HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-03-02 CorrespondenceDate: February 19, 2004
To: City Clerk
From: Anissa Williams, Traffic Engineering Planner ~
Re: Item for March 2, 2004 City Council meeting: Removal of NO PARKING 8 A.M.-
5 P.M. MON-FRI signs and installation of 2 HR LIMIT PARKING 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.
MON-FRI signs on the west side of Mullin Avenue between Highwood Street and
River Street
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3A of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council
of the following action.
Action:
Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A(10), removal of NO PARKING 8 A.M. - 5 P.M. MON-FRI signs and
installation of signage indicating 2 HR LIMIT PARKING 8 A.M. - 5 P.M. MON-FRI signs on the
west side of Mullin Avenue between Highwood Street and River Street.
Comment:
This action is being taken in response to a neighborhood survey of residents on Mullin Avenue.
A survey was sent to residents of all propedies fronting on Mullin Avenue. Six of the responses
returned were in favor of the 2-hour limit signs being installed and 2 were opposed.
Enforcement will be on a complaint basis.
mgr/agd/aw-agd.doc
4:"
Date: February 20, 2004
To: City Clerk
From: Anissa Williams, Traffic Engineering Planner ~
Re: Item for March 2, 2004 City Council meeting: Installation of HANDICAP PARKING in the
800 block of 3r~ Avenue.
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of the
following action.
Action:
Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A(10) of the City Code, signs indicating HANDICAP PARKING will be
installed in front of the residence at 812 3rd Avenue.
Comment:
This action is being taken to accommodate the parking for an elderly resident who lives at 812
3rd Avenue. The resident has a state issued handicap tag for her vehicle. This action will be
rescinded when the individual no longer resides at this location.
Mgr~agd\aw-3rdavehandicapkg doc
Date: February 23, 2004
To: City Clerk f~
From: Anissa Williams, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner
Re: Item for March 2, 2004 City Council meeting: Renewal of three cab stations located
in the 400 block of College Street and one cab stand on South Linn Street.
Installation of a new parking meter number C411E, 2-hour time limit at 40¢ per hour
in the 400 block of College Street where one cab station will not be renewed.
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council
of the following action.
Action:
Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A(17) and 9-1-3A(19), three on-street cab stations in the 400 block of
College Street and one on-street cab station on South Linn Street will be renewed for the Yellow
Cab Company and the Old Capital Cab Company~ Installation of new parking meter number
C411E, 2-hour time limit at 40¢ per hour in the 400 block of College Street where one cab
station will not be renewed.
Comment:
This action is being taken at the request of the Yellow Cab and Old Capital Cab taxi companies
and has been approved by the Director of Parking and Transit. The annual fee for a cab station
outside the central business district is $720 per year. The annual fee for a cab station inside the
central business district is $900 per year.
jccogtplmem/aw3-2council3.doc
Date: February 23, 2004
To: City Clerk f~[~
From: Anissa Williams, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner
Re: Item for March 2, 2004 City Council Meeting: Installation of NO PARKING CORNER
TO HERE signs on the north side of Iowa Avenue approximately 25' west of the
intersection with Dodge Street and on the west side of N. Summit Street
approximately 25' south of the intersection with Dewey Street
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City
Council of the following action.
Action:
Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A(10), installation of NO PARKING CORNER TO HERE signs on the
north side of Iowa Avenue approximately 25' west of the intersection with Dodge Street and on
the west side of N Summit Street approximately 25' south of the intersection with Dewey Street
Comment:
This action is being taken at the request of Iowa City Streets Department. Vehicles parking in
these locations are causing difficulty for Public Works vehicles maneuvering on these streets,
jccogt p/mem/aw3-2councill doc
Date: February 23, 2004
To: City Clerk _J2/'
From: Anissa Williams, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner
Re: Item for March 2, 2004 City Council meeting: Installation of two NO PARKING ANY
TIME signs on the north side of Cross Park Avenue between Keokuk Street and the
second driveway to the east
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of the
following action.
Action:
Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A(10), two NO PARKING ANY TIME signs will be installed on the
north side of the Cross Park Avenue between Keokuk Street and the second driveway to the
east.
Comment:
This action is being taken at the request of the Iowa City Transit. Parked vehicles on both sides
of the street make it difficult for buses to maneuver down Cross Park Avenue. The remainder of
Cross Park Avenue will be available for on-street parking.
jccogt p/mem/aw3-2council2.doc
Page 1 of 2
Marian Karr 4c
From: Donna Hirst [donna-hirst@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Friday, February 13~ 2004 10:24 AM
To: cou ncil@iowa-city,org
Subject: The Shelter House
I had planned to write a note to Dee, but couldn't find her personal email address. Subsequently I decided that a
note to the entire council was probably a good idea.
Dee, I consider you a friend and have supported your being on the Council for a number of years. In the last
election I only voted for two candidates because I wanted to give my votes a little more weight. I was very
unhappy to read in the Press Citizen this morning that you are not in a rush to solve the situation at the Shelter
House. Maybe this is a misquote, but I would hope that all the councilors would be in a rush to address this
problem.
