. 127<
.. 126.56<
.. 125.7<
· . 125.52<
.. 125.3<
.. 124.42<
.. 124.07<
.. 122.55<
.. (}AL .... 121.92<
..... FL .... 121.9<
..... FL .... 121.!2<
.. ()CA .... 120.~1<
.. (}CA .... 120.ql<
..... MI .... 119.17<
..... GA .... 118.82<
.. (}OR .... 118.39<
.. (}WA .... 117.59<
· (}WA .... 117.29<
? 44..,... ~}MONROE ............ (}LA .... 116.55<
} 45 ...... (}SARASOTA .......... {}FL ....114.74<
} 46 ...... (}()IRVINGTON .......... NJ ....114.65<
47 ....... ROCKY MOUNT ........ N( .... 114.48<
49 ......
50 ......
51 ......
52 ......
53 ......
54 ......
55 ......
56 ......
57 ......
58 ......
59 .....
60 .....
61 .....
62 .....
63 .....
64 .....
65 .....
a6 .....
67 .....
68 .....
69' .....
70 .....
71 .....
72 .....
73 .....
74 ....
75 ....
76 ....
77 ....
78 ....
79 ....
B0 ....
81 ....
82 ....
83 ....
84 ....
85 ....
86 ....
87 ....
88 ....
8~ ....
90 ....
71 ....
92 ....
93 ....
94 ....
95 ....
96 ....
~7 .....
98 .....
~ 48 ...... (}(}GALVESTON .......... TX .... 113.59<
(}(}TYLER .............. TX .... 113.17<
(}CHARLESTON ........ (}WV .... 112.59<
NORTH LITTLE (}()ROCK..AR .... 112.48<
(}PEORIA ............ (}IL .... 111.92<
(}WILMINGTON ........ (}NC .... 111.85<
(}(}MINNEAPOLIS ........ MN .... 111.67<
(}GREENVILLE ........ (}SC .... 111.44<
(}(}SALEM .............. OR .... 111.3<
WASHINGTON, (}D.C .......... 110.78<
(}8ERKELEY .......... ()CA .... 109.$7<
SALT LAKE (}CITY .... {}UT ....
(}(}SEATTLE ............ NA...
(}()SPRINGFIELD ........ OH...
NORTH LAS (}()VEGAS .... NV...
(}DURHAM ............ (}NC...
{}()OAKLAND ............ CA...
(}RICHMOND .......... (}VA...
(}(}JACKSON ............ TN...
(}ALBANY ............ (}GA...
(}STOCKTON .......... (}CA...
(}SACRAMENTO ........ (}CA,.,
(}ROCKFORD .......... (}IL...
(}(}FLAGSTAFF .......... AZ...
(}DALLAS ............ {)TX...
EAST (){}ORANGE ........ NJ...
NEW ()(}ORLEANS ........ LA...
(}(}NASHVILLE .......... TN. ,.
{}(}PHOENIX ............ AZ...
SANTA (}MONICA ...... (}CA..,
(}RICHMOND .......... {}CA...
(}{}HOLLYW000 .......... FL ....
(}(}CHICAGO ............ IL ....
(}(}SAGINAW ............ mI ....
{}MOBILE ............ (}AL ....
LAS (}CRUCES ........ ()NM ....
SAINT (}PETERSBURG.. (}FL ....
CORPUS {}CHRISTI .... ()TX
(}(}MEDFORD ............ OR ....
()PLANTAFION ........ (}FL ....
(}BEAUMONT .......... (}TX ....
()(}MEMPHIS ............ TN ....
BOYhlTON (}(}BEACH ...... FL ....
(}(}SPRINGFIELD ........ IL ....
SOUTH ()BEND ........ ()IN ....
(}{}ALBUQUEROUE ........ NM ....
(}()CHARLOTTE ......... NC ....
()GASTONIA ......... (}NC ....
(}()MANSFIELD ......... OH ....
{}JACKSONVILL£ ..... ()FL ....
108.63<
107.18<
107.18<
107.16<
106.69<
106.33<
105.85<
105.75<
105.3q<
105<
103.27<
103<
101.5<
101.14<
100.91<
100.9<
100.65<
100.48<
100.35<
100.27<
100.11<
99.99<
99.97<
99.71<
98.68<
98.45<
98.18<
97.99<
97.9q<
97.87<
97.7<
97.32<
97.29<
97.27<
97.14<
96.86<
96.6<
96.54<
96.23<
(}()ROCHESTER .........NY .... 96.13<
..... (}WAC0 ............. (>rx ....
<
Note: Overall crime rankings are based on per capita violent and
ropetry crimes. The offenses included in the overall crime rate are the
~alent crimes of murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault, and the
rapefLy crimes of burglary, larceny-theft and motor vehicle theft.~
January 12, 1996
TO:
FROM:
RE:
Girls' Softball Board of Directors
Terry Trueblood,
.Director of Parks & Recreation
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
PARKS & RECREATION
DEPARTMENT
Construction Plans Affecting Napoleon Park
As you are aware from past discussions and correspondence, the City
has been planning a major sewer line project (federal mandate)
which will disrupt the use of Napoleon Park. At one point, it
looked as if it mioht be possible for the project to begin August,
1995. Due to a series of delays, this obviously did not happen.
Plans are now set for construction to begin next month.
Unfortunately, this means Napoleon Park will not be available for
Girls' Softball (or any other use) this Fear.
The "good news" in this scenario is that we should end up with a
much better facility; including improved and expanded parking, an
additional field, proper elevations, water lines, fencing, improved
dugouts, playground equipment and other improvements°
The current schedule calls for completion of construction within
the park (including seeding and sodding) by October, 1996. With
this schedule, we anticipate the use of Napoleon Park to resume the
summer of 1997. I caution you that ~1! improvements may not be
completed by this time, but we are extremely hopeful that the basic
needs will be in place in timely fashion, to allow a full schedule
of play by the 1997 season.
Parks and Recreation staff has been discussing possible options for
the 1996 season, and we plan to attend your January 16th meeting to
discuss these options with you. It would be most helpful if each
of you could be thinking about possible alternatives to bring up at
the meeting.
Thanks for your cooperation, and please feel free to give me a call
if you have any questions.
SOUTH GILBERT STREET
IOWA CITY IOWA 52240-1632
PHONE (319)356-5100
FAX (319)356-$487
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 19, 1996
To: City Council
From: Stephen J. Arkins, City Manag~~'/
Don Yucuis, Finance Director
Re: Water Fund Projects - Cash Accumulation of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%
Attached you will find two schedules that depict the Water Fund projects based on accumulating
cash of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%, based on phasing in th~ projects starting in calendar year
1996, calendar year 1997 (two year project schedule) and calendar year 1999 (two year project
schedule). The project costs include one year's debt service reserve and inflation where
applicable. The bond issues are factored at a 7% interest rate, 25-year repayment schedule, and
level debt service. Attached is a summary of each schedule.
The first schedule shows the project costs less the cash accumulation based on each scenario,
the amount to bond for, the total principal and interest payments based on the bond issue, and
adding back the cash payment, and the savings between selling bonds for the entire project cost
and doing a mix of bonds and cash accumulation. The total principal and interest payments
utilizing no cash accumulation is $119,622,729. The same total utilizing 20% cash accumulation
is $105,159,479 or a savings in interest of $14,463,250.
The second schedule shows the impact to the average residential user and to the larger
commemial and industrial user. The chart again uses the 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% cash
accumulation scenarios. The chart also is using the 30% rate as proposed to go in'effect Mamh
1, 1996.
bC~.IDY
Z
.~ ooo ~ooooo
000~000
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 19, 1996
To: Stephen Atkins, City Manager
From: Donald Yuculs, Finance Director ~,~~
Re: Water Fund Informational Graphs
Attached you will find two graphs that were prepared but not presented at the public hearing or
budget meetings that pertain to the Water Fund. The first graph shows the percentage change
in operating expenses by fiscal year.
The 19% increase in FY96 compared to FY95 is due to increased costs, services and charges,
specifically, chemical costs. The water plant is doing considerably more treating of the water to
comply with federal safe drinking act regulations. The 20% increase in FY2001 is due to the new
water treatment facility becoming operational. Additional staff and increases in commodities and
services and charges are factored into the expenses in FY2001.
The second graph shows the percentage of the water rate increase that is applied to debt service
and cash accumulation. The bottom row shows the proposed water rate increases for March of
each fiscal year.
ac~l.18.dy
NATER FACILITY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
PROJECT AWARD SCHEDULE PART I
1995 and 1996
Silurian Wells SW-1 and SW-2,
Observation Wells and Pump Test
(* Lower Terminus)
Jordan Well JW-1
(* Lower Terminus)
Ground Storage Reservoir Rer~ovetio~s
at Rochester Avenue, Emeralct $1~eet
and Sycamore Street
Raw Water Piping
Iowa River Power
Dam Improvements
Sanitary Sewer Extension
Siluran Wells SW-3 and SW-4,
(4) Silurian Wells, & (1) Jordan Well
(** Upper Terminus)
Williams Brothers
Gas Pipeline Relocation
Pond Stabilization and Site Work
TOTAL PART I (Project Construction Cost) $ 5,493,000
Lower Tet~inus: well drilling, casing and groutlng
Upper Terminus: pump, discharge piping, structure, electrical & cor~rols
WATER FACILITY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
PROJECT AWARD SCHEDULE PART I!
1997 and 1998
Collector Wells CW-1, CW-2, CW-3
and CW-4, Observation Wells and
Pump Test (*Lower Terminus)
Collector Wells CW-1, CW~2,
CW-3 and CW-4
(**Upper Terminus)
Sand Pit Pump Station
and River Intake
Finished Water Mains
Plant Site Work including
Access Roads and Lagoons
$ 2,077,000
$1
$ 3,468,000
$1,971,000
TOTAL PART II (Project Cost)
$ 9,708,000
PROJECT AWARD SCHEDULE PART
1999 and 2000
Treatment Plant
Existing Water Treatment
Plant Demolition and
Booster Station Construction
ill
$ 27,773,000
$1,374,0O0
TOTAL
PART III (Project Cost)
$ 29,147,000
Lower Terminus: well drilling, casing and grouting
Upper Terminus: pump, discharge piping, structure, electrical & controls
WASTEWATER FACILITY CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
PROJECT AWARD SCHEDULE
1995 through 1998
CONTRACT #1 I
South River Corridor Interceptor Sewer
and Relief Sewer (Plum Street Area and
Sandusky Drive Area)
Award Contract December 1995
Estimated Project Construction Cost $15,300,000
CONTRACT #2 - I
Napoleon Park
Pump Station Improvements
Award Contract June 1996
Estimated Project Construction Cost $ 5,047,000
[-- CO NTRACT #3 I
South Wastewater Treatment
Plant Improvements
Award Contract December 1998
Estimated Project Construction Cost $13,500,000
city of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
January 19, 1996
cid/Council
Karin Franklin, Bitoctet, Planning and Community Bevelopm ne~./~'~'
Amendment to the I-~ Zone for Recycling Faoilities
Second consideration of the Zoning Ordinance amendment to permit recycling facilities within the
I-1 zone has been deleted from your agenda for January 23. After the Council meeting of
January 16, we received input from the owner of City Carton about the possibility that the
ordinance amendments proposed would negatively affect his property. Since this information
could lead to more extensive discussion on the 23rd, this item was removed from your agenda.