I have been a supporter of the Shelter House (Emergency Housing Shelter) for many years. I have given both
money and donated objects to the Shelter; I am currently a volunteer for the Shelter Overflow Program. I am
and have been committed to supporting the programs of the Shelter House. I want a City Council who is
committed to addressing the problem of the homeless in Iowa City.
I am not alone in my support for the Shelter. My support is personal, and also through my church. Hoxvever,
my office is also strongly in support of the Shelter. I work at the University Libraries, and the Staff Association
at the Libraries (of which I am not active), sent me this note today:
Good morning, All,
You may remember we, through LSA, have helped support Shelter House in the past. I am aware that
many of you are ardent supporters of this service, so I thought I would share information about a couple of their
upcoming fundraising events.
On Saturday, March 6, they are holding a "Gala Masquerade Evening" in the Iowa
Memorial Union--Main Lounge. It will consist of a silent auction with a cash bar (6 p.m. Dinner--
7 p.m.). There will be a live auction and live music, featuring Lazy Boy & the Recliners. Tickets:
$50 per person (Black tie optional) and may be purchased through Claire Heger at Shelter House,
319-338-5416, Ext. 101.
Sponsors: Hills Bank, Press Citizen, University of Iowa Health Care, Byron and Mariah
Edgington, Zehpyr Copies, Toyota of Iowa City, University of Iowa Credit Union, Hy-Vee, Iowa
State Bank and Trust, Farmers and Merchants Bank, The Daily Iowan
Also, on April 2, 2004, the Johnson County Medical Society Alliance will present its 13th annual Spring
Basket Auction benefiting Shelter House. This will take place at 7 p.m. in the Sheraton Ballroom in Iowa
City. For more information about the auction, contact Carolyn Walling at 688-5098.
To learn more about Shelter House see their web link at www.jccniowa.org/~ehphwh
Have a great day,
Christine Bellomy
LSA Secretary
The Library Staff Association representing 250-300 individuals is supporting the Shelter House. I think the
City Council should look up, consider the broader concerns of their constituents, and get the show on the road.
Locate affordable space and support the Shelter in this important transition.
2/13/04
Page 2 of 2
Donna Hirst
Library Automation Office
University of Iowa Libraries
Iowa City, Iowa 52242
FAX 1-405-335-5900
(319) 335-5033
2/13/04
Page 1 of 1
Marian Kart
From: N S [ncsjunk@yahoo.com]
Sent: Saturday, February 14, 2004 10:21 AM
To.' council@iowa-city.org
Subject: Sale of land for Shelter House
Dear Council,
I would like to voice my suppod of the proposed sale of the land at 1306 S. Gilbert Court to the Shelter House.
It concerns me to hear certain members of the Council state that the land should be sold for at least assessed value of
$340,000, if not more, when last year the city sold the downtown lot to Marc Moen for $250,000 of its $1.77 million
assessed value. I realize the Shelter House will never be a tax generating entity, but the value of a project can not always
be measured in terms of dollars and cents.
Sincerely,
Nate Steele
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Finance: Get your refund fast by filing online
2/17/04
Page 1 of 1
Marian Karr
From: carolyn cavitt [carolyncavitt@hotmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2004 11:43 AM
To: marian-karr@iowa-city.org
Cc: jim@iowacity.net
Subject: for next council packet
Marian, attached is an issue briefing addressing alcohol use at community events. Would you please include
this in the next council packet?
Thank you and please call if you have questions.
Carolyn Cavitt
Co-coordinator
Stepping Up Project
University of Iowa
319/335-1349
carolyncavitt@hotmail, com
Watch high-quali~ video wifl~ t:ast playback ~ MSN Video. Free!
*** eSafe scanned this email for malicious content ***
*** IHPORTANT: Do not open attachments from unrecognized senders ~**
2/17/04
Itl.
._, ISTEPPi i',l G UP
_..J[,lqOJECr
TO REDUCE THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF HIGH RISK
www. uiowa.ed u/~steppin9
ISSUE BRIEFING
Restricting Alcohol Use at Community Events
to Protect Public Health and Safety
Introduction
Alcohol restrictions at community events include policies that control the availability and use of
alcohol at public venues, such as festivals, concerts, street fairs, sporting events, and in parks
and other public spaces where alcohol consumption by underage youth may occur. Restrictions
can range from total bans on alcohol consumption to restrictions on the times or places at which
alcohol can be consumed. These restrictions can help reduce alcohol-related problems such as
public intoxication, underage drinking, traffic crashes, vandalism, fighting, and other public
disturbances (1, 2, 3, 4).
Why alcohol restrictions in public places are important for Iowa City
Alcohol consumption in unsupervised public places, such as public parks, can be
related to problems such as fighting, vandalism and public disturbances, especially
among youth. Restricting alcohol consumption in public places can reduce such
problems. Communities that have increased enforcement of existing policies or have
created new alcohol control policies that are enforced report a reduction in alcohol-
related problems. (1)
Underage drinking can occur in a variety of unsupervised places, including parks.
Policies restricting access to alcohol in these public places can prevent underage
drinking in these venues and make the environment a safer place for everyone.
At community events, underage youth can easily get alcohol by buying it directly or
by having friends over 21 buy it for them. Restricting alcohol sales through policies
such as age-ID checking or limiting the number of servings per person at community
events can reduce these sources of alcohol for youth.
> Alcohol consumption at community events can also cause other types of
disturbances within the community. These include noise level issues, litter and trash
on property surrounding the event, traffic and parking issues, property damage or
vandalism, and public urination.
~ Alcohol consumption at community' events can increase the risk of alcoholJmpaired
patrons dhving after an event. Policies such as prohibiting sales to intoxicated
customers or restricting the hours during which alcohol can be sold can reduce the
hkelihood that patrons vail drive drank after an event. (4)
zoo Stanley Hall, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 55242 (319)353-2529
The Facts
A survey of 45 community festivals in the summer of 2000 found that (5):
62% allowed individuals under age 21 into designated drinking areas
53% did not limit the number of alcoholic drinks purchased per sale
33% received at least some funding from the alcohol industry
32% did not restrict alcohol to a specific area
30% of event planners did not know whether alcohol servers were required to be trained
on how to responsibly serve alcohol
~- 20% of those who served alcohol did not use any special methods to identify underage
patrons
This same survey also found that:
> Individuals looking younger than 21 were able to buy alcohol without age identification in
50% of attempts
~ Individuals appearing obviously intoxicated were able to buy alcohol in 90% of attempts
Policy Solutions
The following is a list of policies that can be implemented to restrict the availability and use of
alcohol by obviously intoxicated attendees and underage youth at community events.
Planning and set-up
Establish non-drinking areas for families and youth
Establish designated drinking areas where underage youth are not allowed; prohibit
people from leaving these particular areas with alcoholic beverages.
Limit alcohol sponsorship
Have alcohol-free days/nights
Establish enforcement procedures for all policies
Alcohol providers and sellers
> Require the alcohol license holder to have liability insurance
Require responsible beverage service training for alcohol sellers and event coordinators
Require alcohol sellers to be at least 21 years old
Require a manager to be on duty at the alcohol booth at all times
Establish age identification checking procedures
Prohibit drinking by servers
Require signs indicating the illegality of providing alcohol to minors
loo Stanley Hall, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 55242 (319)353-2529
Security
Establish procedures for handling intoxicated drinkers
Require that security staff be adequately trained
Ban alcohol consumption in parking lots and monitor the lots
Food/Beveraqe
Limit cup size to 12 ounces
Use cups for alcoholic beverages that are easily distinguishable from non-alcoholic
beverage cups
Limit number of servings per person per purchase to one or two at a time
Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before closing
Sell food and non-alcoholic drinks and provide free water
There is broad community support in Iowa City for policies to curb high-risk drinking. An
overwhelming majority supports measures such as stricter enforcement of laws prohibiting the
sale of alcohol to minors and laws governing the use of fake identification. These policies,
along with measures that require sellers of alcohol to be 21 years old, provide mandatory
training for those who sell and serve alcoholic beverages, and hold alcohol outlets liable for
harm that occurs as a result or providing alcohol to minors, are part of a broad strategy to
reduce high-risk drinking and prevent threats to the health and safety of all community
members.
References
1. Cassady, D., Flora, J., Foote, D. Alcohol use at community events: Creating policies to
prevent problems. San Diego Alcohol Program and Applied Communication Technology,
1987.
2. Johannessen K, Glider P, Collins C, Hueston H, DeJong W. Preventing alcohol-related
problems at the University of Arizona's homecoming: An environmental management case
study. American Journal of Drug & Alcohol Abuse, 27(3):587-97, 2001.
3. Bormann CA, Stone MH. The effects of eliminating alcohol in a college stadium: The Folsom
Field beer ban. Journal of American College Health, 50(2):81-8, 2001.
4-. Cohen DA, Mason K, Scribner R. The population consumption model, alcohol control
practices, and alcohol-related traffic fatalities. Preventive Medicine, 34(2):187-97, 2002.
5. Toomey TL, Erickson D, Patrek B, Wagenaar A. Illegal alcohol sales and use of alcohol
control policies at community festivals. Presented at Society for Prevention Research
Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA, May-June 2002.
2/O4
zoo Stanley Hall, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 55242 (3z9)353-2529
Page 1 of 1
Marian Karr
From: Clairel153@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2004 9:02 AM
To: council@iowa-city.erg
Subject: re: Riverside Theatre's request for alcohol license - Shakespeare Festival
I agree with the Press Citizen's February 9 editorial supporting Riverside Theatre's request to allow alcohol sales at their
Shakespeare Festival at City Park and this is why. The patrons who attend such cultural events tend to be those who
would enjoy a glass of wine with their picnic in a responsible adult manner. It is a chance for arts organizations to gain
more revenue for important arts venues that enhance the quality of life for our community. The proposed alcoholic
beverage license would be restricted to patrons attending the festival and would be be severely limited in scope and
duration. It's about time that an event such as Shakespeare in the Park could be allowed this courtesy as opposed to
what we've witnessed for decades at sports stadium events. I for one think it would be positive for families to be in an
environment where one could witness responsible drinking. And as the editorial suggests, it could be a great test to see
if it is run in a successful manner.