In the meantime, prior to your meeting on January 30, we will work with the owner of City Carton
to attempt to resolve some of his concerns. At your meeting of January 30, you may choose to
waive second consideration of this ordinance and vote for final passage at that time. Another
option, depending upon the extent of any proposed changes, may be to amend the ordinance on
the floor to satisfy the concerns of City Carton. Alternatively, subsequent amendments to the
ordinance may be made such that both the owners of Iowa City Transfer and City Carton may
be satisfied. We will update the Council prior to your January 29 work session.
cc: City Manager
bN-lzone
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 19, 1996
To: City Council
From: Madan Karr
REVISED
Re: Revised Schedule for the first three months of 1996
Please mark your calendar accordingly:
Monday, Jahuary 22, 6:30
Tuesday, Jan. 23, 6:30 -
Budget
Transit
Special Formal
Work Session
Boards and Commissions
Monday, Jan. 29, 6:30 -
Tuesday, Jan. 30, 7:30 -
Conference Board Meeting
Work Session
Joint Meeting w/Planning & Zoning
Formal
Tuesday, Feb. 6, 6:30 -
*Wednesday, Feb. 7, 6:30 -
Special Formal
Transit
Work Session
Budget
Work Session
Finalize transit and operating budget
Monday, Feb. 12, 6:30 -
Tuesday, Feb. 13, 7:30 -
Work Session (? - caucus night)
Formal
*Tuesday, Feb. 20, 6:30 -
Work Session
Capital Improvements
Non-budget items (i.e. Fringe Area)
Monday, Feb. 26, 6:30 -
Tuesday, Feb. 27, 7:30 -
Work Session
Conference Board meeting
Formal
Monday. March 4, 6:30
Tuesday, March 5, 7:30
Special Work Session
Special Formal
Monday, March 25, 6:30 -
Tuesday, March 26, 7:30 -
Work Session
Formal
*Mayor Novick suggested these additions, viewing the 7th as essential and the 20th as optional
Please call with any questions you may have.
cc: Department Directors
cler~tb~dgel
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 23, 1996
To: Mayor and City Council
From: City Clerk
Re: Council Work Session, January 8, 1996 - 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers
Mayor Naomi Novick presiding. Council present: Novick, Baker, Kubby, Lehman, Norton,
Thornberry, Vanderhoef. Staff present: Atkins, Yucuis, Karr, O'Malley, Mansfield. Tapes: Reel
96-3, All; 96-4, All.
Meeting transcriptions are available in City Clerk's Office upon request.
BUDGET OVERVIEW Reel 96-3, Side 1
The following City staff presented budget overview: City Manager Atkins, Finance Director
Yucuis, Assistant Finance Director O'Malley, Budget Analyst Mansfield.
Council received the following handouts:
· City of Iowa City FY97 Residential Valuation
· City of Iowa City FY97 Commercial Industrial Valuation
o City of Iowa City Property Tax History
· City of Iowa City - General Fund Revenues for FY1991-1999 by Revenue Type and as a
Percentage to Total Revenues
· City of Iowa City HoteVMotel Tax from FY84 Projected Through FY99 Including Distribution
by Category
· Schedule of State Population Allocation, Monies and Credits by Personal Property
Replacement Tax Revenues from FY90 Through FY99 and as a Pementage to Total
General Fund Revenues Received
Machinery and Equipment Valuation Phase Out Senate File 69, 1995 Legislative Session
· City of Iowa City Public Safety Reserve FY1993 Through FY2003
o General Fund FY97 Revenue Source
Memo from City Manager regarding Miscellaneous Budget Things to Think About FY97-99.
page 2
Wokksession - 1/8/96
revised 1/23/96
· Memo from City Manager regarding Major Council Activity for 1995.
· Article: "An Innovative Approach Saves Hamilton's Bus Company."
COUNCIL TIME:
Reel 96-4, Side 1
1. Kubby announced the JCCOG meeting is scheduled Wednesday, January 7, 4:00 p.m. at the
Senior Center.
2. Novick announced that the River City Housing Cooperative is holding an open house at 200
South Summit Street January 17.
3. Kubby raised concerns about the scheduling of an informal meeting on January 15 during a
major City holiday.
Novick noted that she attended the policy board for juvenile crime prevention meeting.
Currently in the second year of a three year grant the Board will be looking at future funding
sources.
5. Novick announced a subcommittee meeting Wednesday, January 10 on the fringe area
agreement. Lehman and she would be attending.
Novick reminded Council of the Mayor/Council seminar January 13 sponsored by the Iowa
League of Cities; Chamber of Commeme Walk of the Stars January 19-21; Chamber Banquet
January 25; League of Women Voters forum on legislative issues January 27 and County
Government presentation on January 24 and February 28; and Convention and Visitors
Bureau goal setting on January 23.
Meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
c~er/~cc1-8.21n
2
COUNCIL~ME: ' / Reel 96-4, Side 1
1. Kubby ~n( JCCOG meeting is scheduled Wednesday, January 7, 4:00 p.m. at the
Senior ir. . . / . .
2. , R~ver City Housings.Cooperative is holding an open house at 200
South January 17, /
/
3. raised )rns about the schedul!rtg of an informal meeting on January 15 during a
Novick noted that
Currently
sources.
attended the policy board for juvenile crime prevention meeting.
of a three year grant the Board will be looking at future funding
5. Novick announced a
agreement. Lehman
~mittee meeting Wednesday, January 10 on the fringe area
wduld be attending.
6. Novick reminded Council seminar January 13 sponsored by the Iowa
League of Cities; Chamber of Walk of the Stars January 19-21; Chamber Banquet
January 25; League of forum on legislative issues January 27 and County
Government I~ y 28; and Convention and Visitors Bureau
goal setting on January
\
Meeting adjourned at 9:10 n.
/
;
/
City of iowa City
MEMORANDUM
revised 1/23/9
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
January 23, 1996
Mayor and City Council
City Clerk
Council Work Session, January 9, 1996 - 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers
Mayor Naomi Novick presiding. Council present: Novick, Baker, Kubby, Lehman, Norton,
Thornberry, Vanderhoef. Staff present: Atkins, Helling, Karr, Yucuis, O'Malley, Mansfield, Fowler,
Logsden, Dollman. Tapes: 96-4, side 2; 96-5, all; 96-6, side 1.
Meeting transcriptions are available in City Clerk's Office upon request.
BUDGET OVERVIEW Reel 96-4 Side 2
The following City staff presented the budget overview: City Manager Atkins, Finance Director
Yucuis, Assistant Finance Director O'Malley, Budget Analyst Mansfield, Parking and Transit
Director Fowler, Transit Manager Logsden, and Parking Manager Dollman.
Council received the following handouts:
o City of Iowa City schedule of parking system information - FY90-FY95
· Parking operations proposed budget for FY97 - FY99
· Parking renewal and improvement resewe proposed budget for FY97-FY99
· Pending policy/fiscal issues in parking
· New ramp south of Burlington Street
o Transit operations selected operating expenses and pementage change from the prior fiscal
year
· Transit fund selected revenues as percentage of operating expenses
o SEATS ridership/cost FY87-97
· Bus route figures
· Hours of service and fares for Iowa Transit Systems
revised 1/23/9~
2
Transit fund fare revenue compared to total transit expenses
City of Iowa City transit fund proposed budget for City Council for FY97 through FY99 - SEATS
contract at $448,000; rate increase 1/1/97; eliminate evening service.
City of Iowa City transit fund - FY97 to FY99 adjusted SEATS contract to $603,000 from
$448,000. Rate increase 1/1/97; service cuts.
Transit fund FY97-FY99 adjusted SEATS contract to $603,000 from $448,000. Increase
transfer from general fund by $155,000, $160,000 and $180,000. Includes rate increase
1/1/97 and eliminating evening service.
Transit fund FY97-FY99 adjusted SEATS contract to $603,000 from $448,000. increase
transfer from general fund by $245,000, $230,000, $320,000. Fare increase 1/1/97; existing
service level,
Transit fund FY97-FY99 adjusted SEATS contract to $603,000 from $448,000. Increase
transfer from general fund by $245,000, $330,000 and $410,000. No fare increase but
eliminating evening service
Transit fund FY97-FY99 adjusted SEATS contract to $603,000 from $448,000. Increase
transfer from general fund by $336,500, $410,000, $515,000. No fare increase; Existing
service level.
Paratransit (SEATS) service information for iowa Transit Systems
City of Iowa City schedule of average residential monthly water bill and how much is applicable
to Operating and debt service expenses for FY95-FY2006
Water Projects - Phase-In and Accumulation of Cash 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% by the Year
2001.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
To: Mayor ~0,~. City Council
From: City Clerk ~
Re: Council Work"~on, January 9, 1996 - 6:30 ,~ the Council Chambers
Mayor Naomi Novick presiding. Council pre:~e !~ Baker, ,Kubby, Lehman, Norton,
Thornberry, Vanderhoef. Staf~resent: Atkins, Hel,~Karr, Yucuis, O Malley, Mansfield, Fowler,
Logsden, DolEman. Tapes: 96-~,~, side 2; 96-5, i-6, side 1.
Meeting transcriptions are avail'~in lerk's Office upon request.
BUDGET OVERVIEW Reel 96-4 Side 2
The following City staff presented th(
Yucuis, Assistant Finance Director
Director Fowler, Transit Manager
overview: City Manger Atkins, Finance Director
Budget Analyst Mansfield, Parking and Transit
Parking Manager Dollman.
Council received the following
City of Iowa City schedu
Parking operations
Parking renewal ~
o parking system info-'~, ation - FY90-FY95
· budget for FY97 - FY9~g~
· 3rovement reserve proposed bu'd~et for FY97-FY99
· Pending , issues in parking
· New ramp s,g~,tt~ of Burlington Street
, //
Transit o~'e.rations selected operating expenses and percentage ~,hange from the prior fiscal
year
o Transt'/~.~nd selec
.~/i/. ted revenues as percentage of operating expenses
,, S_~/7S ridership/cost FY87-97
'/u/s r°ute figures
/ 'Hours of service and fares for lows Transit Systems
2
o :fund fare revenue compared to total transit expenses
· '~ r transit fund proposed budget for City Council for F~.97 through FY99 - SEATS
$44~,000; rate increase 1/1/97; e,iminate evening serv,ce. /
· City of ~.C~ty transit fund - FY97 to FY99 adjusted SEATS cogtract to $603,000 from
$448,000. R~ increase 1/1/97; service cuts. /
· Transit fund F~@7-F '99 adjusted SEATS contract to $603,0/00 from $48,000. Increase
transfer from ge~ra fund by $155,000, $160,000 and $190,000, Includes rate increase
17/9~ and eiminat~ evening service. /. '
o Transit fund FY97-F ;~9 adjusted SEATS contract to.~603;000 from $448,000. Increase
transfer from general $245,000, $230,000,70,000. Fare increase 1/1/97; existing
service level.