Sincerely,
Claire Joseph
2025 Laurence Ct. NE
Iowa City 52240
2/17/04
Marian Karr ~
From: Dale Helling
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 10:18 AM
AM
To: 'MlvnRv@aol.com'
Cc: *City Council; RJ Winkelhake
Subject: RE: Hate Crime
Melvin,
Thank you for your email to the City Council and for your concern about hate crimes in Iowa City. Council members do
not receive emails directly so your message will be forwarded to them. You may contact individual Council members if
you wish. Their names, phone numbers, etc. can be obtained from the City's website. Go to ~.icgo¥~
The City policy concerning hate crimes is that they be thoroughly investigated and that appropriate charges be filed when
there is sufficient evidence to establish that a hate crime has occurred. Such activities are viewed by the City as highly
offensive to the community and, as such, are prosecuted whenever possible. However, it is ultimately the decision of the
County Attorney whether or not to prosecute a particular offense as a hate crime. The Iowa City Human Rights
Commission has in the past sponsored a number of forums, etc. regarding hate crimes, and historically, the
Commissioners have joined with City Council members, individually and collectively, in taking a very strong public position
denouncing any type of hate crime or related activity. The Iowa City Police Department is an operating department of the
City. While Council members do not actively participate with the police in their investigations, all enfomement activities of
the police are taken under Council authority and consistent with Federal, State, and local laws. Councilors tend to monitor
closely the outcomes of hate crime investigations.
While they do not appear to be prevalent in the community, there have been investigations of hate crimes in Iowa City in
the past. Of course, we only know of those that are reported. You can contact Chief R.J. Winkelhake for more specific
information about past incidents. He can also best relate to you how the City police and the U of I work together if
students or other university personnel or facilities are involved.
Presently the City Council does not have this topic on its agenda for future discussion. If Council should wish to formally
address this matter at any time, it will appear as an item on their published agenda. These agendas can also be
accessed on the City website and are generally posted on Thursday afternoons after 3:00 PM.
I hope you find this information helpful. Good luck with your classreom project. Your topic is one for which there should
be a high level of awareness in the community and the media can assume a very important role in promoting that
awareness and concern.
Dale Helling
Assistant City Manager
..... Original Message .....
From: MlvaRv~aol.com [mailto:MlvnRv~aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2004 10:38 PM
To: council~iowa-city.org
Subject: Hate Crime
Hello City Council,
My name is Melvin Rivers. I am a journalism student at the University of Iowa. I am writing this letter in
regard to the alleged hate crime incident that happened near campus a few weeks ago. I am writing the
story for a classroom project. I would like to know the city's policies concerning hate groups or hate cdmes.
Was this the first alleged hate cdme in Iowa City? If not could you give me information on others. How
closely does the city works with the UI concerning such incidents? Are hate crimes prevalent in the
community also? Do the council and local law enforcement work on such crimes together? Will there be a
council meeting in the future regarding such matters?
Thank you
Melvin Rivers
Marian Karr ~
From: Caroline Dietede [caroline-dieterle@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 1:15 PM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Subject: FWD: conviction for protestors in Texas
............... Text of forwarded message ...............
Check the testimony that wearing political buttons w/o a permit would be an unauthorized protest. At least lC requires
25 people doing it together.
..... Original Message .....
Texas jury convicts activists of violating protest ordinance
By The Associated Press
02.17.04 CRAWFORD, Texas ~°X Five peace activists arrested last year en route to a
demonstration outside President Bush's ranch were convicted yesterday of violating the city's
protest ordinance.
A jury deliberated about 90 minutes before returning the guilty verdicts for the five on the Class C
misdemeanor of violating Crawford's parade and procession ordinance.
"It's an overall picture of the complacency of our nation and how the president has this sort of no-
protest zone around him at all times," Amanda Jack, one of the defendants, said in a story in today's
Waco Tribune-Herald
"It's completely absurd that you can't even get near the peoples' president," the 23-year-old Austin
resident said. "You can't even petition your own government representative."
The Crawford ordinance required protesters to give 15 days' notice and pay $25 before the chief of
police could issue a permit to protest within the city. The rule has since changed to allow for a
seven-day notice.
The five activists, who were given fines ranging from $200 to $500, say they plan to appeal the
verdict to McLennan County Court.
Tricia Major, who was the first of the five arrested, said she wasn't surprised by the verdict.
"I think that we had a jury of people who live in a small town, so they're going to have to face their
neighbors and their public officials and their law enforcement personnel every day," said Major, 43,
of Dallas. "We're not the most popular people in this town, and it would take an enormous amount
of courage to bring back an innocent verdict."
Jim Harrington, the attorney for the five said they were not demonstrating at the time of their
arrests. They were stopped by a police blockade in May and some had gotten out of their cars to try
to negotiate with the officers, according to testimony. Trip organizer Lisa Fithian had testified that
some activists took out their protest signs to show them to the officers.
2/18/04
Page 2 of 2
The newspaper reported that Jack, Major and the three other activists convicted yesterday ,~.°X
Michael Mashicek, 48, of Crawford, and Austin residents Amara Malizewski, 24, and Ken Zarifis,
40 ~°X were, along with about 100 others, headed for the president's ranch near Crawford to
protest the war in Iraq and various Bush administration policies when they ran into the blockade.
Crawford Police Chief Donnie Tidmore testified that a person wearing political buttons without a
permit could violate the city ordinance that requires prior notice before a protest or parade.
The five activists filed a federal lawsuit last June against the city and the police chief, claiming that
the Crawford ordinance violated their First Amendment assembly rights and the Texas Bill of
Rights.
2/18/04
325 Ferson Avenue FILED
Iowa City, Iowa 522436 ~ FEB 19 PH 1~: 22
February 19, 2004
CITY CLERK
Iowa City city Council IOWA CITY, IOWA
City Hall
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Members of the Council,
In December of 2002, 8,335 seniors 65 and over in Johnson county received
$7,959,000 from Social Security payments! That translates to $95,508,000, nearly a
billion dollars a year into the Johnson county economy. And that does not include
other sources of income. Together, they show that senior citizens are an economic
asset to this community.
Last summer the Johnson County Task Force on Aging began a study of seven
satellite dining site/senior centers in Johnson County, as well as of large centers in
Cedar Rapids and Davenport comparable to our senior center. We turned our report
over to Elder Services.
Since then, I wondered if it is not time for the council to assess your philosophy of
serving our senior citizens, particularly those of Iow and moderate income, and to
consider how best to implement your commitment.
I think the dining program and the senior center should be working to(~ether to
develop activities, programs, and outreach efforts to benefit Iowa City and Johnson
County senior citizens, and incidentally, their own programs. To accomplish this, it
might be better to have one organizational structure including the two programs of the
senior center and senior dining.
And lastly, I think it is past time for the city and the county to rise to the challenge of
serving its senior citizens by finding ways to share the decision-making, operations,
and finances of a ~ program for the senior population in Iowa City and
in the county, of which we are a part.
Respectfully yours,
Patricia N. Ephgrave
Carlos O Kell s
De~ City Council Member,
It is or,mt concern to me when I he~ there may come a time when the council
will re-consider the non-smo~ng ordinance for restaur~ts. I want to m~e sure in
advance that you ~ow my st~ce on this issue. There ~e many different angles ~om
whch to ~alyze t~s issue and I would like you to mnsider mine. I am a businessman in
this community and I have le~n~ a lot t~ou~ our experiences with the previous non-
smoking ordinance.
The biggest problem with t~s ordinan~ as it was previously ~i~en, is that it
puts b~s and restaur~ts on different playing fields. When smokers are at work ~d they
an t smoke they prefer to find a place to go for lunch that ~lows smoking. Because
bars and restaurants are treated differently they can't come for lunch and a smoke at a
restaur~t, yet they can enjoy both in a b~. ~y b~ that se~es food has a competitive
advantage over resta~ts for the business of smokers in this community. We felt the
impact of that advantage during the enforcemem of the previous non-smo~ng ordinance.
Smokers choose to patron establishments that ~low them to smoke. ~en half of the
food se~ice commu~ty is forced to ban smoking the smoking population may visit only
establishments t~t have not been affe~ by the ordin~ce thus t~ng business ~om
some businesses and handing it to others.
You say you want to prote~ the health of our citizens. The previous ordinance
did nothing to prote~ the health of those who patroffize b~s, only those who patronize
restaur~ts. ~y is it that you ~e o~y t~ing to prot~ only the people in restaurants
and not all-public places? The entire public ~d all workers should be of concern, not
just establishments that se~e a texan percentage of food.
Will p~ple be encourag~ to ~me to Iowa City because there ~e non-smoking
options available? Our ~les did not suppo~ this. C~ stated in the Press Citizen the
day after the ordinan~ was p~sed tMt their ne~ push was to sta~ worh~ on Cor~ville
businesses to move to a non-smohng option. ~y not encourage your members to
~equent Iowa City restaurants to show your suppo~ of this ordinance? The C~ group
suppo~s the non-smoking issue but ~e they t~ing advantage of the non-smoking
enhronments they helped create? ~e they helping to make up for the lost business of
smokers?
All the CAFI~ examples showed that banning smoking does not influence sales in
restaurants. In their examples the communities used a blanket policy that prevented
smoking in all the towns and all public places within them. Iowa City needs a
partnership with Coralville on this issue if we are going to create a successful business
climate. To business owners I ask this: How would you feel if the Governor had the
power to take away 10-15% of your business and essentially hand that business to
another close town or similar business?
A City Council Representative told me recently that business receipts are
confidential. The council could not force a business to disclose that information, thus
making it impossible to prove or disprove liquor to food receipt percentages. How can
you enforce an ordinance based on information to which you have no access?