· Transit fund FY97-FY99 a'~justed SEATS to $603,000 from $448,000. Increase
transfer. from general fund 't{y $245,000,
eliminating evening service. ~
· Transit fund FY97-FY99
transfer from general fund by
service level.
000 and $410,000. No fare increase but
contract to $603,000 from $448,000. Increase
$410,000, $515,000. No fare increase; Existing
o Paratransit (SEATS) service
Iowa Transit Systems.
City of Iowa Cit~
to Operating and debt
Water Projects - Phase-It
2001.
Meeting adjourned a;~.'00
pore.
resl(~ential monthly water bill and how much is applicable
3en~es f~, FY95-FY2006,
Accumulatio~f Cash 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% by the Year
'\
\,
January 19, 1996
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
John Kel¢o
Bureau of Census
Gateway Center II
4th & State Avenue
Suite 60
Kansas City, KS 66101
Dear Mr. Kelco:
After discussing the impact of the federal budget shutdown on the
request from Iowa City for a special census on February 1, the City
Council directed staff to request postponement of the special
census to late August.
At their informal meeting on January 15 I summarized for Council
our most recent discussion and revised timetable as follows:
May
June
August
October
December
Recruitment of workers
Testing for workers
Start of census (after school started)
Completion of census
Certification of figures to State
It is understood that preliminary figures will be furnished to the
City as the Census progresses but final figures will be certified
to the State by the December 31 deadline for allocation of funds
effective January 1, 1997.
Please advise me as soon as possible if there are any problems with
the schedule proposed above.
Iowa City anxiously awaits the completion of the special census and
is confident that it will be successful.
Sincerely,
Marian K. Karr
City Clerk
Co-Chair Special Census Committee
cc: City Council
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
PRESS RELEASE
January 18, 1996
Contact Person:
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
356-5041
City of Iowa City Special Census Postponed To August, 1996
WashingtoWs budget deadlock is an Iowa City census roadblock - at least until August.
The City of Iowa City has delayed this year's Special Census until August, 1996. Due to a
temporary federal government shut down, the Special Census Division of the Federal Bureau
of the Census is still shut down, delaying Iowa City's Special Census. Federal Census officials
have said Iowa City will have priority in August.
In July of 1995 the Iowa City City Council requested a special census to be conducted
to determine a more current population figure in Iowa City. City staff estimates the special
census will show an increase in official population of more than 3,100 people since the 1990
census, increasing State Road Use Tax and Population Allocation Tax revenue by $230,000
each year after the census is certified, As long as the Special Census process is completed
and population figures are certified by December, 1996, the allocations will be received in
1997.
City Clerk and Co-Chair of the Census Committee, Marian Karr said, "The concern was
that the Special Census would be delayed into April or May and census counts would be lower
because people just won't be around to be counted because of the University's schedule."
Additional concerns regarding workers were also considered Karr said. Karr plans to schedule
census worker recruitment in May and census worker testing in June, with the actual count
starting in late August. The Special Census Committee plans to continue work on census
worker recruitment and to reshape their Special Census advertising campaign to fit the August
schedule.
610 EAST WASHINGTON STREET · ~OWA CITY. IOWA ~1240-1826 · {319) 356-~000 · FAX (319) 3S6-$009
Da~.e:
To:
Re:
January 18, 1996
Sieve Arkins, City Manager
Rick Fosse, City Engineer
Burlington Street Dam Safety
!'~: r£spe,~s6 ~C' OUl ~6ques;, li~s Universily of ;o~,,,~ has assumed the lead role in developing a
,..,., ,~,:-3.~,e:~siv3 p',s r. fo: safety improvemeqts to ti~e Buriington Street Dam. The University is
~d,,uN~iy ~,ego[ia~,~9 ~ con~rac; ~','~;i~ NI.~W Co~suJ~ants for engineering sen, ices. Lar~ ~lson
~.,.,~c',s ih~: ~',3; to:'.:~c', us i,-, i~e v,,in~e~ or e~riy spring for s meeting to plan the proposed
improvements.
cc: Chuck Schmadeke
TO:
FROM:
RE:
iv *IOR2uNDUM
Chuck $clmmdek¢, Public Works Director
Floy& Pdk~, 8upt of Solid Waste
City Recycling Pro~,sm Items
1Vi~TAL & WHITE COODS - (APPLIANCES, ETC.)
The Iowa Ch'y landfill sl~ned sq)arafion of m~ml and wh/te goods on 8/I/89. The Reftme Division sartcd septate
curbs/de coileel/on of white §oods on 8/1/89. The curbs/de collected wh/ie §oods are taken to lhe Laudtill recycle s/re.
Whit~ goods are th~u picked up and recycled by Attar Corp. of Davenpor/, Iowa or J.R Appliance. Because AI~ Corp. will
not take ceftin appliances, we also use the services of{.R. Applience. Begim~g February 21, 1995 I. R. Appliance began
¢oliecling appliances fi'om us at ~he landfil~ We ~ be chsr~d $12.50 per appliance. Ther~ may be a few ex~pfio~s to this
price for v~ry ~ and cornmercia/appliances.
MONTI/Y~AR COLL~CYgD CIIRBSIDE COI.LgCTgD/~. LAND!m.L
Jan, 1995 3.47ton 11.81 ton
Feb, 1995 2.14 ton 13.46 ton
Mar. 1995 3.91 ton 26.08 ton
.Apr, 1995 4.28 ton 24.39 ton
May, 1995 4.44 ton 20.97 ton
lun, 1995 6.9~ ton 28.30 ton
Jul, 1995 6.9,,,6 ton 31.28 ton
Aug, 1995 4.72 ton 27.~ ton
Sep, 1995 3.33 ton 21.41 ton
Oct. 1995 3.09 ton 12.25 ton
Nov, 1995 1.41 ton 13.44 ton
Dec, 1~5 3.61 ton 10.77 ton
TOTALS 47.64 ton 241.20 ton
The tonnages collected by Alter Corp. do not necessam~, reflect the month that the white goods are collected by the Landfill.
MONTH/YEAR COLLgCTED/ALTgR CORP INCOM~ FROM ALTgR CORP.
Jan. 1995 9.01 ton 663.65
Feb, 1995 8.42 ton 728.85
Mar, 1995 4.T3 ton 227.52
Apr, 1995 7.17 ton 408.41
May, 1995 0.00 ton 0.00
Jun, 1995 8.02 ton 460.37
JuL 1995 .00 ton .00
Aug, 1995 .00 ton .oo
Sep, 1995 .00 ton .00
Oct, 1995 9.97 ton 757.83
Nov, 1995 .00 ton .00
Dec, 1995 17.99 ton 1,326.00
TOTALS 6531 ton 4,572.63
M~TAL & ~ GOODS (CONT,)
The tonna§cs coilcoted by .T.R. do not ncccssan~t reflect the month that thc white goods arc collected by the Lindfill,
MO~ftI/YIiAR TONS COLIgCT~D/J.R. # COL_L~CTgD BY JR.
Feb, 1995 28.52 ton 361 4,512.50
Mar, 1995 41.34 ton 466 5,825.00
Apr, 1995 78.97 ton 848 I0,~0.00
May, 1995 34.84 ton 425 5,312.50
Jim, 1995 33.90 ton 38O 4,750.00
~ul, 1995 44.76 ton 553 6,912.50
Aug, 1995 54.24 ton 333 4,162.50
Sop, 1995 16.96 ton 237 2,962.50
oct. 1995 9.00 ton 127 1,587.50
Nov, 1995 15.21 ton 181 2,262.50
Dec, 1995 7.68 ton 110 1,375.00
Jail, 1996
TOTALS 36~.42 ton 4021
I'D. TO JR,
YARD WASTR
The Iowa City Landfill startod scparalion of yard wast~ and the Refuse Division sta~d separate curbsi& collection for yard
waste on 5/21/90. The curbside collected yard warn is takea to the Landfall recycle ~t~,
MOWI'B/~AR COLLECTED CTIBnSID~ COLLgCTED ~il LANDi~.I:
Jan, 1995 49.00 ton 61.65 ton
Feb, 1995 7.06 ton 15.25 ton
Mar, 1995 8'3.60 ton 119.09 ton
Apr, 1995 147.66 ton 232.45 ton
May, 1995 263.33 ton 327.96 ton
Itra, 1995 58.28 ton 182.93 ton
Jul, 1995 129.44 ton 181.55 ton
Aug, 1995 103.31 ton 211.45 ton
8cp, 1995 80.51 ton 13933 ton
Oct. 1995 108.76 ton 166.60 ton
Nov, 1995 64.50 ton 111.26 ton
Dec, 1995 37.89 ton 59.22 ton
TOTALS 1133.28 ton 1809.14 ton
The Ci~s ~c r~cyclin§ program ~t~d on 911/89. Tires arc codected at the Iowa City Landfill and at the ct~b by 1~¢
Refuse Divi~on, then taken to the Land~l recycle site. Beg~n~ng May 9,1995, BFI Tire Recyclers of l~gmnesota Inc. began
¢ofl¢ci/ng 6res from the landfill for dh~osal. Th~ charge the C/ty of Iowa City Land~ $105.00 per ton for ~ d~posa~
]~IONI'Bt~AR COI. I.~:CT~D CURBSIDI~ COI.L.RCl~D~. LAND _F!IJ:
Jan, 1995 .00 ton .75 ton
Feb. 1995 .06 ton 1.49 ton
Mar, 1995 .49 ton 2.43 ton
Apr, 1~95 .59 ton 3.89 ton
May, 1995 1.29 ton 3.68 ton
Jun, 1995 .56 ton 3.37 ton
Jul, 1995 24 ton 1.73 ton
Aug, 1995 .11 ton 4.41 ton
Scp, 1995 .85 ton 2.13 ton
Oc~ 1995 .13 ton .52 ton
Nov, 1~95 .32 ton 3.57 ton
Dec, 1995 .00 ton .96 ton
TOTALl 4.64 ton 28..03 ton
MONTHO~AR COLLRCT~) BH PAID TO BH ~ RR~YCLI~R~
May, 1~5 32.61 ton $,424.05
J~, 1~5 .~ ton 0.~
~ 199~ .~ ton o.~
A~ 1~ .00 ton 0.00
3~. 1995 .00 ton 0.~
Oc~ 1995 15.69 ton $1,647.45
Nov, 1995 .~ ton
Doe, 1~5 .00 ton .00
~ 1~6
F~b, 1996
M~, 1996
Apr, 1~
IOT~S ~0 ten
I~II~W$~
The City began drop site collection of ncwsprint on 3/28/90, with six locations now available (Econofoods, No. Dodge H~
Vcc, City Car~on, Eas',~c Mall, Syc~nor¢ Mail Rochester Ave. ~ V¢¢). The City collects the newsprint from the dro!~
sites and delivcrs thcm to City Carton Co. for preccssin~ln addition, thc City began curbside collcclion of newsprint o9
?/13/92. The curbside newsprint is also delivered to Cily Ca~ton Co. for proccssing, The ~ may pay to or receive
payment from City Carton Co. by wcight according to the Chicago Market pricc. Since July, 1994 City Carton h~s bcc~
paying the City for newsprint from the curb and bins b~scd on the m~kct wduc.
MONTW~AR
,lan. 1995
Feb, 199~
Mar. 1995
Apr, 1995
May, 199~
Jun, 1995
J~
Aug, 1995
$cp. 1995
Oct, 1995
Nov. 1995
Dec, 1995
TOTALS
MONTH/YEAR
Jan, 1995
¥eb, 1995
Mar. 199~
Apr, 1995
May. 1995
Jun, 1995
lul, 1995
Aug, 1995
S¢p, 1995
Oct, 1995
Nov, 1995
Dec, 1995
TOTALS
Dec, 1995
Jan, 1996
Feb, 1996
Mar, 1996
Apr. 1996
May. 1996
Sun. 1996
Jul, 1996
Aug, 1996
Sep, 1996
OcL 1996
Nov, 1996
TOTALS
COLLECTED CURBSI!)I~ COLLECTliD ~ DROP SIT~S
30.77 ton 88.17 ton
32.00 ton 103.43 ton
,15.42 ton 116.29 ton
34.57 ton 114.76 ton
42.08 ton 138.78 ton
39,60 ton 114.02 ton
34.66 ton 105.75 ton
42.37 ton 108.43 ton
38.64 ton 128.31 ton
43.69 ton 129.79 ton
41.49 ton 119.35 ton
39.23 ton 132.13 ton
454.5Z ton 1;599.21 ton
PYMT. FROM CC:CURBSlDIt PYMT, FROM CC:DROPSITE8
1,841.40 4,488.91
1,706.93 4,679.38
1.948.10 5,452.38
3,320.10 9,055.20
6,687.40 18.638.10
4.968.00 14,602.50
3,4T/.00 9.517.50
3,169.50 7,574.70
2.125.20 5,084.55
1,529.15 3,244.75
829.80 1,226.70
218.15 0.00
~31,fi'20.75 $8;3,564.67
PYMT. TO CC:CURBSIDE PYMT, TO CC:DROPS!'I'~$
0.00 631.95
$ 0.00 $ 51,95
PLASTIC BOITLES
The City of Iowa City be§an drop site collection of plastic milk ju~s on 6/12/89, ~vi~h five localions now av~abl¢
(Econofoods, No. Do~¢ Hy Vc¢, City Csrton, Eastdale Mall Rochester Hy V¢c). The City collects the botli¢s from the
drop sites and delivers them to City Carton Co., where they bale the plastic and ship it for processing, In addition, the City
be§an curbside collection of plastic botlics on 7/13/92. The curbside botll¢s arc also delivered to ~ Car~on Co. for
processing.
MOWI[~/Y~AR COLLECTED CURBSH)E COLLECTED DROP~SITES
Jan, 1995 2.48 ton ?.79 ton
Feb, 1995 2.4? ton 8.66 ton
Mar, 1995 2.51 ton 8.19 ton
Apr, 1995 2.36 ton 8.21 ton
May, 1995 2.67 ton 8.56 ton
Jun, 1995 2.64 ton 11.73 ton
~td, 1995 2.16 ton 7.28 ton
Aug, 1995 3.63 ton 6.95 ton
Sap, 1995 3.06 ton 9.21 ton
Oct, 1995 4.32 ton 8.35 ton
Nov. 1995 2.95 ton 7.91 ton
Dec, 1995 2.92 ton 7.64 ton
TOTALS $4.17 ton 100.45 ton
TI~ CA~S
The City of Iowa City began drop site collection of tin cans on 3/91, wi~ two locations now available (Econofoo&, City
Carton). The City collects the ~ cans from Econofoods and delivers them to City Carton Co. for processing. In addition,
the City began curbside collection of tin cans on 7/13/92. The fin cans are delivered to City Carton Co. for processing.
MOI~FIH/Y~AR CQLLI~C!~D CURB$1])I~ COLLECTI~D C~ DROP SITES
Jan. 1995 4.13 ton .00 ton
Feb, 1995 3.86 ton .00 ton
Mar, 1995 3.98 ton .00 ton
Apr, 1995 3.55 ton .00 ton
May, 1995 3.70 ton .00 ton
Jun, 1995 3.43 ton .oo ton
Jul, 1995 3.07 ton .00 ton
Aug, 1995 3.14 ton .00 ton
Sap, 1995 3.11 ton .00 ton
Oct, 1995 4.36 ton .00 ton
Nov, 1995 3.96 ton .00 ton
Dec, 1995 4.17 ton .00 ton
TOTALS 44.46 ton 0.00 ton
6
OLASS
The City started drop site collcctio~ of glass ou 8/00, with three localions available (Econofoods, No. Dodge }by Vce. City
Croon Co.). The City collccIs lhc glass and dclivcrs it to City Carton Co. for proccssiag City Carton Co. is the ouly
location that acccpts brown and green glass iu addition to ¢lcar glass. The City bcgan curbside collection of ckar glass on
7/13/92. The curbside clear glass is also delivered to City Clu~on Co. for processlug,
MOW'ILfI/I~AR COLLRCTBI~ CURBSIDE COLLECTBD (&. DROP tilThS
Jan, 1995 7.38 ton .00 ton
Feb, 1995 6.56 tou .00 ton
Mar. 1995 7.61 ton .00 ton
Apr, 199~5 6.62 ton .00 ton
May, 1995 ?,86 ton .00 ton
~un, 1995 7.64 ton .00 ton
1ul, 1995 7.01 ton .00 ton
Aug, 1995 9.27 ton .00 ton
~6p,1995 7.20 ton .00 ton
Oct, 1995 8,23 ton .00 ton
Nov, 1995 7.49 ton .00 ton
Dec, 1995 6.91 ton .00 ton
TOTALS 1{9.78 ton 0.00 ton
%.- ,
7
Bcgirming luly 31, 1995 the City of Iowa City rccyclin~ cicv,~ b~g-au co~cclion of cardboard at thc curb. Thcy w~l ~
corrcgatcd cardboard, ccrcal type boxcs and c~rdboard egg cartons li~at havc bccn fl~ttcnc~ The cardboard will bc ddi
to City Ca~on for pro¢cssing. City Carton will bc paying thc City for cardboard dropped off by the curbside recycle tt
The payment per ~on varies based on the market value.
MOl~JTHIY~AR COI,.I~D CURB$ID~ CO!,I;]{CT~D AT CITY CARTON
lan, 1995 0.00 ton 0.00 ton
Feb, 1995 0.00 ton 0.00 ton
Mar, 1995 0.00 ton 54.00 ton
Apr, 1995 0.00 ton 0.00 ton
May, 1995 0.00 ton 0.00 ton
~ua. 1995 o.00 ton 54.00 ton
Jul, 1995 .09 ton .00 ton
Aug, 1995 6.28 ton .00 ton
3cp, 1995 6.11 ton .oo ton
Oct, 1995 6.16 ton .00 ton
Nov, 1995 5.60 ton .00 ton
Dec, 1995 6.17 ton .00 ton
TOTALS 30.41 ton 105.00 ton
MONTH/~AR PAYM~lqT FROM CITY CAR~ON
Jul, 1995 ~.10
A~ 1995 ~50.~
Scp, 1995 ~.40
O~ 1~5 ~.~
Nov, 1~5
Dec, 1995 ~6.50
Feb,
Apr, 1~
M~. 1996
~, 1996
TOTES $
S
I~LUORE$CEI~ TlYBI~S
July, 1994 EPA regulations went into effect that banned fluorescent light tubes, Illat arc §ericrated from businesses, from
landfills. BcL, innlq~ July 24, 1995 the City of Iowa ~ Solid Waste Division set up a drop site for ttuorcscent tubes
have been generated bit ~ Divisions. The tubes must be dropped off in full cases and have a label indicaling whcrc
tubes came icom.
MONTB/VEAR
Jul. 1995
Au~, 1995
Sop, 1995
Oct, 1995
Nov, 1995
Dec, 1995
Feb, 1996
Mar, 1996
Apr, 1996
May. 1996
Jun, 1996
TOTALS
# O17 TUBES # CASES # TONS
144 6 .05 ton
28 1 .009 ton
150 5 .05 ton
121 5 .04 ton
0 0 .00 ton
0 0 .00 ton
44~ tubes 17 cases 0.15 ton
The City has been providing Im automotive waste oil disposfl site at the City 8cryice Yard since 9/22/89. Inthtstfial Scnhc¢
Corp. collects lite City's tmcontsminatcd waste o3
MOSITNJYgAR DISPOSAL S1Tg TONbIAGES
Jan, 1995 1.82 ton
Feb, 1995 1.40 ton
Mar, 1995 5.86 ton
Apr, 1~95 6.36 ton
May, 1995 2.98 ton
Jun, 1995 7.76 ton
ltd. 1995 4.93 ton
Aug, 1~95 4.48 ton
Scp, 1995 4.1o ton
Oct, 1995 4.40 ton
Nov, 1995 4.48 ton
Dec, 1995 3.64 ton
TOTALS 52.21 ton
cc: Brad Ncuman
Carol Casey
c:\word Xxccyclc.doc
JOHNSON COUNTY SOCIAL SERVICES
Mental Health/Mental Retardation Services
Intake and Referral
General Assistance
Case Management
911 North Governor Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52245-5941
(3 ~9) 356-60S0
F~ (3 ~9) a37-~705
January 19, 1996
City Council
410 E. Washington
Iowa City, IA 52240
RE: Night Bus Service
Dear Councilors:
We have contacted several human service agencies in Iowa City and Coralville to try to
determine the extent oftfight ridership among consumers. There are many agencies
whose consumers use night bus service, and it has not been possible for us to speak with
all of these agencies.
Staff at Goodwill Industries report that there are approximately 55 consumers who
regularly use night bus service for vocational purposes. These job sites are scattered
throughout the community; a variety &routes are used.
Staff at Systems Unlimited report that approximately 115 consumers regularly use night
bus service for a variety of purposes. As you may be aware, Systems Unlimited provides
residential and in-home support to people throughout Iowa City and Coralville.
Staff at Hillcrest Family Services report that approximately 80 consumers regularly use
evening bus service. Hillcrest provides residential and community - based living skills
services to people living in Iowa City and Coralville.
Staff at Johnson County Social Services report that, in addition to those mentioned above,
approximately 40-50 consumers rely on night bus service to reach a variety of
destinations.
SERVING JOH31SON COUNTY
FUNDED BY THE JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
City Council
1/19/96
Page 2
We hope that you wilI find this information helpful as you make decisions regarding
night time bus service.
Please contact us if you would like any additional information.
Sincerely,
Mimi Haithcox
MIqJdlg
Mike Weinard
APPROVED
Minutes
PATV Board of Directors
Thursday, November 16, in the Access Center Studio
Present: Doug Aliaire, Vicky Grube, Mose Hayward, Derek Maurer, and
Maureen McCormick
Library: Beth Fisher
BTC: Betty McKray
Absent: Greg Easley, Scott Murray, and Steve Wurtzler
Call to Order:
Aliaire called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m.
Approval of October Minutes:
On a motion by Grube and McCormick, the Board approved minutes of the
regular October meeting and those of the special meeting of Oct. 31.