I hope you consider my opinion when it comes time for you to make a decision.
In summary, to protect Iowa City businesses we should not enforce a standard that is
tougher than the Coralville standard. In order to create an environment of true
competition without advantage I ask that the City Council consider a blanket policy in
place of the one originally written. Ultimately, I would prefer an environment where
each business gets a choice, but as it seems this choice will soon be taken from us, I feel
this is the best alternative. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. If you would
like to discuss this further or have any questions for me, please contact me at 354-5500.
Best Regards,
Bruce Titus
Carlos O' Kelly's
General Manager
Marian Karr
From: Jean Walker [walkersic@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2004 11:18 PM
To: council@iowa-city.org; shelley-mccafferty@iowa-city.org; marcia-klingaman@iowa-c[ty.org;
steve-atkins@iowa-city.org; planningzoning@iowa-city.org; jeff-davidson@iowa-city.org
Subject: Oops
My mistake - I DID realize I should have addressed my
earlier email "Dear Steve Atkins and CITY Officials"!
Jean
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard - Read only the mail you want.
http://antispam.yahoo.com/tools
Marian Karr
From: Jean Walker [walkersic@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2004 4:54 PM
To: City Council; Shelley McCafferty; Marcia Klingaman; steve-atkins@iowa-city.org;
planningzoning@iowa-city.org; jeff-davidson @iowa-city.org
Subject: Hope Lodge and Preservation of the Melrose Avenue Neighborhood
Dear Steve Atkins and other UI Officials,
As you probably know, the University of Iowa is
proposing to locate a Hope Lodge in the Melrose Avenue
Neighborhood. This email contains our response to
that idea and further discusses the need to preserve
the Neighborhood.
I would appreciate if Shelley McCafferty would forward
this email to all members of the Historic Preservation
Commission.
Thank you,
Jean M. Walker
Melrose Avenue Neighborhood Representative
This letter is in response to a meeting on January 28
called by University of Iowa's Doug True to inform
Melrose Avenue Neighborhood representatives about the
possible location of a Hope Lodge at 609 Melrose
Avenue. Hope Lodges are orchestrated by the ~nerican
Cancer Society and are the adult equivalent of Ronald
McDonald Houses.
The plans for this building are as follows: It will
cover 25,000 square feet, be two-three stories high
(typical Lodges are three stories), and require 40 to
45 parking spaces. It will have 30 to 35 guest rooms
including five family suites, support areas, social
area, friends/patient areas, and laundry and cooking
facilities.
SUMMARY:
1. We adamantly oppose the location of a Hope Lodge at
609 Melrose Avenue.
2. We ask the University to adhere to its1998
Sesquicentennial Campus Planning Framework where its
buildings that are constructed for purely
institutional use are confined to the north side of
Melrose Avenue.
3. We ask the City to respect the recommendations of
its Southwest District Plan concerning preservation
and stabilization of the Melrose Avenue Neighborhood.
4. We URGENTLY request that the City, the UI, and the
Neighborhood convene to finally discuss the need for
expansion of the UI and the need for preservation of
the Melrose Avenue Neighborhood, and that the
neighbors are represented in all meetings relevant to
the future of their Neighborhood.
DETAILS:
After much deliberation and two neighborhood meetings,
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the following are our preliminary comments concerning
this project. While we applaud the concept of Hope
Lodges, we are adamantly opposed to placement of the
Lodge in our neighborhood. Placement at that
particular location would be the equivalent of putting
a large motel, with extra facilities, in the middle of
this RS5-zoned single-family residential neighborhood.
The neighbors, especially those whose properties are
immediately adjacent to this location, are extremely
concerned with the privacy issues (particularly with a
three-story building looming over their residences),
and the property values, lighting, security, lifestyle
quality, noise, traffic, and drainage issues that such
a building would evoke. We also fear that, as was
the case with the Ronald McDonald House, the UI will
feel the need to expand the Lodge in the future, which
would have further deleterious effects on the
neighborhood. This is in addition to a feeling that
the current space is already inadequate for parking 40
to 45 cars as well as suggested space for outdoor
activities. In addition, there is concern about
having any new buildings that generate such amounts of
traffic on an arterial street (Melrose Avenue) that is
already contemplated for a change in traffic flow due
to congestion and safety concerns.
In addition, we are extremely concerned about what
such a building would do to the character of our
historic neighborhood, which contains three houses (on
the National Historic Register) dating from the late
1880s, many more from the early 1900s, and at least
two houses which have earned awards for historic
preservation. Such buildings are part of the heritage
of Iowa City and are irreplaceable. We have been in
discussion with various historic preservation
entities. The Historic Preservation Commission has
told us that they would certainly support designation
of a historic district in (at least part of) the
Melrose neighborhood, including the part surrounding
the proposed site for the Hope Lodge. Preservation of
this neighborhood is also a sentiment is echoed in the
City's Southwest District Plan (adopted 10/08/02)
which states (as regards the Melrose Neighborhood)
that "it is an important goal of the City to preserve
and stabilize existing residential neighborhoods close
to the University and the downtown".
We also feel that such preservation is in the
University's interest as it makes its surroundings
attractive and unique as well as supplying convenient
adjacent residences for its faculty, staff, and
students. Also, conserving old buildings and
neighborhoods has been said (by Shelley McCafferty,
of the city's Historic Preservation Commission - see
"little village", December 2002) to improve quality of
life, preserve culture, provide a physical record of
history, make for a more pedestrian-friendly,
people-friendly place to live, and add to the economic
viability of the community as a whole. (For further
relevant quotations from the Southwest District Plan
and the City's Historic Preservation Plan, see
Appendix below.)
Over the years, the University has systematically been
purchasing homes in this area, using them initially
for visiting faculty or for entities such as daycares,
but ultimately tearing them down and replacing them
with institutional buildings. Examples in the area
are Byington's Riverview Addition, Varsity Heights,
and where the Athletic Learning Center and the Law
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Building (which used to be a small neighborhood of
Victorian homes Rupener's Riverview Addition - now
lost to the City) are currently located.
For that reason (of destruction of existing historic
homes) we also oppose Hope Lodge being located in
other proposed alternate sites in the neighborhood
such as 601 and 605 or 701 and 707 Melrose Avenue
which date from 1920, 1915, c. 1965 and c.1922
respectively and are examples of several types of
historic architecture.
We have been concerned for many years about the
University's purchase of homes in our neighborhood.
When this concern is expressed to the UI, we are
assured that the homes will be used for faculty
housing. However, experience has shown that that is
usually a very temporary use of the homes and they are
often converted to institutional use (thus creating a
"dead zone" in the neighborhood at night) and then
later are razed to erect a large new institutional
building often with adjacent parking lot. This
phenomenon not only destroys the historic buildings of
the neighborhood but also would destroy the habitat
for a variety of wildlife (e.g., possums, racoons,
groundhogs, deer, box turtles, toads, owls, tanagers,
indigo buntings, wood thrushes, cardinals, jays,
wrens, goldfinches, orioles, robins, woodducks,
ovenbirds, hummingbirds, pheasant, woodcocks, etc.) in
the area, quite apart from any archeological
considerations (see the 1996 Melrose Avenue
Environmental Assessment for a discussion of both of
these points). A further concern has been that the UI
in many instances has not properly maintained the
homes that it has already purchased (e.g., trash, lack
of painting, roof repair, yard upkeep, parking,
snow/ice removal, ruts in lawns, garbage can removal,
use of parking at rental houses for non-residents,
etc.) and we feel that purchase of further homes would
exacerbate this problem. On the contrary, the
majority of home owners in the neighborhood take pride
in their homes and have worked hard to keep them and
their yards in beautiful shape.
Our attempts to discover the projected use of
University properties have generally been frustrating,
for example when we recently asked if a rumored Hope
Lodge type building was being planned for the field
behind 609 Melrose Avenue or elsewhere in our
neighborhood, we were told there were no plans for the
field. We have now discovered that the UI Hospitals
and Clinics had been discussing a Hope Lodge with the
American Cancer Society since before August 2001 when
the UI said it had been envisioning developing it "on
land owned by the University of Iowa that is in close
proximity to the South Quadrant of the (UIHC)". In
addition, though we are grateful that the UI did call
a meeting last month to finally apprise us of the
proposed location of the Lodge, we feel that the UI
was, until prompted, less than forthcoming in
supplying details about it.
We are concerned that the UI is applying pressure to
move on this project as soon as possible. We would
not want this to be a situation (as has happened in
the past) where the UI has already committed such time
and resources into the project (before it is disclosed
to the public) that they feel threatened by deadlines
and feel the need to push the project through in an
urgent fashion. Lack of prompt cemmunication with the
City and the Neighborhood as regards possible plans in
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the neighborhood should not be rewarded by
acquiescence to those plans. Expediency should not
apply in the case of the possible destruction of a
historic neighborhood.
The location of Hope Lodge at 609 Melrose Avenue is
one of 18 originally proposed sites but is said to be
the location preferred by the ACS. (In that regard,
we feel that the location should not be dictated by an
out-of-town agency particularly when it is a location
in a vibrant, historic neighborhood.) We have not had
time to evaluate all of the other alternate sites but
we think that a logical location would be next to the
already existing Ronald McDonald House, particularly
as such a juxtaposition has been achieved with other
Hope Lodges for both of their mutual benefits for the
sharing/consolidation of management services,
transportation, purchasing, and maintenance services.
One of the desired features for Hope Lodge sites is an
attractive area in a neighborhood setting that will
also facilitate fund raising. We believe that the
Ronald McDonald House area would provide such a
setting including having high visibility (e.g., for
fundraising purposes) due to its proximity to the
Carver Hawkeye Arena. There is a relatively large
area of land in this area, part of which would
probably accommodate such a building. Placement in
the field behind 609 Melrose Avenue, surrounded by
residential houses, would not give the Lodge much
visibility.