Board Announcements:
Maurer apologized for not including in the November packet the final draft of the
letter PATV sent to the Iowa City City Council regarding the proposed cable
franchise agreement and implementing ordinance. He also thanked
McCormick for her suggestions in revising the original draft.
Reports:
BTC: McKray reported that the City Council likely will approve the proposed
franchise agreement when it meets December 6, the same date it is expected to
give final approval to the implementing ordinance. She believes Cable
Administrator Drew Shaffer will call representatives of the various access
organizations together sometime after the franchise is approved to consider
budget allocations. She urged PATV to marshall its "best possible" facts in
preparation for contract and budget negotiations, and advised PATV to take
great care in its language and phrasing. She will ask the BTC to review the
history of community programming proposals.
LIBRARY: Fisher reported that Popo's Puppet Festival is scheduled for the
Saturday following Thanksgiving; PATV staff member Mark Weills will
coordinate the production. Also, "One of a Kind" will be in hiaitus until January.
CHAIR: Aliaire reported that he spoke with BTC member Steven Hoch; his
impression was that Hoch did not have a clear understanding of PATV's
concerns about language in the proposed franchise agreement because we
had not communicated them effectively enough. Aliaire said McKray's regular
attendance at Board meetings is a great help in this regard. He urged the
Board to be more open and positive in its communications with BTC and City
staff.
FINANCIAL COMMITTEE: Grube reported she has not tried to contact Claire
Cornell of the College of Liberal Arts again; she believes it would be better to
APPROVED
wait until the Board reorganizes itself following installation of new members in
December, McCormick, who is leaving the Board after this meeting, offered to
help complete the director evaluation process begun this year,
Adjournment:
The meeting adjourned at 7:03 p.m. so members could attend the PATV Annual
Meeting in Meeting Room A.
Board Election:
PATV members who attended the Annual Meeting elected Chris Randall to
serve on the Board for a term ending in 1998, Randall was the Board's
nominee; Tim Clancy had been nominated by petition, and Marjorie Hayden-
Strait was nominated from the floor of the meeting,
The Board of Directors will thus consist of the following members for the coming
year:
Term ending 1996 1997 1998
Hayward Easley Painter
Murray Grube Randa/I
Wurtzler Maurer Stevens
Italic type indicates the individual was elected by PATV members at an
Annual Maeting; all others appointed by the Board.
2
To: IO~ CI~ CL£R~
Fro=: ~o hogarty
1-17-9§ 8:49a~ p. 2 oF ~
Johnson Count'
1OWA ·
Don So~, Chairperson
Joe Bolkcom
Charles D. Duffy
Stoph~n P. Lacina
Sally Stutsman
BOA OF SUPERVISORS
JOINT SMALL TOWNS AND JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
MEETING
Wednesday, January 17, 1996
Jolmson County Board of Super~dsors
Administration Building, Board Meeting Room
913 Sou{h Dubuque Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Agenda
1. Call to order 6:00 p.m.
2. Introductions.
3. Update of city happenhtgs.
4. Discussion m: upcomi.§ problems ofvarions cities and county.
5. Discusion fi'om tile public.
6. AdJourm
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE ST. P.O. BOX 1350 IOWA CITY, IOWA 52244-1350 TEL: (319) 35d-6000
To: IrO~q C~TY CLERg
Froa: ~o hagarty 1-17-~6 8~17a~ O, Z of 3
Johnson County
Don Sohr, Chairperson
Joo Bolkcom
Charles D. Duffy
Stcphon P. Lacina
Sally Stutsman
1. Call to order 9:00 a.n~
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
January 18, 1996
FORMAL MEETING
Agenda
2. Action re: claims
3. Action re: formal minutes ofJan~mry 1 lth.
4. Action re: payroll aufaorizations
9:00 a.m. - Public Hearing for Road Vacation 03-95. All that portion of
the platted alleys lying West of Blocks 1 & 2; and all that portion of the
platted alleys lying East of Blocks 3 & 4; and all that portion of the road
shown. on the plat as Jefferson Street lying between Blocks 1 & 2 and Blocks
3 & 4 all within the Plat of Moffordsville as said plat is recorded in Deed
Record 13, Page 22.
6. Business from the Zoning Administrator.
a) Final consideration of application Z9548 of Harold J. Fiala.
b) Final consideration of application Z9550 of River Products Company,
Iowa City.
c) Other
913 $oDTH DUBUQUE ST. P.O. BOX 1350 IOWA CITY, IOWA 5~244-1350 TEL: (319) 356-6000
FAX: (319) 356-6086
To: ~0~ CITY CLERK
From: jo hogarty 1-17-9§ R:lTam p. 3 o~ 3
Agenda 1-18-96
Page 2
7. Business from the County Auditor.
a) Action re: permits
b) Action m: reports
1. County Auditor's quarterly report of fees collected.
2. Clerk's December monthly report.
3. County Recorder's quarterly report of fees collected
c) Other
8. Business from the County Attorney.
a) Report re: other items.
9. Business from the Board of Supervisors.
a) Action m: right-of-way for Johnson County Bridge Project L-U-35-2
located SE of Lone Tree and agree to pay Duber Faxms, Inc. $580.00 for
.29 acres and authorize Chairperson to sign contract.
b) Motion rescheduling January 23rd infom~al meeting to January 22nd.
c) Motion accepting Roger Gw'mnup's resignation from the Johnson
County Historic Preservation Commission and authorize Chairperson to
send a letter of appreciation.
d) Action re: appointments to East Central Iowa Council of Governments
ISTEA Policy and Technical Advisory Committees.
e) Action re: appointments of Supervisors to various Committees, Boards
and Commissions.
f) Other
10. Adjourn to informal meefinp¢
a) Inquiries and reports from the public.
b) Reports and inquiries from the members of the Board of Supervisors.
c) Report from the County Attorney.
d) Discussion re: budgets.
e) Other
11. Adjournment
To: IO~ CITY £LERg
From: jo hogarty 1-19-9§ 3:8gpa p. g or 3
Johnson Count)'
Don Sehr, Chairperson
Joe Bolk~m
Charles D. Duffy
Stephen P. La¢ina
Sally Stutsman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
January 22, 1996
INFORMAL MEETING
1. Call to order 9:00 a.m.
Agenda
2. Review of the formal minutes of January 18th.
3. Business from the County Engineer.
a) Discussion re: bids on Johnson County structure J-24-9 (construction
project let by Cedar County).
b) Other
4. Business from the Director of Department of Public Health re:
Day Program/discussion.
Adult
Business from Jeff Davidson, Transportation Planner for Johnson
County Council of Governments re: alignment study for the proposed
extension of Iowa Highway 965/discussion.
6. Business from the Director of S.E.A.T.S.
a) Discussion re:
b) Other
update on computerized dispatch.
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE ST. P.O. BOX 1350 IOWA CITY, IOWA 52244-1350 TEL: (319) 356-6000
FAX: (319) 356-6086 ~ {
To: IO~ CITY CLERK From: jo booarty 1-19-96 3;8Zpo p. 3 of 3
Agenda 1-22-96
Page 2
7. Business from the Board of Supervisors.
a) Discussion re:
b) Discussion re:
Reports
d) Other
Juvenile Detention housing.
budgets.
8. Discussion from the public.
9. Recess.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
January 22, 1996
To:
From:
Re:
The Honorable Mayor Naomi J. Novick and Members of the City Council; Steve
Atkins, City Manager; Don Yucuis, Finance Department
Linda Newman Woito, City Attorney ~__~.~.~. _
Citizen/Mediator Interest in Promoting Mediation at the City; Budget Sugges-
tions/Information
Attached please find a letter directed to the City Council from Annie Huntington Tucker, who
is a local person who practices mediation for the court system, as well as does mediation on
her own as a private consultant. You may recall that she agreed to perform some mediation
between Nila Haug and Housing and Inspection Services employees, as the City Council's
request.
I understand that Ms. Tucker is a member of the Iowa Association for Dispute Resolution,
whose secretary is Sondy Kaska, a local attorney, with a mailing address of P.O. Box 3193,
Iowa City, Iowa, You may recall that I directed an inquiry to the regional director of the Iowa
Association for Dispute Resolution, Ms. Ginna Booth, requesting a list of qualified mediators
- but heard nothing. However, it is my understanding that the Association ordinarily only
gives out a list of qualified mediators for a particular specific problem or contract dispute. In
other words, I believe that we would be able to get a list of qualified mediators from this area
should you request, and should I pursue, a list of local qualified mediators - as Ms. Tucker's
suggests in her letter.
As you know, the process of mediation can certainly save costs for the City, including City
staff time, and we know that mediation does work - as seen in the recent settlement of the
Prohaska lawsuit.
I am forwarding this information to you, with my comments on the benefits of mediation in
general, but it is the City Council's decision as to whether to set aside a specific amount of
money for such purposes.
CC:
City Clerk
Assistant City Manager
Annie Huntington Tucker, 1425 Oaklawn Ave., Iowa City, IA 52245
Attachment
Annie Huntington Tucker
1425 Oaklawn Ave.
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
319 354-1250
January 22, 1996
To The Members of the City Council:
I propose adding a new budget line item on the City Attorney's budget for ADR,
Alternative Dispute Resolution. I propose an amount of $1000 to be made available to
cover mediation fees and which could be applied for by the City, local citizens, or local
agencies or organizations.
Mediation is a process for resolving disputes between people where solutions are
developed by both parties with the assistance of a neutral mediator. It is paxticalarly useful
where the disputants have ongoing relationships or contact, as in a neighborhood or a
workplace. Mediation can also be an alternative to litigation.
I am aware of a number of mediations that have taken place in our community in the
past year. The City arranged a mediation between a City staff person and a local citizen. I
know of three mediations which involved neighborhood disputes, two very volatile. Local
non-profit agencies have asked for two mediations with citizens who have had differences
with the agencies' programs or plans.
In mediation, the parties usually each pay half of the fee. It would be perceived as a
conflict of interest for one party to pay the entire fee, since the mediator is neutral. Often in
community cases, initially one party is more interested in mediating and the other is merely
willing to try, but not necessarily willing or able to pay their share. I envision that in such
cases, a party could apply to the City for these funds to cover their share.
Mediation could actually save the City staff and government bodies time and
money. Some issues could be mediated instead of being brought before the City Council
or the various commissions. I do know that one of the neighborhood disputes included
multiple calls to the Police Department over a number of months prior to the mediation.
Avoiding litigation for any City cases would def'mitely be a savings.
I suggest that the City Attorney contact the secretary of IADR, the Iowa Association
for Dispute Resolution, for a list of local qualified mediators. I have given that name and
address to the City Attorney.
Thank you for considering this proposal. I welcome any questions.
Sincerely,
A~e Hun~gton Tucker
PARKING RATES FOR COMPARABLE CITIES
City: Ames,
RATES:
On-Street:
Ramp:
Permits:
Iowa
$.25/lst 30 min. $.50/hour in core area.
$.25/Hr. in outlying areas.
Only ramp is owned by I.S.U.