An argument has been made concerning the importance of
proximity of the Lodge to the UIHC Cancer Center, such
that the patients in the Lodge can be within walking
distance of the Center. Though this appears to be a
convincing argument on the surface, that walking
distance consists primarily of crossing Melrose
Avenue, one of the City's main arterial streets.
Also, some of the patients might not be able to walk
that distance, especially in winter. In addition, we
feel that such (dangerous) convenience should not be a
factor in consideration of the possible destruction of
a historic neighborhood, particularly as a more
appropriate site would probably be adjacent to the
Ronald McDonald House, with shared transportation.
In addition, access/egress to/from 609 Melrose Avenue
would be affected by the traffic on such a busy
arterial street and especially on football game days.
Currently there is no access to properties such as 609
for two hours after each game.
As a long-term plan, we suggest that the University
adhere to its 1998 Sesquicentennial Campus Planning
Framework where its buildings that are constructed for
purely institutional use are confined to the north
side of Melrose Avenue, and that the structures of the
grand old houses along Melrose that the UI now owns
are preserved, as they are part of the City's
heritage. A possible consequence if the UI did expand
its buildings into our neighborhood is that it might
want to expand its pedestrian campus concept and could
eventually request that Melrose Avenue be closed to
through traffic (as it has requested in the past for
the East end of Melrose), and as it has done with so
many other important City streets in the area (such as
Grand Avenue and Newton Road).
Particularly as the UI's appetite for growth appears
to be insatiable, we emphasize that it is
inappropriate, impractical, and possibly arrogant for
the UI to look to the destruction of our neighborhood
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for their expansion. Instead, it needs to do some
long-term planning for expansion in one of its
unoccupied areas (such as the area adjacent to the
Athletic Hall of Fame at Mormon Trek Boulevard) and
supply the necessary Cambus transportation to that
area. Such planning would apply to additions of
parking areas/ramps as well as to other buildings. In
this way, the UI would have less traffic in their
existing pedestrian campus area and preserve an
attractive neighborhood setting adjacent to their
campus west of the Iowa River. In addition, the City
would not lose the tax revenue from the many
residences in this area.
We believe that this topic concerning imposing
institutional structures in our neighborhood brings to
the fore (again) the urgent need for the City, the
University, and the Neighborhood to sit down and
discuss the whole situation and come to a long-term
agreement concerning this neighborhood. Such planning
would alleviate the fears of the Neighborhood and
avoid the negative effects of what could be perceived
as the current "stealth planning" of the UI. The
Neighborhood had an initial meeting with President
Skorton 05/27/03 to discuss such an idea. It is now
time to achieve this goal.
It is ironic that one of the houses in our
neighborhood, near the proposed Hope Lodge location,
was the home of Irving Weber, who dearly loved the
history of our City (and to which he committed a large
amount of his time and energies). Let us come to some
long-term plan concerning this neighborhood so that,
in addition to his ice-cream social and statue
downtown, this historic neighborhood is a lasting
memorial to Irving.
APPENDIX:
In the City's Southwest District Plan (adopted
10/08/02) it is stated (as regards the Melrose
Neighborhood) that "it is an important goal of the
City to preserve and stabilize existing residential
neighborhoods close to the University and the
downtown" and that "efforts should be made to
encourage the University to work more closely with the
City and the surrounding community as it develops
future expansion plans. In areas such as the Melrose
neighborhood, the City must take a more assertive role
in the zoning and regulation of University properties
if it is to achieve these important goals."
Some recommendations in this Plan are to:
"Identify historic properties and encourage their
preservation."
"Avoid concentrations of high-density multifamily
zoning directly adjacent to iow-density single-family
zones..."
"Encourage the University of Iowa to balance expansion
needs with the community's g0al to preserve existing
neighborhoods."
"Encourage the University to inform and coordinate
with the City regarding any plans to develop
dormitories and other types of student housing.
Student housing should be located in areas that are
suitable to meet the unique needs of university
students balanced with the goal to protect existing
housing that is suitable for families, singles, and
older persons desiring to live close to the University
and downtown Iowa City. To this end, the City should
take steps to develop and enforce appropriate zoning
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regulation of university property." In this regard,
we feel that a Hope Lodge would be equivalent to a
type of student housing.
Some of the objectives of the Iowa City Historic
Preservation Plan (1992) are to:
"Retain open settings of older residences located
along Melrose (Avenue) including lot size, set back
and landscaping."
"Consult with the University of Iowa regarding the
southern boundary of the campus in the area of Melrose
Avenue and the future use of historic structures in
this area."
"Spotlight the neighborhood's history for University
and Hospital visitors by developing a walking tour
beginning at the University Hospital complex and
including Melrose Avenue's historic residences,
post-World War I residential enclaves, Melrose Park,
etc."
Please refer to all of the publications mentioned for
descriptions of the rich history of this neighborhood
that we feel is eminently worthy of preservation.
Jean M. Walker,
Melrose Avenue Neighborhood Representative
February 23, 2004
Sent to:
UI officials including the UIHC and Campus Planning
Commission
City officials including the Historic Preservation
Commission and the City Council
Friends of Historic Preservation
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