$. 50/first hour
$.50/2nd -4th ho~r
$.25/after 4 ho~l~e through 16 hours
$5.00 max. for 17 through 24 hours
$ 25.00/weekly
$ 50.00/monthly
$ 160o00/semester
$ 350.00/annual
$ ?5.00/ 3 month - summer
NOTES:
They do oDerate with a surplus of revenue.
They do not transfer monies to the transit system.
There is a very high demand for parking and very
limited spaces° There is a very long waiting list for
permits.
PARKING RATES FOR COMPARABLE CITIES
City: Dubuque, Iowa
RATES:
On-Street:
1 & 2 hour meter - $.25/Hr.
4 hour meter - $ .25/Hr.
10 hour meter - $ .15/Hr.
20 minute meter - $ .01/minute or $.60/hour.
$.25/lst hour,$.25/2nd hour, $o45/"nour after first 2 hours.
No daily maximum. Ramp enforced 9:00 am - 7:00
$.75 after hours charge.
Permits:
3 ram~s; rates vary with distance from core area.
Rates range from $28°00 to $40.00, depending on
reserved/non-reserved status or covered/uncoveredparking.
NOTES:
Dubuque does operate with a surplus of revenue and it is
used to pay back bond obligation and repair ramps.
Dubuque does not transfer monies to transit system.
Availability of parking is good in ramps and on-street.
There are waiting lists for permits in r-mps; 6 monthwait
uncovered parking, up to one year for covered parking.
PARKING RATES FOR COMPARABLE CITIES
City: Davenport, Iowa
RATES:
On-Street:
Ramp:
Permits:
$ .30/Hr. Core area. All 30 min. meters
$ .25/Hr. Outlying areas of downtown.
$ .40/Hr. 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Free after 7:00 p.m.
$ lo00/caron evenings with special events in adjacent
River Center.
core area: $ 50.00/month
Outside core area: $ 38.00 - reserved space
$ 34.00 - non-reserved space
Out-lying lots: $ 24o00/month
NOTES:
Davenport has had slight surplus in revenue in the past,
not this fiscal year due to construction in core area.
They do not transfer monies into the transit system.
Parking demand is greater than supply of spaces. They do
have a waiting list for permits in lots and ramp.
PARKING RATES FOR COMPARABLE CITIES
City: Des Moines, Iowa
RATES.:
On-Street:
Permits:
MOTES
$ .40/Hr.
Outlying
Core area. All 2 hour meters
area: $ .25/Hr. 2 & 4 hour meters
$ .20/Hr. 10 hour meter; quarters only.
8 ramps; rates vary with distance from core. All charge
minimum rate for first hour, m~nimum rate for second hour
and minimum + olO cents for additional hours.
M~ximk%m 12 hour rates on all.
Rates vary from: $o40/lst hour, $°40 2nd bour,$.50 add'l.
$ 3.25 maximum rate
$.50/lst hour, $.50/2nd hour,$.60 add'l/
$ 4.00 maximum rate
Rates again vary with distance from core area.
Rates range from $55.00 to $64.00 per month.
Prices determined by reserved/non-reserved status or by
covered/non-covered parking.
Surface lots - $ 55.00/month.
Des Moines has a surplus of revenue and is used to pay
back bond obligation and capitol im-~rovements.
They do, per Council directire, transfer monies to the
transit syste~. Minimu~ umount $ 175,000.
Availability of parking in facilities is good, most
always space available. At maximum on permits, with
waiting list.
PARKING RATES FOR COMPARABLE CITIES
City= Cedar Rapids, Iowa
~ATES:
On-Street: $. 30/Hr.
Ramp:
Perm/ts:
$.40/Hr. in core area.
$.30/Hr. in peripheral area.
$ 40.00/month; non-reserved space
$ 60.00/month; reserved space
$ 20.00 to $35o00/month for surface lots depending
on distance from core area.
NOTES:
Cedar Rapids does operate with a surplus of revenue and
it is used to payback bond obligation and for capitol
improvements.
They do not transfer funds into the transit system.
However, they do p0rchase trolley service from the
transit department to shuttle from outlying lots to the
core area - $ 600 par month.
There is a very high domand for parking in the downtown
area. There are no excess spaces and there are long
waiting lists for permits.
This page and reverse: Copy of 1923 election record from ~he collection of the
Heritage Museum, Johnson County Historical Society.
Presentation to the Iowa City City Council
by Laurie Robinson, Executive Director, Johnson County Historical Society
Jan. 23, 1996
Good evening. My name is Laurie Robinson and I am the executive director of the Johnson
County Historical Society. The Society is a private, nonprofit organization which operates the
Heritage Museum. As a nonprofit, the Society, is, of course, mission driven.
Our mission is simple: We collect, preserve, and teach our local history. We serve all the
people of the county; and we serve, as well, people who have not yet been born.
Our programs are diverse: They include
°preserving our collections - about 10,000 !tems at present and growing
· publications - quarterly newsletlers, exhibit booklets
°museum exhibits offered free to the general public five days a week throughout the year
· Irving Weber Award, Historic Preservation Awards
· lecture series "Local Lore" & history for lunch series
· school visits
· after-school groups
· Traveling Trunks
· history day camps
· preserve & interpret Old Coralville School, Plum Grove Historic Home, & Johnson County's
First Asylum, the only county-owned public historic site.
In thee lastfi~?eral years, our annual program participation has increased by a factor of 18 from om persons a year in 1989 to more than 12000 in 1994.
Almost 70% of our members and program participants are Iowa City residents.
a commumty that ~s increasingly diverse; that is grappling w~th the problems of growth, Iowa
City residents depend on the JCHS for that sense of history that makes their community seem like
home.
In the past few years, the City of Iowa City has supported 3% of our annual operating budget. In
the upcoming fiscal year, with increasing program demands and the rising cost of everything from
~tage .to_ paper, ~we expect our operating expenses to top $120,000. Please consider increasing
year s level or anpport to $5000--an increase of $2000. This figure would help cushion the
artpact of decreasing federal support for museums. And yet it would represent a cost of
only 7 cents to eaO resident of Iowa_City,
Local history is the way we tell our own story and create our own roots.
If we don't nourish our own roots, who will?
Johnson County Historical Society
Mission Statement
Approved by Unanimous Vote of Full Board
Nov. 21, 1995
"The Johnson County Historical
Society
serves the public
by furthering an appreciation
of the historical and cultural heritage
of the Johnson County community,
through education,
preservation
and interpretation."
iowa CILT/¢oralviile Convention & VL~Itors Bureau $i~15~1cs
Walk Jn ¥isitor~
2OO0/
1000- ' '. .~~~~~~1~~ Walk Ine 95
0 ~ ' " ~ -- Walk Ins 94
F M A M J J A S O N D
Incoming Phone Cells
J F M A M J J A S 0 N D
Y4sl~or Info Sent Out
1500/ .........................................
1 O00 - .
500- Info sent out 95
o ~'~'~~~-~4~ ~ ~ ~"fo ~ntout94
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Jnited $tate Travel Center $tuc · 1994
o U.S. Travelers spent nearly $3 Billion in Iowa in 1994...a 6.7% increase over 1993.
o Travel spending in Iowa generated nearly $417 million in tax revenues for
federal state and local governments in 1994, helping to finance public services
enjoyed by all Iowa residents.
Johnson County Statistics
ranked 8th in Iowa, behind Polk, Llnn, ,Scott, Dickinson,
Woodbury, Dubuque and Black Hawk.
Travel Generated Expenditures
includes: auto transportation; food services; lodgtng;
general retail trade; entertainment & r~reation; public
transportation.
Payroll
includes jobs: auto transportation; food services; lodging;
general retail trade; entertainment & recreation; public
transportation; travel planning
People employed by tourism
1994 change
over 1991
$112~90,000 +24.31%
$20,780,000
+ 27.48%
2,170 + 18.35 %
State tax receipts generated in Johnson
County by tourism expenditures
includes: state sales tax and excise taxes and taxes on
corporate income.
Local tax receipts
includes: local sales taxes (hotel/motel tax); property taxes.
$7,080,000
$1,.570,000
+ 38.32 %
+ 29.09 %
lows Welcome Center Survey R suits o i 994
Reflects interests and patterns of those travelers who have stopped at 19 Iowa Welcome Centers.
Seven of,those are operated and owned by the state, the 11 others are locally owned.
The CVB s Visitor Information Center will be implementing the same survey and guest register in
1996.
People stopping at Welcome Centers extend their trip[
by a full day ......................40.4%
by a half day ......................35.3%
by 2-3 days .........................13.3%
by 2 hours ...........................8.2%
by 4 or more days ..............2.8%
Total estimated spending of those travelers was $48.5 million.
Estimated economic impact in 1994 was $129.7 million. (factor: 2.67)
Average travel party size was 2.8 people.
Average daily spending of $119.36 (for each travel party) breaks down as follows:
Lodging ...........................$35.72 ..........29.9%
Food .................................$30.65 ..........25.7%
Transportation ..............$23.16 ..........19.4%
Entertainment ...............$14.02 ..........11.7%
Miscellaneous ................$15.81 ..........13.2%
40% of travelers destination was IQwa.
49% of travelers were on vacation.
Travelers spent an average of 3 days in Iowa.
Io a CJt lot ! Tax
Total collection CVB allotment
CVB Iowa City Iowa City Council change from change from
FY Qt~ Hotel Tax to CVB yr. previous year previous
Revenue
$246,522 $56,631 23.0% 0.30% -7.80%J
96 1 $121,252 $27,813 ~.9e/o 2.35%
g6 2 $125,270 $28,818 23.o% -1.53%
96 3
96 4
$456,627 $114,157 25.0% 6.88%
95 1 $118,4 72 $29,61 8 25.0% 11.79%
95 2 $127,220 $31,805 25.0% -1.13%
95 3 $113,024 $28,256 25.0% 35.11%
95 4 $97,911 $24,478 25.0% -10.10%
$427,222 $1 06,806 25.o%
94 1 $105,980 $26,495 25.0%
94 2 $128,674 $32,169 25.0%
94 3 $83,656 $20,914 25.0%
94 4 $108,912 $27,228 25.0%
6.88%I
WHAT"
S
HOPPING with Robert
Gibbs is like being shown
around a nmseum of retail-
ing by an eccentric cura-
tor. He matters frequently,
MAIN STREE'T
CAN LEARN FROM
THE MALL
coummg under his breath and point-
ing vaguely at store windows. He ex-
pounds enthusiastically upon foot.
candles and price-point-to-aperture
ratios. He is cast into gloom by what
he culls internally illuminated signs.
Gibbs has the sort of occupation Anne Tyler might invent
for a character in one of her novels. He is a retail consultant
v. ho travels the country telling towns and small cities how
to sur,.ive and pro,per by learning the lessons of the shop-
ping mall. Trained as a landscape architect at the Universi-
ty of M~chlgan at Ann Arbor. Gibbs worked for a dozen
years as a retailing specialist in the service of strip-shop-
ping-center and shopplng-mall developers. studying, debat-
ing. and adjusting virtually everylhing that might affect a
shopper's mood ~n the marketplace, from color schemes to
the localJun of e,.calators. In a well-run mall, Gibbs says,
e~,en the benches are positioned so that the shopper at rest
cannot help gazing at the wares offered in store windows.
The overriding intperativt is to lost no opporlunity, no mat-
ter how small. Io make a sale.
by STEVEN LAGERFELD
1 I0
A guided tour with a
landscape architect and
retailing specialist who
believes that shopping
malls--vilify them
though we might--can
offer moribund cities
what they desperately
need: practical lessons
in the psychology
of commerce
Gibbs walks down Clematis Street.
the main shopping street in West
Palm Beach. Fiends. as if he were
navigating a maze. seeming utterly
distracted even as he searches intently
for clues to the street's secrets. At
forty he still has something of the
smirking manner of the htgh school
wise guy. But on Clematis Street he is
all business.
Gibbs is impressed that most of the
trash cans and newspaper vending machines have been
painted the same dark green. a fashionable hue nuw used m
many malls. Even a pair of two-by-fours supporting a tree
have been painted. "A little detad you v,'ould expect in mall
management." Gibbs says approvingly.
At the comer of Clcmun:~ and [)~xic Ihghway. one of the
main intersections in town, a new gym has opened, its large
plate-glass windows displaying ~ts clientele Io pas~ing
pedestrians and motorists. The gym is what Gibbs calls a
"generator": the traffic it draws will help attract related bust.
nesses, such as restaurants, fast-food outlets. perhaps a
sporting.goods store, to the eraply storefronts nearby.
The gym is also a brilliant piece of sireel theater. telling
all who pass its windows that West Pahn is young. hip. and
altmclive. It is not here by accident. Borrowing a page f~om
IliuMrations by Nicholas Onelane .~
.,hc~ppi~g.tt~all ttl~llagetltenl. the city's Duwtl(o',.~.-~l Develop-
merit Authority and the City Center Pannership, an allied
cal nonprofit organization, have used loans and other incen-
[,~e~ to manipulale the "tenant mix." ~cy worked for four
~car~ Io lure Ihe gym to this impelertl I~alion. ~e DDA is
a ,ignificanl advantage ~o West Palm Beach, as is ~e ener-
getic mayor. Nancy M. Graham. ~e city has attracted sev-
eral plum project~ in recent years. including a m~sive new
coumy cnunhouse. In 1992 the city council approved a $12
million bund issue to renovate (be downtown district. Other
money was appropriated to conv~ Clematis from a one-
way into a two-way street and to install new sidewalks,
lights. and palm trees.
Half a block east of the gym. at 331 Clematis. Provident
Jewels. & Loan offers more evidence of the city's ability to
~ha~ the street. A pawnshop that once lent a vaguely dis-
reputable air to the neighborhood, Provident has ~en trans-
fo~ed with the aid of loans from the City Center P~ner-
~hip. With a fresh coat of painL a dap~r awning. and a prim
new sign that doesn't shout "pawnshop." it h~ ~come an
uprighl citizen and an asset to Clematis Street. ~e Impcfi~
Galle~. a frame shop. and ~e Last Resort, a Generation X
clothing ~tore. both opened up with loans and othe[ help.
Elsewhere on Clematis a la~e old building is ~ing c~ed
up into smaller stores. To lend their o~rations a bit of l~al
flavor. well-managed malls often create tiny low-rent spac~
called "incubators" and recruit I~al entrepreneu~ to set up
shop: some of them will thrive and o~n bigger stores. W~t
Palm Beach is doing the same thing.
There are reasons to be hopeful about West Palm Beach,
and about other towns and cities that are willing ~o bo~ow
intelligently from the lessons of(he mall. For the first time
in decades strong trends in the national retail market seem
~o be working in their favor. A reaction is setting in against
the monotony and homogeneity of the shopping mall. Peo-
ple are spending less time in malls~an average of only ~
hou~ and a half to lwo hours a month this year. according to
one source. as compared with three and a half hours a
month in 199~and few new malls are being built. Only
four new regional malls (800,000 square feet or larger)
opened in the Urnted States last year. as compared with
Iwenty-seven in 1989.
Pan of (be explanation for this change is simply that sub-
urban marke~ have become saturated. and pa~ is that st~p
~hopping cente~. "big-box" ~railer~. and "po~er centers"
that bnng high-volume discoumers together in one location
are drawing customers away from the malls. But mall fa-
tigue is a ~tem factor. In f~us groups ~ople tell Gibbs ~at
they are fired of shopping in malls filled with the ~me stoma
that they can find eve~wbere else in (be count~. Many say
they want to shop in downtowns, in quaint, one~f-a-~nd
stores. Gibbs d~s not have a toonobly on this intelligence.
Retailers are already responding. Nordslrom h~ recently
agreed to open a store in downtown Norfolk, Vi~inia. Even
major discount retailers like Caldor and Kmart are feeling
the lure of downtown markets. Kmart plans to open a store
in Manhattan next year. in the historic Herald Square shop-
ping district. "Signs of an urban boom can be found almost
everywhere," the trade publication Shopping Ce. ters 7~day
reported last fall.'
_IBBS came to West Palm Beach. a city of more than
70,000, two years ago. to work on a new master plan for
the city wtth Andres Danny and Elizabeth Platcr-Zyberk.
Miami-based pioneers of the New Urbanism. This small but
influential movement among architects and urban planners
proposes to revive nineteemh-cantury town-planning princi-
ples, u~.ing denser development and gridded street systems,
among other things. as an antidote to suburban sprawl. Du-
any and Plater-Zyberk's greatest success so far has been the
much-publicized new town of Seaside, a resort community
in the Florida panhandle. But Gibbs's enthusiasm for the
New Urbanis( cause and for downtowns in general doesn't
stop him from working for the occasional shopping-mall
company that seeks his services. And his own office. with its
small staff. is located not in a gritty city but in the genteel
downtown of Birmingham, Michigan, an affluent Detroit
suburb.
What Gibbs contributes to complex cooperative projects
like the one in West Palm Beach is a commercial sensibility
unlike anything possessed by the urban planners and archi-
tects who usually design downtown-renewal efforts. Ad-
dressing audiences of such specialists, Gibbs takes a puckish
delight in shocking them with his views on conventional ur-
ban planning. He shows them slides of a generic "success"
in street design and then points out, feature by feature, how
the design actually hurts the town's businesses.
The shade trees and planter boxes? Lovely. he says, but
they block shoppers' view of shop windows and signs. Those
handsome groupings of benches and tables? They seem
inviting until Gibbs points out that they often attract teen-
agers and other loiterers. who scare off shoppers. The ele-
gant Victorian streetlamps. the expensive trash cans. and the
distinctive granite paving stones--"so beautiful that people
will stare at them as they walk by the storefronts." Gtbbs
says--are little more than money down the drain. Their costs
must be amortized over many years. but long before they
have been paid off (and before the town can afford to replace
them) they will be old-fashioned. marking the entire street as
out of date and out of step.
Gibbs sometimes clinches an argument by showing his au-
dience slides of some of the world's most opulent shopping
streets, including Palm Banch's Worth Avenue, which happens
to be located about a mile (and a world) away from Clematis
Street. The Worth Avenue slide reveals a pleasant but ex-
tremely plain street. It is lined with a mw of palms and simple
light poles. Its sidewalks. conspicuously. are mere concrete.
As Gibbs and I traverse Clematis Street over the course of
hits are patrolled by security vehicles that proclaim their
presence with roof-mounted flashing lights. The Palm
Beach Mall, just a few miles from Clematis Street. is so no-
torious locally as a dangerous place that all pretenses have
been abandoned: the parking lot is studded with tall obser-
vation towers, making it resemble nothing so much as a
prison yard.
Towns, Gibbs insists, must follow the malls' example in
dealing with the public's fears. That means ensuring a visible
police presence. removing or rearranging benches and other
features that encourage loitering, and keeping the streets and
s~dewalks clean. Mall managers, ever inventive, are now im-
proving the lighting in their parking lots. The norm for illu-
mination was a footcandle or less just a few years ago, Gibbs
says. Now it is closer to three footcandles. Many self-service
gas stations, which must offer a reassuring prospect to lure
passing motorists off the road, are now lit up like Hollywood
sound stages. The lighting in West Palm Beach.'? ~ quar-
ters to one footcandle, Gibbs estimated.
ATOWN'S retail planning, Gibbs says, should begin
where a maws does--far from the selling floors. A
sunpie example of mall thinking is what Gibbs calls the
left-turn rule": Never locate a shopping center in a place
where commuters will have to make a left turn to get in.
People tend to shop on their way home from work, the think-
ing goes, and they are less likely to stop if it involves making
a turn against traffic.
This is no idle observation. At one point in his career
Gibbs traveled around the country as a member of a team
evaluating sites for future shopping malls. Gibbs recalls that
the opinion of the traffic consultant mattered most. He ve-
toed so many sites that he was called The Terminator.
There is a corollary for towns and strip shopping centers:
coffee shops and doughnut stores ought to be located on the
workbound side of a main road, grocery stores and other ser-
vices on the homebound side. "Just one left turn will kill
you," Gibbs says.
Mall merchandising begins in the parking lot. Gibbs
points out that at the Gardens of the Palm Beaches, an up-
scale mall several miles from West Palm Beach, the plant-
ings around the building and parking lots, with their lush,
t~ghtly trimmed shrubs, seem to suggest that shoppers are ar-
nving at a special place, and that perhaps they are special as
well. It's almost like having a doorman. It's certainly a far
cry from the feeling one gets in the rundown West Palm
Beach parking lot where Gibbs and I parked.
Once, guiding me into a lavish urban mall called George-
town Park, in Washington, D.C., Gibbs was able to predict
which way I would turn upon entering. Most casual shop-
pers who are not immediately hound for a specific stor¢~
which is to say most shoppers--travel counterclockwise.
Nobody knows why, though it's reasonable to suppose that
driving on the right-hand side of the road has something to
do with it. A good mall designer will take special care to
ensure that entering shoppers have a powerful unobstructed
vista of storefronts to their right. Rarely will that vista run
the length of Ihe mall. however It is a cardinal rule to keep
shoppers' eyes on the merehandise at all times. Designers
try to configure malls w~th enough twists and tums that the
shopper looking ahead is constantly looking toward a wall
of storefronts. Gibbs is so convinced of the importance of
what he calls the "deflected view" that in laying out the
main shopping street of a small new development in Novi,
Michigan, he put two thirty.degree turns near its middle.
Straight streets, he believes, are one of the biggest com-
mercial handicaps of a town like West Palm Beach.
There are other rules. Clothigg stores, for example, should
never be located next to restartrants: for some reason the
smell of food hurts clothing sales. In downtown areas cloth-
ing stores should never be located on the north side of a
street: the colors of clothes displayed in a shop window
with a southern cxpesure begin to fade within hours. West-
em exposures are bad for restaurants: the setting sun at din-
hertime makes cuslomers uncomfortable. Restaurants can
prosper on side streets and in other less-desirable locations,
because they usually do not rely heavily on drop-in business.
They are destinations. Most retail stores count on drawing a
lot of impulse shoppers, and thus need to be located in high-
traffic areas.
Designers also know that the average shopper, strolling
along at three or four feet per second. walks past a storefront
m about erght seconds. That s ho long a shop owner has to
grab a consumer's attention with an arresting window dis-
play. Downtown merchants must live with the same eight-
second rele, but they can also sell to passing motorists--and
the window of opportunity for "merchandising to the car," as
Gibbs puts it, is less than a second.
Sophisticated retailers use a variety of subliminal clues
to attract shoppers. At Georgetown Park. Gibbs pointed out
a high-priced stationery store that had created a window
display featuring a small old wooden desk with a few
pricey writing implements casually strewn about, includ-
ing four ordinary-seeming lead pencils in a wooden box.
priced at $215. The tableau. Gibbs informed me, was "life-
styling" par excellence--focusing the shopper's attention
not on the goods themselves but on attractive things asso~
ciated with them. Buy these outrageously expensive pen-
ells, the display suggested. and you will have taken one
more step toward a life of tweeds and contemplation in the
English countryside.
The lifestyling message was amplified by the window de-
signer's skillful exploitation of what is called the price-
point-to-aperture ratio. The appealing desk-and-pencils
tableau was framed inside the window, much as a picture is
positioned inside a mat in a picture frame. In retailing the
size of the aperture is often used to provide shoppers with
clues about what is in a store. A relatively small enclosed
11G
space suggests high quality and prices to match. This is one
reason why Tiffany & Co. displays its wares to passersby in
tiny vaultlike spaces. Big windows and big displays general-
ly suggest lower prices.
tt E Duany and Plater-Zyberk plan for West Palm Beach
calls for a revitalized downtown core and also thou-
sands of units of new housing in the surrounding area, now a
depressing jumble of empty lots, old buildings, and gas sta-
lions. The dimensions of the challenge facing the city be-
came clear to me after l drove through the area for the first
time on heavily traveled Dixie Highway: I sped through the
intersection with Clematis without realizing that it was the
heart of downtown West Palm Beach, not just another cross
slreet in the areo's endless grid of semi-urban sprawl.
In the past the neglect of commerce by planners and
chitects was compounded by an inabilily to cope with the
automobile. The car has generally been treated as an enemy,
with disastrous results for downtown commerce. During the
1960s and 1970s, for example, there was a great vogue in
planning circles for banning cars from downtown streets and
creating pedestrian malls. The experiment was disastrous.
Many downtown malls have since been ripped up, and tho,
streets rebuilt for automotive traffic.
Surveying a small parking lot just off Clematis, Gibbs
says that a convemionol urban planner would waste no time
converting it into a park. with benches, trees. and,perhaps a
fountain. "The shoppers will be happier if they have a place
to sit and watch the fountain." he says, in disdainful deadpan
imitation of a hypothetical planner's argument. In Gibbs's
view. the problem is that people won't stop. park their cars,
and get out to visit such a park. And if they don't do that, the
merchants of West Palm Beach won't have an opportunity to
sell them anything.
Slowly, however, towns are coming to grips with the car.
At the intersection of Clematis and El Campeon Boulevard,
Gibbs can barely make himself heard over the roar of heavy
~nachinery. Even before he and his colleagues were called in
to help draw up the new master plan, city officials had de-
cided to reroute the traffi? that flows over one of the Palm
Beach bridges and around the outskirts of town onto an
tended and widened El Campeon, recently renamed Quadrille.
The goal, virtually unheard of in late-twentieth-century Amer-
ica. is to pump more cars into the downtown.
l:~n Gihbs's purposes. not just any kind of traffic will do.
Just east of that intersection Clematis Street is bisected by
U S. l--which is actually two one-way roads when it passes
through Wesl Palm Beach. Cars and tracks speed by. crealing
a forbidding double moat that slashes through Clematis and
discourages pedestrians from walking the length of the street.
The city's new master plan calls for a radical alteration of
the traffic pattern. Both branches of U.S. I will be converted
into two-way roads. with on-street parking. one lane in each
direction, and a turning lane. Instead of flowing through
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town as quickly as water, traffic will slow to the speed of
syrup. The idea is to transform this soulless thoroughfare
into a vital city street~ '
As Gibbs sees it, Clematis Street is fighting the same
problem that a {or of other American main streets are: it
doesn't have a purpose anymore. During the 1920s it con-
nected the train station. on the west end of town, with the fer-
ry to Palm Beach, on lhe east end. But after two bridges, on
either side of town, began funneling traffic around Clematis.
its fate was sealed. The Woolworth's. the McCrory's. and the
Sears, Roebuck all continued to prosper for a while, but busi-
ness inevitably followed the cars.
Historians analyzing the decline of America's towns and
cities after the Second World War usually put most of the re-
sponsibility on the federal governmant's head. The interstate
highway system and federal mortgage subsidies for single-
family homes spurred suburban growth, the argument goes,
and doomed the downtowns. In Gibbs's version of urban his-
tory, based on his travels. another force looms large: the
highway bypass. As the number of cars on the road soared
after the war, town merchants and residents sought relief
from traffic-clogged streets. Their demands coincided with
the interests of the state highway departments and traffic en-
gineers, who wanted to keep building roads and whose high-
est professional goal was the unimpeded flow of cars. Rout-
ing highway traffic around the outskirts of town must have
seemed the obvious thing to do. The downtowns thus unwit-
tingly initiated their own march to a commercial grave.
Retailers flock to what Gibbs and other retailing specialists
call a "main-main" intersection--the place where the two
most heavily travelid roads in an area meet. ttistoricafiy.
towns grew up around main-mains. In one town after anoth-
er across the country. the opening of a new bypass created a
new main-main outside town. There. beginning in the 1950s.
strip shopping centers began sprouting. Then came the inter-
state highways, creating where they crossed state highways
or other interstates a new set of main-mains still farther from
the old downtowns. It is usually at these new crossroads that
one finds large regional shopping malls today.
STANDING on the south side of Clematis under a hot
Florida sun. Gibbs launches into an impassioned diag-
nosis-almost an autopsy--of a men's clothing store on the
other side of the street, at No. 335. This touches on the mat-
ters that seem closest to his heart. Minutes before. he dragged
me into the store almost againsl my will. Housed in an
eighty-year-old two-story building painted Ihe color of putty,
the store features a large blue umbrella awning overhung by
a large internally illuminated whi~e.plastic sign. The slore's
name appears in big letters of washed-out blue over the tag
line MEN'S WEAR--SItOES. The sign seems to date from the
1950s or 1960s.
Inside, the store was everything I had feared--small,
cramped, dark, and, in more ways than one, stuffy. Shoes and
sport coats were displayed in closed glass cases, and the store
was dominated by a counter with cash register in tha middle
of the floor. The proprietor seemed to watch us suspiciously.
On the sidewalk Gibbs is almo.~t angry. "You wouldn't
have gone in there if I hadn't made you," he declares, "but
he sells a lot of what you wear." He reels off a list of brand
names he spotted in his expert visual frisking of the store:
Corbin. Cole Haan, Allen-Edmonds, Bass, Sperry Top-Sider.
These are "very fine names." Gibbs says. the kinds of brands
that would interest affluent locals and tourists (not to men-
lion visiting retail consultants and writers). But the store of-
fers passersby barely a clue about what it has for sale.
hs most prominent signs should promote the brand names
it carries, Gibbs says, to take advantage of the millions of
dollars that big companies spend on advertising to shape
perceptions of their products. And what would be good for
this store would be good for West Palm Beach.
"People will see 'C61e Haan' and they will drive off the
road." Gibbs explains. "They will say. '1 thought this was a
dumpy area. If they sell Cole Haan, they can't be that bad.'"
The store could give itself an even bigger lift. according
to Gibbs, by making use of a few rudimentary lifestyling
gestures. To hear him tell it, llfestyling is the late.twenti-
eth-cemury equivalent of the barber pole, announcing to
shoppers what's for sale. It is ubiquitous in the mall but
virtually nonexistent on Clematis Street and other Ameri-
can main streets. Its vocabulary is easily acquired. Simply
placing a canoe paddle or a bicycle in the window of the
men's store, Gibbs says. would telegraph several messages
to passing shoppers, including the vital (and correct) infor-
mation that it is selling clothes that fit what Gibbs classtries
as "the L. L. Bean look."
Down the street, at Mac Fabrics. we count seven signs
'*ith the staro's name on them, and none displaying brand
names. "Brands are what give you credibility." Gibbs says.
If he had his way. signs advertising brand names would hang
from the imitation-antique light poles that line the street.
This, obviously. is not a sentimental view of the American
town. Gibbs is not proposing to restore the cozy village of
the popular imagination. Nor does he think that the town will
ever eradicate the malls, WaI-Marts. power centers, and oth-
er commercial innovations of American retailing. The Amer-
ican shopper's expectations have by now been completely
conditioned by malls and national advertisers. The shopper
wants. at the very least. much more choice than the tradi-
tional town ever provided.
The same people who tell Gibbs in focus groups that they
are tired of malls complain that many small towns are, well,
too small. Why drive half an hour to browse through only a
handful of stores? Gibbs's rule of thumb is that a town needs
at least 200,000 square feet of retail space. about the same
amount as in a small mall, to become what retailers call a
desdnalion~a place that people am willing to travel to.
And once they get Io their destination, people don't really
want to shop in old-fashioned small-town stores. Americans,
in their time-honored way, want a variety of often contradic-
tory things. They may like quaint, one.of-a-kind stores that
seem to sell unique merchandise, but they also want the
comfort and security of national brand names on the goods
they buy, and they don't want to pay a lot for them.
Mall operators and national retailers are moving quickly
to give people what they want. and Gibbs's message is that
towns must do so too if they wish to survive and prosper.
That still leaves plenty of room for individuality. Each town
must build on its unique strengths and its unique markets.
What can't be escaped. however, is the need for a conscious
strategy for commercial survival.
GIBBS'S prescriptions for the streets of West Palm
Beach and of other American towns and small cities
borrow so heavily from the mall that it becomes difficult to
see how, except for the absence of a roof over its streets, a
place reconstructed along such lines would differ from a
mall. It might be a town, but would it be a community7
When I ask him about this, Gibbs just shrugs his shoul-
ders. He is not a philosopher-king. He does not pretend to
know how to deliver an active civic life and a sense of com-
munity. but he believes that these things are impossible with-
out a vital commercial life. That is something that he can
help deliver.
He is not particularly worried that his prescriptions will
lead to the homogenization of Main Street. The mall is a
machine for shopping. In contrast, the pieces of the down.
town shopping machine lie about unassembled, and in all
likelihood they will never be put together in the way that
they can be in a mall. with its single corporate owner. Main
Street will always retain a certain redeeming randomness.
But if it does not learn the ways of the shopping mall. it
will not retain much economic vitality. People who care
about cities. Gibbs says, should be outraged that morn-and-
pop shoe.store owners renting space in a mall or a strip
center enjoy the benefits of the latest thinking in retailing.
while those who open for business downtown get virtually
no help at all.
It is hard not to feel some trepidation about the world
Robert Gibbs imagines. But it is also hard not to agree with
him that commerce matters, even to the world his critics
might prefer. The Greeks, after all, cherished their agora, but
it was always first and foremost a place of business. It is
probably true that community and ci .vic spirit, like~hxappiness
and love. are often found when you re not 1ookingX~-some-
times even when you're out shopping. ~,
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